Ajax's win over PSV extends their lead to 5 points as they take a step closer to being crowned Eredivisie champions / Photo courtesy of Pupismyname
Before the weekend, Ajax led the battle for the title with a game in hand in front of PSV and Vitesse, while Feyenoord were 4 points behind. The match between Ajax and PSV was intriguing for the mere fact that a champion would emerge from the result given that only one team would escape with points.
Vitesse took on Roda on Saturday evening on a streak of 8 games without a loss. They took the lead in the first half with two well taken goals from Japan international Mike Havenaar. After returning from break, their star player Wilfried Bony headed in his 30th goal of the season while enhancing the lead to 3-0. The team from Arnhem had controlled the match thus far but after having Bony score it seems as if they took their foot off of the gas pedal and from that point on Roda were dictating everything. The team from southern Holland (Roda) were rewarded and converted a penalty in the 63rd minute and scored their second goal in the 70th. Roda maintained pressure on their opponents as Vitesse's strategy seemed to be, just to kick the ball out of the area. Roda continued to attack, having two disallowed goals, but finally finding the back of the net in the second minute of injury time. Vitesse did not have time to recover and even had a chance missed by Theo Janssen in the penalty area prior to conceding the 3rd goal. This drop of points was perceived as a detriment to Vitesse's title chances for this season.
Herenveen continue their fine form under manager Marco van Basten, winning through a brace from Icelandic striker Finnbogason. AZ also made headlines with their 6-0 win over Utrecht, who lost a player when rewarding both penalties. This result also saw their American striker, Jozy Altidore, recieve his 3rd hat-trick of the season. Fourth placed Feyenoord could have gained ground since Vitesse dropped point the day before but were unable to covet Pelle's early goal and settling for a draw at Waalwijk continuing in their current spot.
The match that drew lots of attenti0n to the Eredivisie is the Clasico between PSV and Ajax. This 1st versus 2nd derby would determine the champion because of the points at stake and, the best team tactically in the league. Neither team seemed to have full control of the match but Ajax gained the upper hand with a goal from Sigthorsson in the 33rd. Dutch international Jeremain Lens equalised just before the break. Eriksen gained revenge right after halftime when the PSV defense gave him too much space and he scored a wonderful goal. Eindhoven continued firing back and equalised again through Lens when he nailed home a rebound off the post from a Dries Mertens free kick. Frank de Boer, knowing a draw was not going to be sufficient, enhanced his attack in the 75th minute when he brought on forward Derk Boerrigter for defensive midfielder Christian Poulsen. After barely being on the pitch 2 minutes, Ajax gained possession and countered against an open PSV defense that left Boerrigter winning a wrestling match against defender Erik Pieters and shooting past goalkeeper Waterman, who was outside his box. There was clear miscommunication between the goalkeeper and his defender which found both of them arguing after the goal. Ajax went on to take the 3 points and possibly the title now that their lead has increased to 5 points. PSV also drop down to 3rd with Vitesse moving ahead into 2nd place. Things seem to be falling apart in Eindhoven after such a wonderful start they were able to enjoy.
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