MIDFIELDER Joe Aribo called for consistency from match officials following Southampton's controversial 2-0 defeat at Wolves.

Aribo, 28, felt Saints were let down by VAR decisions at Molineux and questioned its application on two separate incidents.

The Nigeria international felt Southampton's would-be equaliser, scored by Ryan Manning, should have stood if Matheus Cunha's goal was allowed to stand.

Manning's first-half strike was ruled out after Mateus Fernandes was adjudged to have fouled Nelson Semedo in the buildup.

Aribo queried why two similar fouls on Fernandes and Cameron Archer were not picked up by VAR in the lead-up to Cunha's goal.

He told the Daily Echo: "I think this game just shows how harsh football can be in terms of the decisions made.

"I felt like we had two decisions go against us and that showed in the game. That's why Wolves came out on top.

"The refs have to be consistent. If you are going to disallow the first one, then you have to disallow the second one.

"It was a difficult one for us to take. I think it showed in the 10 minutes after their second goal. I felt we bounced back after the first one.

"The main thing is consistency. Both goals can be given or both goals can be ruled out, but to give one and not the other shows the inconsistency in the game."

Southampton failed to register a shot on target at Molineux despite mounting over 70 per cent possession and having several spells of heavy pressure.

Southampton fumed at decisions against WolvesSouthampton fumed at decisions made by the referee and VAR against Wolves (Image: PA) Adam Armstrong came the closest with an effort from the edge of the box following a corner routine before Aribo nearly met Manning's low ball across goal.

"We didn't have enough moments in the game," Aribo continued. "We didn't know where the goal was going to come from.

"We didn't show bite or fight in the final third. We didn't have the creativity. Someone needed to create a moment and we didn't really have that to be honest."

Aribo was a late inclusion in Southampton's starting lineup on Saturday. The former Rangers and Charlton man came in at the last minute to replace Flynn Downes.

Downes, 25, had tried to play through a knee injury sustained in training on Friday before deciding he was unable to feature during the warmup.

"I always have to be ready regardless," Aribo explained of the late change. "I found out during the warmup that I would be starting the game.

"You never know when you are going to be accounted for. You have to prepare as if you are going to start. You have to be ready and stay ready at all times."