Ward hails Ajayi defending in Chelsea draw

Former Crystal Palace right-back, Joel Ward, has praised Super Eagles centre-back, Semi Ajayi, for his defending in Hull City’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, a result that kept the Tigers third in the Premier League table, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Chelsea made a fast start, with Morgan Rogers giving the hosts the lead in the seventh minute, before Hull seized momentum through Mohamed Belloumi, who scored twice to put the visitors 2-1 ahead at the interval.

Chelsea fought back after the break, with Joao 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, Ajayi gave a good account of himself, making an important recovery challenge to deny Malo Gusto a clear run through on goal as Chelsea pushed for a late winner.

• Former Porto boss lauds Sanusi
• VIDEO: Guimaraes hails first Arsenal goal in 2-0 win over Sunderland 
• EPL: Alonso calls for Chelsea to defend better

On commentary duty for BBC Radio 5 Live, Ward praised the Nigerian for his intelligent reading of the game.

“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. He also headed against the crossbar during the Chelsea draw, with the rebound falling to Oli McBurnie, who set up Belloumi for Hull’s second goal.

Hull remain third and Chelsea fourth in the Premier League table, having both played a match more than half of the division’s sides.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.