Ajayi’s West Brom, Eze’s Rangers Earn Much-Needed Victories

Ebere Eze delivered another impressive performance as Queens Park Rangers finally claimed their first victory since the restart with a slender 1-0 win at Middlesbrough on Sunday.

After losing each of their three games in June, Hugill’s first-half strike was all that separated the two teams at the Riverside Stadium as Rangers got back to winning ways in gritty fashion.

Nigeria-eligible youngsters Luke Amos and Bright Osayi-Samuel were on from start to finish for QPR. At the same time, Eze, who has been the visitors’ best player of the year by far,  lasted for 70 minutes before Oteh replaced him.

But despite the win, the Hoops playoff hopes have all but disappeared in recent weeks after suffering crushing defeats to Barnsley, Charlton Athletic, and Fulham.

At the Hawthorns, Slaven Bilic left Super Eagles star Semi Ajayi out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive match in West Brom’s thrilling 4-2 win over Hull City.

The former Arsenal defender has been one of the most consistent members of the promotion-chasing Baggies all season.

But after a run of two matches without a win since the Championship returned, West Brom carved out an excellent 3-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday with Ajayi playing the last five minutes.

The Nigerian was on the bench again on Sunday as West Brom twice allowed Hull level the scores before goals from Kamil Grosicki and Grady Diangana settled proceedings in favour of the hosts.

The win lifts West Brom five points clear of third-placed Brentford with five matches left to play in the Championship this season.