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PSV slipped to their first defeat of the season against AZ in Alkmaar on Saturday night. PSV failed to take their chances in the first half. AZ took a deserved lead eight minutes from time when substitute Maarten Martens scored a goal to give the home side a 1-0 victory.
First-half chances
PSV made a few changes from last week's starting line-up, with Maza, Zonneveld, Bakkal and Dzsudzsák returning to the starting XI. Salcido was not fit enough to start after he had picked up a minor groin injury during the Friday training session. After a quiet opening phase PSV tried to find striker Koevermans up front, but the hosts' defence was well-organised. On the half-hour mark the match sprang into life and PSV had some opportunities to open the scoring. Koevermans broke into the box but could not connect with a team mate and both Afellay and Dzsudzsák had shots on target. At the other end, Schaars tested PSV Isaksson but the PSV keeper was not impressed. On the stroke of half time Koevermans had a chance but he headed the ball over the bar from close range.
Martens scored winning goal
AZ burst out of the blocks after the break and Hamdaoui brought out a great save from Isaksson. PSV kept their composure but were forced to defend deeply as AZ surged forward, piling up the pressure on the PSV defence. Dembélé fired over the bar as the home side went in search of a winner. Huub Stevens sent on Lazovic for Koevermans, while PSV tried to hold on for a hard-fought draw. Culina replaced Bakkal ten minutes from time and two minutes later AZ took a deserved lead after all. El Hamdaoui played a fine through ball and Maarten Martens, who had been brought on as a substitute in the 76th minute, calmly lobbed the ball over Isaksson: 1-0. Nijland come on for Maza in the closing stages as PSV moved men forward, but it was too little too late. Dzsudzsák sent an effort well wide of goal and Culina managed only a tame shot straight at the keeper. The Amrabat, who completed a two-match ban, and his creative ideas were sorely missed, as PSV were left empty-handed. PSV head coach Huub Stevens will have plenty to think about. His team will be next in action on Tuesday when they meet Young PSV in a Cup tie in the Philips Stadium and play host to FC Volendam on matchday four on Saturday.
