PSV is leading the Eredivisie again for at least a day. Thanks to an early goal by Davy Pröpper and a penalty kick by Luuk de Jong, coach Phillip Cocu's team kept the spoils at home. The lead over rival Ajax is now three points, although a win over sc Heerenveen on Wednesday could put the Amsterdammers back in the lead.
Pröpper takes PSV by the hand
After Vitesse had the first big chance of the match through Oliinyk, PSV took firm control of the game. Cocu's team pushed Vitesse far back with razor-sharp attacks in the opening phase, which resulted in a rightly disallowed goal by Bruma. A (valid) PSV goal was inevitable and it came in the 12th minute. Standout Pröpper gave the team the early lead they were looking for by curling the ball into the far corner with his left hand: 1-0. A few minutes later Narsingh almost added a second goal, but goalkeeper Room was attentive. Although PSV kept chasing for a goal, the chances were few and far between. On the half-hour mark, referee Vink could have put the ball on the spot when Room brought down De Jong in the box, but he decided not to listen to the screaming Philips Stadium.
De Jong once again hit from eleven yards
Because the goal difference may well be decisive in the title race, PSV also had to hunt for goals after the break. There were chances for that through Pröpper and Narsingh among others, but the team also had to watch their own goal. Vitesse posed a regular threat and so a real football battle developed after the break, in which the crowd also made its presence felt. The twelfth man continued to support PSV and saw that attitude produce the 2-0 in the 72nd minute. Lestienne, who had just entered the game, was pulled down by Diks in the penalty area and Vink put the ball on the spot. As against Willem II, De Jong claimed the ball and again he shot hard. PSV then failed to increase the score further in the closing stages. De Jong, Narsingh and Lestienne had good chances, but lacked luck in finishing. The biggest setback, however, was the yellow card for Pröpper. The midfielder will not be available in two weeks against SC Cambuur.
