Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi, was in full-time action as West Brom dismantled 10-man Chelsea 5-2 on Saturday to end the Blues’ unbeaten streak under Thomas Tuchel.
Ajayi, who was in the Nigeria squad that defeated Benin Republic and Lesotho in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers over the international window but did not get to feature, played as left centre-back in West Brom’s 5-4-1 system and posted an excellent performance.
Matheus Pereira and Callum Robinson each scored twice, while Mbaye Diagne got West Brom’s other goal as Sam Allardyce’s side inflicted the first defeat on Chelsea in 15 games since Tuchel took charge in late January.
Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount netted for Chelsea in the shock Stamford Bridge defeat.
It was indeed Pulisic who scored the game’s first goal, giving Chelsea the lead in the 27th minute after tapping in from a rebound.
Chelsea were reduced to 10 men two minutes later, with Thiago Silva getting his second yellow card following a lunge at a West Brom player.
The red card to Silva fired up West Brom and they took full advantage of their numerical superiority.
Pereira began the turnaround with two quick goals in first-half added time, giving West Brom a 2-1 lead into half-time.
Robinson made it 3-1 in the 63rd minute and Diagne extended the lead to 4-1 in the 68th minute, making it the first time Chelsea would conced four goals in a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge since a 5-3 defeat against Arsenal in October 2011.
Mason Mount gave Chelsea some hope in the 71st minute but Robinson dashed that hope with West Brom’s fifth goal in the 91st minute.
With the win, West Brom increased their Premier League points to 21 from 30 matches but are still second from bottom.
Chelsea are hanging on to fourth spot with 51 points from 30 matches but they are just two points ahead of fifth-placed West Ham who have played a game fewer.
