Aribo gets first start of the year at Southampton; Iwobi sinks deeper with Everton

The Premier League resumed on Saturday, but none of the Nigerian stars on parade was able to get a win

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo got his first Premier League start of the year for Southampton as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace Soccernet.ng reports.

Aribo has spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch since the turn of the year. The former Rangers superstar has become a peripheral figure at the St. Marys this year. He has made just six appearances in all competitions for a struggling Southampton side.

However, he was was surprisingly in the starting eleven for Southampton when they welcomed in-form Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu started from the bench.

Eventually, the game did not go as the two Super Eagles stars would have wished.

Aribo had the opportunity to put Southampton in front in the 12th minute, but he fluffed his lines. He received a pass inside the box, but he could not control his shot, as it just flew high and wide. That was his only attempt of the game, as he was taken off for Onuachu in the 62nd minute.

Onuachu could not score,  but he registered a shot on target in the game. A brace from Eberechi Eze eventually ensured that the Eagles ran out with the 2-0 victory.

Southampton’s loss puts them in a very precarious situation, as they are now four points away from safety with seven games left.

Elsewhere, Alex Iwobi was helpless as Everton were thrashed 3-1 by Fulham at Goodison Park. The Toffees had lost their previous game against Everton, and they were looking to get back to winning ways against Fulham.

Unfortunately, the fixture turned sour for Everton. Harrison Reed put Fulham in front after 22 minutes. But Dwight McNeil drew level for the Toffees 13 minutes later.

Iwobi had a decent afternoon. He registered two key passes, 65 touches, two interceptions, and three dribbles. However, his efforts did not yield dividends, as Everton conceded two goals from Harry Wilson and Daniel James to ensure that it ended 3-1 for the visitors.

Everton now sit 17th in the Premier League, but they could drop into the relegation zone if Leicester City or Nottingham Forest win their outstanding games.