Joe Aribo features for Southampton in Premier League 2 loss to Leeds

Nigeria International midfielder Joe Aribo played for Southampton’s U21 side in the Premier League 2 game against Leeds United on Friday.

Aribo was one of four first team players that made the lineup, alongside goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, January signing James Bree and winger Samuel Edozie.

The Saints B loss 2-1 against Leeds despite the involvement of the seniors. Meanwhile, both clubs’ respective first teams face each other on Saturday in a bottom-of-the-table Premier League game at Elland Road.

Despite the loss, the Southampton B team are still at the top of the table in the Premier League 2 Division 2.

The Nigerian started well under Ralph Hassenhutttl with a Maradona-like goal during pre-season that earned him playing time. However, his game time minutes reduced drastically since early January under Nathan Jones who had a poor three months at the club.

The 26-year-old has only played 11 minutes in the Premier League in his last five matches and was left out of the squad altogether their win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

He joined Southampton for just over €7million after an amazing season with Rangers where he played the Europa final. His consistent brilliance ensured that he was linked to many Premier League clubs like West Ham, Aston Villa, but he ended up choosing Southampton.

The Saints have only won one of their last 11 Premier League games, with Saturday’s defeat making it their ninth loss to languish at the bottom of the English Premier League table.

With the arrival of new coach, Ruben Selles, who was named as the club’s permanent manager until the end of the season on Friday morning, Aribo would look to work his way back into the first team and help his club escape relegation.