Linssen double gives Feyenoord home winning start
Feyenoord took all three points in their opening home Eredivisie fixture of the 2021-22 season at De Kuip on Sunday against Fortuna Sittard. The game was deadlocked for the first hour, but Bryan Linssen scored twice in the final 30 minutes to send the home fans away happy. Less positive was the premature loss of Marcos Senesi, who was forced off though injury after just a few minutes’ play.
After a string of Feyenoord victories in recent weeks, the home season cardholders arrived at De Kuip in huge numbers and with high expectations. And though they saw Arne Slot’s side show similar energy levels as against FC Luzern and IF Elfsborg, they also noted that the hosts had much more trouble breaking their Eredivisie visitors down.
Fatigue may have played a role after a succession of midweek European games, but Feyenoord actually created plenty of chances. In the final stages of the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second half alone former Feyenoord keeper Warner Hahn pulled out a string of saves to deny the hosts.
The opener finally came on the hour. Hahn saved a hard shot from Luis Sinisterra, but the ball fell to Linssen who netted. It looked like being the only strike of the game, until Linssen doubled his tally late on. The striker dribbled his way into position before hitting a rasping drive into the top corner with his left peg that left Hahn with no chance.
That secured the three points for Feyenoord, the second full haul of the season. Next up for Arne Slot’s side is a trip to FC Utrecht, where they will look to consolidate their good start to the season in the early kick-off next Sunday.