On Friday night, there was a Rangers reunion of sorts when Aston Villa faced Southampton with the hosts securing a 1-0 victory.
That meant Steven Gerrard getting another highly sought after win, at the expense of his former player Joe Aribo and his Southampton teammates.
The Nigeria international was introduced from the bench at half-time with his impact heralded by Sky Sports:
“Joe Aribo’s introduction at half-time made a difference for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side but their up-and-down start to the season continues.”
Jacob Ramsey’s first half goal would be enough for Villa to claim all three points which levels them with Southampton’s tally after seven games so far this season, respectively.
That will be warmly welcomed by Gerrard, following their credible 1-1 draw with high flying Man City in their last game. He is still under pressure in Birmingham but can now look ahead to the next few weeks with a sense of optimism.
For the mercurial Aribo, his star continues to rise in his early days with Southampton as he adapts to the demands of Premier League football – there is plenty more to come from him for sure and that sentiment was echoed by his former Ibrox manager in the build up to the game when he complimented the Saints Summer transfer business:
“They’ve recruited really well, and he (Hasenhuttl) seems to be recruiting young players that are full of energy and have no fear.”
“I worked with one of them, Joe Aribo, up at Rangers and I know what he’s capable of.”
Next up for Villa after the international break is a trip to Leeds whilst the Saints will aim to bounce back at home to Everton.