Ajax makes it unnecessarily difficult for themselves against Emmen, expensive card Álvarez
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Watch the summary of Ajax – FC Emmen
Ajax regained second place in the Eredivisie from PSV through a victory over FC Emmen (3-1). But the Amsterdammers made it unnecessarily difficult for themselves in several respects leading up to the crucial double (league and cup final) against the Eindhovenites.
For example, the frustrating season for Ajax translated into a tenth yellow card for Edson Álvarez, a negative club record. Moreover, the Mexican must miss the next encounter with PSV due to a suspension, next Sunday in Eindhoven.
Álvarez’ somewhat maligned compatriot Jorge Sánchez in turn eased the pain for the Amsterdammers a bit, claiming the lead role before halftime with a goal and an assist.
After a scramble through Álvarez, Sánchez slid in the 1-0 after a furious Ajax opening period, and his assist to Steven Bergwijn afterward was also just right.
Warning Emmen
FC Emmen, fighting against relegation, had issued a warning just before that second Amsterdam goal with a wild effort by Richairo Zivkovic (ex-Ajax) over. And after halftime it did hit the mark, when Ole Romeny easily outplayed base debutant Jorrel Hato and served Jeremy Antonisse (2-1).
Given the chances for Ajax, it was a miracle that it was still a game after an hour of play, but the field superiority did not translate into a higher score, thanks in part to some clever saves by Mickey van der Hart (also ex-Ajax).
In addition to the blossoming Sánchez and the difficult-scoring Bergwijn, who scored his goal again, Ajax coach John Heitinga had also reserved a starting place for the not-so-convincing Austrian Florian Grillitsch.
Watch the reactions of trainers John Heitinga and Dick Lukkien here:
The new technical director Sven Mislintat saw from the stands that, among others, the expensive purchases Brian Brobbey (who was still filling in) and Calvin Bassey were sitting on the bench, shitting themselves.
Applause and farewell for Haller
There was still clapping for Sébastien Haller, the premier league top scorer who left Ajax for Borussia Dortmund as champions last summer. Playing in his place now is Dusan Tadic, who made the liberating 3-1 ten minutes before time. Against Emmen.
After the glorious years under Erik ten Hag with three national titles, two KNVB cups, a Johan Cruijff cup and much prestige in Europe, success is no longer a given in Amsterdam.
Now that Feyenoord has the title within reach, the next two weeks leave Ajax with the direct battle with PSV for the lucrative Champions League qualification ticket and the cup in which the proud reputation can still be somewhat upheld.
