‘Once again brilliant’ – Garth Crooks hails ‘vital’ West Brom star in 1-1 draw v Liverpool
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has named West Brom defender Semi Ajayi in his team of the week after he scored a vital goal away at Liverpool.
The Baggies pulled off another unlikely draw against a top-six side as Ajayi’s second-half header cancelled out Saido Mane’s earlier strike.
Crooks was blown away by the Nigerian’s performance at Anfield and hailed how important his goal could be for Albion’s survival chances while discussing his team of the week.
He said, “This is the second time this season that Ajayi has pulled a rabbit out of the hat for West Brom.
“His first touch of magic was against Manchester City where the defender’s shot led to Ruben Dias’ own goal and gained a valuable point for the Baggies.
“Ajayi was once again brilliant in defence and scored a vital goal in a result that gives West Brom a real fighting chance of Premier League survival.”
As Crooks said, Ajayi has now had a huge hand in helping the Baggies secure unlikely draws against the two previous Premier League champions this season.
The goal against Liverpool will be extra sweet for Ajayi after his strike against the Citizens was eventually marked down as an own goal.
The Nigerian hasn’t missed a minute of football for the Baggies since he started against Brighton in late October.
Amidst the criticism aimed at several under-performers this season, Ajayi has rarely been on the receiving end of abuse from frustrated fans.
If Albion are to stay up this season, Ajayi needs to consistently perform as well as he did against Liverpool and if he does that, then the Baggies certainly have a fighting chance.
In other West Brom news, some Baggies fans were ruthless in their criticism of one Albion player despite the draw at Anfield.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.