15 DEC 2018; Ajax - de Graafschap; Match Day 16

[Orange14]

After a thrilling CL match yesterday, Ajax return to league action on Sunday hosting de Graafschap. Two points behind PSV who travel to Heracles in what could be a tricky fixture, Ajax need to retain focus. A cup match against Roda takes place mid-week with an away trip to always difficult (for Ajax) Utrecht to close out the first half of the season.

[Tom_]

IIRC the last time Ajax played de Graafschap was the final day 1–1 that allowed PSV to steal the title?

It won’t make up for it, but I think a nice 10–0 is in order.

[Cruijff]

IIRC the last time Ajax played de Graafschap was the final day 1–1 that allowed PSV to steal the title?

Yes, that was a terrible season ending in 2016. De Graafschap went down to the Jupiler League via the play-offs during that same spring, so this Sunday is the first match between us and them since then.

This season the match in Doetinchem has been scheduled in round 33, so again a potential game with the league title to play for when Ajax plays the away game.

[rjf1]

Heracles gave us no help, so another critical game we need to win if we want to stay in contention. Think of it -- all we need to do is win all of our remaining games (I know, I know), and the title is ours.

[SPL]

Dolberg starts and Schone with Neres on the bench

[rjf1]

Finally! When I saw the pass go through I was hoping it was Tadic getting it -- what a shot!

[SPL]

2 great goals but what a shot by Mazraoui

[rjf1]

VdB gets the ball in the box - a 'no look' back pass for Mazroui to run onto -- bang into the net. 2-0

[rjf1]

Tadic makes a long cross into the box to a waiting Ziyech who calmly taps it out of the air and into the net. 3-0

[Orange14]

Training ground football and Ajax could have had 4-5 more goals. de Graafschap are quite poor and the keeper will have more shots at him in the 2nd half.

[SPL]

3-0 and should have been maybe 5 or 6 . They did catch us once on the counter but luckily it was not a quality striker as Onana saved easily.

We really should just keep playing like this and get a hugh score.

[Ayman]

3-0 and should have been maybe 5 or 6 . They did catch us once on the counter but luckily it was not a quality striker as Onana saved easily.

We really should just keep playing like this and get a hugh score.

Remember when 3-0 at halftime was normal? Props to ten Hag for bringing back a glimpse of the good old days, and knowing what might be

[Amol]

That is so true - Ten Hag has brought back the fun. Up 3-0 on three very well taken goals.

Lets start getting some subs in getting some players some rest.

[Amol]

Tadic subbed off for the first time this season as far as I remember. Great move - get some rest Dusan.

Kristensen on for Nous.

[SPL]

Wow Ziyech no 4

[SPL]

Daley no 5 was even better

[rjf1]

Ziyech gets the ball outside the the right side of the top of the box -- sets it up for his favorite left footed shot and puts it past the keeper so fast that he doesn't even move. And then, Blind matches him from the left side with a screamer of his own. 5-0

[SPL]

Ziyech repeats the 4th goal with that shot for no 6. lets get 10

[Ayman]

3 more goals and we Equal PSV Eindhoven for and against difference

[rjf1]

Ziyech with another leftie into the lower right hand corner. 6-0 Somebody call the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Footballers and take Graafschap out of their misery.

[Amol]

7-0!! Lets get to 10. Sinkgraven on for Ziyech.

Great use of subs by Ten Hag.

[SPL]

7-0 this is just wonderful

[rjf1]

Corner comes in ankle high from the right -- Blind volleys it in from in close. 7-0

[rjf1]

Hat trick Blind!!!!!

[SPL]

Oranje needs to just give every player a 10. I finished reading Johan Cruyff's Book My Turn this morning and he finished with his idea of football . Well appropriately Ajax today showed us and the great man would have loved every second just like all of us. Yes I know it was only de Graafschap but who cares.