Super Eagles duo Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu were in action as Southampton suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
The Nigerian pair were unable to prevent the Saints from slipping to another league defeat as Pep Guardiola’s side secured maximum points to return to the top of the Premier League table. Softfootball understands that Southampton’s struggles continue, with the club still searching for its first league win of the season.
Aribo was introduced in the 60th minute, replacing former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana, as Southampton looked to find a way back into the contest.
Onuachu also came off the bench late in the game, replacing a teammate with just three minutes of normal time remaining, but the towering striker was unable to make an impact.
Manchester City had taken the lead as early as the fifth minute through prolific striker Erling Haaland, whose close-range finish proved enough to separate both sides.
The victory moved City to the summit of the Premier League standings on 23 points, while Southampton remain rooted in 19th place with just one point after nine matches.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa were denied all three points after Bournemouth snatched a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Villa Park. A victory would have lifted Unai Emery’s side into second place.
In other Premier League fixtures, Brentford edged Ipswich Town 4-3 in a thrilling encounter, while Brighton & Hove Albion were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Wolves.
