Ajax returned to winning ways on Saturday after a comfortable 2-0 win over Heracles in Almelo.
- By Michael Bell
- Follow Michael on Twitter
After the 2-1 defeat to PSV before the international break, Ajax went into the game wary that another poor performance could see the Amsterdammers fall off the summit.
Frank de Boer decided to place Anwar El Ghazi, who made his debut for the Netherlands last week, through the middle and the forward opened the scoring in style on 13 minutes. El Ghazi weaved through two challenges before sending a powerful strike into the top corner from just outside the box.
Heracles thought they had equalised minutes later after Thomas Bruns free kick was headed into the net by Ramon Zomer, but the linesman’s flag denied the home side.
On 20 minutes Ajax doubled their lead with another fine strike. This time it was Nemanja Gudelj who left Bram Castro with no chance as he smashed the ball into the top corner from range.
In the second half Ajax could have made the game even more comfortable but Gudelj’s free kick came back off the crossbar, while Lasse Schone was also denied by the woodwork.
Ajax move three points ahead of second placed Feyenoord, who play on Sunday, while Heracles remain third.
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
