AFC Ajax 0-1 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Champions League 2019-20 

A late strike from Michy Batshuayi handed Chelsea all the three points as they pipped AFC Ajax on their own turf to record their sixth win in a row in all competitions.

In what transpired as a nail-biting, open contest between two stellar sides, the Blues held on away from home and controlled the pace of play better in the second half; much to the frustration of the home supporters.

Against a pacy Ajax side, they did well to hold on, soak the pressure and eventually, score a late winner in the 86th minute to take home all three points.

With this, Chelsea also extended their spotless unbeaten run in Europe, which dates all the way back to March 2018 - when they lost 3-0 to Barcelona.

On that note, we look at the major talking points from Chelsea's brilliant away victory at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

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#1 Both sides opted for different approaches but neither opened the scoring

An end-to-end first half finished goalless despite promising moments for both sides

Ahead of the fixture, we knew well enough that two fearless, free-spirited sides would go toe-to-toe in a potential enthralling encounter. Well, the first half was extremely tense, but neither outfit threatened directly.

Ajax held the narrow upper edge over the Blues in terms of possession and its recycling, but fair to say, Frank Lampard's men could have been in front as well.

They both relied on their respective counter-attacking prowess, but while Ajax believed in interchanging individual positions to cause a bit of uncertainty and confusion among the Chelsea defenders, the away side looked to flood more crosses in.

It's understandable since the likes of Daley Blind and Joel Veltman are not the most frightening in terms of their physical frame. Beating and outnumbering Chelsea in central midfield, causing Jorginho to pull wider off his central position was meanwhile, Ajax's idea to the game.

Having broken down a few tactics, it's fair to say that neither side made the most of what they carved in front of goal.

#2 VAR intervention for Promes' goal proves its brighter side

The VAR has drawn mixed reviews since its inception

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been subject to mixed criticism since its introduction to European football. While it has purified a few fundamentals and added an extra dimension to the naked eye, it's received major scorn for interrupting the flow of the game and often, awarding the benefit of the doubt to the on-field referee.

Ajax's sustained pressure and possession momentarily paid off when Hakim Ziyech's floated delivery into a dangerous area down the far post ended up into the back of the net through a stab from Quincy Promes.

However, the goal was disallowed as the winger was, by the finest of margins, deemed offside. Now, that is where the VAR comes handy. In absolutely no way could the referee or his assistant have protracted those angles out with their bare vision.

When there's an involvement of a hand in the course of a goal, VAR rules it out, regardless of whether it's voluntary or not. That too, is a fine asset in the handbook of the digitization of the football referee.

VAR is sure to remain subjective for a variety of arguments, but in tight moments such as these, one could hardly argue against its models.

#3 Chelsea's sloppiness at the back

AFC Ajax's wingers utilized Chelsea's vulnerability to crosses

Since the start of the season, Chelsea have had a huge share of problems in defending crosses, especially with set pieces.

As the second half wore on, these issues rose to the surface, starting with Marcos Alonso losing out to Dusan Tadic in a dangerous position. The biggest chance of the half fell to Alvarez, who struck the outside of the post with his header.

It was a fine delivery from Promes, but Chelsea should have won the first ball and dealt with it on the far post all day long. Kepa was clearly beaten, and somehow, Ajax couldn't open their account.

Ever since, the Dutch giants opted to deliver the ball in front and not around the Chelsea centre-halves. Just about until the 65th minute or so, they enjoyed a serious spell when it looked like they could break the deadlock.

Chelsea though controlled the game just a little better in the second 45 minutes. They too scuffed a couple of vital chances, where the final ball was all that was needed to cut open Ajax's defence.

#4 Lampard's super subs work the opening goal

Michy Batshuayi ballooned a golden opportunity in the 73rd minute, but netted moments later!

Both sides had their fair share of encouraging chances, but neither managed to capitalize until Batshuayi's opener.

Willian struggled on an evening where he was quickly closed down, disallowed to interplay or breakthrough. The same goes with Callum Hudson-Odoi, about whom we'll discuss a little later.

Lampard decided to bring on Christian Pulisic and Michy Batshuayi as his final throw of the dice. It was the same combination that resulted in a beautifully crafted fourth goal at Southampton three weeks prior to this fixture.

The duo almost got to work immediately, with Pulisic in particular making an instant impact after coming on. His blocked effort fell kindly to Batshuayi, who should have buried it. Instead, the Belgian skied a shot that he couldn't quite get on the half-volley.

Pulisic wriggled past a couple of chances and found the substitute striker perfectly. Batshuayi did not require another invitation, as a lofted strike to the top corner left Onana helpless.

#5 Callum Hudson-Odoi needs to add a few more dimensions to his game

Callum Hudson-Odoi faded after the opening stages of the game

The Blues have displayed various levels of their abilities this season. They've won in the hard way, learnt from mistakes, swept aside teams, scooped victories out and as today's victory highlighted, showed that they have it in them to absorb the intensity of a tough away fixture.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, ever since returning, has been a fabulous performer for Lampard. He's been among the goals in every single match since taking to the field again but blanked this time around.

He's got immaculate potential, and there's no doubt that the young Englishman is a generational talent. The 18-year-old is smart, creative and innovative in every aspect with the ball. Tactically as well, he seems to be developing into a feared winger game by game.

However, he had to do much, much better in the final third against Ajax. Of course, the youngster can be excused for a rare blip, but that is what separates the other youngsters from the Sancho's and the Mbappe's.

Hudson-Odoi began the game on the front foot but failed to produce a telling pass despite occupying the best of positions down the left-wing. More often than not, he was set free in a one-versus-one scenario, but not once could he pick the right pass.

He'll learn in the years to come, but in order to reach the top from a tender age, he has to develop a key aspect of world-class football - decision-making.