Vitesse 0 - 2 PSV
PSV kept their heads in a pulsating and at times violent game in the Arnhem Gelredome. Vitesse were beaten 0-2 thanks to substitute Gerald Sibon, who scored the opening goal and set up the second. The Eindhoven team kept a clean sheet for the tenth time in a row.
From kick-off the hosts made it clear they wanted to fight their top-of-the table opponents with attacking play and a great deal of spirit and passion as their main weapons. PSV were given some hard times, but they knew to strike at the appropriate moments. The match was certainly not worthy of a fair play nomination. Michael Dingsdag was shown a straight red card for hitting Sibon in the face. On 67 minutes referee Bossen suspended play for some fifteen minutes, because of abusive chanting of the Vitesse supporters.
PSV also suffered injury setback. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink had to be taken off on the hour mark. The tall PSV striker fell down awkwardly, while trying to win the ball and he may very well have broken his collarbone or dislocated his shoulder. Vennegoor of Hesselink was immediately taken to hospital.
Vitesse, inspired by three wins in a row, had a bright start to the game. The team of coach Edward Sturing piled on pressure on PSV and created several chances. PSV were threatening at times, but the hosts dominated the game. After the break PSV got a few good opportunities and after Ji-Sung Park had hit the post, DaMarcus Beasley rattled the same post from the resulting rebound. PSV earned a free kick in the 56th minutes at the edge of the area. Sibon’s shot took a deflection off the wall of defenders and Vitesse keeper Jevric did not stand a chance; 0-1.
After Dingsdag had received his marching orders and after the fifteen minute suspension, the game was far from over. Vitesse, reduced tot en men, staged a brave fight and PSV were slow in building up their attacks.
The hosts had pepped themselves up in the dressing room and surged forwards. Theo Lucius should have wrapped up things fifteen minutes from final time, but rather than fire home himself, he squared the ball for Beasley. Vitesse kept on battling and PSV survived some scary moments in the closing stages of a tumultuous game. It was not before injury time that they secured victory. Sibon produced a wonderful through ball and Beasley coolly finished by striking the ball home at the near post.
By this win PSV are still on top of the Dutch league. They have earned 35 points from their thirteen domestic games.
PSV are now five points clear at the top and the gap between number three Feyenoord, who slipped to a shock 1-2 defeat at home against FC Groningen, is have now nine points.PSV play hosts to Arsenal on Wednesday night for a crucial UCL tie and they take on FC Twente on Saturday night for a league game.
Goals: 56´ Sibon, 90´ Beasley
