Ajax fail to win again in the Eredivisie with 1-1 draw against FC Volendam

A below-average Ajax dropped points in the Eredivisie for the second time in four games. John Heitinga’s side drew 1-1 away to promoted side FC Volendam. Ajax also failed to win against Go Ahead Eagles two weeks ago.

Henk Veerman hit a beautiful shot to put Volendam in the lead in the 16th minute. Ko Itakura equalized in the 61st minute for Ajax, who had also struggled in their wins against Heracles Almelo and Telstar.

Manager John Heitinga had been pleased with his team’s performance in their 2-0 win against Heracles Almelo last week. Ajax created plenty of chances against the bottom-place side and did not give much away.

For this reason, Heitinga only changed his starting lineup in one place. Ko Itakura returned to the center of the defence. Right back Lucas Rosa was preferred to Anton Gaaei. Team captain Davy Klaassen, Josip Sutalo, and Mika Godts were all placed on the bench, with Sutalo and Godts recently returning from injury.

Ajax started the game well. Volendam keeper Kayne van Oevelen prevented Steven Berghuis from opening the scoring, and Raul Moro’s shot went wide of the goal.

But a sloppy moment from Itakura led to Volendam’s first goal in the 16th minute. The Japanese defender pushed the ball with his thigh towards Henk Veerman, who scored beautifully to make it 1-0.

Ajax struggled to create chances after they went behind. The visitors played dutifully and attacked predictably. Despite this, Itakura and Kenneth Taylor missed a big chance. Taylor scored later on, but the goal was disallowed due to Moro being offside.

Oscar Gloukh started in the left wing position for Ajax. The Israeli international seemed to be signed for the midfield, and although he is used to the position, he seemed to struggle with the defensive side. Heitinga substituted him at halftime for Oliver Edvardsen.

Ajax continued to struggle in the opening stages of the second half, but they equalized in the 61st minute through Itakura to make it 1-1.

The Amsterdammers went searching for the second goal, substituting on Klaassen, Sutalo, and Godts, but the visitors hardly created any chances of note in the last half hour of the game. This result means that Volendam is still unbeaten after four games in the Eredivisie.