Semi Ajayi Hailed for ‘Intelligent Defending’ Against Chelsea

Semi Ajayi’s Hull City are enjoying a remarkable start to their Premier League campaign, with the Tigers sitting third in the table after holding Chelsea to a hard-earned 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

The Blues made a fast start, with Morgan Rogers giving them the lead in the seventh minute.

However, Hull quickly seized the momentum, with Mohamed Belloumi scoring twice to put the visitors 2-1 ahead at the interval.

Chelsea fought back after the break, with João Pedro restoring parity in the 66th minute as Xabi Alonso’s side eventually settled for a share of the spoils.

Despite Hull conceding their first goals of the new Premier League season, Super Eagles centre-back Ajayi gave a good account of himself.

The former Arsenal youth teamer made an important recovery challenge to deny Malo Gusto a clear run through on goal as Chelsea pushed for a late winner.

On commentary duty for BBC Radio 5 Live, former Crystal Palace right-back Joel Ward praised Ajayi for his intelligent defending.

“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 started all four of Hull City’s matches this season and scored their first goal of the campaign in a 2-0 home victory over Manchester United.