Goals from Jorthy Mokio, Rayane Bounida, and Mika Godts secured Ajax a comfortable win against Fortuna Sittard and launched them into third in the Eredivisie, level on points with Feyenoord in second.
Story of the match
Unbeaten in the Eredivisie since November and unbeaten against Fortuna Sittard for 26 years, Ajax welcomed the visitors to the Johan Cruyff Arena this evening looking for a win to lift themselves into third. For Sittard, they were looking to extend their seven-point buffer to NAC Breda in the relegation zone. Whilst love was in the air before kick-off, the game started with tears. In just the second minute, Oleksandr Zinchenko, on loan from Arsenal, was clattered from behind by Dimitrios Limnios, bringing his home debut to a swift and painful end. Zinchenko looked to have turned his ankle, but as he hobbled down the steps to the changing rooms, he turned to see his new side take the lead.
A free-kick from the left wasn’t cleared, and a header from Kasper Dolberg fell to 17-year-old, Jorthy Mokio, who made no mistake from 12 yards for his first goal of the season. Ajax doubled their lead in the 14th minute. Rayane Bounida drifted in from the right, walked through the Sittard defence, and calmly slide the ball past Luuk Koopmans into the bottom right corner.
It was 2-0 and all too easy for Ajax. Yet, Sittard did have their chances. Less than a minute later, Sittard nearly halved the deficit, but a crucial last-ditch tackle by Mokio denied Kaj Sierhuis 10 yards out. It was a brief respite for the Sittard defence.
Ajax were 3-0 up in the 24th minute as Mika Godts scored his 11th of the season with a lovely curling effort from 18 yards. Bounida nearly had his second and Ajax’s fourth in the 37th minute, but Koopmans did well to block the winger’s shot from seven yards.
Against the run of play, Sittard found a glimmer of hope on the stroke of half-time. Limnios brought down a long ball over the top of the Ajax defence with a delightful touch, and his cross was deflected into the Ajax net by Josip Sutalo.
The second half started much like the first. In the 46th minute, Dolberg’s header struck the post from six yards. The hosts had numerous chances to extend their lead, but were wasteful, almost arrogant in front of goal. They nearly paid for their relaxed approach in the 80th minute, but somehow, Sierhuis missed an open goal from four yards.
It sparked Ajax back into life and they eventually had their fourth and final goal in the 80th minute, as Godt drilled the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. It was the cherry on top of a comfortable victory for Ajax that lifts them into third.
For Sittard, they are still looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone. On today’s performance, they should be very concerned.
Ajax:
Ajax lineup (4-3-3):
Jaros (6) The former Notts County and Stockport County goalkeeper was a spectator for much of the game, but commanded his box well when required. He will be disappointed to concede, but could do nothing to prevent the own goal.
Rosa (6)
Dolberg (8) The Danish forward will be disappointed to have not capitalised on a weak Sittard defence, but his movement and aerial ability were superb this evening. Tonight, he was goalless, but he led the line selflessly and was a key component in a comfortable Ajax win.
Godts (9) At 20-years-old, Godts has a long and successful career ahead of him. The Belgian has taken the Eredivisie by storm and is already drawing interest across Europe. Tonight will only have enhanced his reputation as he bagged his 11th and 12th league goals of the season with two spectacular efforts.
Baas (6)
Klaassen (7)
Mokio (9) Ajax can be very proud of their youth products, and they have developed another gem in Mokio. His performance will be remembered for his calm finish in the fifth minute, but his defensive display, in particular his sliding tackle on Sierhuis from behind, was exceptional.
Sutalo (5) An own goal to his name and the only Ajax player not to cover himself in glory tonight. He was caught out of position and Limnios capitalised on the error to give Sittard a glimmer of hope.
Bounida (6)
Zinchenko (6) The only sad note on a joyous night for Ajax. The former Manchester City defender looked in agony as the stretcher was brought onto the pitch in just the second minute of his home debut. On his night, the Ukrainian is one of the best wing-backs in football, and hopefully his injury is not as serious as it looked.
Steur (6)
Substitutes:
Heerkens,
Paes,
Gaaei,
Wijndal (6)
Gloukh (6)
Edvardsen,
Berghuis,
Weghorst (6)
Fitz-Jim (6)
Bouwman (6)
Tomiyasu.
Fortuna Sittard:
Fortuna Sittard lineup (4-2-3-1)
Koopmans (4) Whilst he could do nothing about his defence’s absence in front of him, Koopmans failed to cover himself in glory as shots flew past him with ease. The 32-year-old was glued to his line and was a passive observer for most of the game.
Sierhuis (3) He will be having nightmares tonight about his glaring miss in the 80th minute. It would have stimulated an intriguing finish and an unlikely comeback. Instead, Ajax moved three goals ahead, fewer than 60 seconds later.
Pinto (5)
Limnios (6) The only highlight of Sittard’s performance. In the 45th minute, he brought down a long ball with a delicate touch and took it in his stride. It was a spectacular moment of skill, and his cross into the box for the goal was of equal quality. Unfortunately, it was all Sittard had to sing and dance about.
Michut (5)
Kasanwirjo (5) It was a torrid afternoon for both fullbacks at Sittard, but at least Kasanwirjo showed some determination to stem the tide. A sliding tackle on Dolberg at the end of the first half prevented an Ajax fourth and was his only highlight of the 90 minutes.
Bittijn (5)
Hubner (5)
Marquez (5)
Ihattaren (5)
Duijvestijn (5)
Substitutions:
Adewoye (6)
Oukili (6)
van Ottele,
Peterson (5)
Dahlhaus (5)
Halilović
Gladon (5)
Martens
Marsman
Schenkhuizen
Gbemou
Player of the Match: Jorthy Mokio
There aren’t too many that overshadow Godts, but Jorthy Mokio is a name worth remembering. With a goal, assist, and brilliant defensive performance to his name, Mokio was faultless. As a holding midfielder, he dictated the tempo of the game and showed maturity well beyond his 17 years. It is a young Ajax team, but if they can keep hold of this squad, the Amsterdam club have a very bright future. Mokio and Godts will be at the centre of it.
GBeNeFN | Oscar O’Mara
