PSV took three important points against Fortuna Sittard on Sunday evening. Things didn’t work out in-house for a long time, but Xavi Simons took care of the liberating 2-1 with a great long shot. The people of Eindhoven can secure second place next week with a victory over SC Heerenveen.
Lucky, was the word that summarized PSV’s first half hour. Against Fortuna Sittard, it fell behind after four minutes due to a bicycle kick by Paul Gladon. It was the only ‘luck’ that the Limburgers had because after that there was enough to complain about.
After less than ten minutes, PSV should have come up with ten men. Johan Bakayoko came in rashly and hit his opponent hard on the ankle. The video referee looked at it but left it at yellow, but red certainly wouldn’t have been out of place.
Not 0-2, but 1-1
Halfway through the first half, the visitors thought they would be 2-0. Goalkeeper Walter Benitez made hands with a back pass and lost the ball to Inigo Cordoba. Luck for the Argentinian goalie was that the attacker also touched the ball with his hand and the goal was therefore disallowed.
Benitez’s handball was not seen by the referee and because the result would have been no card and only an indirect free kick, the VAR was not allowed to intervene.
A minute later, the ball was in the net on the other side because Luuk de Jong headed in Jordan Teze’s cross. PSV at the same level and it was not allowed to complain about that.
Restoration work
Just like a week earlier, Van Nistelrooij had to carry out repairs. Even then, the right side, Bakayoko and Teze, were replaced at half time. There was now a shovel on top with Guus Til who was also allowed to take a shower. Even after an hour of play, there was a substitution that was applied last week. Fabio Silva came for Luuk de Jong.
With four fresh forces, PSV went on the hunt for the lead. But there was no opportunism. It was a weak bite and where the substitutions helped PSV last week, it didn’t get any better this time. Still, it all worked out in Eindhoven because ten minutes before the end Xavi Simons burst out with all the frustration and shot in beautifully.
Thanks to the victory, the difference with closest competitor Ajax remains six points. Next week, PSV can secure second place in the home game against SC Heerenveen. It is hoped that it will be a bit easier than Sunday evening.