Southampton’s manager Ivan Jurić praised his team’s resilience after they secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ipswich in their first Premier League away victory of the season.
Paul Onuachu’s dramatic late goal sealed the points for Saints, but it was a game full of challenges and standout performances, particularly from Joe Aribo and Onuachu.
The match got off to a promising start for Southampton when Aribo, who was deployed in an unfamiliar left-centre back role due to injuries, put them ahead with a first-half goal.
However, Ipswich responded with Liam Delap’s equaliser just before the half-hour mark, setting the stage for a tense second half.
Injuries forced Jurić into early tactical changes, notably the halftime substitutions of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who was replaced by Jack Stephens.
Unfortunately, Stephens lasted only eight minutes before also being forced off.
Despite these setbacks, Aribo rose to the occasion, moving back to centre-back and helping to maintain the defensive shape as the team weathered Ipswich’s attacks.
Jurić was full of praise for his players’ determination, particularly in the face of adversity. “It’s a great feeling,” he said.
“We did some even better games than this, like Manchester United, and didn’t take points. Today we suffered in a few moments, but the guys were great and we deserve it.”
In a game that tested their character, the Saints showed real grit. Jurić explained, “It’s character, because we defended well.
“We had problems with (Harwood) Bellis, with Jack (Stephens), we had to make some changes, but I said we have quality, and the second goal is the quality of Deeno (Kamaldeen Sulemana) and the quality of Paul (Onuachu).”
Kamaldeen Sulemana played a pivotal role in the match, striking a powerful shot from 20 yards that Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric could only parry into Onuachu’s path.
The Nigerian striker, who had worked tirelessly throughout the match, was in the right place at the right time to score his second goal of the season and give Southampton a valuable three points.
“Paul (Onuachu) really worked hard for the team,” Jurić said. “It was a great moment. He deserved it, and I think he can score more, but his hard work today paid off.”
Joe Aribo’s contribution was also central to the win. Playing out of position at centre-back due to the injuries, Aribo showed his versatility and commitment to the team.
“Joe is a great guy; everything for the team,” Jurić noted.
“He doesn’t care if he is a forward, at the back, or in the middle.
Today he played left centre-back, and I think he did a great job in the second half. We worked hard, really well, and Joe was great today.”
Looking ahead, Jurić emphasized the importance of building on this victory. “The next game for us is fundamental,” he said, underlining the need for the team to continue fighting for points as the season progresses.
In the end, it was a game of resilience, hard work, and character – and one that will give Southampton a much-needed boost as they push forward in the Premier League.
