PSV ended the block of matches before the final international break of 2015 with a 3-1 win over FC Utrecht. Coach Phillip Cocu's team did not always have it easy, but goals by Héctor Moreno, Santiago Arias and Luuk de Jong made the difference at the Philips Stadium.
Spectacular effort from Adam Maher | © Pics United
Moreno gives PSV early lead
Despite a shaky, somewhat messy first half, PSV had a dream start. After Bruma hit the post earlier, Guardado picked up the ball in the second minute, served his compatriot Moreno, who in turn put PSV ahead 1-0 with a slide. Despite good opportunities through De Jong (cross from the crossbar) and Locadia (shot from the bounce, turned away by FC Utrecht goalkeeper Ruiter), that was the only time the crowd could cheer. Too often passes did not arrive or PSV failed to exploit a breakthrough. FC Utrecht mainly countered this with danger from Haller. With his physical play the Frenchman constantly kept the PSV defense busy. It did not result in a goal, however.
Joy after early opening goal through Héctor Moreno | © Pics United
Arias and De Jong provide relief
As good as the first half started, the second started badly. Within four minutes FC Utrecht came alongside. Ten Hag's team had three chances, but after Zoet and the post the third time it found the goal via Ramselaar: 1-1. This prompted Cocu to make a change. Maher and Narsingh left the field and Hendrix and Pereiro came on for them. The latter in particular made a positive impression. In Arias' 2-1, the Uruguayan was the instigator and in De Jong's 3-1, he sent Locadia deep with a simple foot movement, who in turn served the PSV captain. In between those goals, De Jong did miss a penalty kick. That miss turned out to be of no consequence, as the three points stayed in Eindhoven. Important with Feyenoord - Ajax on the program this round.
Joy at Pereiro and Arias after PSV's new lead | © Pics United