Arokodare scores again but Ajax lose 3-1 to PSV in Eredivisie clash

Tolu Arokodare scored for a fourth consecutive match for Ajax, but his equaliser was not enough as PSV Eindhoven won 3-1 in the first major “topper” of the 2026/27 Eredivisie season.

The Nigeria forward, who is on loan at Ajax from Wolverhampton Wanderers, cancelled out Ricardo Pepi’s early opener with a composed low finish in the 23rd minute. His right-footed effort took a slight bounce before finding the far corner, briefly raising hopes of a comeback at the Johan Cruyff ArenA.

PSV, however, regained the lead just before half-time and added a third late on to claim all three points. Lutsharel Geertruida marked his PSV debut by volleying the reigning Dutch champions back in front during first-half stoppage time, while Esmir Bajraktarevic completed the scoring in the 92nd minute.

The defeat extended Ajax’s difficult home league run, with the Amsterdam club now without a victory in five matches on their own ground.

PSV made the stronger start when Pepi headed in during the fourth minute. The goal followed Ivan Perisic’s deep cross, which Ruben van Bommel helped into the path of the United States forward with a headed knockdown.

Ajax responded through Arokodare, whose latest goal continued an impressive personal start to life in the Netherlands. The hosts then had two clear opportunities to move in front before Geertruida’s finish from a corner gave PSV the advantage again.

Ajax controlled more of the second half and ended the match with 19 attempts to PSV’s 13. But Peter Bosz’s side were more effective when attacking on the break and held on to secure the away victory.

Arokodare was substituted in the 61st minute. His form has been one of the more positive features of Ajax’s inconsistent opening to the campaign, with five goals already this season strengthening the argument for a return to the Nigeria squad.

The 25-year-old last represented Nigeria in November 2025, when he featured in a World Cup play-off against the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was not included in the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

PSV move to the top of the Eredivisie table after five matches. Ajax have played one game fewer, but are already six points behind the defending champions.

For Arokodare, the match brought another notable individual achievement in a losing cause. His clinical finish restored parity at the ArenA, but it could not prevent PSV from taking the points in the opening headline fixture of the new Eredivisie season.