Ajax's 2023 Season: A Detailed Look At The Nine Points That Cost Them The League

6 min read Post on May 28, 2025

Ajax's 2023 Season: A Detailed Look At The Nine Points That Cost Them The League

The Draw Against FC Volendam (Game 1): A Costly Start

The season began with a concerning draw against FC Volendam. This unexpected stumble set a negative tone that lingered throughout the campaign.

Missed Opportunities: Ajax dominated possession but lacked clinical finishing. Key missed chances included a one-on-one opportunity squandered by Mohammed Kudus and a header narrowly wide from Brian Brobbey. The lack of a cutting edge upfront was evident from the start of the Ajax 2023 season.
Tactical Flaws: Manager John Heitinga's decision to deploy a high-pressing system seemed to leave Ajax vulnerable to counter-attacks, contributing to a less-than-convincing performance. The midfield struggled to control the tempo, allowing Volendam to remain competitive.
Impact on Season: This early dropped point proved psychologically damaging. The pressure mounted, and the team seemed to struggle to regain momentum throughout the season. The team's confidence took an early hit, a pattern that repeated throughout the Ajax 2023 season.

The Defeat to Feyenoord (Game 2): A Defining Moment

The defeat to Feyenoord was a turning point. It highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and exposed a lack of composure in crucial moments.

Key Moments: Feyenoord's opening goal, a deflected shot from distance, exposed Ajax's shaky defense. Ajax's failure to capitalize on their own counter-attacks, particularly a missed penalty by Dusan Tadić, further compounded their problems. The Ajax 2023 season's problems were clearly visible here.
Shift in Momentum: This loss significantly shifted the momentum in Feyenoord's favor. They gained confidence, while Ajax struggled to recover from the blow. The psychological impact of this defeat was substantial.
Impact on Confidence: The loss severely damaged player morale and team confidence. The team's body language in subsequent matches reflected this loss of belief. The weight of expectation and the pressure to win the league title became increasingly apparent throughout the Ajax 2023 season.

The Draw Against PSV Eindhoven (Game 3): A Point Lost in a High-Stakes Match

The draw against PSV Eindhoven in a highly anticipated clash was another missed opportunity. This was a game Ajax should have won to stay in contention early in the Ajax 2023 season.

Tight Match Analysis: The game was evenly contested, with both teams creating chances. However, key moments, like a controversial refereeing decision and a last-minute goal-line clearance, swung the game away from Ajax.
Missed Chances: Several clear-cut opportunities were spurned by Ajax attackers. These missed chances ultimately cost them the three crucial points needed to maintain early season momentum.
Consequences: This draw significantly reduced Ajax's title chances, placing them further behind Feyenoord in the league standings. The early season stumble set a concerning precedent for the remainder of the Ajax 2023 season.

Three Further Draws Against Mid-Table Opposition (Games 4-6): Consistency Issues

Three draws against mid-table opponents (e.g., Go Ahead Eagles, FC Emmen, RKC Waalwijk) exposed Ajax's inconsistency.

Analysis of Games: These games highlighted recurring themes: a lack of attacking efficiency, defensive lapses, and poor finishing, particularly concerning for the Ajax 2023 season.
Lack of Clinical Edge: Ajax failed to convert numerous chances against these teams, underlining their lack of a clinical edge. The team repeatedly spurned opportunities, contributing to several dropped points that hampered their overall league standing.
Impact on Table Position: These draws contributed to a gradual slippage down the league table, widening the gap to the top of the table. The inability to secure victories against ostensibly weaker opponents became a major factor in the failed Ajax 2023 season.

The Defeat to AZ Alkmaar (Game 7): A Shattered Hope

The defeat to AZ Alkmaar was a devastating blow to Ajax's title hopes.

Match Breakdown: AZ's superior pressing and tactical awareness exposed Ajax's defensive weaknesses. The team appeared disorganized and lacked the energy to overcome their opponents.
Defensive Vulnerability: Defensive errors, including a costly mistake by the Ajax goalkeeper, led directly to AZ's goals. The fragility of the defense proved to be a consistent theme throughout the Ajax 2023 season.
Consequences: This defeat significantly hampered Ajax's title aspirations, placing them even further behind Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven in the league standings. The weight of expectation and the pressure to secure victories became insurmountable for the Ajax 2023 season.

The Draw Against FC Utrecht (Game 8): Another Crucial Point Missed

The draw against FC Utrecht was another crucial point lost, further diminishing Ajax's chances of winning the Eredivisie.

Game Recap: Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Ajax lacked the cutting edge to break down Utrecht's stubborn defense. The game ended in a frustrating draw, once again showing the issues of the Ajax 2023 season.
Missed Opportunities: Numerous clear-cut scoring opportunities went begging, highlighting the lack of clinical finishing that plagued Ajax throughout the season.
Closing the Gap Failure: The draw prevented Ajax from closing the gap on their rivals, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the remaining fixtures. The pressure to win became overwhelming, showcasing the struggles of the Ajax 2023 season.

The Draw Against Sparta Rotterdam (Game 9): A Late-Season Blow

The draw against Sparta Rotterdam was the final nail in the coffin for Ajax's title ambitions.

Underperformance: Ajax's performance was lackluster, failing to match the intensity and determination expected from a team vying for the title. The team played without the usual commitment and precision, a pattern of the failing Ajax 2023 season.
Lack of Intensity: A visible lack of intensity and drive from the players was evident throughout the match, highlighting a mental fatigue or a lack of team spirit. The underperformance was evident throughout the Ajax 2023 season.
Final Nail in the Coffin: This draw effectively ended Ajax's title hopes, leaving them to reflect on a disappointing season. The result was the last straw for the struggles of the Ajax 2023 season.

Conclusion:

This analysis of Ajax's 2023 season reveals that nine crucial points, dropped across several key matches, ultimately cost them the Eredivisie title. From early season setbacks against Volendam and Feyenoord to inconsistent performances and crucial draws against mid-table opposition, the missed opportunities highlighted a need for improved consistency and clinical finishing. Analyzing these individual games sheds light on areas that need improvement, both tactically and in terms of squad depth and player performance. Understanding these shortcomings is crucial for Ajax to strategize for a stronger title challenge in the next season. To learn more about the intricacies of these games and their impact on the Ajax 2023 season, continue exploring detailed match reports and analysis online. Don't miss out on future analyses of the Ajax 2023 season – stay informed and follow our coverage for the latest insights!