14 JAN 2021; FC Twente - Ajax; Match Day 16

[Orange14]

Yes the schedule is compressed and because the Dutch FA wanted to get supporters back into the stadiums, big matches were all scheduled for 2021 rather than a more orderly fixtures setting. Hence, Ajax play Twente for the second time in the league. Let us hope for a better result than the last time out!! I suspect Haller will start at striker.

EDIT: PSV lost at home to AZ. AZ played quite defensively when they went up 2-0 and spent most of the 2nd half defending. PSV got one back and the match was close to be tied but AZ held out with a 90th minute goal from Stengs. Ajax can open up some space on PSV with a win tomorrow.

[Tom_]

Definitely need to win this one to avoid giving Feyenoord the chance to overtake us on the weekend.

PSV lost to AZ, but since Feyenoord beat PEC they are in second place level on points with us. No one is going to catch us on GD so we are effectively 0.5 points ahead.

[Amol]

Starting 11 today -
Onana; Mazraoui, Timber, Blind, Tagliafico; Klaassen, Promes, Gravenberch; Antony, Haller, Tadic

Bench -
Stekelenburg, Kotarski, Schuurs, Alvarez, Klaiber, Huntelaar, Ekkelenkamp, Labyad, Martinez en Jensen

No Kudus today. Hopefully it's just to rest him so he can take bigger part against Feyenoord this weekend.

[Tom_]

That’s why it’s nice to have a true CF...!

[SPL]

Well taken goal by Haller and my feeling is we will score more and win.Good to see Timber start,I rate the guy and this does ask the question what is the purpose of Alvarez anymore.

[Orange14]

Onana with a couple of good saves. Some uncharacteristically poor play by Blind. We need a 2nd goal before I will feel comfortable. I hope Cerny did not seriously injure his knee.

[SPL]

Kudus is out as his knee had a slight reaction to Sunday and the club will take no chances.Doesn't sound serious but I dont see him on Sunday v Feyenoord. Still think we should sign Schone ,he is back in Holland and training with us.

[Tom_]

@SPL totally agree about Schöne. You could just drop him in for Klaassen or Promes in games like this.

Not enjoying all the wasted chances. Our defense is so shaky I can easily see Twente getting one or two.

[GangstaRiB]

What a game!!!

Twente equalizes in the 83rd.

Huntelaar comes in in the 87th and directly scores.
Huntelaar in the 88th, scores again!!

[Tom_]

SPL’s mate is not content to score with his first touch... he scores twice with his first two touches!

[SPL]

My most favourite player of the 21st century does what he does best. Huntelaar is magic . Surely he cannot go off to Schalke to end his career after tonight. If he does what a beautiful way to finish his Ajax career.

[kezme44]

haller did well to set up kjh and for once labyad did something useful. still, we made this game more difficult than it had to be

[SPL]

Labyad was ok but Ekkelenkamp ,oh dear he should not be at Ajax,time to loan him out or sell.

Haller looks like a decent buy and I thought Timber did ok but will await the expert ratings from Orange

[Orange14]

SPL must be smiling at the MOTM performance by Huntelaar who rescued a largely boring match with two goals in six minutes of play. I have to say not much more than average performances tonight but three points are welcomed. Fortunate also that Menig was caught offsides and the goal disallowed. Don't know what happened with Timber and I hope he's OK. Haller did a good job again with the opening goal and an assist on the match winner.

Player Ratings:

Onana (7) - had some tough saves to make and helpless on the goal
Tagliafico (6.5) - industrious on the left side going forward
Blind (6) - some poor passing and clearance, uncharacteristic
Timber (6) - OK and came off injured
Mazaoui (6.5) - fought hard and kept bouncing back each time he went down
Klaassen (6.5) - better game from him and had a crucial cross on the match winner
Gravenberch (6) - unlucky on the goal with a awkward chest and the slipping when he tried to recover
Promes (4) - had a golden opportunity to score and put it over the bar
Tadic (7) - solid match from the Captain
Haller (7) - came up big with the opening goal and then the assist to Huntelaar
Antony (6.5) -great assist on the first goal
Schuurs (6) - OK coming on for Timber
Ekklenkamp (5) - non factor with only one touch
Labyad (6) - decent enough as a sub
Huntelaar (7) - Two touches, two goals and won the match!

Sunday, the classic with Feyenoord with a day less rest.

[SPL]

Huntelaar may still leave to finish at Schalke but he wont go before Traore is fit. Maybe he will come on late v Feyenoord and get the winner!

Well I can dream!!

Yes very happy we won but extra pleased with KJH.

[Ayman]

Labyad was ok but Ekkelenkamp ,oh dear he should not be at Ajax,time to loan him out or sell.

Haller looks like a decent buy and I thought Timber did ok but will await the expert ratings from Orange

I agree, time to send Ekkelenkamp on loan to Twente Enschede, with an option to buy him, as for Labyad, he is only good on the Eredivisie level. The games in European competition is too much for him. I am pleased that Timber is available at the back, but disappointed that Martinez isn't playing much. As for the forward position. Huntelaar and Brobbey are likely to leave this month, then Ajax are left with Haller and Traore. I am happy with that. I would still like to see Schone back.

[SPL]

Agree with Ayman Martinez should get more playing time and if Schone comes back we can get rid of Alvarez on loan as I dont see anyone buying him at present.

[Manneken Pis]

Surely he cannot go off to Schalke to end his career after tonight.

He can, and I think he will. From Ajax's perspective, such a servant to the club should be granted his wish if he asks. Shalke is his other "lievelings club" and he's a cult figure there as much as in Amsterdam. It would be a fitting end if he saves them from relegation before retiring.