In the far north, PSV picked up its first win of 2022. They won 0-1 against FC Groningen. Mario Götze scored the only goal and Joey Veerman made his debut.
First goal of 2022
2022 Starting 2022 with a win, that was the goal. The question was who would take on the first PSV goal of the year. The first with a worthy effort was Cody Gakpo who came up with a half-straight goal after a good cross from Mario Götze. Gakpo was again important on a breakaway where he almost managed to reach Maxi Romero. It was PSV with the chances, FC Groningen with the bastion. Though the opening was quickly found. The first PSV goal of 2022 came in the name of Götze. Mauro JR led the attack with an excellent interception. Gakpo delivered a pinpoint cross and Götze was able to finish from close range, 0-1 after ten minutes.
No danger
In the first half, PSV was hardly in danger and the 0-2 was in the air. It was almost made by Ritsu Doan, who was able to score after an excellent combination with Jordan Teze. Gakpo also almost scored a goal after cleverly getting himself free, but he was narrowly stopped by the Groningen defense. The home team had little to play for. The pace was set by PSV, and that came with the necessary chances. The second goal, however, did not fall.
Debut Veerman
In the second half things got hot under PSV's feet for a while. From a free kick FC Groningen shot the ball on the underside of the crossbar. However, Teze and Romero were on the spot to get the ball off the line and away. PSV had a dominant phase with a series of corner kicks. Here the 0-2 almost fell from a distance shot by Mauro JR that was just headed away. Then came a pleasant moment for Joey Veerman. The midfielder made his debut in the red and white of PSV. He immediately asserted himself with some fierce actions to prove his worth.
First win of 2022
In the last quarter of an hour, the 0-1 was still on the scoreboard. PSV was in control, but the margin was not very comfortable. Götze went for his second of the evening after a fine pass from Gakpo, introduced by Veerman, but the Groningen goalkeeper was still between them. They also became dangerous after a breakout from Gakpo and later Bruma. They fought hard to extend the lead, but it was not needed. Götze's goal was the only one of the match and it was enough to start 2022 with a victory.
