Ajax were left frustrated at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday night as they had to settle for a draw against Excelsior.

Julian Brandt found the breakthrough for Ajax just past the half-hour mark. It was the German's fourth goal of the Eredivisie season, and his sixth in all competitions. On the stroke of half-time, Lennard Hartjes found an equaliser for the visitors, making it 1-1.

Despite Ajax being the dominant team, they fell behind after an hour of play, with Aymen Sliti putting Excelsior ahead. Ajax responded immediately, with Tolu Arokodare making it 2-2, just two minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Ajax continued to push for a winner in the final 25 minutes, but failed to find that goal despite a couple of chances.

Ajax have been exceptional this season going forward, scoring 21 goals in their first seven Eredivisie games. From a defensive point of view, however, Ajax have shown signs of weakness.

Ajax have conceded nine goals in seven Eredivisie games, which is not bad, but in UEFA Conference League qualifying, they also looked poor at times against FC Sion and in the away game against Shelbourne FC.

The second goal Ajax conceded against Excelsior was a good example of how Ajax are at times poor defensively. Ajax were hit on the counter-attack but still had an overload of three players in their favour. Despite this, Ajax still conceded a goal.

Michel at times has used a 2-1-7 in possession, which does leave a team vulnerable to defensive transitions due to a lack of numbers in the rest of the defence. However, against Excelsior, Ajax were typically in a 3-1-6, and the rest defence looked solid. Ajax had a massive overload on the second goal they conceded. It was simply very poorly defended, rather than an issue with the tactical set-up. 

In terms of dealing with transitions, though, Sofyan Amrabat could play a big role in helping with that, especially in games where Michel uses the 2-1-7 shape in possession. He is a specialist no. 6 and can help protect the back four. Both goals Ajax conceded tonight were when Jorthy Mokio was on the pitch, playing as the no. 6. In reality, Mokio is probably a no. 8. He is extremely good on the ball but isn't as strong defensively as Amrabat.

Ajax were dominant against Excelsior. The Amsterdammers finished the game with 81%, had 33 shots and also 54 touches in Excelsior's penalty box. However, they only created three big chances. Excelsior were defensively very well organised, and while the game did get more stretched as it went on, they denied Ajax the space Michel would have wanted his team to have.

At times, Ajax need to be more patient and play a few more passes to wait for the opening to create a big chance, instead of deciding to shoot early. 

Oscar Gloukh is developing into a genuine option for Ajax on the left wing. He has played a lot of his career in more central areas, but his recent performances are showing that he has the qualities to be a very good left winger. He registered a goal and an assist against Willem II on Tuesday and assisted Tolu's goal on Saturday night.

It was always logical that he would be effective with an overlapping left-back who allows him to move into the left half-space, but against Excelsior, he also had numerous good actions out wide while holding the width. He is a very good dribbler and has decent pace.

It remains to be seen what Michel will decide to do when Simon Adingra is available, but in any case, he has enough quality options on the left wing in Adingra, Gloukh and Ouazane.

Kasper Dolberg scored against Fortuna Sittard, and he was excellent against Willem II. He therefore kept his place in the starting line-up against Excelsior, where he continued his excellent form. 

He set up Julian Brandt's goal with a clever assist and also hit the woodwork with a powerful shot. He looks like a player full of confidence, and while his minutes this season may be limited at times due to how well Tolu is playing, Ajax need a strong squad if they want to challenge on all fronts. Dolberg is showing that he can be relied upon when needed.

Abdellah Ouazane has looked extremely bright this season when he has played, and he once again impressed against Excelsior with his cameo coming on as a substitute.

Ouazane is predominantly a left winger and No. 10. Gloukh has been outstanding on the left wing in recent games, and Brandt is almost undroppable at this point. There may therefore not be a spot in the starting line-up for Ouazane at the moment, but there have certainly been games, including against Excelsior, where he should have been brought on earlier.