PSV completed a comfortable 4-0 win over PEC Zwolle and moved to take advantage of Ajax dropping points elsewhere in the Eredivisie. Ismael Saibari, Dennis Man, Veerman and Ryan Flamingo scored as PSV kept a clean sheet for the first time since August 17.
Coach Peter Bosz made several changes from last Wednesday’s Champions League draw with Bayer Leverkusen. Ivan Perisic and Armando Obispo were rested, Sergiño Dest and Couhaib Driouech returned from injury, Jerdy Schouten started at central defender and Mauro Júnior played as a controlling midfielder. Occasional striker Guus Til led the line in the absence of Ricardo Pepi, Myron Boadu and Alassane Pléa.
Match report
PSV opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Ismael Saibari tapped in from a Couhaib Driouech pass (20′). It was Saibari’s fourth goal of the season. PEC Zwolle offered little threat and did not register a shot on target, leaving goalkeeper Matej Kovar untroubled.
On the stroke of halftime Dennis Man wrapped up the first half after intercepting a pass from PEC goalkeeper Tom de Graaff and finishing into the short corner. Man’s goal effectively ended the contest before the break.
Henry van der Vegt tried to change the game at halftime by bringing Tristan Gooijer on for Olivier Aertssen, but the substitute — an Ajax loanee — was sent off after an hour for a hard foul on Veerman. PSV capitalised on the numerical advantage shortly after when Veerman had space in the penalty area and made it 0-3.
Bosz used the lead to rest several players; Saibari was replaced by Noah Fernandez, who — according to the club report — made his debut for PSV’s first team. The evening was made worse for PEC when substitute Ryan Flamingo scored a fourth from a pass by Esmir Bajraktarevic.
PSV’s 4-0 victory halted a run of defensive problems in domestic and European play and was their first clean sheet since the 0-2 win at FC Twente on August 17. The win also leaves PSV well placed to benefit from Ajax’s dropped points in the league race.
