PSV drop points, held 0-0 by Vitesse

PSV dropped points as they were held to a goalless yet entertaining draw at the Gelredome in Arnhem on Sunday afternoon. Fred Rutten’s team applied pressure on the Vitesse defence, but the home side defended bravely when it mattered. PSV created plenty of chances in the first half but failed to break the deadlock. The second half was more an end to end affair, as neither team could find the breakthrough at the Gelredome.

First-half chances
PSV welcomed back Dzsudzsák and Manolev to the starting line-up as they took on Vitesse in Arnhem, their third league fixture in the space of seven days. They started the stronger in an entertaining opening spell at the Gelredome and Toivonen, Afellay and Ooijer had chances to open the scoring. At the other end, Isaksson tipped a header from Nilsson over. Just before half-time, PSV came within inches of going ahead. Afellay went foraging on the right wing and delivered a fine cross, but Manolev headed just wide. Ooijer tried his luck from long range with a powerful shot. Toivonen was denied by Vitesse keeper Velthuizen, as PSV did not succeed in breaking the deadlock in the first half.

PSV stay on top on goal difference
Met Amrabat came on for Koevermans nine minutes into the second half as PSV went in search of a winning goal. Isaksson kept his team in the game by pulling off a reflex save to deny Kolk. PSV continued to have the better possession, but lacked a decisive pass. Vitesse proved to be a physically strong team and PSV survived a real scare fifteen minutes from time. Rutten brought on Timmy Simons for Lazovic as both teams had chances in the hectic and tension charged closing stages. Afellay broke through but could not connect with a team mate, while Vitesse boldly were going for a shock result. In the end, PSV settled for a goalless draw with Vitesse. PSV stay on top of the Eredivisie table; they are joint leaders with FC Twente but enjoy a better goal difference.