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PSV, who were in inspired form in the Alkmaar DSB Stadium on Sunday afternoon, enjoyed a fine 3-1 win over second-placed AZ, thanks to three first half goals from Manuel Da Costa, Edison Mendez and Arouna Koné.PSV move to second spotPSV were full of self-confidence, following the great 2-1 Champions League group stage win over Galatasaray earlier this week and showed their strength in the domestic league on Sunday afternoon as well. They wrapped up the game in a few minutes’ time on the stroke of half time, after both Edison Mendez and Arouna Koné had found the net in injury time. Debutant Da Costa had already broken the deadlock, so PSV had actually made sure of victory after forty-five minutes. PSV climb into second place in the Dutch table; Ajax still top the table, after hammering Feyenoord 4-0 in the Rotterdam Kuip. PSV will be next in action on Wednesday night, when they entertain Sparta in the Philips Stadium. Da Costa openerPSV were in inspired form and put in a convincing performance in particular during an entertaining first period. Both sides picked up the pace straight after the first whistle and produced a battling display. PSV burst out of the blocks and were in front after twelve minutes. Manuel Da Costa crowned a dream start by scoring the opening goal. The 20-year-old left back, who was handed his debut, headed home from a corner. PSV continued to pressure and Farfán and again Da Costa, who caused constant problems for the AZ defenders at corner kicks, earned chances. PSV were upset when AZ did not stop play, while Carlos Salcido was down on the ground, needing treatment and referee Wegereef did not interfere, either. PSV responded with some tough tackles and captain Cocu was booked.Mendez and KonéAZ wanted to level the score and moved men forward, while PSV controlled the game and were in search of more goals. AZ did not create clear-cut chances, although Arveladze miskicked the ball, when he was put in a shooting position. Farfán produced most danger and on the stroke of half time he cut inside the box from the right wing. The Peruvian international set up Edison Mendez who produced a stunning shot for the second goal of the afternoon. But that was not all: in injury time Arouna Koné created some space after he had cleverly rounded a few defenders and unleashed a fierce shot that beat goalkeeper Didulica; PSV had killed off the game at half time. Demy de ZeeuwAfter the break the pace of the game was not high as in the first half. PSV took their foot off the pedal and leaned back. Cocu earned a chance, before Arveladze had failed to take an opportunity to reduce the deficit. Twenty minutes from time Demy de Zeeuw scored a consolation goal for the hosts after all; he delivered a low shot that surprised Gomes: 1-3 Jason Culina had meanwhile been brought on to replace Ibrahim Afellay, who had performed well and Roy Beerens left the bench to take over from Farfán. The home crowd loudly supported their team during the final fifteen minutes, but PSV comfortably held on and pulled off a great result.
