PSV Eindhoven defeated Ajax 3-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Friday evening as the visitors extended their lead at the top of the Eredivisie. The result moved PSV to 13 points from five matches while Ajax remained on seven points after four games. We had backed PSV to win this fixture at 42% confidence, and the visitors delivered on that assessment.
Ricardo Pepi opened the scoring in the fifth minute before Tolu Arokodare equalised for Ajax at the 23-minute mark. Lutsharel Geertruida restored PSV's advantage just before half-time with a goal in the 45th minute plus one. The hosts had 53% possession and created four big chances but could not find a second equaliser.
And here's the thing about the statistics — Ajax registered 118 attacks compared to PSV's 90, while the visitors recorded 2.55 expected goals against Ajax's 1.99. PSV won 16 tackles to Ajax's 18, and the away side completed 384 passes from a total of 446. By then it was clear that efficiency rather than dominance would decide the match.
PSV made three substitutions in the 81st minute, bringing on Youri Baas, Ruben van Bommel and Ivan Perišić all at once. Ajax responded with changes of their own, introducing Davy Klaassen and Oscar Gloukh at the 54-minute mark. Tolu Arokodare was withdrawn for Steven Berghuis in the 61st minute.
Esmir Bajraktarević sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th minute plus two, while Anton Gaaei received a yellow card in stoppage time. PSV improved to first place in the table, four points clear of Ajax with one game in hand on their rivals.
