PSV failed to resume the Eredivisie with a win. At Philips Stadion, the match against Excelsior was 1-1, completely unnecessary but not entirely unjustified. Davy Pröpper did give PSV the lead, but in injury time Phillip Cocu's team lost the victory through a goal by Nigel Hasselbaink.
Gesture for Lestienne highlight before halftime
There was little wrong with PSV's start. Already within the minute, statisticians could note two good opportunities. First it was Pereiro who saw his shot turned away, then Locadia mowed over the ball in a promising position. The striker, who kept the fit De Jong on the bench, was also involved in PSV's biggest chance before halftime. In free position, however, Locadia headed over. As the first half progressed, PSV found it increasingly difficult to deal with Excelsior. Through Van Mieghem and Van Weert, the guests even had two good chances, but like PSV, the Rotterdam goal was not on target either. The highlight before halftime therefore came from the stands when the entire Philips Stadion supported Lestienne with vigorous applause between minute 16 and 17.
Davy Pröpper puts PSV ahead, comeback Luuk de Jong
Even after the break, PSV's play was not always good. The team did have by far the most ball possession, but chances were lacking, especially in the first fifteen minutes after the break. Once Pereiro could have scored but the Uruguayan, who was replaced by De Jong not much later, forgot to put his foot to the ball. Pereiro, however, still made it 1-0. A flashy counterattack by PSV ended up with Pröpper via Locadia, who tapped PSV into the lead after 62 minutes with a simple flick of his foot. Not too much later, De Jong made his comeback as mentioned, and PSV's top scorer almost immediately graced that with a goal. De Jong took a long ball from Guardado directly on the instep, but saw his effort disappear over the goal. Even in the closing stages, PSV still had plenty of opportunities, but could not manage a win. In the final minute Nigel Hasselbaink scored the 1-1. A sour apple for Cocu and his men.
