PSV also won their second topper of the season. Two fine goals by Gastón Pereiro gave the team of head coach Phillip Cocu deservedly three points against Ajax: 1-2. With the win, PSV approaches the Amsterdam frontrunner on the league table.
Strong entry Pereiro
PSV started well in the ArenA despite a number of forced changes. Especially Gastón Pereiro, the Uruguayan who was allowed to start in the starting lineup for the first time, asserted himself. In his confident play, but especially with goals. In the 7th minute, the Uruguayan slalomed through three Ajax players towards the Ajax goal and then deftly punted the ball behind Cillessen: 0-1. A perfect start for PSV, which saw Ajax come alongside three minutes later, however. Referee Bas Nijhuis ruled that Veltman's fierce attack on Brenet did not constitute a foul, after which Younes shot the 1-1 goal behind Zoet. For a brief moment the home club then seemed to push on, but soon PSV was back in control on the pitch. Cocu's team made a strong impression and had two good chances shortly before halftime through Locadia and Bruma, but twice the ball was cleared just before the line by an Ajax defender.
It was enjoyment Sunday afternoon for the PSV supporters traveling along | © Pics United
Gastón Pereiro worth his weight in gold
PSV continued to dominate after halftime and it was a small miracle that they were still not ahead after 60 minutes. Several times the players cut through the Ajax defense, but each time the final pass was not the right one, keeping Ajax in the game. In the 68th minute, PSV almost got the bill for that. After an individual move by Fischer, the ball hit the post hard behind the chance-less Zoet. PSV picked up the game well after that and was rewarded ten minutes before time. With a truly magnificent move, Pereiro again sent a number of Ajax players into the woods and placed the ball beautifully into the far corner: 1-2. After that goal, PSV played the game out in a controlled and confident manner, reducing the gap to Ajax to two points.
Gastón Pereiro rewarded his starting place with two goals | © Pics United