Nice recap by Wynalda. Ajax was much better on the night, but to be fair Qarabag was not great, and just massively open defensively all night long Ikatura, Moro, and, Jaros just terrible for me once again. The first two are 20 plus million wasted. Ajax played with a little more speed for a change which was the right decision by Grim considering the slack defending by their hosts. Dolberg much better than Weghorst too. Youngsters Steur, Boumann, and Mokio all had good matches. Not perfect but pretty solid playing on a very greasy surface from the relentless downpours during the match. 2 notes: The first one on Gloukh, he is very frustrating with his occasional sloppy ball loss, and lacking defensive play, but he can show some quality at times although I must temper the enthusiasm with the cold hard facts that Qarabag are not very good despite some of their success this season in the Champions League. It’s kind of sad that Ajax have fallen through the ice so badly that we supporters are finally excited to win against such a very small side. Point 2 Gaaei is another guy I don’t rate at all, but he seems to love the club, he runs hard, and has a cannon of a right peg. Kudos to him on his well taken goal. Rumors about the Japanese Defender formerly of Arsenal coming in to the club and all I can say is why? He’s not great and injury prone. Certainly there has to be much better options to bring in then him. Ajax have killed themselves with terrible decisions in the transfer market, and someone must come into the club with better judgement, and ability to evaluate talent. Please Dear God I beg you.
Playaers out for the Klassiker: Baas - Suspended Sutalo, Berghuis, Weghorst, McConnell - all out injured Taylor - questionable
What a fine match from Ajax from a defensive perspective. The collective did the job, blocking shots and defending corners better than they have all season long. I think Grim now finishes the season as manager. An early goal from Klaassen left the match with some uncertainty until Mokio finished it off with a late screamer. At the end of the match lots of teenagers out on the pitch pushing for turnovers and creating chances. This is what Ajax is all about. I would not even think about transferring any players into the team at this point. Stick with this group and let the grow!!! Kudos also to Grim for making the critical substitutions to get fresh players on the pitch though Dolberg maybe should have come off earlier as he was gassed. Player Ratings: Jaros (6.5) - had one tough save to make and that was it as his defense came up big Rosa (7) - had a good game defensively flipping over to the left side when Wijndal came off Bouiwman (6.5) - would have had a higer rating had it not been for letting Ueyda get past and having to haul the striker down Itakura (7) - rock solid Wijndal (7) - had some dangerous runs and his defending was good for him Regeer (7) - was calm all match long Steur (7) - slotted in for the ill Taylor and was so smooth with the ball at his feet Klaassen (7) - showed he can still score and it was the match winner Oscar (6.5)- really should have scored on the header; still don't know what to make of him, he has energy but can get sloppy with the ball Dolberg (6.5) - had a couple of half chances but most of the long kicks missed him Godts (7) - worked hard all match and created a nice scoring opportunity but shot just wide Gaaei (6) - decent coming on Fitz-Jim (6) - I say keep him, he is so good in this type of situation as he handles the ball so well, too bad he didn't score Bounida (6) - on for the final 20 minutes and did what he was supposed to do Mokio (6) - same as Bounida and what a wonderful goal Kanadu (NR) - on late for a tired Dolberg Cup match in mid-week against Excelsior M and then the final match of the first half against NEC next weekend
Nice to see them get a win here. Suddenly their form is looking a bit better and they have a chance (though I wouldn't make them favorites) to reel 010 in for the second CL spot. Big match against NEC next weekend.
I have to say I’m glad you beat Feyenoord, especially since Oscar Gloukh assisted the first goal. Maybe if the previous coach had given Gloukh more playing time instead of keeping him on the bench, the team’s situation would have been better.
It’s a little bit more complicated than that. No doubt Heitinga never really figured out how to get the best out of him but he has also been super inconsistent with the opportunities he’s been given. At his best he has some of the best feet and dribbling skills on the team but you also see him struggle with positioning, not really contributing on defense and often easily gives up possession. I’m a Gloukh fan and think there is a higher ceiling than what we are seeing but still unclear where exactly he fits in. Grim technically lining him up out wide but playing him in a free role has been kinda clever I think.
