Despite playing the whole second half with ten men, Ajax managed to defeat Vitesse Arnhem 2-1.

Under the watchful eye of new Netherlands boss Frank de Boer, the game got off to a fast start with Oussama Tannane and Lois Openda both missing great chances, while Quincy Promes also fired into the side netting.

Vitesse pressed Ajax all over the pitch, but in the 21st minute, the hosts found a way through as Noussair Mazraoui pulled the ball back for Quincy Promes to fire in the opening goal.

Ajax lost Perr Schuurs to injury, and in the 44th minute, Edson Alvarez saw red for an off the ball incident with Openda that was spotted by VAR.

Erik ten Hag brought on Jurgen Ekkelenkamp for Zakaria Labyad at the break, and the midfielder almost made it 2-0 with a strike that came back off the post.

Five minutes after that miss it was 1-1 as Riechedly Bazoer rifled a strike past Andre Onana. He had no issues celebrating against his former club as boos rang round the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Vitesse came close to taking the lead as Eli Dasa fired a low strike against the post. A fee minutes later, Mohammed Kudus broke through the Vitesse midfield and set up Antony to send an excellent strike into the net to make it 2-1 for Ajax.

Remko Pasveer then prevented Promes from making it 3-1 before the end as Ajax saw out the victory.

Its now three wins from three for Ajax, who go level on points with Heerenveen at the top.




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