It seems like there is going to be an opening real soon in Manchester. I mean, the unthinkable couldn’t happen, could it?!
Another clean sheet but at least the offense got on track today. The 0-5 win increases the goal differential to 40 which is quite stunning and they have only conceded two goals in the league so far. Pasveer had only one tough save to make with a defense that otherwise did a good job. Decent play from everyone today. Player Ratings: Pasveer (6.5) - had one tough save to make but other wise was not troubled at all Blind (7) - solid game passing and moving up into the offensive zone Martinez (7) - solid match Timber (7) - well taken goal Mazaoui (7.5) - all over the field today and really good with the ball Alvarez (6.5) - solid game except for the time in the first half when he was too easily beaten in a 1 v 1 situation Gravenberch (6.5) - better play today than in the past couple of games Berghuis (7) - popped up to get a couple of goals Tadic (7) - turned 33 and still a solid player Haller (7) - should have done better with the shot just near the end where he would have had a hat trick Antony (7) - good match and I like how he really tracks back quickly when the ball turns over Klaassen (5) - on for Gravenberch and did very little Neres (6) - solid performance coming in for Antony with some good passing and dribbling Daramy (5.5) - has lots of speed but still doesn't quite know what to do with it Schuurs (NR) - on late Labyad (NR) - on late Besiktas coming up in the early match on Wednesday in the Champions League with Sparta next weekend.
Now this is a real manager. Unlike Koeman who deserted his team first chance he got https://www.marca.com/en/football/manchester-united/2021/11/22/619b8d37e2704e69998b4593.html
Alvarez is suspended for yellow card accumulation for Wednesday CL game against Besiktas. Kudus is out injured again, this time his rib from duty with the Ghana NT. He likely is out until after the winter break.
We have Onana back: https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/573030336/andre-onana-keept-tegen-besiktas-dusan-tadic-in-spits @Orange14 do you want in-game talk in CL thread or this Ajax thread??
What's the story with him? Last I'd heard he wasn't going to re-sign with Ajax and therefore wasn't going to play. Has he changed his mind?
He's not going to re-sign but with the injury to Steklenberg, Ajax have no choice but to play him. I've said from the start: put the feelings aside. Ajax have a shot to do serious damage in CL. Andre is way better than Pasveer. Let's see what he's got.
Better get their heads out of their asses and play football. Gravenberch and Klaassen have been very poor in the MF. Neres is good, Tadic is lost in the middle and Daramy is alternately very good and mediocre.
It is actually between 2.3 and 2.5 million gross, in the CL 2.2 million gross per game. Including hospitality and all the rest. Domestic cup matches require to share the receipts. In that way a few amateur clubs win the jackpot if they play Ajax (recently Spakenburg 'won' 250k net that way, despite losing with 7-0).
Here an easy to understand second-hand source: https://www.ajaxshowtime.com/hoofdnieuws/wat-loopt-ajax-mis-aan-recettes-in-eredivisie-en-cl
After a subpar first half, Ajax came back and dominated play in the 2nd. I don't remember a Besiktas shot on frame in the final 45 minutes. Haller had a pair of goals to stay top scorer in this year's Champions League. The defense was stout with Onana only needing to make one tough save. He stood no chance on saving a hard penalty kick into the upper right of the net. Ajax are now champions of the group and will be seeded in the draw for the knockout stage. Kudos to EtH for again getting the tactics right and rotating players today. Player Ratings: Onana (6.5) - only troubled one time in the first half but was also fortunate that a Besiktas attacker slipped when Onana was too far out Tagliafico (7) - solid match and his inside run leading up the first goal was wonderful as he took the ball and slotted over to an open Haller Martinez (7.5) - solid defensively and his hard shot off a set piece was deflected in by Haller for the match winner Schuurs (6.5) - decent for his first start in awhile and had a really good hard shot that just kept going wide of the frame Mazraoui (6.5) - should have had his hands in on the obvious penalty call but otherwise good Gravenberch (6) - mediocre in the first half and much better in the second Klaassen (5.5) - worked hard as always but his ball control was erratic Berghuis (6.5) - silent for much of the first half and better in the 2nd Daramy (6) - had one really good shot on goal in the first half that forced a good save but was also cold on some other attempts Tadic (6.5) - worked hard as the central striker but didn't get a shot off; moved to the wing in the 2nd half Neres (7) - solid game with some good moves in tight spaces Haller (7) - two easy goals, but that's what he gets paid to do Timber (6) - on originally for Mazraoui but shifted to the center shortly afterward Rensch (NR) - on late Blind (NR) - on late Taylor (NR) - on late Sparta coming up at the weekend.
Ajax were a little sluggish in the first half and missed Alvarez who really controls the middle of the park out from the opposition. 2nd half they picked up the pace and took care of business led by Haller who subs in and gets the brace. What can you say he is an unmovable force in the penalty area. Onana back in goal was an interesting site especially his foolish decision to come way out of his area on one occasion. Mazraoui responsible for 2 penalties now courtesy of VAR.