After four league rounds, the fifth was on the program today..... And a real winner this time: the current number 1 (PSV) versus the number 2 (NEC/Fc Oss)! The Nijmegen team had one loss so far, where PSV had to settle for a draw once.
Because of the many shifts in recent weeks, the question was again who the C1 had at their disposal for this match. And for this topper the team was fully at war strength. Except for the unfortunately injured Ruud van Breemen Lars Dickens.
The match was played under optimal conditions: the grass was nice and short and a bit wet. Moreover, it was practically windless and a lovely autumn sun was shining. You would almost think it was spring.
PSV showed right from the first whistle who of the two teams was on top. The ball was played around at a high pace and NEC hardly got the opportunity to keep possession of the ball for long. Despite the huge advantage, PSV did not create many chances. Former NEC player Leandro Fernandes tried with a lob, where a shot might have been more appropriate.
In the 14th minute, the Eindhoven team had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring. Central defender James Fofana stepped up and with great feeling and precision passed the ball deep to striker Cody Gakpo, who was tapped inside the infamous lines. Penalty the referee resolutely pointed to the spot. Captain Justin Lonwijk chose the right corner. The goalkeeper chose the left corner. It may sound strange, but this put the NEC goalie in the right corner to parry Justin's effort.
Despite this disappointment, PSV continued to play fine football. In a high tempo the ball went from foot to foot. The goal was to beat the tight Nijmegen block. Gaetan Bosiers was close to scoring the first goal after he was set free by Amar Catiç in the 22nd minute. However, his shot went wide. Not much later, the NEC goalie narrowly avoided a shot from the left by Robin Schoonbrood. NEC was only able to counter this with one threatening moment. Despite the fact that PSV had the upper hand, and expressed this through a ball possession percentage of 87%, both teams went to rest with the famous glasses.
After halftime, the picture was the same. PSV was supreme and had few chances. Amar Catiç went close once, but that was about it. And you know what happens in football..... just when NEC comes in front of the goal and scores. And they almost did..... An oversight at the back allowed the NEC right-winger to go off alone towards goalkeeper Arne Lekens. His effort, however, was too weak to outsmart Arne. PSV was warned. But just two minutes later NEC was dangerous again after the referee did not penalize a pushing error on James Fofona, allowing the left striker to shoot. Fortunately, his shot went well wide.
Despite these two chances, PSV stoically continued in its hunt for a goal. And almost was that deed in the 55th minute when Cody Gakpo cleverly cut free and turned on the edge of the 16meter. Unfortunately, his shot went wide. Three minutes later, PSV swooned. A cross from the left fluttered against the inside of the post at the far post and then the ball landed right in Arne's hands.
Ten minutes later Robin had an opportunity after Justin put him free in front of the goal with an excellent cross. But his effort was too weak to surprise the goalkeeper. Let alone pass.
In the 63rd minute it still happened for PSV. Leandro received the ball on the left side and came in with it at his feet. And he just ran and ran and ran. And every time you thought "now he's going to shoot" it didn't happen. And just when you thought "opportunity passed", Leandro put his right foot against the ball and shot the ball high and flaming behind the confused NEC goalkeeper: 1-0! And what a great moment to score. And how nice that Leandro of all people scores against his old teammates!!!
NEC had to come in the closing stages, but couldn't make a fist in front anymore. So PSV won this match 1-0. And that final score did not reflect the strength of the match.
Nevertheless: 3 points. And a great game of football. Where Guus Meeuwis shone with "Groots met een zachte G", today it was not only Groots with a capital G, but also Enjoy, Great, Gigantic, Grandiose and above all Won.
Compliments to the team for today's fine play are certainly in order. Hereby!
Arne Lekens; Baggio Wallenburg, James Fofana, Armando Obispo, Jordan Teze; Gaetan Bosiers, Robin Schoonbrood, Justin Lonwijk (c); Amar Catiç (50' Yasin Aalillou), Cody Gakpo, Leandro Fernandes.
Yellow card: Amar Catiç (dangerous play)