PSV Eindhoven dropped points in their Eredivisie title chase as Ajax cut the gap at the top to four points following a dramatic 2-2 draw against AZ Alkmaar, the league’s perennial giant killers.
The visitors nearly struck early when Troy Parrott, the former Tottenham striker, squandered a golden opportunity.
After ten minutes, Parrott sent a header straight at PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez and then failed to convert the rebound, firing wide.
Moments later, PSV had another scare. American midfielder Richard Ledezma intervened with a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Parrott once again.
AZ’s pressure eventually paid off. In the 41st minute, Swedish winger Mayckel Lahdo exploited space in the PSV penalty area and calmly slotted past Benitez to hand AZ a deserved lead.
After the break, PSV came out firing, peppering AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro with shots, but they struggled to find a breakthrough.
Manager Peter Bosz sought to turn the tide by introducing three substitutes just after the hour mark.
The tactical gamble paid dividends quickly when Johan Bakayoko, one of the fresh legs, delivered a precise low cross to Luuk de Jong.
The PSV captain finished clinically to bring the game level at 1-1.
AZ manager Maarten Martens responded by substituting Parrott for youngster Mexx Meerdink.
The change proved effective immediately as Meerdink met a Sven Mijnans cross with a graceful header to restore AZ’s advantage.
With Ajax breathing down their necks after a 2-1 win over RKC Waalwijk earlier in the day, PSV launched a desperate push to salvage a point.
They got their chance when referee Danny Makkelie awarded a penalty for a handball. Luuk de Jong stepped up and narrowly converted, despite Owusu-Oduro almost denying him, to make it 2-2.
AZ came close to snatching victory in injury time, but Zico Buurmeester’s effort was blocked by Ryan Flamingo.
The draw left PSV ruing missed chances as they saw Ajax trim their lead to four points.
AZ, meanwhile, celebrated another impressive result, having now taken points in four of their last five trips to Eindhoven.
Next up for the Alkmaar side is a KNVB Cup quarterfinal clash against Ajax on Tuesday.
