Hull City defender Semi Ajayi has earned praise for his performance during the 2-2 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Tigers currently occupy third position in the league table after securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea began the match strongly, with Morgan Rogers scoring the opening goal in the seventh minute.
Nevertheless, Hull quickly turned the game around, as Mohamed Belloumi netted twice, putting the visitors ahead 2-1 by half-time.
After the interval, Chelsea mounted a comeback, with João Pedro equalising in the 66th minute, with Xabi Alonso’s team ultimately settling for a draw.
Although Hull conceded their first goals of the new Premier League season, Super Eagles centre-back Ajayi performed admirably.
The former Arsenal youth player executed a crucial recovery challenge to thwart Malo Gusto’s clear path to the goal as Chelsea sought a late winner.
While providing commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live, former Crystal Palace right-back Joel Ward commended Ajayi for his astute defensive play.
“Ajayi read the game very well there. It was a lovely bit of play from Chelsea to create that space, but Ajayi covered the ground well and just gave Gusto a little nudge to see it through to his goalkeeper,” he said.
Ajayi has been a starter in all four of Hull City’s matches this season and scored their inaugural goal of the campaign in a 2-0 home win against Manchester United.
EPL: ‘He covered the ground’ – Super Eagles’ Ajayi praised over display in Hull 2-2 with Chelsea