Machinery

PSV 5-0 Willem II   April 9 2017

PSV is a machine.

Even suffering a 4-month hangover following two successive title wins, they are still challenging with 4 games to go and 12 points up for grabs.

Following conceding a disasterous stoppage time equaliser against FC Twente just two days earlier, which as far as most Eredivisie commentators seemed concerned destroyed their title chances, PSV could be forgiven for a sluggish start in gorgeous spring weather in Eindhoven.

But despite the first half heroics of Willem II's Greek goalkeeper Kostas Lamprou, this was a game PSV were always destined to own.

The crowd were a little subdued as well - aside, perhaps, from the English stag party group of Sunderland supporters who arrived a few minutes after kick off, Brian, the groom, appeared in full England rugby kit with a fetching bridal veil tucked under his scrum cap. The Dutch fans around us looked on, shrugged their shoulders, and concentrated on the match.

The Mackems in from North-East England compared the general experience of watching PSV from block GG as being like in the upper East stand at The Stadium of Light. Which may have been accurate, except they were watching a well-drilled, competent, efficient team capable of winning games. The only actual similarity lay in the team team colours.

PSV were seemingly lulled into a lulled state by the unseasonably warm April temperatures, but having tested Lamprou on a couple of occasions, finally went ahead on 45, Isimat heading home completely unmolested after Bart Ramsellar's persistence forced a corner. It was a deserving goal, the pressure finally telling despite Lamprou's heroic goalkeeping. He is far and away the Tilberger's best player.

A shame as a few minutes before, Willem II actually scored, but without the benefit of goal-line technology, Haye's wonderful effort from 20 yards was waved away, despite having bounced down from the crossbar and over the line.

The second half was a mere formality but nevertheless, PSV used it to remind everyone what a good team they really are.

Luuk de Long subbed off after a strangely ineffective first 45 for Jurgen Locardia, PSV were way too strong after the break for a Willem II side with whom coach Edwin van der Looi would have been reasonably satisfied until the break.

The second goal arrived in near-identical circumstances to the first, this time van Ginkel's header finding the net as Willem II watched on. PSV are among the best in the league at goals from set pieces, but to be honest, they didn't need to be that good to score from this corner.

Suitably at ease now with an unassailable lead, PSV cut lose. First Pereiro on 74 with a lovely curling finish from the right of ther box, then Guardado smashed the ball in from 25 yards from to Lamprou's left. Van Ginkel put a gloss on things on 84, after Willem II were robbed of possession in their own half.

An easy victory which keeps the season interesting for PSV. Mathematically the title is still possible. But you wouldn't bet on it, and given the subdued atmosphere at the Philips Stadion, neither are the PSV faithful.