Despite a poor second-half performance against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday afternoon, Ajax managed to hold onto their 2-1 lead and secure all three points at Het Kasteel.

Ajax produced a very good performance in the first half and had a lot of control of the game. Abdellah Ouazane scored a fantastic goal to make it 1-0 to Ajax, and until Jens Toornstra equalised towards the end of the first half, Sparta struggled to create chances and put Ajax under pressure.

Shortly after Toornstra's equaliser, Tolu Arokodare restored Ajax's lead to give the Amsterdammers a deserved lead at half time.

In the second half, Sparta put Ajax under significant pressure. Ajax failed to control the game in the same way they did during the first half, but Marc ter Stegen made a couple of impressive saves, and Ajax also defended the penalty box very well.

Ajax were dominant throughout the games against FC Groningen and Atalanta, but against Sparta, Michel Sanchez's team proved that they can find ways to win even in games where they do not necessarily play well.

Ajax have had a very busy schedule since returning from the international break and have played five games since 10 October. Speaking on NOS Langs De Lijn, Hedwiges Maduro talked about the drop-off in Ajax's performance in the second half and explained that he believes fatigue played a role.

"Beautiful goals were scored, including a fine goal by Ouazane. In the second half, Ajax fell far behind. They got away with it because the opponent had big chances to equalise. So Ajax survived the match, and that is also a quality," Maduro explained.

"I think fatigue also played a role. At least, that's how it looked.

"Of course, they train for that all week, but they have also played many matches in a row.

"That is why you make five changes," Maduro said. 

"Sofyan Amrabat, for example, gave the ball away a striking number of times in the second half. That might well have something to do with fatigue."

"But Ajax did win, and that is incredibly impressive." 

Amrabat has played the full 90 minutes in Ajax's last five games, and as Maduro said, he struggled in the second half.

Yves Bissouma replaced Jorthy Mokio for the final half an hour of the game, and that was Bissouma's second appearance in an Ajax shirt since joining the club on a free transfer in September.

While Bissouma replaced Mokio, the Malian midfielder is also capable of playing in defensive midfield. He gives Michel a quality option in that position and would allow the Spanish head coach to rest Amrabat in certain games.

Bissouma is not as strong in duels as Amrabat is, but he can cover ground and is technically very gifted. He is good at keeping the ball under pressure and can carry it forward. 

He only played 11 times last season in all competitions and was a free agent throughout the entirety of the summer, meaning it may take him a while to find match rhythm and reach his best level.

Jorthy Mokio can also play as the No. 6 when Amrabat needs to be rested, but the 18-year-old is better when he has freedom to get forward.