PSV launches stunning comeback to beat Groningen

PSV looked to be headed towards another disappointing loss before a stunning four spree in fifteen minutes to defeat FC Groningen 4-2. Whistles sent the defending champions to the locker room with Groningen leading 2-0. The visitors took the lead with Swedish international Marcus Berg opportunistic goal just past the half hour mark however it looked to be the shape of things to come as FK Partizan-product Goran Lovre re-directed Petter Andersson's cross. At the half, Hubb Stevens called upon Otman Bakkal and Nordin Amrabat for Stefan Nijland and Stijn Wuytens respectively. The impact was fast as nine minutes after the break Otman Bakkal found the back of the net from ten meters to half the difference. Only three minutes later Otman leveled the match, accepting a long ball from Timmy Simons before drilling home. A champions spirit woken, the home side thirsted for more goals and one minute past the hour troubled Danko Lazović poached on a close range rebound to give PSV the 3-2 lead. The Serbian international added his second of the night eight minutes later as the Groningen defense left him to waltz in alone.

The victory brings PSV to fifth place, seven points behind the seemingly unstoppable AZ. PSV returns to action this Tuesday against English side, Liverpool in the Champions League

"anxious to restore pride"

Prior to the match Hubb Stevens noted he was "anxious to restore pride" and given his "second-chance" opportunity for Danko Lazović and the quality on the pitch, he got his message across loud and clear. While I am personally assured that his pleasant demeanor in-front of the media is the polar opposite of his commentary behind closed doors, it certainly worked as PSV steamrollered over Heracles Almelo 4-0 with goals from Francisco Rodríguez, Ibrahim Afellay, Danko Lazović and Hungarian international Balázs Dzsudzsák.

PSV came out with insatiable desire to prove its worth and fifteen minutes into the match ex-Chivas man Francisco Rodríguez finished a long run with a powerful drive into the net. Just before the half-hour mark Danny Koevermans served up Ibrahim Afellay from ten meters out to which he immediately drove the ball in to double the lead. Before the attack could be called off, troubled Serbian international Danko Lazović drove in the cross of Balázs Dzsudzsák to make it 3-0. Only another six minutes later Danko Lazović turned provider as his cross was feigned by Danny Koevermans with Balázs Dzsudzsák thundering a powerful volley in. With a four goal advantage the three points were safe and PSV coasted for a balance of the match.

PSV returns to action this Wednesday as they travel to face Atlético Madrid in Champions League action

The Danko Lazović "situation"

Further to Danko Lazović's rather foul outburst at this past weekends match against Ajax, the club has announced they have imposed a "hefty fine" on him. Upon returning from international duty for his native Serbia against Bulgaria, the embattled striker spoke with PSV General Manager Jan Reker and Hubb Stevens regarding the situation.

Always a professional, Hubb Stevens reiterated that he had spoke with the twenty-five year old ex-FK Partizan / Feyenoord man but would not divulge details of the discussion, only to note:

"It’s been a good conversation. I refuse to divulge any details."

Following a private-meeting with his teammates Danko Lazović spoke to the media:

"I spoke with the General Manager, my coach and the players. I also want to offer my apologies to the fans. I hope we will play a good game tomorrow and record a victory."

Unfortunately that isn't enough. Apologies do little to address the impact of what comments like this to the children who look up to their hero's. It pains me to see a young man like Danko, of such brilliant pedigree, forget this sacred vow but the sport must deal with situations like this with the firmest of hands and ensure that those on the pitch are men of honour who understand the impact they have on society. While I hope that Danko turns the tide and use this time as a catalyst to change his course, this is not the first time his career has been dotted with unrest and unfortunately he hasn't learned the real message of this sport. With this in-mind and given that PSV is a club with a tremendous community influence, it must uphold their commitment to the people that support the club and the Eredivisie and ensure he and all others learn this type of behaviour is not acceptable. Given that Danko has been visibly upset with his playing time and reacted in such a dishonourable manner, the course is simple, move him out of the club and let him look back on what is was like to where the PSV crest. Maybe then he'll understand the blessing that this sport offers.