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The Super Eagles star helped the Saints beat Blackpool at St Mary’s to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo made a winning return to Southampton’s squad after helping the side to a 2-1 win over Blackpool in their FA Cup fourth-round clash on Saturday afternoon.
Aribo had not played a game for Southampton since their last FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace on January 7.
Joe Aribo is back
The Nigerian international’s lack of game time led to speculations that he could leave the club, but Southampton manager Nathan Jones shut down the rumours, saying Aribo’s time would come.
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Aribo’s time did come as he was included in the Saints’ team that took on Blackpool. The Nigerian took his opportunity well, completing 90% of his passes and winning six duels.
Southampton came into the match joint-bottom of the Premier League, but with a good run of form in Cup competitions.
The Saints had edged out Crystal Palace in the fourth round while they are also in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup. Jones’ men took confidence from their Cup performances this season into the match against The Tangerines.
Perraud's double puts the Saints in the round of 16
The home side took the lead in the 22nd minute through a superb freekick from Romain Perraud. Southampton had more chances to double their lead but they went into the break with a one-goal lead.
However, their efforts paid off after the break as Perraud scored his second goal with a fine left-footed strike.
It looked like it would be smooth-sailing for the Saints after Perraud scored his second but Blackpool pulled one back against the run of play through Charlie Patino.
Patino’s strike set up a nervy finish for the Saints, but they held on to book their place in the round of 16.
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