How did ten-man Ajax beat PSV and stay in the title race?

Ajax and PSV Eindhoven have been battling each other for the Eredivisie top spot throughout the season, so this game was one of great importance for both teams. When it comes to their form leading up to this game, PSV have been slightly more consistent having lost just once in 26 games. Meanwhile Ajax, probably because of their Champions League efforts, have suffered four defeats which let their rivals go five points clear at the top.

Ajax desperately needed to win the derby, otherwise they risked staying out of the title race, while PSV had the pressure of holding on to first place. In a game full of challenges for both sides, Erik ten Hag managed to switch between formations and get the best out of his 10-man team (due to Mazraoui seeing red) and celebrate a 3-1 win over the Eindhoven side.

Although PSV stayed strong until the end, a series of individual mistakes was the reason behind their hesitant performance. But let’s see how both managers tried to outplay each other in what turned to be one of the most important games this season.

Lineups

Erik ten Hag chose a 4-1-2-3 formation initially but little did he know that he would be forced to switch to a couple of different ones to be able to keep a positive result. In front of André Onana was the four-man defence including Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Daley Blind and Nicolás Tagliafico. As per usual, the midfield was formed by Frenkie de Jong, Donny van de Beek and Lasse Schöne. Up front, Erik den Tag relied on Dušan Tadić at the tip of the attack and Hakim Ziyech and David Neres on the right and left wings respectively.

There weren’t any surprises in Mark van Bommel choosing a 4-2-3-1 scheme. Jeroen Zoet was the keeper with Denzel Dumfries, Daniel Schwaab, Nick Viergever and Angeliño protecting him. Pablo Rosario and Jorrit Hendrix were positioned at the base of the midfield, whilst Michal Sadílek was operating in front of them. Steven Bergwijn and Hirving Lozano were positioned on the sides, while Luuk de Jong was used as the lone striker.