Ajayi hailed for frustrating Chelsea at the Bridge

By Amaechi Agbo

Former Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward has praised Super Eagles centre-back Semi Ajayi for his impressive defensive display in Hull City’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Ward was particularly impressed with Ajayi’s reading of the game as Hull held Chelsea to a draw in their Premier League encounter on Saturday.
Chelsea took an early lead through Morgan Rogers in the seventh minute, but Hull City responded strongly, with Mohamed Belloumi scoring twice to give the visitors a 2-1 advantage at half-time.
Chelsea eventually restored parity in the 66th minute through Joao Pedro, but Hull held on for a point despite sustained pressure from the hosts.
Ajayi played a key role in Hull’s defensive effort as Chelsea searched for a late winner.
The Nigerian made an important recovery challenge to deny Malo Gusto a clear run through on goal.
Ward, who was on commentary duty for BBC Radio 5 Live, praised the Super Eagles defender for his intelligent positioning and ability to read the danger.
“Ajayi read the game very well there,” Ward said.
“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 added.
The draw marked the first time Hull had conceded goals in the new Premier League season, but Ajayi continued to give a strong account of himself at the heart of their defence.
The 32-year-old has started all four of Hull City’s matches this season.
He also scored the club’s first goal of the campaign in their 2-0 home victory over Manchester United.
Ajayi was also involved in Hull’s second goal against Chelsea after his header struck the crossbar, with the rebound falling to Oli McBurnie, who then set up Belloumi to put the visitors ahead.
The result leaves Hull City third in the Premier League table, while Chelsea sit fourth, with both teams having played one more match than more than half of the division.