PSV primed to go the distance

Captain Timmy Simons feels PSV Eindhoven are in excellent shape for the challenges that lie ahead after winning 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur FC in their UEFA Cup Round of 16 first-leg encounter.

Farfán boost
Jefferson Farfán decided the outcome by dispossessing Gilberto and calmly hitting the target with 34 minutes gone for his first PSV goal since 1 December. Having fired 21 Eredivisie efforts in each of his two previous seasons, the Peruvian forward is stuck on four this term, but interim coach Sef Vergoossen will be keen for more after relegating the 23-year-old to the bench in the previous round against Helsingborgs IF. Indeed, Farfán has the whole club buzzing again following their first defeat under Vergoossen at FC Utrecht last weekend.

'Self-criticism'
"Maybe we should have scored another goal in the second half, but when you win here, then I think you can say you did a great job," said Simons at White Hart Lane. "The loss to Utrecht on Sunday possibly came at exactly the right time. Obviously it wasn't good, but we've been able to perform the necessary self-criticism and that might help us in the important weeks that await us."

Ajax showdown
The next seven days could hardly be more critical, in fact, with the Eredivisie leaders due to host second-placed AFC Ajax on Sunday before hoping to finish the job against Spurs on Thursday. Victory over Ajax would send PSV nine points clear at the top, and with just six games to go after that they would be well on course for a fourth consecutive Dutch title.

Parting gift
That would also guarantee them UEFA Champions League football next season, when current Hamburger SV coach Huub Stevens will be at the helm, but for Vergoossen the UEFA Cup would make for an excellent parting gift before he steps down in July. "Of course this is an excellent starting position for the return match, but we aren't there yet," said the Dutchman. "[Tottenham] have a team who can score from a half-chance, even in an away game. But, let's be honest, if I'd had the choice to take this result before the match, I would have signed immediately, stepped on to the bus and driven home again."