Ziyech and Traore among the goals as Ajax keep title hopes alive

Burkina Faso attacker Bertrand Traore hit a brace whilst Morocco midfielder Hakim Ziyech also got on the scoresheet as they helped Ajax to a 5-1 win over NEC in the Eredivisie on Saturday.

Ajax secured their third consecutive win - the fourth in their last five outings - to remain second and on the heels of log leaders Feyenoord, level on points with their rivals, but having played a match more.

The proceedings got off to a positive start as Ajax were gifted a fourth-minute own goal by Wojciech Golla.

David Neres doubled Ajax’s lead four minutes later, before Traore added the third before half-time and then his second shortly after the restart.

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For his first, after receiving a pass from Davy Klaassen – his first assist of three - the 21-year-old cheekily dummied the defender and managed to free himself some space inside the area before coolly slotting past the goalkeeper.

And after another pass from Klaasen, the Chelsea loanee tricked his way past a few challenges before smashing home from close range midway in the second half for his second.

Traore was also on the scoresheet in the midweek 4-1 rout over AZ, and today's brace at the Goffertstadion were his eighth and ninth strikes in the Eredivisie, and he's evidently enjoying the preferred centre-forward role he currently occupies in  Kasper Dolberg's absence.  

Ziyech completed Ajax’s rout with a stunning solo effort in the final stages of the encounter. His sixth of the campaign in Ajax colours.

Peter Bosz’s men will now switch focus to their midweek Europa League tie against Schalke 04.