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PSV coach Huub Stevens announced at the post-conference ahead of his side's encounter with Heracles Almelo that the players were anxious to restore pride. They lived up to the expectations as they claimed an emphatic 4-0 victory. PSV were keen to return to winning ways and showed goal scoring prowess. Maza, Afellay, Lazovic and Dzsudzsák got their name on the score sheet as PSV scored four first-half goals.
A spirited first-half display
PSV were anxious to record a victory at the Philips Stadium after suffering four away defeats in a row. They realised they needed a win, ahead of the tough fixtures away against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday and at home against sc Heerenveen on Saturday. The players gave the perfect response on the pitch, scoring four goals to get their season back on track. They took their feet off the pedal in the second half but the home crowd was satisfied with their team's 4-0 win. The players worked hard and will take the positives from a spirited and solid first-half team display.
PSV burst out of the blocks
PSV coach Huub Stevens stuck with the forward pairing of Danny Koevermans and Danko Lazovic, with Dzsudzsák and Afellay providing support from the flanks. Jérémie Bréchet, who has returned to full fitness, partnered Maza in the centre of defence. PSV were eager to return to winning ways and burst out of the blocks. The home side were embarrassing Heracles all over the pitch from the first whistle and were soon rewarded for their dominance. Fifteen minutes were on the clock when Maza opened the scoring for PSV. The Mexican raced half the length of the pitch before smashing home the opener; 1-0. PSV continued to dominate possession and created plenty of chances. Koevermans turned provider for Afellay, who doubled PSV's lead on the half-hour mark, taking his season's tally to seven goals; 2-0. Two minutes later Simons put Dzsudzsák clear. The Hungarian winger squared the ball back to Lazovic who lashed home the third goal of the night. PSV smelt blood and went in search of more goals in a one-sided game. Lazovic delivered a fine cross from the right flank after 38 minutes and Koevermans' clever dummy allowed Dzsudzsák to hammer a stunning volley into the top corner: 4-0.
Jefferson Farfán did a lap of honour
The atmosphere at the Philips Stadium was terrific and the crowd gave Jefferson Farfán, who had done a surprise lap of honour at half time, a standing ovation. The hosts continued to attack and Koevermans brought out two great saves from keeper Pieckenhagen. Dzsudzsák made way for Wuytens after 63 minutes. Culina came off the bench to replace Salcido after 67 minutes and Huub Stevens made his final substitution in the 75th minute, when he brought on Nijland for Simons, who handed Koevermans the captain's armband. PSV scored no more goals in the second half, but comfortably coasted to a morale-boosting victory.