Ajax complete a perfect week by beating league leaders PSV in Amsterdam
Ajax followed up a victory over Feyenoord away by giving the Eredivisie league leaders PSV their first loss of this season. The Amsterdammers won 3-2 after a late goal by young winger Mika Godts.
This result closes the gap considerably in the Eredivisie table. The Amsterdammers are five points behind while having played a game less.
Ivan Perisic was given a start for PSV. He was surprisingly chosen above Johan Bakayoko. Ajax had two returning players, forwards Brian Brobbey and Bertrand Traore came back into the side. Both players came off the bench in the 0-2 win against Feyenoord on Wednesday.
Ajax started with energy as Kian Fitz-Jim forced a good stop from PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez in the opening stages of the match.
PSV took the lead in the 18th minute. Luuk de Jong continued his brilliant form against Ajax by heading it into the net brilliantly from a corner.
The home team was the better side and got a deserved equalizer in the 43rd minute when Davy Klaassen headed home from a Jorrel Hato cross.
PSV came out of the halftime with a different intensity. De Jong almost improved his record against Ajax further in the 51st minute when he was found in the box by Tillman, but his volley went over the goal.
Eindhovenaren’s improved performance led to a 2-1 score in the 54th minute. Mauro Junior’s cross was met by Ivan Perisic on the edge of the area, and he struck it well, sending the ball into the bottom corner.
Ajax equalized in the 66th minute. Bertrand Traore dribbled past Junior with ease before Benitez saved his shot. However, the ball fell to Fitz-Jim after PSV defender Ryan Flamingo had tried to slide it away. The midfielder converted the rebound to level the match.
The winning goal fell in the 74th minute. Benitez played a pass to Malik Tillman, who was under pressure. The midfielder got his pass completely wrong, as it went straight to substitute Mika Godts. The young winger showed calmness by placing the ball into the bottom corner.
Although PSV were trying to force an equalizer, it was Ajax who were the most dangerous. Kenneth Taylor hit the post from the edge of the area, and Godts forced a fingertip save from Benitez before the final whistle.
The Ajax fans were cheered off the pitch after the match. The Amsterdammers have been on a fantastic run of form lately. Francesco Farioli’s side are unbeaten in their last 12 competitive matches.
