Rahman joy is Jordan Ayew’s pain

The clash between Chelsea and Aston Villa in the English Premier League attracted a lot of Ghanaian interest over the weekend, not just because most people wanted to see how the Blues and defending champions would fare, but also it marked the Premier League debut for left back Abdul Baba Rahman against Jordan Ayew.

In the end, Rahman celebrated his EPL debut with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, while the uncertainty continued for Ayew, who is yet to hit fine form as he did in the French Ligue 1 last season.

Rahman, brought in from Augsburg just before the transfer window closed, was started in the Chelsea defence by in place of the injured Branislav Ivanovic.

Cesar Azpilicueta was shifted to right back with the Ghanaian youngster taking over the leftfull back position and he played in the full duratio.

There was no such joy for Jordan who was substituted in the 68th minute by Adama Troare when Villa was already 2-0 down.

It was the first time Ayew had started after being benched in more than four games.

Despite his substitution, manager Tim Sherwood praised Ayew and explained why he had to replace him

“He did well too. He left nothing on the pitch. He had to come off at the end or he would have died of exhaustion. That's the type of lad he is. I think that goes for every player that we had out there. I don't think they lacked any desire or effort.”

Jordan, the younger of the Ayew Brothers, joined his older brother, Andre Dede to the Premier League but the younger Ayew is yet to find the back of the net for his Aston Villa side after joining the English Premier League club before the close of the first transfer window.

On the other hand, it has been a good outing for Dede Ayew who is expected to be in action as Swansea takes on Stoke City at home tonight.