Aribo’s cameo not enough as Newcastle knock out Southampton

Joe Aribo’s late cameo was not enough as Southampton crashed out of the Carabao Cup following a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle in the second leg at St James Park. 

Aribo came on the 77th minute with Southampton trailing by two goals to one at that moment. The Nigeria international had a lively cameo, playing in two key passes and with a pass accuracy of 78%. 

But despite his best efforts, he could not help Southampton force an equaliser. It was Aribo’s second consecutive game this year after making his appearance in the 2-0 win over Blackpool on Saturday. 

The Saints were up against it going into the clash after suffering a 1-0 defeat in the first leg at St Mary’s. 

If Nathan Jones’ men had any hopes of sealing a comeback, it was quickly dashed after they conceded just five minutes into the match. 

Longstaff continued to threaten and he almost scored a second three minutes later, but he could only fire wide following a beautiful ball from Bruno Guimaraes. 

However, he would not be denied moments later as he doubled Newcastle’s lead with a close range finish after he was set up by Miguel Almiron. 

The goal killed every hope Southampton had left, but they did get back in the game as Che Adams pulled one back to ensure the away side went into the break with a one-goal deficit. 

The Saints started the second half on the front foot as they went in search of an equaliser. 

They did show more purpose and could have drawn level through Adam Armstrong, but the English star was denied brilliantly by Nick Pope in Newcastle’s goal. 

With time running out, Southampton were offered a lifeline as Guimaraes was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge. 

However, despite playing with a man advantage in the final 13 minutes, Southampton could not find an equaliser, with Newcastle progressing to the final 3-1 on aggregate. 

It is the Magpies first Cup final since 1999, and they will relish their prospect against either Manchester United or Nottingham Forest, who play in the other semi-final.