Don Goodman wowed by ‘rapid’ Semi Ajayi in West Brom defeat v Sheffield United, ‘watch this’
Don Goodman was wowed by the “rapid” Semi Ajayi as he dealt with the threat of Iliman Ndiaye in the league meeting between West Brom and Sheffield United on Wednesday (26 April).
The defender managed to prevent the talented striker from getting on the scoresheet in their Championship clash at Bramall Lane.
But goals from Sander Berge and Anel Ahmedhodzic saw the hosts win 2-0 and secure promotion to the Premier League with three matches to spare.
Speaking on Sky Sports Football on Wednesday night (26 April, 08:11pm), Goodman said: “I tell you what, Semi Ajayi’s pace actually saves West Bromwich Albion here. The defender is rapid and he eats the ground up.
“Watch this. Ajayi gets there ahead of Ndiaye but look, there are three, four, five yards [distance] and look at the pace from Ajayi.
“He puts Ndiaye under pressure, he tries the trick and then he loses it. It’s brilliant from the West Bromwich Albion defender.”
Uphill challenge
It was always going to be a difficult task to get something from the Blades, who have enjoyed a really strong Championship campaign under Paul Heckingbottom.
Getting promoted back to the Premier League is no mean feat, and doing it with three matches still to go is even more impressive.
The match at Bramall Lane was, of course, all about the home side, who will now return to the top flight after two years in the Championship.
But West Brom manager Carlos Corberan will be looking at where his team went wrong in the match, with Ajayi and the defence set to be disappointed with two goals conceded.
But the club’s attackers must also shoulder some of the burden as they failed to find the back of the net, although it was never going to be easy amid a formidable atmosphere away from home.
The Baggies face an uphill task in trying to clinch a playoff spot, but wins from their two remaining games will put them in a strong position to do just that.
In other West Brom news, the Albion have been hit with further injury pain with the news that one player is out for the season.