3 Reasons why Ajax can still win the Eredivisie Title

The race to the Eredivisie title looked closer than ever with Ajax breathing behind PSV’s neck as merely two points were separating the Dutch Giants. While Ajax hit a purple patch after their win 1-4 away from home against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, it looked like a matter of time before the Amsterdamm team would ease past their arch rivals in the title race. However, an AZ Alkmaar-shaped speed-breaker was all it took to halt Erik Ten Hag’s engine as Ajax’s 1-0 loss to AZ Alkmaar puts them 5 points behind PSV, once again.

So what does this mean to the title race? Knowing PSV’s might, it is safe to assume that Mark Van Bommel’s men would reign supreme and reach the landmark 25th Eredivisie title for PSV, which would also be their fourth league victory in the last five years. One cannot help but think in favour of PSV as Ajax also have European football to deal with as the Champions League Quarter-final isn’t too far away. Without a shadow of a doubt, Ajax are going to have arguably their most challenging 180 minutes of football in a very long time and this means that they will need to be all fired up in order to put up a respectable fight.

But could that be a solid-enough factor to rule Ajax out of the title race? Football is a funny sport and more often than not, things work out the way one least expects it to. Results seldom rely on mere talent and there are numerous factors that can decide a game, a title race or a knock-out competition. There are 8 games to be played and a lot can happen to any team over 720 minutes of football. So let’s have a quick look at the why’s & how’s of Ajax getting back into the title race:

#3 PSV’s visit to the Johan Cruyff Arena

Ajax & PSV will square-off in a potential title decider at the Johan Cruyff Arena on the 31st of March.

There cannot be a more obvious reason for why Ajax can get right back into the title race than a chance to beat PSV. That’s right, there’s going to be a top-of-the-table clash in the very next matchday, which would be after the international break, where Ajax would square off against PSV with 50,000 Amsterdammers gearing up the atmosphere at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

There couldn’t have been a better time for Ajax than now to face their arch rivals at home as it not only give them a chance to get back into the title race but a win against the reigning champions would be a huge boost in terms of morale as well. It would be the best way for Ten Hag and his men to reassure and believe even more that on their day they can beat anyone. When it comes to the big games, form often takes a back seat and the mentality of the players comes into play. ‘Who wants it more?’, it’s a simple question that decides the games of this stature and if Ajax can show how much they want this Eredivisie title, it wouldn’t be a surprise to witness a football master-class by them.

The last time these two locked horns was at the Philips Stadion where PSV dominated the game right from kick-off. Van Bommel’s men overpowered Ajax in all areas across the pitch and the game was pretty much wrapped up within the first half-an-hour with a 3-0 lead. It was a classic example of why form doesn’t matter for the titanic clashes as Ajax headed into the game at full throttle and when it mattered, they didn’t show up. Now that Ten Hag would have learnt his lessons over the course of the season, if Ajax can avoid the complacency and be razor-sharp on the day, it would be a brilliant opportunity for them to cut the lead back to 2 points and put PSV under pressure once again.

#2 PSV have tricky fixtures to come

PSV have a number of tricky teams to deal with in the remaining 8 Eredivisie fixtures.

Barring Ajax, their away fixtures include Vitesse, Willem II & AZ Alkmaar. It is important to note that out of these three away games, two are against teams which are part of the top 5. Their first away game after Ajax would be against Vitesse. There is no doubt that knowing Vitesse’s potential, they could have done a lot better in the Eredivisie this season but looking at their form at home, one may wonder why there is a stark difference while they play away. One piece of stat to show how good they are at home: Ajax are the only team who have managed to beat VItesse at the GelreDome.

Vitesse at home (Eredivisie 2018/19): Played 9, Won 6, Drawn 2, Lost 1

In no way, it means that PSV are certain to drop points at the GelreDome but at the same time, it isn’t going to be any easy for them to grab all three points either. Their next away fixture would be Willem II, arguably the most underrated team of the country. Usually a mid-to-bottom table team, Willem II have rose to success this season by showing top sides that they have got what it takes to give a run for money. Credit to their manager Adrie Koster who’s brought in a fighting spirit to his side as Willem II have multiple noteworthy performances in the league and they have gone on to progress to the final of the KNVB Cup which is to be held towards the end of the season. Willem II have beaten AZ Alkmaar not only on the way to the KNVB Cup final but they have also done a double in the league. By no means can PSV take this fixture lightly and Willem II are certain to demand PSV to be at their best.

PSV’s last game of the 2018-19 Eredivisie is going to be away against AZ Alkmaar and there isn’t even a need to explain that they are a tough nut to crack. With players like Calvin Stengs, Oussama Idrissi & Guus Til stepping up, it’s been very hard to face them in their fortress, Stadion Neder. Since the turn of the 2019 new year, they have hit excellent form at home and the win against Ajax is just an example to prove it.

AZ Alkmaar at home in 2019: Played 6, Won 6, Drawn 0, Lost 0

In the 6 games, AZ Alkmaar have managed to score 18 goals while conceding only 2. Adding to this, the fact that this trip will happen on the last matchday would make it an added pressure for PSV provided Ajax are close enough to PSV to snatch the title away from the jaws of defeat.

#1 Ajax’s hunger for Silverware

Erik Ten Hag would be eager to change Ajax's fortunes with silverware and the league title could be the best way to do it.

Ajax have been a trophy-drought for long enough now that they would be motivated to give their all this season. They are one of the very few clubs in the running for league, cup as well as the Champions League alongside the likes of Barcelona, Manchester City & Porto. Ten Hag’s men have performed outstandingly well to be where they are at this stage of the season managing both league & knockout tournaments diligently.

PSV have bagged three of the last four Eredivisie titles while the remaining one was also bagged by their fiercest rival Feyenoord in the 2016-17 season. Its high time Ajax respond to their competitors in the best way possible and that’s simply by claiming as much silverware as they can, especially the Eredivisie. Another added reason why Ajax would go all out this season is because it is only a matter of time before the European Giants are going to raid them of their superstars. Frenkie De Jong has already sealed his move to Barcelona for the 2019-20 season while other stars like De Ligt, Ziyech & Neres are all on the radars of top teams across Europe. It would make sense only if Ten Hag tries to compete for all trophies till the last whistle as in all probability, next season would focus on rebuilding the squad, finding replacements and making them a competitive bunch again.

Hence, all these factors would be lingering in the minds of the Ajax’s board, management and needless to say, among the players as well. If Ten Hag gets his tactical plans on-spot, avoid further injuries and keep the players motivated, then it will be all set for a grand finish to the title race in Netherlands. There is no question with regard to the capability of Ajax but will they fulfill their potential? Only time will tell.