PSV managed a 3-1 win over FC Utrecht thanks in part to two early goals after halftime. Yassin Ayoub did a bit back in between, but in the end it turned out not to be enough.
First half play
The match started somewhat cautiously from both sides. PSV had the initiative, but could not find a hole in the Utrecht defense. PSV created the first real danger after 25 minutes. Luciano Narsingh earned a corner and from it Georginio Wijnaldum headed on goal. His header, however, was turned away by Robbin Ruiter. Memphis also had chances to open the scoring, but he shot over and beside the goal. FC Utrecht bit off every now and then, but hardly troubled Jeroen Zoet. Mark Diemers took two shots at the PSV goal, but not carefully enough. The first time he shot wide, the second was straight into Zoet's hands. So although PSV had the bigger chances to make it 1-0, it was still 0-0 after 45 minutes.
Luciano Narsingh broke the game open shortly after halftime with his goal | © Pics United
Super start PSV
Immediately after the break, PSV struck. Wijnaldum passed the ball precisely into the path of Memphis, who crossed the ball sharply. His cross just could not be slid in by Luuk de Jong, but the ball remained in front of the goal and was a prey for Narsingh: 1-0. Two minutes later it was another goal. Memphis outplayed his man and slid the ball calmly under Ruiter. The game seemed to be decided early on, but Utrecht scored the 2-1 in the seventieth minute. A combination with Sébastien Haller put Yassin Ayoub free in front of Zoet. With a curve ball he scored. FC Utrecht had some more chances, but Willem Janssen and others missed. Utrecht gave away space in the back because of the offensive play and got the decisive 3-1 from a free kick. Memphis secured PSV's well-deserved victory with his second of the evening.
Memphis Depay took his total to 15 premiership goals today | © Pics United