THE HAGUE, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Ajax slumped to a 3-2 defeat at Vitesse in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday after the home team bounced back from a 2-0 deficit in Arnhem.
After beating Feyenoord 3-0 last week, Ajax had the chance to push back another rival in the title race. The visitors took a comfortable lead through two deflected shots. Vitesse defender Guram Kashia deflected a shot by Lasse Schone in his own goal in the 33rd minute and Christian Eriksen slightly touched a shot by teammate Christian Poulsen with his head in the 64th minute.
Ajax was not able to hold the lead and within twenty minutes after the second goal Vitesse turned the match around. Former Ajax player Theo Janssen, Patrick van Aanholt and Renato Ibarra handed Vitesse the victory.
"This should not have happened," Ajax coach Frank de Boer reacted. "It seemed that Vitesse had no hope anymore. One inattentive moment and we helped them back into the game."
Vitesse coach Fred Rutten hoped the win can help his struggling team go back on track, after four matches without a win.
"We were in a difficult phase and I hope this is good for our confidence," Rutten said.
PSV recovered well from last week's 3-1 defeat against PEC Zwolle with a 5-1 win at Heracles Almelo. Tim Matavz, Jeremain Lens, Georginio Wijnaldum and Dries Mertens scored for the Eindhoven based side.
FC Twente drew 0-0 at Feyenoord in Rotterdam on Sunday and lost their first place to PSV. Twente now are one point behind, while Ajax trail by three points. Vitesse and Feyenoord both are five points behind the leaders.