Southampton will consider themselves very unfortunate to have left St James’ Park with nothing after losing 1-0 to Newcastle United in their Premier League opener.
Russell Martin named the same Southampton XI that played in the last friendly of the summer against Getafe and the Saints started the game well.
Southampton will not change their style upon returning to the Premier League and this was evident as Martin‘s side continually looked to play through the intense Newcastle press.
This proved to be their undoing, though, as goalkeeper Alex McCarthy – whose ability with his feet has been a concern for supporters all summer – passed straight to Newcastle striker Alexander Isak under little pressure.
Isak calmly picked out Joelinton, who passed into the far corner in what proved to be the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time.
This one moment undid all of Southampton’s good work up until that point, with Fabian Schar’s early red card giving fans confidence they could get something from the clash.
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A number of the Saints squad have a point to prove this season having been written off by many and one player looked determined to seize his second chance in the Premier League against Newcastle.
Joe Aribo impressive in Southampton midfield in Newcastle defeat
That player was Joe Aribo, the Nigerian who signed for the club in summer 2022.
Aribo looked an astute piece of business as he signed from Rangers for £6 million two summers ago and a pre-season solo goal against Villarreal in his first few weeks led to excitement building regarding his potential impact.
However, it did not really work out for Aribo in his first campaign as a Saint, struggling to tie down a place in the side during a season that saw the club relegated.
Not really fancied by any of the three managers that took charge that season, it appeared no one really knew Aribo’s best position.
Having stayed at the club last summer, Aribo started just once in the opening 19 league games of last season but came into the side with Flynn Downes absent against Watford in December.
He took his chance and impressed before becoming more and more important as the season went on and has now established himself in the three-man midfield alongside Downes and Will Smallbone.
That is the trio that started against Newcastle in Martin’s first ever Premier League line-up and Aribo was impressive as he showed he is now ready to prove himself in the top flight.
Statistics behind Aribo’s solid showing against Newcastle
Aribo has developed from a player viewed as an attacking midfielder or winger into an all-action midfielder.
The 28-year-old possesses remarkable strength and his ability to battle with opponents and come away with the ball make him a real asset to Martin’s side.
Aribo posted some impressive statistics against Newcastle, showing he is determined to make the grade.
According to Sofascore, Aribo had 50 touches prior to being replaced on 70 minutes, maintaining a pass completion of 89% despite an aggressive Newcastle press.
The gangly midfielder made two key passes and created one big chance, as well as completing his one dribble of the game.
He was equally as impressive defensively, winning 86% of his duels (6/7), blocking a shot, making two tackles and two clearances.
With talk of a new midfielder coming in, Aribo looks determined to ensure it is not at his expense.