'I had to pull back' - Ajax forward Akpom pleased with real striker's goal against SC Heerenveen

Chuba Akpom came off the bench to score a crucial goal for Ajax Amsterdam in their 2-0 away win against SC Heerenveen in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday. 

The victory keeps Ajax hot on the heels of league leaders PSV Eindhoven, with just one point separating the two teams.

The match got off to a great start for Ajax, with center-back Josip Šutalo scoring in the 20th minute to give his team the lead. 

Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Ajax were unable to add to their tally in the first half.

The second half was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances but unable to find the back of the net.

However, Akpom's introduction as a substitute in the 73rd minute proved to be the turning point in the game.

The Hale End Academy graduate's goal, which came from a header off a corner kick, sealed the win for Ajax and left them just one point behind PSV Eindhoven in the league standings as they continue to apply pressure on the Red and Whites at the top of the league table.

"A real striker's goal. I had to pull back slightly and try to put as much force into heading it as possible. Yes, I am really pleased with that goal," Akpom said with a smile, reflecting on his goal against Heerenveen on ESPN as quoted by the club's official website.

When asked about the title race and Ajax's chances of catching up with PSV Eindhoven, Akpom preferred to downplay the significance of the league standings at this point in the season. 

"You're looking for sound bites. But we really don't see it that way. We still have so many games ahead of us. 

"That just becomes distracting. We have to keep our feet on the ground."

Akpom's goal against Heerenveen was not only important for the three points it secured for Ajax, but it also highlighted the team's strength and resilience. 

As Akpom noted, "We have to keep up this mindset. That is also one of our strong points. Every season has its ups and downs. But even in bad times, we show who we are."

Akpom, who is below Brian Brobbey and Woût Weghorst in the pecking order of strikers at Ajax, has most often been deployed out of position in most of the games he has featured in this term. 

Notwithstanding, today's header meant that he has now taken his tally to eight goals in all competitions for Ajax this season.

Ejim Kaycee

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com