Ajax’s unbeaten run in the Eredivisie came to a disappointing end on Saturday as they fell 2–0 at home to AZ Alkmaar, punished by two costly defensive mistakes in the first half.
The loss, their first of the league campaign after four consecutive away draws, leaves the Amsterdam side six points behind PSV and potentially nine adrift of leaders Feyenoord, should the Rotterdam club win on Saturday.
AZ’s victory, meanwhile, lifts them two points clear of their illustrious hosts.
Despite growing pressure, technical director Alex Kroes had publicly backed head coach John Heitinga last week, support that may now be put to the test, with daunting fixtures against Chelsea and FC Twente on the horizon.
Ajax started with intent, finding the net within 20 seconds after Wout Weghorst set up Kenneth Taylor, only for the effort to be ruled offside.
The hosts dominated possession early on but failed to carve out clear openings, undone time and again by misplaced passes and sloppy build-up play.
Their familiar frailty at set pieces resurfaced midway through the first half when goalkeeper Vítězslav Jaroš misjudged a curling corner, allowing Weslley Patati to nod AZ in front in the 25th minute.
Moments before the interval, Lucas Rosa’s reckless challenge handed the visitors a penalty, which Troy Parrott dispatched with confidence to make it 2–0.
Injuries again hampered Heitinga’s options, with Kasper Dolberg, Steven Berghuis, and Owen Wijndal unavailable, while Ko Itakura was only fit for the bench.
Seventeen-year-old Jorthy Mokio was handed a start in midfield and showed glimpses of talent despite some risky decisions, while Oscar Gloukh replaced skipper Davy Klaassen.
Even without key men Jordy Clasie and Mexx Meerdink, AZ looked comfortable after the break, weathering Ajax’s sterile pressure.
Frustration mounted in the stands when Heitinga substituted Gloukh in the 70th minute, drawing loud boos from the home crowd.
A potential late lifeline to, a Youri Baas strike,.was ruled out by VAR after Weghorst was caught elbowing Wouter Goes in the buildup.
The final whistle confirmed a sobering night in Amsterdam, leaving Ajax searching for answers as their early-season promise begins to unravel.
