Robinho’s time in England is over. Seemingly incapable of producing anything close to form away from Eastlands meant that every mercurial performance he produced in front of his home fans went hand-in-hand with total anonymity when City went on their travels.

It is the type of expensive mistake that really only Man City can afford to make. £32.4m is a lot to spend on a player that was sceptical of coming in the first place. His desire to leave Real Madrid was never in doubt, but his preferred destination was Scolari’s Chelsea team. When Abramovich stalled over the fee, City made their move.

Now despite calling Robinho’s time at the club an error, I still believe the club were right to do it in the first place. City needed to make a statement of intent, and Robinho was the marquee signing to do that. It is almost as if the club were prepared to pay £30m to show the rest of the world what they were capable of. If it worked out, then brilliant, they would have a gifted player on their books, if it didn’t then at least people knew they meant business.

Despite Robinho’s away day blues, his first season was relatively impressive. He was an important part of what was becoming a very exciting City team to watch. When Roberto Mancini was appointed, the relationship between manager and player began to dwindle. Mancini may have been one of the beautiful footballers to play the game, but he is still an Italian, and with comes the infamous catenaccio style.

Mancini won league titles in Italy with a defensive set up (and the fact that he inherited a team far better than his rivals), and a player that didn’t pull his weight defensively was always going to struggle in one of his teams. Robinho is essentially a luxury, and teams that wish to compete at the absolute peak, can’t afford them, no matter how rich they are.

Now that Robinho is at Milan, he will probably do quite well. He will make up a trio of Brazilians up front with Pato and Ronaldinho, as well as the hulking sulk that his Zlatlan Ibrahimovic. They are reasons for optimism for the Rossoneri, but that is a lot of ego to manage and I can’t imagine they will become a harmonious partnership for years to come. Robinho has signed a four year contract at the San Siro, whether he will be there for the duration is questionable.

Maybe Robinho should be viewed as a fling; a glamorous affair that was short and exciting when it all began, but eventually turned sour, and split after various bust-ups. City shelled out money treating him to good times, and in return they got some good nights out, but there was never any future in the relationship. It is almost impossible to know whether Robinho was misunderstood or mismanaged, because I’m not sure if anyone has answered that question yet. There have been spells in his career where he has been in scintillating form, but never over a considerable period of time. In Brazil, Spain, England and now Italy, some of the best managers in the game have failed in fully realising his undeniable potential.

It is difficult to call Robinho mismanaged because we then have to believe that everybody has been at fault, rather than the man himself. So does that make him misunderstood? Well, to the extent that no one can understand why he has struggled at the clubs he has played for. His managers must become so frustrated with trying to help him succeed. City should be glad that he is no longer their player; while Mancini tries to mould a team together, the disruption that Robinho brings is the last thing they need.

Get updates on my articles by following me on twitter.

*

A welcome addition to the Premier League’s Wag arena – Click on image below to view gallery

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Arsenal fans have a discernible bond of trust with their manager Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman’s transfer dealings and youth development policy have gifted the Premier League with some of its most talented and engaging stars. Yet if the studious manager has one noticeable defect, it is his reluctance to source a reliable goalkeeper who could assimilate into other top teams. Manuel Almunia has saved five of the last six penalties he has faced. His understudy Lukasz Fabianski saved a penalty in Arsenal’s away win at Partizan Belgrade this week. However when placed in the context of an entire game those statistics pale into insignificance. Wenger has been accused of dithering in the transfer market but do the Gunners’ problems run deeper than their heavily publicised goalkeeping predicament?

Almunia is an athletic, nimble keeper who occasionally displays his impressive reflexes. Yet those important traits are easily dismissed when he delivers an error- strung performance, as exemplified last weekend against West Bromich Albion. The Spaniard was at fault in the early stages of that encounter, clumsily fouling Peter Odemwingie in the area. He temporarily redeemed himself by saving Chris Brunt’s tame penalty kick. He was criticised though for West Brom’s second goal as Gonzalo Jara’s low near post shot went in off his arms. For their third the maligned stopper erratically rushed towards Brunt on the edge of the area which allowed the Northern Irishman to square the ball to Jerome Thomas for a comfortable finish. If Wenger has been mistakenly loyal towards Almunia, he has been equally at fault in describing Fabianski as “world class.” The Polish keeper has earned an unfortunate yet amusing nickname in the tabloid press. In the Champions League on Tuesday, however, the Pole gave a confident performance, saving a late penalty and making an important save from Ivica Iliev shortly after.

