John Heitinga’s challenges at Ajax deepened as his side were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw at Sparta Rotterdam on Thursday.
The former Liverpool assistant and Netherlands international has faced mounting criticism after a shaky start to the season, reaching a low point with last week’s 4-0 defeat at Olympique Marseille in the Europa League.
Heitinga made several lineup changes for the clash, handing Wout Weghorst a start in his first appearance since injury, which saw Oscar Gloukh drop to the bench.
In addition, 17-year-old Jorthy Mokio was deployed at left-back in place of the injured Owen Wijndal.
Sparta, who had conceded eight goals in their previous two matches, frustrated Ajax in the first half with disciplined defending.
Kenneth Taylor tested goalkeeper Joel Drommel in the tenth minute, but the hosts were largely on top in terms of organisation.
Ajax broke the deadlock when Wout Weghorst calmly finished in front of goal after Mika Godts received a perfectly timed pass from Youri Baas.
However, the lead was short-lived. Baas gave away a penalty before halftime, which Norwegian striker Tobias Lauritsen converted in added time to level the score.
After the interval, Sparta struck decisively. Mitchell van Bergen, who had yet to register a goal or assist this season, fired an unstoppable shot past Viteszlav Jaros in the 52nd minute.
Joshua Kitolano then doubled Sparta’s advantage, slotting the ball into the far corner after being left unmarked on the edge of Ajax’s box.
Ajax found themselves struggling to create clear opportunities until Wout Weghorst curled in a brilliant effort in the 72nd minute to halve the deficit.
Late heroics came from substitute Oscar Gloukh, who converted a cross from Anton Gaaei in the 97th minute to rescue a point for the visitors.
While Ajax left Sparta with a share of the spoils, the performance has only intensified scrutiny on Heitinga.
With the international break offering little respite, he faces a crucial test when AZ visit Amsterdam on Saturday, October 18th.
