PSV Eindhoven delivered a major statement in the early Eredivisie title race after beating Ajax 3-1 in Amsterdam on Saturday.
The defending champions made a flying start, taking the lead just five minutes into the match. Ivan Perisic sent a dangerous cross into the box, where Ruben van Bommel headed the ball across goal for Ricardo Pepi to finish with another header.
Ajax gradually grew into the contest and found an equaliser midway through the first half.
Tolu Arokodare used his strength to get past the PSV defence before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Matej Kovar for his second league goal of the campaign.
The hosts then enjoyed a strong spell and created several opportunities to complete the comeback.
Julian Brandt and Steven Berghuis, however, were unable to convert promising one-on-one chances, while Davy Klaassen also missed the target.
PSV regained the advantage in dramatic fashion just seconds before half-time.
Lutsharel Geertruida pounced on a loose ball following a corner and unleashed a powerful effort that flew into the top corner, leaving Marc-Andre ter Stegen with no chance.
Ajax made attacking changes after the restart, introducing Marcos Leonardo and Sofyan Amrabat in an attempt to turn the game around.
Viktor Tsygankov and young Abdellah Ouazane were also brought on, but PSV remained difficult to break down.
The second half became increasingly cagey, with PSV creating the better opportunities while Ajax struggled to produce clear openings.
Ouazane came closest for the home side in the 76th minute, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
PSV eventually sealed victory in stoppage time when Esmir Bajraktarevic cut inside and fired a low shot across goal and beyond ter Stegen.
The result handed Ajax their first defeat of the season and strengthened PSV’s position in the early title race. It was also PSV’s first victory away to Ajax since 2022.
PSV will now turn their attention to their Champions League opener against Shakhtar Donetsk next Thursday, while Ajax will look to bounce back when they travel to Fortuna Sittard.
