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Semi Ajayi’s impressive return to the Premier League has earned plenty of attention, but the Hull City defender has missed out on the official Player of the Matchweek award, Footynaija reports.
The Nigeria international was one of seven players nominated for the prize after playing a key role in Hull’s surprise 2-0 win over Manchester United.
Ajayi marked his return to England’s top flight in style. He scored Hull’s first goal in the 17th minute and helped his team keep Manchester United out for the rest of the match.
The 31-year-old reacted fastest after the ball fell loose inside the United penalty area. He then fired the ball into the net to give Hull a lead that they never lost. Ajayi was replaced in the 64th minute, but his contribution had already helped Hull secure one of the most unexpected results of the opening weekend.
His performance put him on the shortlist alongside Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood, Brentford’s Mamadou Sangare, Ipswich Town’s Julio Enciso and Leeds United’s Anton Stach.
Palmer eventually took the award after collecting 40% of the fans’ vote. The Chelsea midfielder also played a major part in his team’s 3-2 victory over Fulham. He set up Joao Pedro for Chelsea’s opening goal before scoring the winner himself.
The result means Ajayi did not add the individual award to what was already a memorable Premier League comeback.
For Hull, however, the defender’s display was an important part of a result that sent an early warning to the rest of the division. After scoring against Manchester United and helping his side record a clean sheet, Ajayi has started his return to the Premier League with a strong performance.
