Ten-man PSV left it late to see off Excelsior 3-2 in Rotterdam with in-demand Memphis Depay the catalyst.
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After PSV wrapped up the Eredivisie title last week, Memphis Depay has been in the news constantly with reports of talks with Manchester United, Liverpool, and PSG. Back on the pitch, the winger got into the action quickly with a low strike tipped away by Coutinho, before Depay’s audacious lob from the half way line flew just over the bar.
After 20 minutes PSV thought they had the lead when Luciano Narsingh’s strike hit the crossbar and dropped on the line, but the referee ruled no goal, and replays showed the decision was correct.
As the first half wore on it was Excelsior who started to take control and Remko Pasveer had to be alert to keep out Adil Auassar’s curling shot which was heading for the bottom corner.
Shortly after half time the home side did take the lead as Sander Fischer beat Pasveer after a scramble from a corner. However the goal woke PSV up, and after Luuk de Jong and Jetro Willems struck the woodwork, Georginio Wijnaldum equalised on 68 minutes.
Five minutes later Excelsior were awarded a penalty when Nicolas Isimat-Marin blocked Bas Kuipers shot, which earned the French defender a second yellow and red card. Jeff Stans made no mistake from the spot to restore Excelsior’s lead.
However then Memphis Depay took the game by the scruff of the neck, firstly winning a free kick on the edge of the box on 75 minutes, which he curled past the wall and despairing arm of Coutinho to make it 2-2. Then in injury time the winger’s shot/cross found Jurgen Locadia, who finished from close range to earn PSV the win.
The loss for Excelsior means the Rotterdam side drop to 15th, and it will be between them and NAC for whom will fill the final relegation play-off spot. PSV move onto 82 points and are nearing a club record.
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