For a club of Arsenal’s stature a goalkeeper enjoying a good game should be customary rather than remarkable. With the beleaguered Almunia suffering from an elbow injury Fabianski may look to cement his position as the club’s next No1. However his manager arguably conceded the requirement for a new goalkeeper this summer by expressing an interest in recruiting Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer. It is received wisdom that teams cannot win the league title without a world class stopper. Alan Hansen wrote in the Telegraph this week, “History has shown time and again that you need a top class goalkeeper in order to be successful.”

The esteemed Scottish pundit’s assertion may be apposite but it is difficult to imagine Petr Cech or Edwin van der Sar being left as exposed as Arsenal’s equivalents. Sunderland’s right winger Ahmed Elmohamady thoroughly exploited the weaknesses Gael Clichy in their 1-1 draw last month. The Egyptian international won 23 of the 29 challenges he contested in that match, the majority being against the French full-back. Clichy was dominated in the air and his poor clearance allowed the prolific Darren Bent to capitalise. He was additionally beaten resoundingly in the air by Brunt when Scott Carson’s goal kicks were dispersed to the right channel. On the opposite flank his colleague Bacary Sanga was equally inept, allowing Thomas to surge past him and assist the in form Odemwingie.

The team have indisputably missed the presence of Thomas Vermaelen, who as a left footed centre-back can offer aerial protection to Clichy. New signings Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny have demonstrated their capabilities but are still getting used to each other’s style. The latter failed to apply pressure on Jara on Saturday although his shot should have been effortlessly stopped. Significance may additionally be placed on the continuing absence of Cesc Fagregas. Is his presence now as crucial as Gerrard’s for Liverpool or Rooney’s for Manchester United? Nevertheless if the defence can operate coherently, communicate and deny opponents time on the ball, the goalkeeping dilemma may take care of itself. There will be no tougher test of that defensive strength than at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

twitter.com/JackBlogs

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

rss feed

Milan Jovanovic has angrily denied reports that he is unsettled at Liverpool after just a few months in English football.

Reports last week claimed the 29-year-old Serbia international was already becoming disillusioned with a lack of starting opportunities at Anfield.

He agreed to join the Reds on a free transfer from Standard Liege before Rafael Benitez was replaced as manager by by Roy Hodgson.

However, Jovanovic has dismissed suggestions that he is already looking to leave Liverpool.

"I am angry. I am new here and all I'm trying to do is work and do what's best for the team," he said.

"It's not important that I am on the bench. I have signed a contract for three years and I want to stay for three years.

"I feel very good at Liverpool and better players than me sit on the bench whether it's here or anywhere else.

"I have to learn and work to be better – it's not a problem.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"I expected a challenge. I expected sometimes to be in the team and sometimes not.

"And also, I don't want to speak about myself. It is much more important to talk about the team."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Chief executive David Gill insists Manchester United remain on the right financial path following the emergence of Manchester City as a Premier League powerhouse.

United's ambition was questioned by Wayne Rooney before he performed a dramatic U-turn and signed a new five-year contract last week.

The England striker was linked with a move across Manchester to City where reports claimed the wages on offer were far in excess of what United could offer.

But despite increased competition from their local rivals, Gill is confident that United remain on the right track.

Asked if City's new financial muscle was a concern, Gill replied:"No not really. I'm not concerned by that as ever since we have been a public company we have had a policy that wages should be 50 per cent or less of turnover.

"We believe we can do that and still retain and attract the stars we need on the pitch. We think that's the sensible model.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

"Clubs have other models – that's their prerogative. Each to their own."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Right, I know what you’re thinking. Arsenal are sponsored by Nike, and have had some of the better kits in recent history, they can’t possibly have had five bad kits. Well guess what, they have. In fact, they’ve had some shockers. Whilst this list is confined in the most part to the away strips, even style icons Nike have managed to mess up the simple task of a nice red home strip. Therefore, lets take a walk down memory lane, and take a look at some of Arsenal’s worst fashion faux-pas…

1. Arsenal home shirt, 1994-1996

I don’t know what it was about that kit, I just didn’t like it. Ok it’s not the most offensive Arsenal shirt ever manufactured, but how can you mess up a plain red and white shirt? This was worn between 1994-96, and was Nike’s first attempt at an Arsenal home shirt. Apparently Nike wanted the kit to have red sleeves too. Although disaster was averted, this shirt was still ugly. The collar was too high, too tight, and Ian Wright hated it so much he started wearing the round neck training shirt in matches-enough said.

