Southampton missed a chance to move back into the automatic promotion places in the Championship table on Tuesday night.
Playing their game in hand on Leeds United, the Saints knew victory at home to Hull City would lift them up to 2nd in the standings.
However, things did not work out that way, with Russell Martin’s side slipping to a 2-1 defeat to the Tigers at St Mary’s.
As a result, with Ipswich Town claiming a dramatic 4-3 win at home to Rotherham United on Tuesday, Southampton instead now find themselves 4th in the table.
Despite that disappointment, one positive for Southampton from Tuesday night, was the form of Joe Aribo.
Saints ‘missed’ Joe Aribo ‘so much’
After returning from international duty with Nigeria at AFCON last week, Aribo has now come off the bench for Southampton in their last two games.
Doing so at half time against Hull City on Tuesday night, the midfielder took on the captain’s armband at one point.
He also scored the late goal that briefly gave the Saints hope in the game. However, that would prove to be little more than a late consolation.
Even so, Martin was delighted with the 27-year-old’s performance. Indeed it seems he now believes the midfielder can be even more involved going forward.
Speaking about Aribo’s performance after the game, Southampton boss told Daily Echo journalist Alfie House: “Amazing. We have missed him so much and he showed that the other night. I think he is ready to start games now, although he has been away for a while. He is a huge player for us and you can see why he wore the armband for us.”
Next up for Southampton is a clash with Millwall at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.
Joe Aribo return a major boost for Southampton
It looks as though having Aribo back and ready to start games will be very welcome for Martin and the Saints.
In the absence of Flynn Downes in recent weeks, other options in the centre of the park have struggled when stepping into the midfield.
However, Aribo impressed in that role on Tuesday night. Martin’s comments about him getting the armband show what leadership he possesses.
That could be just what Southampton need right now, as they face a tricky period in the promotion race.
His ability to make an impact in front of goal, as he showed against Hull City, may also be an important one over the coming weeks.
Having Aribo available to start will also give Martin more scope for rotation, allowing for a welcome break for certain other players.
This therefore, looks like it was indeed one clear positive from an otherwise disappointing night from a Southampton perspective.