Ajax secured a vital Eredivisie victory on Saturday. Míchel Sánchez's side won 1-2 at Sparta Rotterdam in a match that remained tense until the final whistle. This win, their third in a row, followed a 2-0 victory over Atalanta and a 2-5 away win at Groningen, and brings the club to 18 points from nine games, putting them in fourth place.
The home side took the lead through Jens Toornstra, who was making his 500th Eredivisie appearance. Abdellah Ouazane equalised twenty minutes from time, before Tolu Arokodare struck the winner in first-half stoppage time. Both goals came from assists by Julian Brandt, the club's current top scorer with six goals. The team has scored 27 goals this season while conceding only twelve.
World-class keeper
The win was also thanks to several key saves from goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen. Sparta manager Rogier Meijer was frustrated afterwards. "I think we end up not taking a point because they have a world-class keeper," Meijer said. "I had already counted Zonneveld's chance.
Defender Bruno Martins Indi also acknowledged the keeper's importance. "That was a good save from him, yes," he reacted.
Table and form
This victory keeps Ajax firmly in the title race. The Amsterdam side are second after ten matches with 21 points, three behind leaders Feyenoord. According to the latest standings, Ajax currently sit fourth with 18 points from nine games, following an earlier draw against NEC. The team is in a good rhythm with three consecutive wins, including a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the Europa League. Their recent form over the last five league matches is three wins, one draw and one loss. In the title race, the gap to the leaders is five points.
The next test is already scheduled. Next Saturday, Ajax host AZ Alkmaar, who currently sit second. That match is key in the battle for the top positions. Míchel Sánchez's squad seems to be finding its stride, with Ouazane and Arokodare as dangerous attackers. The latter also scored in the Europa League and now has four goals in his last five appearances. The next home fixture is on 31 October.
The report in full is at Voetbal International
Marc ter Stegen praised his team after the win at Sparta Rotterdam. The goalkeeper said: "Being able to suffer is also an important quality." He was happy with the nine points from three matches. Ajax benefited from the draw between PSV and Feyenoord and is now second with 21 points, three behind the leaders.
