Tolu Arokodare scores again but Ajax suffer PSV defeat

Tolu Arokodare maintained his outstanding scoring run by finding the net for Ajax in their 3-1 defeat by PSV Eindhoven, earning a 7.4 rating despite the Dutch club’s first Eredivisie loss of the season.

The 25-year-old Nigeria international has made an impressive start since joining Ajax on a season-long loan from English club Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window. The move was intended to help revive his career, and his latest performance provided further evidence of his return to form.

Ajax and PSV went into Saturday’s contest as two of the leading contenders for the title, with both clubs unbeaten after the opening rounds of the campaign. The match at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam was therefore expected to offer an early indication of the balance of power in the Eredivisie.

PSV made the faster start and went ahead in the fifth minute. Ricardo Pepi completed a move involving Ivan Perisic and Van Bommel, giving the visitors an early advantage.

PSV created further chances to extend their lead but were unable to take them. Ajax punished that lack of efficiency when Arokodare brought the home side level soon afterwards.

The Nigerian striker used his physical power to hold off his marker before showing composure in front of goal. He lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net to score his second Eredivisie goal of the season.

That goal also extended Arokodare’s personal run to four consecutive matches in which he has scored. His contribution was one of the few positive aspects of an otherwise disappointing afternoon for Ajax.

PSV regained the lead shortly before half-time, when Lutsharel Geertruida produced an outstanding finish that left Marc-Andre ter Stegen rooted to the spot.

Both teams continued to attack after the interval as they looked for the next decisive goal. Ajax could not find another equaliser, and PSV eventually settled the contest in stoppage time through Esmir Bajraktarevic.

The victory moved PSV to the top of the Eredivisie table after five matches. Ajax, meanwhile, dropped to fifth place on seven points and are now five points behind the leaders.

Arokodare’s individual display stood out despite the result. He was named in the starting line-up once again and completed 100% of his dribbles, while also winning four duels during his time on the pitch. He recorded 38 touches before being substituted around the half-hour mark.

Those figures, together with his goal and his work in the duel that created the equaliser, earned him a 7.4 rating from FotMob.

Arokodare will now hope his goalscoring form earns him a recall to the Super Eagles squad for Nigeria’s important AFCON 2027 qualifiers later this month. Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in those matches.

Ajax’s next opportunity to respond will come next weekend, when they host Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie. Arokodare will be aiming to continue his scoring streak and help Ajax recover from their defeat by PSV.