Pepi struck in the fifth minute to launch PSV toward a 3-1 victory over Ajax, keeping the defending champion first in the league after five rounds. Ajax answered through Tolu Arokodare but conceded twice more to take its first league defeat of the season.
What happened
PSV made the early breakthrough when Pepi headed in Ruben van Bommel's delivery. The fifth-minute goal gave the league leader immediate control of the scoreline, although Ajax produced a response before the midpoint of the first half.
Arokodare leveled for Ajax in the 23rd minute, restoring parity after PSV's fast start. The match did not remain tied through the interval, as Lutsharel Geertruida scored in first-half stoppage time to send PSV ahead again.
Ajax remained within one goal deep into the second half but could not find another equalizer. Esmir Bajraktarevic added PSV's third in the 92nd minute, completing the 3-1 result and ending any remaining chance of a late Ajax recovery.
Why it matters
PSV remains first after five rounds, preserving its early domestic advantage with a win over Ajax. The defending champion now turns toward Champions League play with that lead intact and another three points secured.
For Ajax, the defeat marked its first league loss of the season and left the club fifth. The even statistical profile underlined the importance of PSV's finishing and the timing of its goals, particularly Geertruida's strike just before halftime and Bajraktarevic's late insurance goal.
By the numbers
Ajax held 52% possession, but neither side established an advantage in the main attacking totals. The teams finished level with 11 shots apiece, five shots on target each and one corner each.
The disciplinary count was less balanced. PSV collected six yellow cards, while Ajax received two, but the heavier card total did not prevent the league leader from seeing out the victory.
What to watch next
PSV hosts Shakhtar Donetsk on Sept. 10 as its schedule shifts to Champions League play. The club enters that match after scoring three times against Ajax and maintaining first place through five domestic rounds.
Ajax returns to league action on Sept. 12 with a visit to Fortuna Sittard. Its task will be to respond to the season's first league setback and improve on its fifth-place position.