[divider]

NEXT KIT

2. Arsenal away shirt, 1995/96

I don’t understand this one really. What were Nike thinking? ‘I know what we’ll do, we’ll put lightning bolts down the shirt. The opposition will be super scared of us, and we’ll win the league’.

Actually, when this kit was worn during the the 1995/96, it was so bad, Dennis Bergkamp would take most of the season trying to overcome the shock.

[divider]

NEXT KIT

3. Arsenal away shirt, 1982/83

Green? Why green? When have Arsenal ever worn green throughout their long illsustrious history. Arsenal never won an away game when wearing this kit in the 1982/83 season, and the I’m not surprised, considering they look like they are dressed in camouflage on the pitch. No wonder nobody wants to wear Umbro anymore.

[divider]

NEXT KIT

4. Arsenal away shirt, 2002/03

Again, this kit is just bemusing. If you have to manufacture a blue Arsenal shirt, at least make it a good’n. There’s just too much going on here. The Blue-white fade in the middle is a bit mucky, and there are too many different sort of blues for one Arsenal shirt. At least the Gunners managed to win the FA Cup the season they wore this shirt in the 2002/03 season.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[divider]

NEXT KIT

5. Arsenal away shirt, 1991-1993

This little Adidas number is truly the mother of bad Arsenal kits. It literally looks like someone at Nike had one too many slim line vodka tonics and parked a leopard all over the prototype Arsenal shirt, only to hail it a masterpiece.

The early nineties has a lot to answer for, wot wiv those shell suits and New Kids on the Block, but this Arsenal  shirt really is an abomination. However, Arsenal did manage to win the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993 whilst this shirt was still in circulation, so it wasn’t all bad. In fairness, the opposition were probably just worried about getting sick down them.

Well there you have it. Arsenal have had some pretty terrible kits, and here are five of the worst. However, there might be some real fashionistas out there who feel that the green 1982 kit was simply ahead of its time, or think the 1991 bruised banana look needs to be reintroduced. If so, feel free to get involved in the comment box below…

Manchester United have some good memories of recent clashes with Wigan, as they welcome Roberto Martinez’s men to Old Trafford this Saturday. In both of United’s most recent championship winning seasons, crucial victories came in this fixture to de-rail the challenges of Chelsea and Liverpool.

Wigan may have appeared lambs to United’s slaughter in recent times, however, such is the inconsistent, erratic nature of Martinez’s side that a high quality performance at Old Trafford cannot be counted against.

Wayne Rooney has returned to training after his fitness break in the States- he will not feature on Saturday, but Alex Ferguson will be pleased to see his controversial striker return to something approaching fitness with his side only three points off the pace.

Injury concerns aside this should be a relatively simple afternoon for United. Should results go their way they could be level on points with Chelsea at the top on Saturday night- after the recent run of problems, this would surely count as a huge bonus.

Prediction: 3-0

[poll ]

***Click HERE for a FREE £20 Bet for New Customers***

For all the apparent in-fighting going on at Manchester City, with players looking to leave and the manager under constant threat of the sack, things are going pretty darn well.  In fact, three points against Everton this frosty Monday evening and they’ll find themselves sitting on top of the Premier League table. Other sides will have games in hand but the psychological boost of seeing your name up there should not be underestimated. Carlos Tevez might find himself a little more reluctant to leave when if he catches sight of that.

Not that Everton are any kind of pushovers. Having beaten City home and away last season, caution is recommended. However that was a very different City team against an Everton side who were in far better form than they’ve been so far this season. The Merseysiders biggest issue this season has been in front of goal and though their level of performance has often warranted all three points, they’ve managed that feat on just three occasions. They’ve drawn six of their last nine in the league and four straight on the road so they deserve respect.

With Mancini’s side having scored just once in their last four home games, a lot of people will be enticed by the draw at 13/5 and the 0-0 score line at 8/1. However, all the furore surrounding Carlos Tevez could actually work in City’s favour. First of all we know the little Argentine performs better with a little fire in his belly and he’ll be all fired up as his commitment and professionalism has been brought in to question. He’s 4-1 to score first and as long as he starts he’s the best bet on the pitch. One you may not want to start, for betting purposes only, is Adam Johnson. The talented winger clearly feels he has something to prove when he’s not in the first eleven and has scored the last goal in a number of City games this season. He’s 9/1 to score last against the Toffees.

