Tolu Arokodare scored the winner as Ajax beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 on Saturday, while Alex Iwobi set a new personal milestone in Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, Footynaija reports.
Arokodare headed home in the ninth minute at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, ending Ajax’s 11-match winless run against their Dutch rivals.
The Nigerian striker connected with a cross from Abdellah Ouazane to give Ajax an early lead. The hosts held on despite facing sustained pressure from AZ after the break.
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AZ managed 19 attempts on goal, but goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen made five saves to keep a clean sheet and secure the win.
Ajax had not beaten AZ since March 2022. Saturday’s result ended that run and moved them into second place in the Eredivisie, one point behind leaders Feyenoord.
Arokodare has now scored six league goals since joining Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer.
However, Ajax suffered a setback in the first half when midfielder Julian Brandt went off with an apparent injury in the 38th minute. Oscar Gloukh came on to replace him.
Iwobi overtakes Salah in Premier League appearance record
Iwobi reached 329 Premier League appearances during Fulham’s draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park, moving ahead of Mohamed Salah, who has played 328 times in the competition.
The Nigeria international now ranks second among African players for Premier League appearances, behind former Ivory Coast defender Kolo Touré, who made 353 appearances.
Iwobi has played for three English clubs in the competition, recording 100 appearances for Arsenal, 123 for Everton and 106 for Fulham.
Fulham fell behind in the 39th minute when Nicolas Jackson scored for Aston Villa. The hosts had earlier missed a penalty through John McGinn.
Iwobi played a part in Fulham’s equaliser in the 64th minute. His dangerous corner caused goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to fumble the ball over his own goal line, bringing the visitors level.
The midfielder played for 75 minutes before Tom Cairney replaced him as Fulham settled for a point.
The draw left Fulham with nine points from their opening nine Premier League matches.
