PSV Women Dominate Top Match: Is Ajax Coach Already Throwing In The Towel?

PSV Rises to Top of Women’s Eredivisie with Win Over Ajax

PSV Eindhoven has claimed the top spot in the Women’s Eredivisie following a compelling 3-1 victory against Ajax. In a highly anticipated matchup at home, PSV demonstrated their dominance, while Ajax struggled to maintain momentum after being previously defeated 2-0 by the Eindhoven team before the winter break.

Match Analysis

This match reflected a fierce contest, characterized by Ajax’s wavering performance, counter-attacks following halftime, and a tenacious struggle as the clock wound down. With this win, PSV has accrued 45 points, leading Ajax by a single point as the season inches closer to its climax, signaling a potential title victory for the club, which has never been achieved before.

Ajax Coach’s Reaction

Ajax’s coach, Hesterine de Reus, shared her dismay after the loss, stating that the championship is now out of sight. After a disappointing draw against FC Utrecht last week, and then losing to PSV, De Reus remarked, “Last week we took a step toward losing the championship, and here we have definitively lost it.” She acknowledged PSV’s superiority in the match, reinforcing the gravity of the situation.

Key Performances and Statistics

With the eyes of 8,000 spectators on her, Renate Jansen opened the scoring for PSV in the 28th minute with a well-placed shot into the right corner, evading Ajax goalkeeper Regina van Eijk. Just as Ajax was still coming to terms with the opening goal, PSV quickly sought to extend their lead, with Fenna Kalma nearly doubling the score twice.

Impact of Substitutions

Following halftime, Ajax initiated three substitutions, including the introduction of Danique Tolhoek, the league’s top scorer who began the match on the bench. Tolhoek quickly made her mark, scoring the equalizer in the 51st minute after receiving a precise pass from Lotte Keukelaar. Ajax maintained possession and even struck the post, but PSV retaliated when Veerle Buurman regained the lead with a powerful header.

Final Moments and Closing the Gap

As the match progressed towards its conclusion, Ajax faltered defensively again, allowing Jansen to net her second goal after a quick exchange with Nina Nijstad, sealing the 3-1 victory for PSV. The home fans erupted in joy, emphasizing the critical nature of the win.

The closing moments saw Ajax pushing hard for a comeback, but with a late free kick from Sherida Spitse landing safely in the hands of PSV goalkeeper Nicky Evrard and Tolhoek’s header going wide, their efforts came to a frustrating end.

Title Race and Other Matches

Despite this setback, Tolhoek remains defiant about the championship, stating, “We need to regroup. It’s disappointing, but nothing is settled yet, and we need to keep fighting until the end. There are still many matches to play.”

In other notable matches, FC Utrecht, currently fifth in the standings, suffered a blow as they lost points to AZ, who triumphed 2-1, with Utrecht’s second goal being a critical own goal from Ilse van der Zanden.