Sunday 3 December 2017 18:20, UK
Luuk de Jong cemented PSV Eindhoven's place at the top of the Eredivisie table with the only goal in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam.
De Jong's 52nd-minute strike was enough to clinch victory at the Philips Stadion and leave PSV eight points clear of AZ Alkmaar in second.
The home side created plenty of opportunities, particularly after the break, but were unable to add to their tally.
Alkmaar maintained their challenge with a 2-0 victory at VVV Venlo, although they had to remain patient in their pursuit of the points.
It took a 73rd-minute own goal from Venlo midfielder Ralf Seuntjens to set them on their way before central defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos made sure with six minutes remaining.
At the other end of the table, there were precious victories for bottom two Roda JC and NAC Breda with the latter climbing into 15th place as a result.
Thierry Ambrose struck twice from the penalty spot either side of half-time to give Breda a commanding lead over Excelsior and, although Mike van Duinen reduced the deficit with 24 minutes remaining, substitute Paolo Fernandes calmed the nerves with his side's third as time ran down.
Roda's win was secured in more dramatic fashion as they entered the final 20 minutes of their home clash with Heerenveen trailing to Henk Veerman's strike on the hour.
Dani Schahin headed them level with 19 minutes remaining, but it was substitute Livio Milts who secured just a third victory of the campaign with an 87th-minute winner.
