Ajax move to within one point of league leaders PSV with 2-0 win over Heerenveen

Ajax capitalised on PSV’s surprising 3-1 loss to PEC Zwolle, reducing the gap at the top of the Eredivisie table to just one point with a 1-0 win over Heerenveen. PSV’s loss, along with Feyenoord’s 1-1 draw against Willem II, a goalless stalemate between FC Utrecht and AZ, and FC Twente’s defeat to NAC Breda, meant Ajax entered the game with a huge opportunity to intensify the title race. Robin van Persie’s Heerenveen were still unbeaten at home heading into this fixture.

In the second half, Ajax thought they had doubled their lead when Kenneth Taylor scored from a Gaaei cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Heerenveen briefly came to life, with Jacob Trenskow testing Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, but the veteran shot-stopper kept them at bay.

It was Chuba Akpom who sealed the win in the 84th minute, heading home a corner to make it 0-2. The Amsterdammers now sit second in the table, one point behind PSV. With no league match next weekend, Ajax will focus on their Europa League fixtures against RFS and Galatasaray before facing Feyenoord in De Klassieker on February 2.

Ajax were dominant in the first half, limiting Heerenveen to virtually no chances. The visitors created danger through Brian Brobbey, starting for the third consecutive match, and Mika Godts, who was active on the left wing. Early on, Godts thought he’d won a penalty after contact with Heerenveen’s goalkeeper, Mickey van der Hart, but was judged offside. In the 20th minute, Ajax took the lead when Josip Sutalo headed home a corner from Anton Gaaei to make it 0-1.

GBeNeFN | Jonas Fielding