Just a week ago Ajax were too much for Fortuna Sittard, beating them 4-0. Sunday evening was a lot more tricky against FC Emmen, but John Heitinga's team never really faced any major problems.
The seal was broken after just over twenty minutes with a set piece from the Mexicans. A corner from Ajax put the ball right in front of FC Emmen's goal. Edson Álvarez could have tipped it towards the Drenthe net, but saw that his countryman Sánchez was in an even better position. He slid it in to make it 1-0.
Suspended
Some minutes later, Álvarez was once again in the spotlight, but unfortunately not in a good way. The midfielder got himself a yellow card after a minor foul in midfield. That black mark earned him an automatic suspension from next Sunday's match against PSV.
Ajax put themselves further ahead before half-time following a great set piece between Sánchez and Bergwijn. A cross from the Mexican player was no problem for the forward to tap into the net, bringing home his eleventh league goal.
Sadly, being 2-0 up was not safe enough for Ajax in the second half. FC Emmen actually got the catch-up goal via Jeremy Antonisse. Although Ajax did not exactly excel at home, as said, they didn't really run into any problems against the Eredivisie's sixteenth-place team.
About ten minutes before the final whistle, captain Tadic put an end to any doubt by triumphing in a one-on-one against FC Emmen goalkeeper Mickey van der Hart: 3-1. He put the final score on the board.
Farewell to Haller
Incidentally, Ajax officially said goodbye to Sébastien Haller Sunday evening. The striker for Ivory Coast sealed the transfer to Borussia Dortmund last summer. In front of more than fifty thousand Ajax supporters, he got a standing ovation and was clearly moved. “This is a wonderful present from the fans and the club,” he said.
Ajax - FC Emmen 3-1 (2-0)
22. Sánchez 1-0
37. Bergwijn 2-0
59. Antonisse 2-1
80. Tadic 3-1
Ajax: Rulli, Sánchez (89. Regeer), Timber, Álvarez, Hato (72. Baas), Klaassen (89. Vos), Grillitsch, Taylor (72. Conceição), Berghuis, Tadic, Bergwijn (61. Brobbey)
