‘He doesn’t even look’ – Ferdinand blasts West Brom defender after loss v Spurs
Rio Ferdinand has criticised Semi Ajayi for his role in Tottenham’s first goal against West Brom in Sunday’s disappointing 2-0 loss.
Harry Kane opened the scoring in the second half before Heung-Min Son doubled the host’s advantage and condemned the Baggies to another defeat.
Speaking on BT Sport after the game, the former Manchester United defender dissected Ajayi’s role in Kane’s goal as the Albion defender simply failed to mark one of Europe’s most prolific finishers.
He said, “The centre back (Ajayi), all eyes just on the ball, he doesn’t even look at Harry Kane once from this point.
“He runs offside but the centre-back comes inside where there is bodies, he doesn’t need to be in there.
“Harry Kane is your danger man, you’ve got to look out for him at least once over your shoulder and check to see where he is. Far to much space for an absolute prolific goalscorer.”
It was a very poor piece of defending from Ajayi and not something you would expect from a man who has been much improved since Sam Allardyce arrived.
You can’t allow Kane an inch of space while defending or he will punish you, it was a very basic error.
Ajayi didn’t seem to know that one of the best forwards in Europe was just over his shoulder and this very basic error allowed Spurs to take the lead and take control of the game.
This was especially disappointing considering the decent first-half performance we produced.
It is these fine margins that have defined our season.
You might get away with defending like that against your Fulham’s and your Sheffield United’s but not against a talented Tottenham side.
In other West Brom news, move for Musa hits potential snag as PL rivals circle.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more.