Jordan Henderson’s Ajax choke away title after 99th-minute equaliser – having needed just six points from five games
JORDAN HENDERSON is set to miss out on the Eredivisie title after Ajax suffered the ultimate choke.
The Dutch giants saw victory against Groningen snatched away in the 99th-minute.
Ajax had taken the lead through Anton Gaaei but were pegged back by Thom van Bergen in the second half.
Former Manchester United and Burnley striker Wout Weghorst would have thought his 68th-minute goal was going to be enough for a vital three points.
But it was the ten men of the hosts that struck the heartbreaking goal through Thijmen Blokzijl in the dying seconds of added time.
The result sees Ajax fall to second place and one point behind title rivals PSV.
Henderson and co were the favourites for their 37th title with just five games left of the season.
Ajax needed to pick up just six points to be confirmed as league champions.
However, they have stumbled to defeats against Utrecht and NEC as well as a draw with NEC and Groningen before the final game of the season.
Peter Bosz’s side took full advantage of Ajax’s slips to eradicate the nine-point gap, having won their previous six matches.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
This means that with one game to go, the title is PSV’s to throw away.
PSV face 11th-placed Sparta Rotterdam while Ajax will take on FC Twente.
Ajax will have to win and hope PSV slip up as their goal difference is significantly worse.
After Blokzijl’s last-gasp goal fans on social media were left stunned by Ajax’s drop off.
One posted: “How does Ajax give away a 9-point lead in 4 games? I have no words for it.”
A second wrote: “Ajax have bottled it what is happening in the Netherlands.”
A third commented: “In rap battles, we call that choking.”
A fourth said: “How did Ajax bottle the league title?”
Another added: “As a fan, my head would be on Pluto until the last games bc HOW?”
Footage was captured from the PSV game of the club’s supporters and coaches waiting to hear the result of the Ajax match.
Many appeared stressed and expecting the Amsterdam-based club to win but were quickly overjoyed when the late goal went in.
PSV were beaten by Ajax 2-0 on March 30, which left the now favourites with just a one per cent chance of winning the league.
Before last night’s drama, Opta could barely split the two sides, with Ajax being given a 50.1 per cent chance of landing the title.
Whereas PSV were ranked with a 49.9 per cent chance of toppling Ajax.
After the games, this has shifted dramatically in PSV’s favour who now have an 81.2 per cent chance of being named champions.
However, the race is not fully over as Ajax manager Francesco Farioli issued a rallying call.
He said: “It’s never easy to speak after conceding a last-minute equaliser.
“It’s not over yet. We’ve got one more match to play: let’s go.
“We gave it our all, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Still, football teaches us that anything can happen.”
Henderson, 34, joined Ajax back in January 2024 after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
He has been given the captain’s armband but is yet to lift a trophy with the club.
How the tables have turned
Here is how Ajax's horrific form has changed the table...
Eredivisie table on April 27:
1. Ajax – 74 pts (+40 GD)
2. PSV – 67 pts (+55 GD)
Eredivisie table on May 15:
1. PSV – 76 pts (+62 GD)
2. Ajax – 75 pts (+33 GD)