Chess-game ends in bloodless draw

Chess-game ends in draw

All football-loving Holland was ready for this clincher: PSV - Ajax! Ajax would put more pressure on the champs, if they would win the gap between them and the leader in the Eredivisie would diminish with another three points! PSV played without the injured Afellay and seemed a bit vulnerable after some questionable performances in the last weeks. And Ajax could use some positive news, what after all those JC shenanigans.

But…it was not to be. In what only can be described as a boring but tight chess-game, neither team impressed. Ajax tried to punish PSV, but failed. PSV was happy with the draw and after all was said and done, nothing between the clubs on the standings had changed.

Ajax coach Koster made his intentions clear by posting Klaas Jan Huntelaar on midfield! The idea was to use Suarez and Leonardo on the flanks to open the play up and The Hunter could then come in to the box to finish off. During the whole match, KJ was hardly ever dangerous… And Ken Perez was left out of the starting line-up, replaced by Rasmus Lindgren. Safety first. KJ’s best chance - and only one - came in the last minute, when Perez crossed a setpiece in on Huntelaar’s tie! The immensely prolific striker missed the biggest chance to put more pressure on PSV.

PSV coach made his intentions clear by opting for Koevermans up front and leaving Lazovic on the bench. Not, because Koev would be the ideal man against Ajax; his primary task was to keep John Heitinga from become dangerous.

PSV didn’t create a lot. And neither did Ajax. It seemed Ajax was on top, had more ball possession and in particular Leonardo looked like he could punish PSV but it appeared to be a toothless tiger. Suarez did score, but did so in off side position.

In the second half, PSV got more control. Suarez did everything wrong he could and Huntelaar never came close to the goal. With two new strikers (Rommedahl and Perez) and Huntelaar pushed more up front, there was a tad more optical pressure, but other than Huntelaar’s late opportunity and some horrible distance strikers, Ajax couldn’t create a thing.

PSV may have had the best chances. In one situation Heitinga supported goalie Gentenaar on a Bakkal shot and the same Bakkal had an opportunity late in the game when a cross sailed over everyone and landed at the far post. Bakkal had a mis-hit and the ball shot over goal.

Not a lof of highlights in this match, in other words, but it was good to see Heitinga in good form, Dirk Marcellis never getting in trouble and it was super to see that Edgar Davids hasn’t lost any of his dynamics and energy.