Decisive figure lifts visitors past Excelsior | OneFootball

Sergiño Dest created the winner in the 56th minute with a clipped cross as PSV beat Excelsior 2-1.

Dest's delivery from the right found Ricardo Pepi, whose first-time finish settled the game (56.). It was the full back's most incisive moment after the interval and proved decisive.

He then drew repeated fouls to ease pressure and push PSV up the pitch, winning free kicks deep in his own half and in attack (83.). Moments later he earned another set piece on the right (85.). Late on he arrived in the box and blazed over from a tight angle (88.).

The American finished with one assist, 12 possessions won and 54 of 58 passes completed, illustrating control on and off the ball. He also completed three successful dribbles and was fouled six times, consistently pinning Excelsior back.

Operating high on the right throughout the second half, his constant availability and ability to ride challenges gave the visitors an outlet and a route to control the key phases.

The Boeren rise from 11th to third and host Groningen next. Excelsior host Sparta Rotterdam next.