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In his first match in charge, PSV caretaker coach Sef Vergoossen oversaw a 1-0 victory for PSV in the top of the table clash at Feyenoord on Saturday night. Otman Bakkal scored the winning goal after forty minutes. PSV ensured they retained top position in the Eredivisie with a convincing, but narrow win. They created a hatful of chances and could and should have scored a few more goals.
Sef Vergoossen and his team got 2008 off to the best possible start. In a short period of time, the new coach has succeeded in transforming his side into an attacking minded team that put on a very mature performance. Vergoossen attempts to make PSV a fighting machine and the players won most challenges in midfield. Feyenoord, who were reduced to ten men at the hour mark, never threatened to come back, while PSV omitted to take their chances and add some more goals. PSV have opened a three-point lead over Feyenoord at the top, following their deserved and morale boosting victory at the Rotterdam Kuip. Ajax, who lie third in the table, take on AZ on Sunday afternoon.
PSV, with Dzsudzsák, who was outstanding on his debut for PSV, and Kromkamp, who made a return to action, earned a great opportunity in the very first minute, but Alcides sent a weak left-footed effort wide of the goal. The visitors dominated proceedings and Feyenoord were forced to defend deeply, hoping to threaten with counter attacks. Hofs cut into the box, but alert goalkeeping from Gomes, who rushed out to collect the ball, denied the midfielder. PSV created at least three meaningful chances in the first half. Dzsudzsák curled a free kick on the roof of the net and Lazovic sent a header straight at Feyenoord stopper Timmer. Five minutes from half time PSV finally break the deadlock. Alcides superbly delivered an incisive pass. The ball fell into the path of Bakkal who accurately placed it past Timmer and into the goal, 0-1. PSV were brimming with confidence, passing the ball effortlessly around at times.
After the break Feyenoord played long balls in a bid to level the score, but the PSV defenders kept their composure, winning all aerial battles. Afellay sent an effort across the goal. On the hour mark, Nick Hofs committed a foul on Afellay. The Feyenoord midfielder was sent off for protesting the decision, his second yellow-card offense. That sparked a period of intense pressure from the visitors. Twenty minutes from time Rajkovic was brought on for Alcides, who had sustained an injury. PSV came close to doubling their advantage several times, but defender Bahia blocked a Dzsudzsák effort and Lazovic failed to tap the ball home from a tight angle after he had already rounded the goalkeeper. Afellay as well Farfán seemed to score, but Feyenoord defenders arrived to clear their efforts off the line and Afellay hit the post. Koevermans came on to replace Lazovic ten minutes from time. With the clock ticking away, PSV were able to comfortably hold out for the points. They collected their second win over Feyenoord this season, keeping a clean sheet on both occasions.
