Ajax Close Gap on PSV with 2-0 Win Over Heerenveen

Ajax secured a 2-0 win over Heerenveen, with goals from Josip Sutalo and Chuba Akpom, to move within a point of Eredivisie leaders PSV.

Ajax emerged as the winners of the Eredivisie weekend, defeating sc Heerenveen 2-0 and narrowing the gap to league leaders PSV to just one point. This victory marked a significant turnaround for Ajax, who had previously lost their cup game earlier in the week.

Manager Francesco Farioli made two key changes to his Ajax lineup, with Croatian stalwart Josip Sutalo returning from a long illness to replace Daniele Rugani in the heart of the defense. Sutalo paired up with Anton Gaaei, who took over as right-back instead of Devyne Rensch. Farioli opted to keep Rensch out of the lineup as a “protective” measure.

Both Heerenveen and Ajax were eager to build momentum in the Eredivisie, having suffered losses in their cup games earlier in the week. Ajax, in particular, had a prime opportunity to close the gap with league leaders PSV, who had lost 3-1 to PEC Zwolle. With this win, Ajax capitalized on PSV's misstep and moved within striking distance of the top spot.

Ajax made a strong start to the game, exerting constant pressure on Heerenveen's half. However, the home team nearly caught the visiting fans off guard when Espen van Ee's long-range shot barely missed Remko Pasveer's goal.

Mika Godts thought he had earned a penalty when former Ajax goalkeeper Mickey van der Hart brought him down, but the Belgian winger was deemed offside, denying Ajax a potential spot kick.

The returning Josip Sutalo made an immediate impact, heading in an Anton Gaaei corner twenty minutes into the game to put Ajax ahead. This goal brought Ajax within a point of league leaders PSV.

Mika Godts showcased his skills, dribbling into Heerenveen's box, but failed to beat goalkeeper Mickey van der Hart, who had been controversially substituted out by manager Robin van Persie during their cup loss to Quick Boys.

Ajax's flashy football created several chances for the likes of Bertrand Traore and Brian Brobbey, but neither player could capitalize and double Ajax's lead.

The first half ended with a sense of balance, and the second half began in similar fashion, with neither team able to break the deadlock.

Bertrand Traore forced a clever save from Mickey van der Hart, and Ajax eventually found the back of the net through Kenneth Taylor, who slotted in a quick cross from Anton Gaaei. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review deemed Taylor offside, and Ajax's 2-0 lead was canceled.

Heerenveen gradually found their footing in the second half, posing a threat to Ajax with a couple of efforts from Danish winger Jakob Trenskow. However, Remko Pasveer made crucial saves to deny Trenskow and maintain Ajax's lead.

Very important three points! ❌❌❌#heeaja pic.twitter.com/gZpnHeS0My

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 19, 2025

The visiting fans breathed a sigh of relief as Chuba Akpom neatly headed in a corner, putting Ajax up 2-0 with less than ten minutes remaining. This goal sealed the win for Ajax and brought them within a point of league leaders PSV.

In the final stages, Kenneth Taylor had a golden opportunity to add to Ajax's lead, but his lobbed attempt was tipped just wide by Mickey van der Hart. Despite this near-miss, Ajax emerged victorious, capitalizing on a weekend where five of the top six Eredivisie teams dropped points.

Ajax's win has significant implications for the league standings, with PSV now leading by just one point. Ajax will continue their league campaign in two weeks with the highly anticipated Klassieker against Feyenoord on February 2nd, following their two Europa League games against Latvian RFS and Turkish Galatasaray.

Heerenveen, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on the opportunity to jump ahead of Fortuna Sittard and into eighth place. Despite their efforts, they were unable to overcome Ajax's strong performance and ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat.