A Positive First Leg: 2-1 Win Away

By: Matt | May 2nd, 2008

Heitinga Stekelenburg So I predicted a bit of a goal-fest and was wrong, but it could have easily been one. Ajax had plenty of chances and thoroughly dominated the match. If Heitinga were an inch taller, or if he were slightly better in the air (He’s all yours, Atletico!), Heerenveen would have drawn a blank. On the attacking side of the pitch, we had plenty of possesion and nice passing. I am not sure why we did not score more. Perez missed an easy chance, and KJH was limited on the day, but If Heerenveen defends like that in Amsterdam, it might get ugly.

The goals came from Heitinga and Suarez. Stekelenburg sent Suarez away with a terrific longball after corraling it at the top of the box. I keep liking Steks more and more, and this part of his game has really improved. As he gets more experience and sees more of the pitch, I think we are going to like what we have at keeper. Heitinga’s goal was a terrific header squeaked into the top corner. With worse placement, it would have been saved. I like Heitinga in the back, but his future really might be as a Defensive Mid. He is pretty good on the ball, but he is prone to lapses when defending in his own box. The goal from Sibon was a terrific example. But who cares? Not our problem in a few more weeks. We’ll just have to replace him instead…

With Vermaelen out, Rasmus Lindgren started at CB. I can’t complain about his form. No mistakes, and the goal came from Heitinga’s error. Vertonghen was out suspended but will be back. Urby looked unusually solid at LB. I can only assume Koster threatened to out him as Edgar Davids’ long-lost son. Speaking of Davids, he asked to be subbed out in the second half. With Davids, this cannot be good. Injury reports do not confirm anything, but I doubt he will be available for at least the next leg. Heerenveen will still be missing Miralem Sulejmani again, though. His knee sugery a few days ago ended his season.

I was pleased to see Jeffrey Sarpong see some time in the match. He came on for Rommedahl about 10 minutes from time and immediately tackled the ball and led a break. I am biased, of course. Anybody who does anything positive after replacing Rommedahl is an improvement. Maybe I am wearing blinders, but I cannot see why he is first choice so often. If anyone has some inisght into this, let me know. Also, some analysis on Bruno Silva’s contributions at RB should be forthcoming. What do you think? Should Rommedahl sit? Is Bruno Silva a major improvement on Ogararu?

Leg 2 will be Monday.