Ajax remains in the Eredivisie without loss of points due to the victory and remained in the competition for the first time this season without a goal against. Sparta has collected only 1 point after three league matches.
Ajax missed Antony’s individual actions on the right flank. The Brazilian has informed his trainer Alfred Schreuder that his head is no longer with the club from Amsterdam. Manchester United would love to hire him, but even an offer of 80 million euros does not seem enough for Ajax.
Steven Berghuis was allowed to replace Antony. Calvin Bassey also returned to the basic formation. The Nigerian acquisition had to serve a two-match suspension after his red card in the match for the Johan Cruijff Scale. He played left center defense. Daley Blind started as left back and Owen Wijndal had to take a seat on the bench.
Calvin Bassey was in the base for the first time at Ajax.
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With Bassey in the ranks, Ajax’s defense gained strength and length. Schreuder’s team played way too sloppy. The experienced Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind also occasionally suffered simple loss of possession. Blind did introduce Bergwijn’s opening goal in the 37th minute. He stole the ball from Vito van Crooy, after which Kenneth Taylor made room with a good running action. Bergwijn took advantage of this and scored a goal (0-1) from the inside of the post. Just before that goal, Sparta escaped when Devyne Rensch hit the post.
Brian Brobbey also failed to make it easier for Ajax. Blind released him in front of the goal but the striker hit the bar. For a long time, Sparta limited itself to stiff defense but decided after an hour to take more risks. Younes Namli and Jason Lokilo tried from a distance, but goalkeeper Remko Pasveer saved Ajax.
With the strong Mohammed Kudus in the ranks, Ajax started playing better football. Kenneth Taylor, Kudus himself and Dusan Tadic were unable to take advantage of this in the final phase in a promising position.