Ajax 3-1 Shelbourne result, stats and report

Ajax dominated every statistical category but could not hold on, with Excelsior scoring twice from minimal chances to earn a 2-2 draw at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Connor Maguire gives his verdict on a result that has no excuse.

Ajax put Willem II to the sword with a commanding 5-1 win at home, with two goals before the break setting the platform for a second-half rout that exposed every weakness in the visitors' defensive standards.

Ajax put five past Fortuna Sittard at the Fortuna Sittard Stadion, with Julian Brandt, Thilo Kehrer, Davy Klaassen and Kasper Dolberg among the scorers in a dominant away display. Fortuna's consolation from substitute Anthony Descotte was nothing more than a footnote.

Ajax put Sion to the sword with a dominant 5-3 victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League, with Tolu Arokodare netting twice and Winsley Boteli completing a hat-trick for the Swiss side in a match that had everything except defensive competence.

Ajax were ruthless and efficient in Velsen, putting four past Telstar without reply. Davy Klaassen got the opener, Steven Berghuis and Tolu Arokodare added to the tally in a dominant second half, and substitute Marcos Leonardo wrapped it up late.

FC Groningen have conceded in every single Eredivisie match in their last ten, and Ajax arrive on Sunday having scored seventeen goals in their last five. This is not a good combination if you are from Groningen.

Hajduk Split have not lost a Conference League match in four attempts, but Ajax arrive in Croatia having scored freely in every single game they have played. Something has to give on Thursday night.

Ajax host NEC Nijmegen at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday evening knowing their defensive standards have been nowhere near good enough. NEC arrive having conceded in every single Eredivisie match in their last ten, so something has to give.