GRONINGEN, Dec 9 (SW) - PSV Eindhoven are 'winter champions' in the Dutch Eredivisie following a 0-2 victory at FC Groningen on Saturday.

The league leaders visited Groningen at Euroborg stadium, where ever since its opening, the hosts proved to do well when playing at home.

Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes helped PSV through a difficult first half and sixteen minutes into the second, it was Ibrahim Affelay to open the score for the reigning champions.

In the final phase, a second goal was added by in-form striker Arouna Koné.

PSV now have 43 points from 16 matches, while AZ and Ajax - both with a game in hand - follow at 35 and 34 points respectively and will not be able to occupy the top spot after seventeen games.