Ajax were held to a 0-0 draw in a fiesty match against rivals Utrecht, leaving them seven points behind leaders PSV.
- by Michael Statham
- Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
New Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag was facing his former side for the first time since leaving for Amsterdam only one month ago. His successor at Utrecht, Jean-Paul de Jong, showed his worth as a replacement for the highly regarded Ten Hag, by setting his team up to battle Ajax and give very few chances away.
That was most evident in the first-half, with very few opportunities available for either side. However, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar did have a strike correctly ruled out for offside.
In the second-half, the stop-start nature of the match due to the number of fouls committed continued. The last twenty minutes were more open though, and Ajax came the closest through Justin Kluivert’s strike which was headed off the line and Lasse Schone’s dipping free-kick, which opposition goalkeeper David Jensen struggled to hold on to because of heavily torn-up grass in the penalty area.
As Ajax pressed for a late winner, Utrecht substitute Lukas Gortler was sent off for a second yellow. The German held onto a ball which went out of play, which lead to busy referee Danny Makkelie brandishing a red card.
Ajax now lie seven points behind leaders PSV, whilst Utrecht sit in seventh.
Big points dropped by Ajax today but…
Frenkie De Jong ticked another box with a great performance at centre-back once again. Pacy and determined striker Gyrano Kerk was in his pocket.
He bossed the play. Highest out of all his teammates:
93 touches
5 tackles
91% pass success pic.twitter.com/LY0x51moPL— Michael Statham (@EredivisieMike) January 28, 2018
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Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
