After last week's disappointing draw against low-fly Volendam (1-1), coach Edwin de Wijs' team faced another team from North Holland on Sinterklaas' birthday: AZ.

It was a real winner. Although both teams are at some distance from leaders Feyenoord (26 from 10), this was a match between the numbers 2 (PSV with 22 from 11) and 6 (AZ with 19 from 10). Case for both teams to take the full 3 points today to stay a bit in the wake of the Rotterdammers.

With wind force 6 across the width of the pitch, it would be difficult to play football today. Wondering who would handle that circumstance best. In any case, AZ started 'stormily' where it immediately threatened twice in the first few minutes.

In the 10th minute, PSV got its first chance of the afternoon. Midfielder Mo Ihattaren unleashed the returning striker Yorbe Vertessen with a fine pass. His shot into the short corner, however, was turned away by the Alkmaar goalkeeper.

A few minutes later, both were again responsible for Eindhoven's danger. But no goal was scored. After AZ also missed two chances, Mo had the chance for the opening goal in the 20th minute. Damian Timan sent Yorbe away on the right. He had a good run into the 16 meters and laid the ball wide to Mo who thought he could score with a placed ball. Unfortunately the ball just met an Alkmaar leg, preventing the Eindhoven lead.

In the 28th minute, PSV did take the lead. Yorbe received the ball from Beslan Sagov and had a good individual action. At the back line he took a hard shot and the ball went high into the goal: 0-1!

Just before half time Yorbe was close to scoring his second goal when he received the ball from Jochem van Dijk, turned away from his opponent and took a good shot. Unfortunately this time he did not hit the target so the long walk to the warm dressing room could begin with a 0-1 lead.

In the second half, the game was a little messier. Nevertheless, PSV again had several great opportunities to extend the 0-1 lead. In the 41st minute, Beslan was sent away by Damian on the right. Free in front of the goal he had the 0-2 on his shoe but he shot a little too hastily and with too little power to pass the AZ goalie.

Three minutes in, the ball was suddenly in the net at the other end when no one put an obstacle in the way of the AZ captain and he was able to cross half a field and slide the equalizer in.

A draw didn't do either team any good. And an open game ensued in which PSV had three more chances to take the game to themselves.

In the 50th minute, Fode Fofana was able to curl the ball in from the left side, but his effort ended up exactly in the hands of the AZ goalkeeper.

Ten minutes later Mo played himself free in the penalty area and pointed the ball at goal. But again exactly at the AZ goalkeeper.

In the 62nd minute, the home team also had a great chance to take the lead. But fortunately for PSV, they were off target. Then a minute later the last chance was again for PSV. Fode played Mo to the keeper, who had a free shot from the 16-yard line, but his shot was blocked by the keeper.

That's how the wind at the Sinterklaas party went,
really went like a beast.
PSV's play was OK,
but still they didn't take the 3 points.
By failing in front of goal,
Now they can only regret it.
Although Sint would have liked them more,
they now have to settle for one point.
Feyenoord are now further ahead in the standings,
For they did get the spoils in Breda.

Jurre Schaafsma; Shurandy Sambo, Mees Kreekels, Dennis Vos (8' Lars Koolen), Jochem van Dijk; Mathijs Bel, Mo Ihattaren, Damian Timan (c); Beslan Sagov, Yorbe Vertessen (40' Dani Mathieu), Fode Fofane (65' Stijn van der Put).