On character, PSV recorded a 2-3 win at Excelsior. In the last 20 minutes, PSV played with ten men due to a red card for Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, but substitute Jürgen Locadia scored the winning goal in injury time.
Narsingh hits the crossbar
PSV started with a different starting lineup than last week's championship match against Heerenveen (4-1). Remko Pasveer and Nicolas Isimat-Mirin played in place of Jeroen Zoet and Jeffrey Bruma; Abel Tamata replaced the injured Joshua Brenet. Even in this formation, PSV managed to put good play on the mat. In the second minute there was already a great chance for Memphis, but he hit Excelsior goalkeeper Coutinho. In the sequel, the goalkeeper was ready for a few more PSV attempts. After twenty minutes he was unable to save Luciano Narsingh's curled shot, which hit the underside of the crossbar. PSV screamed for a goal, but referee Bas Nijhuis did not see it as a goal because the ball hit the line. Like Coutinho, Pasveer also kept his goal clean. He turned away a hard shot by Auassar. Just before halftime he did that again, but this time he caught the ball easily....
Joy at Georginio Wijnaldum's equalizer in the 68th minute | © Pics United
Locadia decides the match
Soon in the second half, PSV fell behind. Excelsior got three corners in quick succession and the third went in via Luuk de Jong 's leg: 1-0. To clear the deficit, PSV stepped up a gear. That immediately led to big chances. Coutinho deflected a hard shot from Maher, Luuk de Jong hit the bar and Jetro Willems was also unlucky as his shot hit the outside of the post. A goal was inevitable and it came. Georginio Wijnaldum volleyed in from close range: 1-1. Just as PSV thought they were back in the game, they were dealt a major blow. Isimat-Mirin made hands in the penalty area and was penalized with a second yellow card and red. Moreover, Excelsior was awarded a penalty kick, which was scored by Stans: 2-1. PSV equalized immediately after. Memphis scored his 21st goal of the season from a free kick: 2-2. Immediately it could have been 2-3, but substitute Jürgen Locadia was also unfortunate and hit the post. In the closing stages Phillip Cocu gave Stijn Schaars playing time. He made his first minutes of the season after a long period of injury. With the midfielder on board, PSV came back to life to make it 2-3. Memphis crossed for Locadia, who tapped the ball into an empty goal: 2-3.
Nicolas Isimat gets his second yellow card and has to leave | © Pics United