After a disappointing 3-0 defeat last Wednesday in and against Eindhoven D2, today's opponent is Aachen. In the previous three encounters, PSV had been the superior team, but only yielded 4 out of 9 points. From the kick-off, PSV took the initiative and combined well. This resulted in a chance for Arne, who was well played in, but the Aachen goalkeeper saved skilfully. After fifteen minutes, PSV went behind by 1-0 against the odds when a shot from the edge of the box sailed in. From that moment on, the combinations do not run smoothly anymore and PSV starts to play against themselves. Before half time PSV does get a good opportunity when Greg is played free, but he plays the ball too far in front of him for the goalkeeper of Aachen to intervene. PSV's play became more and more difficult and there were no real chances, so we went into the break 1-0 down. In the second half too much combination in the small space (or this was the assignment) and the space is overlooked, resulting in too many duels, in which the men from Aachen do stand their ground. Also, just like last Wednesday, there is too little movement without the ball and then it becomes difficult to get a good result. After about 10 minutes in the second half, Aachen gets a free kick on the sideline and it can be worked in at the second post by a player. When a moment later a free kick from about twenty-five meters is shot into the top corner by Aachen, the game is decided. Moments later it becomes 4-0 when Aachen actually gets in front of the goal for the third time. PSV does get another chance through Niels, but this one cannot be cashed in either. PSV pushes a bit in the closing stages, but the real conviction is missing, just like last Wednesday. For the 2nd time this week we were outplayed, especially on the intensity and aggression in the positive sense. Come on boys, you have shown in the winter months that you can do it through a good series. Now show that you can also do this in the spring or are we dealing with a spring syndrome here.

Report with thanks to Eric Zeegers