PSV and Ajax play out entertaining 2-2 draw in Eindhoven

PSV and Ajax played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven on Sunday. Both sides had plenty of chances, with the defenses looking far from comfortable. PSV took the lead twice in the game through Ismael Saibari and Yarek Gasiorowski, but Ajax struck back through Kenneth Taylor and a late equalizer from Oscar Gloukh.

The result will be seen as a huge boost to Feyenoord, who kick off against AZ Alkmaar at 4:45 p.m. The Rotterdammers can extend their lead at the top of the table to five points with a win.

John Heitinga gave Kasper Dolberg his first start during his second stint at the club, preferring him to Wout Weghorst. Peter Bosz also made a change to the team that was beaten by Royale Union Saint Gilloise on Wednesday. Anass Salah-Eddine was picked to play left back. Armando Obispo was dropped from the team.

The game kicked off around 7 minutes later due to a fireworks display by the PSV fans prior to the game. However, it was a successful start for the home team. Ivan Perisic’s cross found Ismael Saibari unmarked, who nodded it home to make it 1-0 after seven minutes played.

Ajax leveled the game in the 28th minute. A clumsy foul by former Ajax defender Sergino Dest on Victor Edvardsen was given as a penalty after a VAR review. Kenneth Taylor converted the penalty.

The home team almost restored its lead within a minute of that goal. A corner came to Ruben van Bommel, but his header was cleared centimeters away from the goal line by Youri Baas.

PSV suffered a setback in the 38th minute when Van Bommel was left screaming in agony due to a knee injury. Although he was able to hobble off the pitch without the help of a stretcher, he will likely be out of action for a while. He was replaced by Esmir Bajraktarević.

Ajax should have taken the lead in the third minute of injury time for the first half. Mika Godts played a pass into the path of Taylor, but the midfielder failed to double his tally in the game. His shot was saved by PSV keeper Matej Kovar.

The combination of Perisic and Saibari almost combined for another goal at the start of the second half. The Croatian winger fired a volley across the box to Saibari, but the midfielder put it wide.

PSV had another chance to re-take the lead in the 52nd minute when a good cross from Bajraktarevic found Ricardo Pepi in the box, but his header was saved by Vitezslav Jaros.

Ajax’s summer signing Oscar Gloukh came on at halftime, and he almost created a dangerous chance for Ajax in the 57th minute. Israeli winger dribbled Kovar before his cross was cleared by Veerman.

Bajraktarevic was creating a lot of danger. The Bosnian played a good through ball to Saibari, whose cross probably should have been converted by Pepi, but the U.S. international failed to make contact with the ball.

Saibari had another big chance to score in the 78th minute when a fantastic touch set him up for a chance after Pepi had used his body well to create the space for him. However, the midfielder’s shot was wild, and it went far wide of the goal.

PSV made it 2-1 in the 81st minute. A magnificent cross from Mauro Junior, who made a significant difference for PSV after coming on, was headed in by Yarek Gasiorowski. It was the fifth time that Ajax had conceded from a header this season. They have conceded a total of eight goals.

Ajax made it 2-2 in the 88th minute. Gloukh capped off an impressive substitute appearance with a lovely give-and-go with Taylor before hitting the ball into the net via Kovar.

This was also the final score, with some PSV supporters showing their displeasure with the team’s performance at the final whistle. It is the first time since September 2016 that the Eindhoven club has failed to win in three consecutive games at home.

Ajax remains a point behind PSV in third. They will face NAC Breda at home next Saturday, while PSV travels to Excelsior on Saturday evening.