PSV gives away lead at Vitesse and fails to get next to Ajax

NOS Football–today, 18:38

Watch the summary of Vitesse – PSV

PSV failed to take the full win at Vitesse, falling further behind in the title race. It ended up 1-1 in Arnhem. With that, PSV failed to equalize in points with Ajax, which lost the Klassieker to leaders Feyenoord.

Thanks to Xavi Simons, PSV took an early lead, and also thanks to Marco van Ginkel. The ex-PSV player from Vitesse inadvertently sent Simons into the depths and another ex-PSV player, Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, then gave Simons too much space and you shouldn’t give him that.

Simons as Ronaldo

Simons cut in behind the standleg past Isimat-Mirin and fired in the opening goal in the 8th minute. It was the 19-year-old Simons’ 13th premier league goal of the season. He followed in illustrious footsteps. Simons became the first teenager with more than 12 premier league goals for PSV in one season since Ronaldo in the 1994/1995 season.

ANP

Xavi Simons celebrates his 1-0 against Vitesse.
Pro Shots

Xavi Simons on his way to PSV’s 1-0 against Vitesse.

Simons is no longer going to reach the final total of thirty goals of Brazilian phenomenon Ronaldo, but impressive is what the talent is showing. To the visible frustration of Simons and also of coach Ruud van Nistelrooij, PSV did not persevere after the early opening goal.

The Eindhoveners took gas and allowed the home team to get back into the game. Through Million Manhoef, Vitesse was dangerous. The left winger unsuccessfully claimed a penalty kick after a duel with André Ramalho, and Patrick van Aanholt prevented Manhoef from striking with a slide.

Unnecessary counter goal

The best chances were for PSV. Van Aanholt shot narrowly wide, Fábio Silva headed at the post and in the second half Luuk de Jong failed to double the score. The striker worked the ball past after a corner from close range. Moments later, things went wrong at the other end for PSV.

After nonchalant defending from Ibrahim Sangaré, Van Aanholt had to pull the emergency brake and from the awarded free kick the 1-1 fell. Van Ginkel extended and the ball disappeared through Sangaré’s chest into the goal. An unnecessary goal that cost PSV two points, hence the frustration of Simons and Van Nistelrooij.