Ajax’s tactical plan worked early but late lapses hand PSV advantage in title race

Brandt’s influence key, but Ajax faltered after half-time

Ajax produced a tactical variation that paid dividends early against PSV Eindhoven, yet the Amsterdam side could not maintain the intensity and were defeated late as PSV secured a 3-1 victory. The game underlined both the potential in Ajax’s new-look squad and the transitional challenges the club faces as many recent signings adapt to a new system.

Julian Brandt, the German midfielder who arrived on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund this summer, stood out once again. Analysts noted how Brandt’s positioning and passing repeatedly sought out striker Tolu Arokodare in Ajax’s build-up play, helping the hosts to regain an early foothold after falling behind.

"By constantly looking for Tolu in the build-up, Ajax really got into their stride. They had trained on that all week. It worked very well," Sutorius said. "It was a masterclass from Brandt, how he found the spaces between PSV's triangle of Kodai Sano, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Armando Obispo."

That plan produced a bright moment when Arokodare converted to level the match — his fifth goal of the season — signalling that parts of Ajax’s preparation had been effective. But the promising pattern did not persist beyond the interval; PSV restored their lead on the stroke of half-time through Lutsharel Geertruida, and Ajax failed to fashion a single big chance in the second half.

Second-half drop-off and late winner

The contrast between halves was stark. While Ajax managed a fairly decent first 45 minutes overall, the team’s performance diminished after the break. Minutes of observation after the match noted the absence of high-quality chances for Ajax in the second period and a growing inability to penetrate PSV’s defensive shape.

In stoppage time, Esmir Bajraktarević struck to seal the victory for PSV, turning what had been a competitive fixture into a decisive three points for the visitors. The result gives PSV an early advantage in the Eredivisie title race, though commentators still regard Ajax capable of mounting a chase as the season progresses.

New signings adapting to Michel’s plans

Ajax’s summer recruitment produced a host of fresh faces, and several of those players are still settling in. That process of familiarity with manager John van ’t Schip’s (Michel — as referenced in analysis) tactical instructions was cited as a factor in inconsistent team performances. Among the newcomers:

• Marcos Leonardo — showing positive signs but lacking confidence;
• Sofyan Amrabat, Thilo Kehrer, and Viktor Tsyhankov — all made debuts in the match and will require time to fully integrate;
• Julian Brandt — already making a positive start, contributing goals and creative play.

Observers suggested that Tsyhankov may adapt more quickly given prior familiarity with the coach's approach, but cautioned that full cohesion will take time as tactical subtleties are absorbed and match sharpness improves.

For Ajax fans — including those following the club from Ontario — the match offered both hope and frustration. The tactical training that emphasised Brandt’s interplay with Arokodare was shown to be effective in practice, but PSV’s adjustments and Ajax’s inability to sustain the approach after the break exposed gaps.

Looking ahead, Ajax will need to convert promising tactical ideas into 90-minute performances. The club’s recruitment appears to have bolstered quality and depth, yet integrating multiple newcomers while remaining competitive against well-drilled rivals such as PSV will be the defining challenge of the early season.

Whether Ajax can close the gap in the title race depends on consistency, the speed of adaptation by the summer signings, and the team’s ability to maintain the high-level tactical executions that were visible at times in this fixture.