Ajax have moved back to the top of the table after a comfortable 4-1 victory at Willem II.

With PSV facing a tricky trip to Vitesse on Sunday, Ajax wanted to increase the pressure on their rivals. Erik ten Hag brought Hakim Ziyech back into the starting eleven, while Joel Veltman started at right-back.

Willem II had the best chance of the opening ten minutes, but Andre Onana denied Alexander Isak, while Marios Vrousai messed up the rebound.

A few moments after that missed chance, Ajax took the lead. Frenkie de Jong’s clever clipped ball was headed back by Dusan Tadic and Donny van de Beek hammered in the opener.

In the 26th minute, Daley Blind conceded a penalty after a late challenge and Isak slotted in to make it 1-1.

Ajax regained their lead before the break in fortunate circumstances. Wilem II’s Freek Heerkens worked a David Neres pass into his own net. It was nearly 3-1 moments later but van de Beek hit the bar.

Eight minutes into the second half, Ajax did get a third with Veltman finding the net after a nice pass from Tadic. That was Ajax’s 99th goal of the Eredivisie campaign and in the 70th minute, Hakim Ziyech made it 100 with a fine finish from the edge of the box.

The victory means Ajax climb above PSV and can now prepare for the visit of Juventus on Wednesday. Willem II are 9th.




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