Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo has shared the club’s determination to fight for their place in the English Premier League, despite their current position at the bottom of the table with just nine points from 24 matches. The Saints managed to secure their first away victory of the season on Saturday, defeating Ipswich Town 1-0 at Portman Road, thanks to an 87th-minute goal by Paul Onuachu.
Aribo opened the scoring for Southampton in the match, marking a memorable double Nigerian contribution. Reflecting on the victory, the former Rangers player urged his team to keep fighting in their bid to stay in the Premier League.
“It’s a fantastic feeling; it’s so important for us to get this result,” Aribo said. “We knew how crucial this match was, and we had to give everything. You could see us fighting for every inch, and it’s just incredible to come away with the win.”
He continued, “This shows the strength of our squad, how united we are, and our willingness to battle for each other. We know we can’t do it alone—we have to stick together, and that’s what we need to do in the upcoming games.”
Aribo also expressed his commitment to doing whatever it takes to secure survival for the club. “I’m fully prepared to do whatever it takes to help us stay up,” he said. “If I need to play in a position I’m not used to, I’ll give it my all and do my best.”
He also praised Onuachu for his crucial late goal, which helped secure the win. “The late goal from Onuachu was such a relief. I was playing left centre-back at that moment, and I was exhausted, barely able to sprint. But seeing that goal go in was just an amazing feeling.”
Looking ahead, Southampton’s next challenge is an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Burnley on Saturday, followed by a league clash with Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.