Ajax suffer first defeat, lose top spot in Eredivisie to PSV

THE HAGUE, Sept. 18– Reigning Dutch champions Ajax lost 2-1 to AZ in Alkmaar on Sunday, while PSV took over first place in the Dutch Eredivisie with a 4-3 win over Feyenoord. Just before half-time Jens Odgaard put AZ in front, when he controlled a long ball from the back and beat goalkeeper Remko Pasveer. Thanks to goals by Feyenoord’s Oussama Idrissi, Danilo and Orkun…

THE HAGUE, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) — Reigning Dutch champions Ajax lost 2-1 to AZ in Alkmaar on Sunday, while PSV took over first place in the Dutch Eredivisie with a 4-3 win over Feyenoord.

Mohammed Kudus put Ajax in front, but Mees de Wit equalized after profiting from a mistake by Ajax defender Devyne Rensch. Just before half-time Jens Odgaard put AZ in front, when he controlled a long ball from the back and beat goalkeeper Remko Pasveer.

In the second half, Ajax had several chances to equalize but AZ goalkeeper Hobie Verhulst made some excellent saves and had a bit of luck. The result means Ajax suffered their first defeat of the season and AZ stay as the only undefeated team in the Dutch top flight.

Also on Sunday, PSV and Feyenoord treated the audience with a true spectacle of goals. Thanks to goals by Feyenoord’s Oussama Idrissi, Danilo and Orkun Kokcu and PSV’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Cody Gakpo and Guus Til, the match ebbed and flowed throughout.

In the 83rd minute, Armando Obispo headed home the winning goal from a cross by Gakpo. The win means PSV take over top spot in the Eredivisie from Ajax on goal difference. Both teams have 18 points after seven rounds. AZ are third with 17 points, followed by Feyenoord with 16 points. Enditem