PSV Eindhoven are back level on points with Ajax but they failed to impress in a 3-1 win over ADO Den Haag.

PSV failed to close the gap in goal difference to Ajax last weekend in their narrow win over De Graafschap. Against ADO, who they beat 7-0 earlier in the season, Mark van Bommel decided to start with Donyell Malen in midfield over Gaston Pereiro, Jorrit Hendrix or Mohammed Ihattaren.

The home side dominated the early stages and the opening goal eventually came in the 20th minute. Denzel Dumfries cut in from the right before hitting a fierce strike into the top corner.

ADO Den Haag then missed an excellent chance to equalise as Erik Falkenburg put a header wide from a few yards out. At the other end, Steven Bergwijn fired over as PSV failed to find a second before the break.

Without a second goal the home crowd grew restless and chants of Erick Gutierrez rang round. The Mexican midfielder had been exiled in recent months but van Bommel appeased the fans with his introduction alongside Cody Gakpo in the 75th minute.

Gutierrez got a chance to make it 2-0 but screwed a shot just wide of the post. In the 83rd minute PSV did double their lead when Gakpo crossed for Luuk de Jong to score from close range.

Tomas Necid increased the tension in the Philips Stadion by making it 2-1 but in extra-time, Malen wrapped up the win with a lovely looping header.

PSV move level on points with Ajax but have failed to really make inroads into their goal difference, which is current 11 better with only three games left.

ADO Den Haag are 12th.




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