Analysis: why Ajax suffered counterattacks from FC Sion
Why it matters
Ajax's defeat against FC Sion highlights a defensive vulnerability that could negatively affect their progress in the season. The lack of attacking wingers has exposed the team to rapid counterattacks, a situation that Míchel must urgently address to improve defensive solidity. This match could be a wake-up call for the next matches, where Ajax will have to find solutions to avoid further unforeseen events.
Context
Ajax fielded a formation with attacking midfielders, which made the team vulnerable to Sion's counterattacks. Steven Berghuis, Julian Brandt and Oscar Gloukh played attacking roles, but their positioning compromised defensive stability, leading to two goals conceded in the first 18 minutes. This tactical choice by Míchel could be re-evaluated to ensure greater solidity in the future.
Key points
- Analysis: why Ajax suffered counterattacks from FC Sion.
- Ajax lost 2-4 against FC Sion, showing that the team is vulnerable on the counterattack due to the lack of attacking wingers.
- Analyse: waarom Ajax tegen FC Sion de ene na de andere counter weggaf.
Ajax were very vulnerable on the counterattack in the 2-4 defeat against FC Sion. Because a lack of attacking wingers has created big problems in the defensive phase.
To understand why Míchel is desperate to add two wingers to his squad, the away match against FC Sion is a perfect case to analyse. The Ajax coach has deployed three attacking midfielders in Switzerland: Steven Berghuis on the right, Julian Brandt as attacking midfielder and Oscar Gloukh on the left. This formation made Ajax particularly vulnerable to opposing counterattacks.
After the match, Sion coach Paolo Tramezzani said: "I told the boys that we had to be patient, because we had prepared the match to hit them on the counterattack." This was indeed Sion's strategy, which was spectacularly successful.
The first goal came in the fifth minute, when Sion stole the ball from Berghuis. The action continued with a long throw to the center forward Mambimbi, who overcame the connection with the other Ajax center back, Bassey, and scored.
The second goal came in the 18th minute and was very similar: Ajax lost the ball, this time following a pass from Gloukh. Sion restarted quickly, with another pass to their striker, this time to Karlen, who scored to make it 2-0.
After the 2-0, Sion dropped a lot, leaving Ajax with possession. At the end of the match, Wyscout data said that Ajax had 70% of ball possession, but created practically nothing dangerous. The goals came only thanks to free kicks: the 2-1 with a header from Bassey from a corner and the 2-2 with a penalty from Dusan Tadic.
But Sion continued to strike on the counterattack and scored two more goals in the second half, the third and fourth, both from Kalyan, both on the counterattack. The third goal came in the 60th minute, when Ajax attempted a flurry of substitutions, bringing on almost the entire bench, but as always they were exposed to counterattacks and Sion took advantage of it.
The last goal, the 4-2, came in the 82nd minute. Also in this case Ajax tried to push, but lost the ball and Sion started on the counterattack. This time the action was complex, with several passes, and Kalyan found himself free on the edge of the area, controlled and shot, beating goalkeeper Rulli.
What happens now
After this defeat, Ajax is expected to review their game strategy, especially in view of the next matches. Míchel could consider strengthening the squad with new wingers to improve the defensive phase and the balance of the team. The ability to adapt and respond to this situation will be crucial to their seasonal outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Ajax vs FC Sion match?
Ajax lost to FC Sion with a score of 2-4.
How did this defeat affect Ajax's standings?
The defeat highlighted Ajax's vulnerability, but specific context on the ranking is not provided in the article.
Who scored the goals for Ajax in the match against FC Sion?
Ajax scored a goal thanks to a header by Bassey from a set piece.
What is Ajax's next match after the match against FC Sion?
The article does not specify Ajax's next match.
What defensive problems did Ajax have during the match?
Ajax showed vulnerability on the counterattack due to the lack of attacking wingers.
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