Use your FREE £20 Bet now!

[divider]

This looks set to be a tight one so you’ll need to be confident if you’re going to consider the handicap markets. Man City -1 goal is a decent price at 21/10 but with just eight home goals to their name so far, the stats don’t support it. The 8/11 on City is a much better bet as is Tevez to score anytime and City to win at 2/1 and if you’re looking in the correct score market then City 1-0 at 5/1 is the favourite for a reason but if Tevez is fired up then you could venture to 2-0 at 13/2.

Everything about this game says it’s going to be a toughie but Manchester City have shown themselves to be a very tough themselves. They’ll be more than happy to engage in a physical battle with Everton knowing that when needed, they also have the quality up front to take all three points and top spot in the Premier League.

Football FanCast’s Picks: Match to finish a draw – 13/5 Tevez to score first – 4/1 Adam Johnson to score last – 9/1

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

***Click HERE for a FREE £20 Bet for New Customers***

After the Boxing Day Premier League fixtures and Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea at The Emirates last night, there is even more top flight football for us to enjoy today. This is the point in the season when titles can be won and lost, both in the Premier League and in fantasy football leagues nationwide. Manchester United will be favourites to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table as they head to St Andrew’s to face Birmingham City, while neighbours City will be looking to stay in touch at home to Aston Villa. Elsewhere the mightily impressive Tottenham host Newcastle at White Hart Lane, before Arsenal and Chelsea are back in action away to Wigan and home to Bolton respectively. Who will win? Check out the predictions below…

Use your FREE £20 to bet on today’s action!

[divider]

Football Writers’ Association Predictions – Week 20 (28/12-29/12)

Patrick Barclay (The Times)

Home Team

Away Team

Man City

V

Aston Villa

D

Stoke

V

Fulham

H

Sunderland

V

Blackpool

H

Tottenham

V

Newcastle

H

West Brom

V

Blackburn

H

West Ham

V

Everton

A

Birmingham

V

Man United

D

Wigan

V

Arsenal

D

Chelsea

V

Bolton

H

Liverpool

V

Wolves

H

West Brom v Blackburn: Berto’s Baggies to reassert home form

Des Kelly (Daily Mail)

Home Team

Away Team

Man City

V

Aston Villa

D

Stoke

V

Fulham

D

Sunderland

V

Blackpool

H

Tottenham

V

Newcastle

H

West Brom

V

Blackburn

H

West Ham

V

Everton

A

Birmingham

V

Man United

A

Wigan

V

Arsenal

A

Chelsea

V

Bolton

D

Liverpool

V

Wolves

D

Sunderland V Blackpool – Steve Bruce’s side hit for in early December and this is a great opportunity to establish themselves in the chasing pack at the top against a Blackpool side brilliantly punching above their weight. But how long can they do it? Home win.

Shaun Custis (The Sun)

Home Team

Away Team

Man City

V

Aston Villa

H

Stoke

V

Fulham

D

Sunderland

V

Blackpool

H

Tottenham

V

Newcastle

H

West Brom

V

Blackburn

H

West Ham

V

Everton

A

Birmingham

V

Man United

A

Wigan

V

Arsenal

A

Chelsea

V

Bolton

H

Liverpool

V

Wolves

H

Birmingham v Man United: Fergie is up against his old protege Alex McLeish and will be out to teach him another lesson.

Continue to PAGE TWO for more predictions…

Andy Dunn (News of the World)

Home Team

Away Team

Man City

V

Aston Villa

H

Stoke

V

Fulham

H

Sunderland

V

Blackpool

H

Tottenham

V

Newcastle

D

West Brom

V

Blackburn

H

West Ham

V

Everton

A

Birmingham

V

Man United

A

Wigan

V

Arsenal

A

Chelsea

V

Bolton

D

Liverpool

V

Wolves

D

Man City v Villa: “I think City will make up for their defeat on Monday by beating an Aston Villa side that is still struggling for form under Gerard Houllier.”

