Southampton boss Ruben Selles explained playing Joe Aribo in attacking role for defeat to Crystal Palace.

The Nigeria midfielder was given a surprise recall and played in an advanced position by Selles.

“Joe Aribo is a player who played as a striker in the final of the Europa League last year and that is why we chose him today to play in those spaces," Selles said of the decision after the damaging defeat. "I think he helped us a lot.

"I saw what I want," Selles continued. "I saw a player that was in the front and that understood the pressure that we wanted to do and that was making a big effort with his physicality and playing in the area we call the rest zone between the lines, creating the four against three for us.

"He was getting some touches and running into the final third and supporting the team. So yeah, I saw it and I think he has been working really hard, really good to be back on the team.

"Samuel Edozie was also there. I have no problem with the players if they are working hard, and they are showing me that they really want to do it and make decisions and to bring them back even if they were not in the squad for the last game."