Chuba Akpom came off the bench to deliver a crucial moment of magic in Ajax Amsterdam’s 2-0 victory over SC Heerenveen on Sunday in the Dutch Eredivisie. His towering header late in the game sealed all three points, keeping Ajax firmly in the title race, just one point behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven.

The game started brightly for Ajax, with defender Josip Šutalo finding the net in the 20th minute to give the visitors an early lead. Despite their dominance and several chances created, Ajax failed to double their advantage in the first half.

The second half was a tense, back-and-forth contest as Heerenveen pushed for an equalizer, while Ajax struggled to capitalize on their chances. Then came the decisive moment—Akpom’s introduction in the 73rd minute.

The former Arsenal youth product didn’t take long to make an impact. In the 85th minute, he timed his movement perfectly, pulling back slightly to meet a corner kick with a powerful header that sailed past the goalkeeper. His goal not only secured the win but also sent a statement about his reliability in clutch moments.

“A real striker’s goal,” Akpom remarked post-match with a grin. “I had to pull back slightly and put as much force as possible into the header. I’m really pleased with that goal.”

When asked about the title race, Akpom downplayed the pressure. “You’re looking for sound bites,” he quipped. “But we don’t see it that way. There are so many games ahead, and we just need to stay grounded. That mindset is one of our strengths.”

Despite being lower in the pecking order behind Brian Brobbey and Woût Weghorst, Akpom has quietly amassed eight goals in all competitions for Ajax this season, often playing out of position. His ability to adapt and deliver in key moments continues to underline his value to the team.

Reflecting on the team’s approach, Akpom added, “Every season has its ups and downs, but even in tough times, we show who we are. That resilience is key to staying competitive.”

Ajax’s victory over Heerenveen serves as another reminder of their hunger and determination as they chase PSV at the top of the table. With players like Akpom stepping up when it matters most, the title race promises to be an exhilarating journey.