PHOTO CREDIT: Original image used courtesy of PunchNG.com / Getty Images
Ajayi Anchors Hull City’s Rock-Solid Defence For Stern Chelsea Test At Stamford Bridge

Hull City’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season faces its biggest examination yet as they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea today (Saturday).

It is a classic clash of attack versus defence. Chelsea have been the league’s most prolific side, scoring more goals than any other team so far this season. However, Enzo Maresca’s Blues have also been vulnerable at the back, conceding in all three of their opening games.

Hull City, in contrast, have built their impressive return to the Premier League on defensive discipline. The Tigers are yet to concede a single goal since winning promotion from the Championship.

At the heart of that resilience is Nigerian international Semi Ajayi.

The 32-year-old defender has started all three of Hull’s league games, logging 244 minutes and even getting on the scoresheet with a goal in the opening day 2-0 win over Manchester United.

Under manager Sergej Jakirovic, Ajayi has marshalled a compact 5-4-1 system that has kept clean sheets against Manchester United, Coventry City, and Aston Villa. The results have left Hull third on the table with 7 points from 3 games, sitting one place above Chelsea on goal difference.

Chelsea have netted 8 goals in three games but have shipped 7 in return – a 3-2 win at Fulham, a dramatic 4-3 win over Brighton after throwing away a three-goal lead, and a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.

Containing Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers will be the key task for Ajayi and Hull. Palmer has been Chelsea’s creative hub with 2 goals, 1 assist and 12 shots so far, while Joao Pedro has added 2 goals and 2 assists.

Ajayi will also be a threat at the other end. His aerial presence from set-pieces – which produced the header against United – could trouble a Chelsea side yet to keep a clean sheet.

Hull are the only team across the top four tiers of English football yet to concede this season and are the surprise package so far. But history is against them – the Tigers have never won a league game away at Chelsea in 18 attempts (D3 L15).
SOURCE: Punch Newspapers