Ex-Norwich star Ekoku gives one reason Allardyce introduced Ajayi in 85th minute vs Southampton

Published: April 12, 2021

West Brom earned back-to-back wins for the first time this season, thrashing Southampton 3-0 at The Hawthorns on Monday evening.

Samuel Allardyce said before the game that nothing less than a win would do against the Saints if there's any chance of Premier League survival and his team more than delivered, putting eight points between themselves and Newcastle United who are seventeenth in the table.

Goals from Matheus Pereira, Matthew Phillips and Callum Robinson secured a win for the Baggies and boosted their survival chances.

Semi Ajayi came on as a replacement for Kyle Bartley with five minutes left on the clock, only his second appearance for club and country in nearly two months but he recently started against Chelsea.

The Nigeria international has lost his place in West Brom's starting lineup following his red card against Burnley.

Former Norwich City striker Efan Ekoku, who was on commentary duties for the Premier League world feed, believes Ajayi was introduced for the closing minutes because Allardyce wanted his side to keep a clean sheet.

The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner said as Ajayi was preparing to enter the pitch : "Clean sheet is still an important thing despite the game is virtually won."

West Brom did get a clean sheet after all, with goalkeeper Sam Johnstone making a super save to deny James Ward-Prowse from scoring from the penalty spot after Djenepo was brought down in the box in added time.

Ajayi had started 24 out of a possible 25 matches in the top-flight before he fell out of favour with Allardyce.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : wba.co.uk

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com