SUPER Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo was not involved in the action today as his Southampton side defeated fellow Premier League strugglers Everton at Goodison Park.
Aribo’s fellow Nigeria international Alex Iwobi was in the Everton line-up but he could not prevent his team from sinking deeper into relegation trouble.
Amadou Onana gave Everton the lead in the 39th minute to lift the home crowd and ease temporarily ease the pressure on manager Frank Lampard.
But the Saints fought back after the break with two goals from captain James Ward-Prowse to boost their survival chances.
Although they are still bottom, Southampton have drawn level on points with Everton and West Ham, who are 19th and 18th respectively.
The Saints are also just two points from safety after following up midweek’s stunning Carabao Cup win over Manchester City with another victory.
Also in the Premier League today, Brighton put Liverpool to the sword at the Amex Stadium, thrashing their more illustrious visitors 3-0.
The Seagulls rose above Liverpool in the standings as Solly March netted twice and substitute Danny Welbeck struck late.
March converted Kaoru Mitoma’s low cross to give the home side a deserved lead in the 46th minute, after Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister had intercepted Joel Matip’s loose pass.
The winger then doubled the hosts’ advantage seven minutes later with a fine left-footed strike from Evan Ferguson’s defence-splitting pass.
Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Welbeck then capped the classy Brighton display with a superb finish past Alisson after flicking the ball over Joe Gomez.
Also today, Nottingham Forest made it back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season after Brennan Johnson’s second-half brace earned a 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the City Ground.
With their main centre forward Taiwo Awoniyi unavailable due to injury, Johnson opened the scoring for Forest when he rounded Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward before stroking home his fifth goal of the season in the 56th minute.
The Wales international then sealed the crucial win with six minutes left on the clock by blasting the ball into the far corner.
Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi saw full-time action for Leicester City, with his compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho coming on for the final 22 minutes.
Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Dennis was an unused substitute for Nottingham Forest as they moved up to 13th spot, five points clear of the relegation zone, while Leicester are just two points clear of the drop zone in 15th.
