PSV Eindhoven hauled themselves back into contention in the Champions League with a gritty 1-0 win against Lens in a rain-drenched Philips Stadium.

Luuk de Jong headed in a cross from Johan Bakayoko in the 12th minute for the only goal to book the Eredivisie leaders’ first win in four group stage matches.

The result lifts PSV into second place, level on points with Lens but with a better head-to-head record, after Arsenal beat Sevilla 2-0 in the other Group B match to go four points clear.

De Jong praised his team-mates’ defensive efforts, but accused the Ligue 1 side of gamesmanship in a match that featured eight yellow cards, including two for Lens substitute Morgan Guilavoigu.

“I saw how they were provoking us the whole time and wanted us to react. I didn’t appreciate the way they behaved, it was the same in the first game.

“I have to compliment the guys on the way we defended. Everyone worked their socks off. And we could have had a second or third at the end.”

PSV’s final group matches are away to Sevilla in three weeks’ time and at home to Arsenal on December 12.