Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo was decisive in his home debut for Southampton as they narrowly escaped defeat in the Premier League on Saturday.
The midfielder was snapped up by the Saints on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee this summer – which means he will remain at the St Mary's Stadium until 2026.
Southampton were down 2-0 before the introduction of Aribo, whose goal started the comeback , before it was completed late in the second half. Rodrigo-inspired had given Leeds a two-goal lead before the hosts rallied back to secure point in the the dying moments of the games.
Aribo scores first Saints' goal
Aribo came off the bench to give the Saints hope with his first Premier League of the season he was dropped by manager Ralph Hasenhüttl, who made changes to the team that lost heavily to Tottenham in their season opener last weekend.
However, Aribo’s first goal for the Saints wasn't enough to save them from successive defeats but they were able to nick their first premier league point of the season.
Aribo inspires remarkable comeback for Saints
It was Aribo's competitive home debut since his summer move from Rangers, the Nigerian midfielder came off the bench to spur the Saints to a share of the spoils.
Just a minute after the restart, Rodrigo scored to put Leeds ahead and at the hour mark the Spanish forward completed his brace. At that point, Aribo was sent on by Hasenhüttl in place of midfielder Stuart Armstrong.
And the home side soon got a lifeline after the 25-year-old pulled one back twelve minutes later to open his Premier League account, to initiate the remarkable comeback. Aribo took his goal brilliantly, rounding off the keeper before firing through an unguarded net.
Just nine minutes from time, full-back Kyle Walker-Peters completed the comeback when he scored the decisive equalizer to ensure Southampton take at least a point.
Next game for the Saints is a trip to Leicester City as they seek to claim their first win of the season.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
