Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has claimed the first Man of the Match award of his Premier League season after delivering a goal-scoring and commanding defensive performance in Hull City’s stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester United.
Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, reacting quickest after Senne Lammens had pushed Oliver McBurnie’s effort onto the post following a corner.
The Nigeria international fired home to score Hull’s first Premier League goal since 2017, setting the Tigers on their way to a dream return to the English top flight.
Nobel Mendy added the second in the 38th minute, but Ajayi’s contribution at both ends of the pitch earned him the Man of the Match award.
The centreback received 38.9 per cent of the votes, finishing ahead of Mendy, who polled 31.4 per cent.
Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi scored as Hull City marked their Premier League return with a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium.
The 32-year-old produced a commanding defensive display as Hull kept Manchester United at bay, recording five clearances, three recoveries and two interceptions, while also winning two aerial duels.
His overall display was also recognized in the player ratings, with BBC Sport handing him 9/10 the highest rating of any player in the match.
It completed a memorable afternoon for Ajayi as Hull claimed their first ever Premier League victory over Manchester United and their first league win against the Red Devils since 1974.
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Manchester United threw everything forward in search of a response, delivering 39 crosses, the most under Michael Carrick, but Hull’s defence held firm.
A historic goal, a clean sheet, the highest rating and his first Man of the Match award of the new Premier League campaign few players could have asked for a better start to the season.
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