Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi seems to have developed the knack for raising his game against the Premier League big boys. His deflected header gave West Brom a point against Man City last year while he also earned his club another valuable point against Liverpool, heading in the equaliser in the 82nd minute to cancel out Sadio Mane’s 12th minute goal for the Reds at Anfield.
The Nigerian was at his imperious best again on Sunday as he helped Sam Allardyce’s men to another precious point against title-chasing Manchester United at the Hawthorns.
Ajayi’s performance didn’t go unnoticed as major newspapers in England and elsewhere rated the Nigerian seven out of a possible 10 marks.
The Sun of London wrote thus about Ajayi’s performance and gave him 7/10: Did a great job of neutralising Cavani and marshalling the West Brom back line. Always seemed to be in the right place to clear the ball.
This sentiment was echoed by the Birmingham Mail: Rightfully escaped punishment when his ‘coming together’ with Maguire that was deemed a foul was overturned by VAR. Backs to the wall job at times, but Ajayi was alert for the most part. Cut out some key through balls from Fernandes with Cavani waiting.
Middle East’s The National also rated Ajayi seven out of 10 and commented thus: The centre-back was largely dominant in the air and some of his interventions showed brilliant awareness.
The game was Ajayi’s 23rd of the season in his debut season in the Premier League after gaining promotion with West Brom last season. He has started all 23 games and has featured for all 90 minutes in the game