PSV closes the first block of matches as co-leaders of the Eredivisie. After a tumultuous duel with Fortuna Sittard, the final scoreboard at Philips Stadion was 2-0.
Thin matchday squad
Against Fortuna Sittard, head coach Roger Schmidt was unable to call on quite a portion of his squad. Armindo Bruma and Timo Baumgartl were missing because PSV have given them the space to finalize a (temporary) transfer to another club, and the German missed five players due to physical ailments, including Mo Ihattaren and Philipp Max.
Offside goals
But despite those many absentees, PSV's start was excellent at the empty Philips Stadium. After only five minutes, Donyell Malen opened the scoring on a pass from Eran Zahavi. The striker rounded goalkeeper Koselev and rounded expertly in the ghost setting. PSV, which certainly developed a lot of pressure on the Fortuna Sittard defense in the early stages, seemed to quickly run out to a big score. This did not happen, however, not least because the Sittard offside trap threw a spanner in the works four times (!).
Much danger
The visitors, meanwhile, bit off fiercely themselves. After PSV's strong opening quarter, Fortuna Sittard was dangerous on several occasions and PSV had Yvon Mvogo to thank for keeping the lead in the match. The Swiss saved a number of times or saw an attempt hit the crossbar or over his goal.
Madueke
Not until deep into the second half did PSV get some grip on the visitors' attacking play and was able to extend to 2-0 via Noni Madueke. The substitute picked up a deflected Fortuna Sittard corner kick in the 85th minute, accelerated and signed for the decision. The win brings PSV to ten points after four matches, as many as fellow leaders sc Heerenveen and Feyenoord. An away game at PEC Zwolle follows next weekend.
The PSV players poked fun at fellow player Maxi Romero before kickoff with special shirts