PSV claimed a convincing 5-0 win over Vitesse in the GelreDome in Arnhem on Saturday night. Five different goal scorers, Eran Zahavi, Mauro JR, Cody Gakpo in the first half and the substitutes Carlos Vinícius and Ritsu Doan after the break , helped PSV to a comprehensive victory.
Dream start
Following the KNVB Cup win over NAC Breda, PSV wanted to get a result in the league as well. They looked the more lively and their dominance early on paid off when they took the lead in the fourth minute. Noni Madueke had the pace and power to skip past three defenders and then laid the ball off to Mario Götze. PSV’s German playmaker had his effort saved but Eran Zahavi blasted home the rebound: 1-0. Zahavi teed up Madueke, who found Phillipp Mwene. The right back delivered a low cross but Götze only managed a tame finish straight at Vitesse keeper Jeroen Houwen.
PSV are flying
PSV were flying and looked to kill off the game before the break. Cody Gakpo also had his moment, when he unleashed a powerful long-range effort but Houwen pulled off a reflex save to deny him. Mauro JR extended PSV’s advantage in the 24th minute when he beat Houwen from a tight angle: 2-0. Four minutes later Noni Madueke, who was a real handful for the Vitesse defenders, played in Cody Gakpo who comfortably tapped home from close range. HT: 3-0. Ritsu Doan and Carlos Vinícius came off the bench to replace Noni Madueke and Eran Zahavi on the hour mark as PSV upped their game again.
Done and dusted
Vitesse looked to get a foothold back in the game after the break but did not show much going forward. Vinícius had been on the pitch for three minutes when he made it four. Mwene sent in another inviting cross from the right wing. Ibrahim Sangaré controlled the ball before picking Vinícius who finished expertly: 4-0. Done and dusted!
Doan makes it five
Doan also made his presence felt. Joey Veerman, who had come on for Mario Götze in the 72nd minute, turned provider for the Japanese winger who had his shot blocked. Doan got his name on the score sheet when he netted PSV’s fifth goal of the match in the 88th minute. He received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, cut inside and found the bottom corner with a low shot. Five goals, three points and a clean sheet!
