Super Eagles midfielder, Joe Aribo, found the back of the net for Southampton, but it wasn’t sufficient to rescue them from a 2-1 defeat at home to Hull City in an English Championship clash on Tuesday.
The visitors secured victory with two first-half goals, ultimately clinching maximum points. Anass Zaroury opened the scoring for Hull in the 11th minute, followed by Fábio Carvalho extending their lead to 2-0 in the 36th minute.
Aribo, who came on for Joe Rothwell at halftime, pulled one back for Southampton in the 88th minute after The Tigers failed to clear their lines. Despite the Saints’ efforts to find an equalizer, Hull managed to hold on for their 16th win of the season.
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Hull City’s triumph propelled them into sixth place in the standings, while the loss dealt a significant blow to Southampton, who could have climbed to second place with a win. However, the defeat saw them drop to fourth behind leaders Leicester City, Leeds United, and Ipswich Town, all tied on 69 points.
This loss marked Southampton’s first defeat at home in 12 games and their second consecutive loss. Additionally, it was their first home loss to Hull City since 1951.
Despite being on the scoresheet, Aribo says the result was frustrating and they need to dust themselves off the disappointment and look forward to their next game.
“Very frustrating,” the 27-year-old told the club’s media team after the loss. “First of all it’s not the result that we wanted but I thought we didn’t play at our best and what we know we’re capable of, so it’s very frustrating.
“The game was very tactical, it was about who was going to take the chances and capitalise on a mistake, which they did. They made us struggle to play a bit.
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“As the game was going on we felt another one could come, but the first one came along too late. If there was a bit more time maybe we could have had an equaliser.
“I think the good thing for us is the fact the games come thick and fast. We have to dust ourselves off and go again on Saturday because it’s a big one. Every single game we’ve got to look to get the three points, that’s our aim.”