The Report
With five rounds of matches left to play, the topper between Ajax and PSV was on the program this weekend. The match between the numbers 1 and 2 in which PSV is the chaser at six points behind. If PSV still wants to have a chance at the title, it has to travel back to Brabant with three points. That the team of trainers De Wijs and Heilmann can win against Ajax showed in December when it deservedly won 3-1.
In a mediocre first half, Ajax took the lead just before halftime after the Eindhoven defense did not handle the ball well. Otherwise, there were not many highlights. The initial phase was one of probing. Then Ajax had more ball possession, but could not really create chances. PSV was fairly toothless and got no further than a shot by captain Ian Maatsen.
The second half showed a totally different PSV. A team with guts that dared to play forward and was suddenly the superior side. It also saw that rewarded. In the 43rd minute, PSV came alongside when Jeremy Antonisse shot at goal, saw his shot turned away by the Ajax goalkeeper, then it was a breeze for Ian to score from close range. PSV felt there was more to come. Jeremy issued the first warning via a lob that ended up in the side netting, following a beautiful long ball from Joost de Schutter.
In the 59th minute, it was PSV that took the lead. Jason Pigmans delivered the ball around the penalty area to Jayden Braaf who found the far corner with a disguised shot from the left to make it 1-2. A minute later it was another goal and again it was PSV who could cheer. Jayden played the ball off to Ian at the right moment, who followed through with a hard slide and left the goalkeeper without a chance: 1-3! In the closing stages Ajax tried to force something, but the biggest opportunities were for the guests. There was no more scoring so the Eindhoven team could cheer after the final whistle of the excellent referee.
PSV narrowed the gap on Ajax to three points with the victory. With four finals left to play, anything is still possible. Next weekend the home game against VVV Venlo is on the program. It is important to keep the three points in their own pockets.
Setup: Peter Strijbosch; Thomas Cox (67' Alberto Puts), Nigel Lonwijk, Joost de Schutter, Heritier Deyonge; Emmanuel Matuta, Ian Maatsen (c), Kees van Lindert; Jeremy Antonisse (65' Jur Clabbers), Jason Pigmans and Jayden Braaf.
Yellow card: Kees van Lindert