Aribo pleased with response despite "frustrating" draw
Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo was proud that his side "didn't fold under the pressure", but admitted there were frustrations at taking just a point from Wednesday night's 1-1 draw against Coventry.
Despite Saints dominating the possession, the scores were goalless at half time and it was Coventry who broke the deadlock through Haji Wright shortly after the restart.
Substitutes Ryan Fraser and Sam Edozie combined as the latter equalised with a well-taken finish, which proved to be the final goal in a draw that had plenty to reflect on in Aribo's eyes.
"I think when you look at it in hindsight, coming back from a goal down, it just shows where the boys are as a team; we didn't fold under the pressure when we had the crowd against us." Saints' Nigerian midfielder explained, "But we're still frustrated as we know we could have got three points and that's what we wanted - I wouldn't say it's a 'good point' but it's one to take and move on with.
"We didn't change the way we played, we were still brave with it and still played out from the back. The crowd were on us but we just showed what we can do and what ability we have.
"It just shows how confident the boys are and how much we believe in the system and each other on the pitch, and that's really important as it shows the character we have."
Needing to respond from a goal behind is something Saints have avoided recently, but Aribo was pleased that his side passed their latest test to maintain the now 13-game unbeaten run.
"You do feel that [Coventry] had the 12th man on you, and when you hear oohs and ahhs [from the crowd] people can get nervous, but we stayed brave and I think Gav [Bazunu] was so important to it as he wasn't kicking it, we were playing out from the back and it's amazing to see from the boys."
Aribo took personal positives from making his first back-to-back starts for Saints since October 2022, keeping his place in the side after last weekend's trip to Watford.
"I'm really pleased to get the opportunity to play, I'm thankful to God that I had the opportunity and I'm glad the gaffer has put the faith in me to go out there and showcase what I can do.
"The gaffer always gives the boys chances and you've seen it [tonight], it's pleasing to see players coming off the bench affecting the game and leaving an impact on the pitch. It just shows the depth in the squad and show good we area as a unit."