Martin Lipton (The Mirror)

Home Team

Away Team

Man City

V

Aston Villa

H

Stoke

V

Fulham

H

Sunderland

V

Blackpool

H

Tottenham

V

Newcastle

D

West Brom

V

Blackburn

H

West Ham

V

Everton

D

Birmingham

V

Man United

A

Wigan

V

Arsenal

A

Chelsea

V

Bolton

H

Liverpool

V

Wolves

H

West Ham v Everton: Avram Grant is running out of time but every point helps and home advantage should earn him at least a draw as the Christmas programme starts to tell.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Steve Bates (The People)

Home Team

Away Team

Man City

V

Aston Villa

H

Stoke

V

Fulham

D

Sunderland

V

Blackpool

D

Tottenham

V

Newcastle

H

West Brom

V

Blackburn

H

West Ham

V

Everton

A

Birmingham

V

Man United

A

Wigan

V

Arsenal

A

Chelsea

V

Bolton

H

Liverpool

V

Wolves

H

Tottenham V Newcastle Spurs have had a fantastic first half to the season but with a Champions League break until February’s meeting with AC Milan Harry Redknapp will demand his stars step up their League campaign with a win – but they’ll have to earn it.

Glenn Moore (The Independent)

Home Team

Away Team

Man City

V

Aston Villa

H

Stoke

V

Fulham

H

Sunderland

V

Blackpool

H

Tottenham

V

Newcastle

H

West Brom

V

Blackburn

H

West Ham

V

Everton

A

Birmingham

V

Man United

D

Wigan

V

Arsenal

A

Chelsea

V

Bolton

H

Liverpool

V

Wolves

H

Stoke v Fulham: Fulham continue to find life hard without Zamora and Stoke will give them nothing

[divider]

Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of West Ham v Everton and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!

Barcelona striker David Villa is not expecting a repeat of his side’s 8-0 win over Almeria when the two clash in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barca crushed their La Liga counterparts at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos in November, but Villa is expecting Almeria to be much more competitive in the first leg of their semi-final on Wednesday.

“We aren’t thinking about the previous match with Almeria, which was very much in our favour,” Villa said.

“They are a team with a different manager, and every game is different. We don’t think that because we beat them 8-0 that this time it will be the same.”

“On the contrary, they have a lot of desire, just like me, and they have never got so far in this competition. We are both 180 minutes away from the final, so it will be a tough tie.”

“We have to respect Almeria. We are going to have to fight in order to go through. I hope that we can get to the final, and getting there is enough for us.”

Real Madrid or Sevilla will be waiting in the final, and Villa said either team would be tough to beat.

“Choosing our opponents is a bit too much to ask,” Villa said.

“Madrid have their history and haven’t reached a cup final in a while, and they are a great team.”

“Sevilla have been the team who have had most success in the cup over the past few years. That makes them a hard opponent too in this competition.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Barcelona have a four point lead over Real at the top of La Liga, but Villa said they were not concerned about what Jose Mourinho’s side were doing.

“We don’t focus on our rivals. Obviously we look at their results, and if they don’t pick up points then it is much better for us,” Villa said.

“We have our fate in our own hands in every competition, and are happy with how we are playing. We have to keep on working.”

The top two in the Eredivisie remain just one point apart after leaders PSV Eindhoven and second-placed Twente both won on Sunday.

PSV recorded a 3-0 victory away to second-bottom VVV Venlo, while Twente came from behind to beat fourth-placed Groningen 2-1.

Fullback Wilfred Bouma put PSV ahead 13 minutes in at De Koel, before a goal either side of half-time effectively sealed the win for the visitors.

Dutch international Jeremain Lens struck in the 45th minute to put PSV 2-0 up and Atiba Hutchinson made it 3-0 just 60 seconds into the second half to secure the points.

Twente had to do it the hard way after falling behind in the first half at Groningen’s Euroborg Stadion.

Tim Matavz gave the hosts the lead in the 33rd minute, but an equaliser from Marc Janko just seven minutes later ensured Twente would go in level at the break.

Janko then grabbed the winner for the visitors with nine minutes left in the second half.

The Austrian striker should have claimed his hat-trick, but missed a penalty in the 84th minute.

PSV remain top with 44 points, one point ahead of Twente and six clear of Ajax, who fell further off the pace after a 3-0 defeat away to Utrecht.

Two goals in the space of two first-half minutes from Edouard Duplan put seventh-placed Utrecht firmly in control at the New Galgenwaard Stadium.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Ismo Vostermans netted a third with seven minutes to go to make absolutely sure for the hosts.

Defeat leaves third-placed Ajax six points off PSV and five behind defending champions Twente.

Elsewhere, goals from Jimmy Hempte, Pa-Modou Kah and Morten Skoubo gave Roda JC a 3-0 win at home to third-bottom Excelsior, who finished with 10 men after the 64th-minute dismissal of Kaj Ramsteijn.