Ruthless Feyenoord too strong for PSV

Their strong start to the season suggested that PSV were favourites on home turf. That may have affected coach Slot’s approach, as he tinkered with his formation, starting with Luis Sinisterra and Alireza Jahanbakhsh in a two-man attack, with Bryan Linssen reverting to the bench. Guus Til showed the most adventure from midfield, often getting forward to support the front two.

The hosts saw most of the ball over much of the encounter and could claim to have had the upper hand on occasions, but Feyenoord brought good organisation and a never-say-die attitude to the party. As a result, PSV scarcely created anything of note, whereas Feyenoord were highly efficient whenever they got sight of Joël Drommel’s goal.

Toornstra super strike
The visitors opened the scoring in sensational fashion just before the break. Marcus Pedersen sped down the right wing, skinning two opponents before whipping in a high cross. Jens Toornstra showed great composure and technique, waiting for the ball to fall within his orbit before cracking an unstoppable drive into the net. It was a goal that came just at the right time for Feyenoord, and the same could be said of the second that followed later in the match.

Bryan Linssen had only been on the field for a couple of minutes, coming on as a substitute for the battle-weary Guus Til, when he slid the ball into the net on 71 minutes with Luis Sinisterra claiming an assist.

Dessers important
With a two-goal cushion Feyenoord were able to play with more freedom and that certainly played into the hands of Cyriel Dessers, the second substitute of the afternoon. The striker grabbed an assist when Jens Toornstra extended the lead with his second of the day and then claimed a goal of his own before the final whistle. That left Feyenoord four goals to the good, although there was less good news for Marcus Pedersen. The Norwegian right back was forced to leave the field after a nasty collision with Gernot Trauner. But not long after the final whistle he said that he was doing well and was looking forward to Wednesday’s match.