After away wins over FC Twente, Sevilla and Feyenoord, most PSV supporters expected an easy home win over SC Heerenveen on Thursday evening. After an impressive minute of silence for the deceased honorary member Wim van der Leegte, the team of coach Peter Bosz showed that it was hungry for the fifteenth win in a row in the Eredivisie. That came too, although the Eindhoven team missed many opportunities. Guus Til before half time and Ricardo Pepi in the second half ensured the 2-0 victory.
The score remained on the scoreboard for the first half hour of the match, but that does not mean that nothing happened in the Philips Stadium. PSV had chance after chance, but real conviction was lacking in most attempts. And sometimes there was a bit of bad luck, such as when Joey Veerman’s touched shot flew just wide of the post. The best goal attempt came from Ismael Saibari, who shot wide past a Heerenveen player after an impressive solo from the halfway line.
Happy assist
After 33 minutes it was finally scored, although PSV had some luck here. Malik Tillman was passed the ball on the left and quickly passed. His cross was lightly touched by Heerenveen defender Oliver Braude and ended up at the feet of Guus Til: 1-0. And so Tillman repaid the trust of a starting spot. Til had a good chance to double the score just before half time, but goalkeeper Andries Noppert had the ball shot into his hands.
Disallowed goal
Sc Heerenveen was also dangerous a number of times in the first half and showed that it did not just make the long journey to Eindhoven. However, at the beginning of the second half, PSV immediately indicated who was in charge on the field. Right back Sergiño Dest quickly became dangerous and shot just wide after a good cutting movement. Shortly afterwards, striker Luuk de Jong scored, who was in the right place to tap in at a corner. The party was celebrated with their own supporters, but once the ball was on the center spot, referee Bas Nijhuis still disallowed the goal on the advice of the VAR due to handball.
Missed opportunities
PSV continued to hunt for the 2-0. And just like in the first half, coach Peter Bosz’s team created many chances. Joey Veerman was close to the second Eindhoven goal and on the rebound De Jong slid the ball onto the crossbar. Sc Heerenveen often limited itself to countering, but the 1-0 score kept it exciting.
Golden bill
Bosz intervened and sent two fresh forces into the field with Yorbe Vertessen and Ricardo Pepi. Pepi had only just entered the line and he was already able to do what he was brought to PSV for. After a mistake by defender Syb van Ottele, the striker ran alone to Noppert and the American made no mistake: 2-0. Five minutes later, Pepi missed a great chance to make it 3-0, which would have been a golden attack.
Champions League
Thanks to the fifteenth victory in a row, PSV goes to the next home match, next Tuesday against Arsenal, with a lot of confidence. Both teams are already certain of wintering in the Champions League. PSV will also play the away match against AZ and the cup match at home against FC Twente this calendar year.