Semi Ajayi: What Hull City must fix despite defender’s impressive form

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has been in great form for Hull City this season, but has pointed out the areas the Tigers must improve if they’re to avoid relegation to the Championship at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old scored Hull’s first goal of their Premier League return on the opening Matchday against Manchester United, following it up with a solid defensive performance against Coventry City the following weekend.

However, since then, Sergej Jakirovic’s side have failed to secure any wins, drawing four games and losing three across all competitions.

What Semi Ajayi wants Hull City to fix

1. Improve their defensive concentration

Hull appeared well placed to claim three points after Oli McBurnie converted a penalty in the 24th minute last time out against Brentford.

They had disrupted the Bees’ rhythm several times in the first half and limited the visitors’ clear-cut opportunities, but the hosts could not maintain that control after the break.

Brentford equalised in the 63rd minute when Igor Thiago headed the ball towards Dango Ouattara, who finished from close range.

Hull defenders were ball-watching as the visitors clinched an equaliser, and while Ajayi was brilliant in the encounter, he cannot compensate for the lapses the remaining four defenders allowed.

Also, there’s very little room for error in the Premier League, especially for newly promoted sides who need every point they can get.

2. The Tigers must turn promising performances into wins

Hull’s problem is not just at the back. They also need to become more effective at managing matches and taking their opportunities at the other end of the pitch.

The Tigers created chances to win against Brentford, with Mohamed-Ali Cho forcing a save from Caoimhin Kelleher before Joe Gelhardt failed to convert a late opportunity. Yet, their inability to find a second goal left them vulnerable to Brentford’s response.

The defeat meant that Hull extended their winless streak to five Premier League games, making a need for a reaction more pressing.

Hull have shown they can compete, but repeatedly dropping points could have bad effects on the confidence and momentum built during their return to the Premier League.

Head coach Jakirovic wants his side to retain the aggression and intensity that made them difficult to play against in the first half, while showing composure when protecting a lead.

Ajayi’s form gives Hull a platform

There were positives for Hull to take from the Brentford game, and Ajayi was among the clearest. His defensive numbers reflected a disciplined performance against a side that improved considerably after the interval.

The Nigerian also welcomed his team’s response to the previous week’s defeat, although he admitted that the players were disappointed not to take all three points.

“It’s important that we had a good bounce back from last week; we did that,” Ajayi told Sky Sports in quotes revealed by Hull Daily Mail.

“We are definitely disappointed not to come away with the three points, but a point at home is always positive.”

Hull remain unbeaten at home in the league, but their task is to build on that resilience and end their winless run.

The defender’s points were reiterated by striker Oliver McBurnie, who believed Hull City should have gotten a win against Brentford.

“Last week wasn’t really what we’re about, and we got punished for that. The message this week was about getting back to the basics and what we’re good at.

“I think we showed that today and, arguably, we could have come away with three points.

“We’re past [people underestimating us] now. People are taking us seriously as a team in the Premier League, and we just want to show that we can compete at this level,” the Scottish striker concluded.

Ajayi’s form gives them a reliable defensive presence; improving concentration across the back line and becoming more clinical at the other end could determine whether the Tigers turn that foundation into victories.