PSV clinch fourth successive Dutch league title

By Theo Ruizenaar

ROTTERDAM (Reuters) - PSV Eindhoven clinched their fourth Dutch league title in a row on Sunday with a 1-0 win at Vitesse Arnhem to finish above rivals Ajax Amsterdam.

PSV ended the season three points clear of Ajax, with 72 from 34 matches, after Serbia striker Danko Lazovic grabbed the winner just after halftime at the Gelredome.

It was the second year running the title race had come down to a nerve-racking final day with PSV triumphant again to secure a place in the next season's Champions League group stage.

"There was a lot of pressure on this match but the goal was a relief," PSV coach Sef Vergoossen told Radio 1. "But despite the close finish we really deserve this championship."

Captain Timmy Simons added: "We knew that we had to be patient today and that is what we were and after the opening goal we just kept control".

PSV, who dropped four points in their last three matches to allow Ajax back into the title race, needed at least a point in Arnhem to guarantee they would retain the trophy.

Serbian Lazovic struck his 10th league goal of the season from close range just two minutes into the second half after being set up by Jefferson Farfan.

Vitesse were reduced to 10 men 13 minutes from time after a second booking for Sebastien Sansoni.