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PSV fielded three new players (Koné, Reiziger and Ball), but the first performance of Arouna Koné in the service of PSV will undoubtedly be the subject of discussion the next few days. The Ivory Coast striker played a leading part in the narrow 1-0 win over FC Utrecht. Arouna KonéKoné scored the only and consequently winning goal for PSV four minutes into the second half. FC Utrecht goalkeeper Franck Grandel failed to control a long ball on the slippery pitch and the forward capitalized from the goalkeeper’s howler, prodding the ball home into an empty goal. The crowd started to their feet a couple of times in the remaining forty minutes of the second period, when Koné had possession. He missed a penalty and started two solo runs from his own box across the length of the pitch all the way to the area defended by Grandel. He was thwarted in the nick of times on both occasions. In spite of the fact that he could have scored more than just one goal, Koné offered the Eindhoven crowd a great deal of entertainment and spectacular, inimitable moments.PSV created plenty of chancesWhile the rain kept on pouring down, PSV created plenty of chances. It was one-way traffic both before and after the break. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Koné (who was eager on his debut) and Timmy Simons had good opportunities. The crowd did not understand all of the decisions taken by referee Blom, but the hosts kept concentrated and dominated proceedings. Many changes had been brought about in the defence. Michael Ball and Michael Reiziger were positioned as full backs and André Ooijer was partnered in the heart of defence with Alex. FC Utrecht hardly conceded any space, but they did not start any well-worked moves themselves, either. High paceAfter the break the game continued in the same vein: PSV kept on looking for a breach in the solid FC Utrecht defence. FC Utrecht, though, played an open game and the pace of the game was high. The visitors did not lean back, but were on the look-out for an opportunity to score the equalizer. PSV earned plenty of chances once more.When Koné had failed to convert a spot kick, PSV had several opportunities to at least double the advantage. Beasley and Cocu were close, but the PSV captain Phillip Cocu had his shot saved by Grandel.His PSV colleague Gomes was put to the test one time in the final stages, but PSV managed to grab all three points. The victory was marred by the injury that Alex sustained. The tough defender was stretchered off on 80 minutes and he will be examined in hospital on Sunday.
