Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo Relegated from Premier League with Southampton
Nigerian players Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo have been relegated from the English Premier League with Southampton after losing 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Southampton visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for their matchday 31 fixture, knowing they needed to avoid defeat to keep their hopes of staying in the top flight alive. The Saints were on just 10 points before the match.
Joe Aribo started the game, while Paul Onuachu was named on the bench as he was not fully fit.
Southampton have struggled all season and went into the game as underdogs. As expected, Tottenham dominated from the start and scored their first goal after 14 minutes through Brennan Johnson.
Lucas Bergvall thought he had added a second for Spurs in the 33rd minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Tottenham didn’t stop pressing, and Johnson got his second goal in the 42nd minute, making it 2-0 before half-time.
Aribo had a quiet game and was substituted in the 63rd minute for William Smallbone. Onuachu came on ten minutes later and gave the Saints a bit more energy in attack.
Southampton got a late goal in the 89th minute through Kamaldeen Sulemana, giving them some hope. But that was short-lived, as Mathys Tel scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time to seal the win for Tottenham.
The result means Southampton have officially been relegated to the Championship. They are now the earliest team to be relegated in Premier League history, breaking the previous record held by Derby County and Huddersfield Town, who were both relegated on matchday 32.
What’s next for Onuachu and Aribo?
This is the second time Onuachu and Aribo have been relegated with Southampton. Sadly, neither of them had standout performances this season that might attract interest from top clubs.
Joe Aribo has played in the Championship before and could stay at Southampton next season. Onuachu, however, has been linked with a move to Turkey, and he may leave the club this summer.
