{
  "id": 7022514,
  "title": "Ward hails Ajayi defending in Chelsea draw",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/ward-hails-ajayi-defending-in-chelsea-draw",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T00:00:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ward-hails-ajayi-defending-in-chelsea-draw/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward commended Super Eagles centre-back Semi Ajayi for his defensive efforts during Hull City’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The result maintained Hull City’s third-place standing in the Premier League table. Chelsea took the lead in the seventh minute through Morgan Rogers, but Hull City equalized twice, with Mohamed Belloumi scoring twice, giving them a 2-1 lead at halftime. Chelsea equalized again after the break with Joao Pedro, and Xabi Alonso’s side eventually settled for a draw. Despite conceding their first goals of the new Premier League season, Ward praised Ajayi for his intelligent reading of the game and his recovery challenge to deny Malo Gusto a clear shot at goal.",
  "summary": "Former Crystal Palace defender, Joel Ward, has praised Super Eagles centre-back, Semi Ajayi, for his defending in Hull City’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea. Read More: https://punchng.com/ward-hails-ajayi-defending-in-chelsea-draw/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}