Semi Ajayi’s Arsenal jinx: Why Super Eagles star needs a miracle to beat former club

Hull City defender Semi Ajayi returned to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with another chance to get one over his former club, Arsenal.

But the Super Eagles star left North London empty-handed after the Gunners secured a narrow 1-0 victory, extending his losing run against them.

Ajayi put in a strong defensive display against the Premier League champions, keeping their forwards at bay for 69 minutes before coming off with a suspected muscle injury. Arsenal scored the winner after his departure, handing the Nigerian another defeat against the club where he began his career in English football.

The result was another frustrating chapter for Ajayi, who spent two years at Arsenal but never managed to make a competitive appearance for their senior team.

Ex-Arsenal prospect Semi Ajayi now an established Premier League defender

Ajayi joined Arsenal on trial in September 2013 as a teenager and quickly caught the attention of the club’s academy staff.

He scored with a header on his Under-21 debut in a 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. Another impressive display against West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium earned him a two-year academy contract.

Under Arsène Wenger, Ajayi came close to breaking into the first team. Injuries to senior defenders during the 2014-15 season gave him opportunities to train with the senior squad, while captain Per Mertesacker helped him develop his defensive game.

The Nigerian was named on the bench four times, against Southampton, Hull City, Stoke City and Newcastle United, but never made it onto the pitch.

With his chances of regular first-team football looking slim, Ajayi joined Cardiff City on loan in March 2015 before making the move permanent that summer.

He went on to play for Crewe Alexandra, AFC Wimbledon and Rotherham United before establishing himself at West Bromwich Albion. His performances eventually earned him a move to Hull City, where he has become an important figure in defence for the Tigers.

Semi Ajayi’s miserable record against Arsenal

Since leaving Arsenal, Ajayi has faced his former club three times in competitive football. All three matches have ended in defeat.

His first two meetings came during the 2020-21 Premier League season, when he was playing for West Bromwich Albion.

Arsenal beat the Baggies 4-0 at the Hawthorns on January 2, 2021, before claiming a 3-1 victory at the Emirates on May 9. The second defeat also confirmed West Brom’s relegation from the Premier League.

Saturday’s 1-0 loss means Ajayi’s teams have now conceded eight goals and scored just once in his three appearances against the Gunners. Interestingly, Ajayi was Hull City’s best-rated player, with a rating of 7.0, against the Arsenal.

There was, however, some encouragement for the top-rated Hull defender. Arsenal failed to score during the 69 minutes he spent on the pitch, and he looked comfortable dealing with their attacking threats before his injury forced him off.

Ajayi has been named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania next week but Chelle would be keen to know the extent of his knock.

Nigeria’s most experienced defender at the moment, Ajayi has claimed 59 caps and two goals for the Super Eagles, winning AFCON silver and bronze medals.