The Swiss Ramble has posted his analysis of Ajax finances: Ajax Finances 2024/25 - The Swiss Ramble It is likely behind a pay wall but anyone interested in the business of football should subscribe!!
Indeed big: They got a relentless attacking scoring machine and in their midfield a huge talent, Sano. If I was te Kloese, I would buy him, just to prevent Ajax/PSV or AZ to lay their hands on him.
I’ve actually enjoyed watching the last few matches. That says something. The youth certainly have been a breath of fresh air!
Pretty easy win with a nicely played first half and a lessor 2nd half with some defensive mistakes that led to a couple of goals. Ajax scored some nice goals so let's hope this picks them up.
Regarding the Ajax-Feyenoord match I have to admit that it was quite a positive sign watching Ajax play with lots of pressure and speed & the players must be credited for their intensity and off the ball work. If this can continue I would see no reason why Grim cannot stay as Manager. I have to point out that Feyenoord are certainly not a great team, but the purpose and passion Ajax played with is extremely encouraging.
What an awful match played by Ajax. So many errors and even with a man advantage, they couldn't get any decent chances on goal. Ajax played better in the first half with Steur in MF than in the 2nd when Taylor came on. That Klaassen played 72 minutes is just beyond the pale I just don't understand this at all. I guess Grim sees something different in him than I do. Godts made so many mistakes with the ball that I lost count and I was half thinking he would have missed the open goal after being sent in by Regeer. Winter break ahead now and maybe they get things figured out but I doubt it. Player Ratings: Yaros (6) - amazing almost triple save in the third minute; had he kept Linssen's 2nd shot out this sequence would go down in goal keeping history Gaaei (4.5) - one good assist amidst some awful defending Itakura (6) - decent enough Baas (6) decent Rosa (4.5) - really at fault on the 2nd goal letting a left footed player cut in for an open shot, otherwise better than average Regeer (6) - great steal to set up the 2nd Ajax goal Steur (6.5)- maybe the best player for Ajax on the day as he did not make any mistakes and had the pass that sent Gaaei in who then passed to Dolberg for the goal Klaassen (3.5) - just really should not be on the field Oscar (5)- quite an average game though he did get a good shot off the was unfortunately deflected, should have started in the middle instead of Klaassen since that's where he ends up anyway Dolberg (6) - decent enough Godts (3.5) - absolutely dreadful Taylor (5) - average and not better than Steur Bounida (4.5) - some stupid mistakes Kanadu (NR) - bizarre substitution Mokio (NR) - should have come in much earlier
The match changed when Taylor came in. What a ridiculous substitution. He also didn’t close down through the midfield on that second goal. Rosa should have done better but Taylor was lackadaisical as always.
Uhm, Steur was injured: Substitution coming up at Ajax Sean Steur grabbed his groin in the closing stages of the first half. And Kenneth Taylor, who has just recovered from an injury, was already warming up. He will make his comeback at the beginning of the second half and replace the 17-year-old talent. 46' Sean Steur is replaced by Kenneth Taylor
Ajax was lucky Sandler decided to play one of his worst matches by giving away two goals. The first one he let Dolberg completely free, so he could receive a pass to score his goal, but even worse was his blunder to let Regeer get his foot against the ball and suddenly had a free way towards the goalie and the choice to give Godts a change not to be missed.
If he had done that it was the perfect opportunity to curse without insulting OUR FATHER by shouting Godts dammit
Also, the NEC arena did not have goal line technology and relied only on VAR to give NEC their first goal. Not sure that VAR has good enough angles to overturn the call on the field.
Yeah. It’s wild there isn’t goal line technology at a top division stadium. Ought to be a requirement at this point.
It's expensive to put in place because of all the cameras that are needed. Goal-line technology - Wikipedia I think the Cruyff Arena has the technology and maybe PSV and Feyenoord as well.