Southampton head coach, Russell Martin has lauded Joe Aribo, after his dramatic 96th-minute goal secured all three points for the Saints in their recent match.

Aribo, 27, who has faced limited game time this season both at club and country levels, scored the crucial goal that sealed victory for Southampton.

Despite starting only eight games for the Saints this season and featuring sparingly for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Aribo has demonstrated his resurgence, finding the net twice in his last five appearances for Russell Martin’s side.

With twenty minutes remaining in the match against ten-man Birmingham, manager Russel Martin brought on Aribo in search of an equalizer.

In the dying moments of the game, a corner kick found Taylor Harwood-Bells, whose shot deflected into Aribo’s path who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, securing a vital win for Southampton.

Speaking after the match, Martin expressed his admiration for Aribo’s performance and explained why the former Rangers player had not been starting more games.

“I love all the players, so I don’t mind who gets the winner. Aribo was brilliant today and unlucky not to start after the Liverpool game on Wednesday,” Martin stated.

Aribo’s goal has propelled Southampton to within three points of Daniel Farke’s Leeds United as they continue their push for promotion to the English top flight.