Ajax take huge step towards the Eredivisie title with 0-2 win against PSV in Eindhoven
Ajax took a huge step towards the Eredivisie title for this season on Sunday, beating their nearest challengers PSV 0-2 in the Phillips stadium. Goals from Davy Klaassen and Bertrand Traore ensured that the Amsterdammers now have a nine-point gap at the top of the table.
It was another disappointing game for Peter Bosz’s PSV side. The Eindhovenaren lost their third match of the calendar year, which is a significant increase compared to last season when they lost just one game all season.
The biggest change to the usual starting lineups was that PSV midfielder Jerdy Schouten missed the game. Schouten has been suffering from a knee injury for a while. This also led to him missing both of the Netherlands games against Spain in the UEFA Nations League last week.
Lucas Rosa came into the Ajax side, replacing Anton Gaaei, who is suspended after getting sent off in the team’s 2-2 draw against AZ Alkmaar.
The first chance of the game went to the home side, although it was a minor one. A corner from Joey Veerman found Luuk de Jong in the box, but his header went calmly into Matheus’ hands.
A great bit of play from Ajax gave them the first significant chance of the match on the half-hour mark. The attack should have resulted in a goal when Mika Godts found Brian Brobbey unmarked in the box. But the attacker’s header went far wide of the goal.
Ajax had kept PSV at bay with ease throughout the half and it got even better when they also scored to take the lead in the 34th minute. A free kick from Jordan Henderson was blocked before Lucas Rosa did very well to stay calm and head the ball to Davy Klaassen who turned before hitting it low into the near corner.
PSV made a good start to the second half. A pass from Noa Lang to Serginho Dest almost resulted in the equalizer shortly after the restart, but Matheus came out well to thwart the opportunity.
But in a similar fashion to the first half, Ajax kept the home team at bay before striking themselves 0-2. Bertrand Traore, who had come on at halftime, overpowered and beat Tyrell Malacia before placing a low, hard shot into the far corner.
It was also too easy for Francesco Farioli’s organized defense for the second half. PSV were trying to put crosses into De Jong, but none caused any danger.
Pressure will build once again on Peter Bosz. It was another poor performance from his side, who were severe favorites to win the title before the season. The Eindhovenaren will now have to watch out for Feyenoord, who are currently third with two games in hand.
Ajax fans sang “Ajax 1 wordt kampioen,” which translates to Ajax will win the league in English, and they will more than likely be absolutely right. The Amsterdammers have a comfortable lead with nine games remaining this season.
