The loss to Ajax means PSV are now nine points behind Ajax with seven games remaining—a lead no team has given away with this many games to go in Eredivisie history.
"We couldn't put the pressure on them," PSV captain Luuk de Jong told ESPN after the match. "We were forced back. But even there, we didn't get a real grip on it. Even then, there wasn't much going on. We couldn't create chances, which we normally can and should. My compliments to Ajax and how they planned it."
PSV dominated possession and outscored Ajax on xG by 0.47, but failed to create a big chance against a defensively staunch Ajax team. But if they were brilliant, according to De Jong? "Eh, they give away little space. They double our wingers all the time. Through the middle as well. They play very compact and disciplined. It's incredibly difficult to get through them."
With the gap now at 9 points, De Jong has officially given up on a second consecutive Eredivisie title. "We have to focus on second place," said De Jong.
"Nine points are too much. I think it has never happened before that a team gets overtaken with so few games. We don't assume that either. We must focus on second place and reaching the Champions League immediately."
'Couldn't handle the pressure'
Fellow forward Noa Lang has also thrown in the towel. "We lost to Ajax twice, and now the championship is done. Apparently, we couldn't handle the pressure. That is the reality," Lang told ESPN.
"We just threw it away ourselves. Ajax were better than us. We have to finish second now, otherwise it will even be the preliminary rounds of the Champions League."
Lang was lined up against Lucas Rosa, who replaced Anton Gaaei at right-back. The Dane is sitting out a suspension after picking up a red card against AZ. Rosa kept Lang to just 1 shot on target and 2 successful dribbles.
"You always have to keep believing in it, but after the 0-2, you know it will be difficult. They were very compact. We couldn't get through, simple. Maybe we were too static. We didn't do well. Serves us right."