Danko Lazovic and Jan Kromkamp gave the defending champions a commanding advantage although home hearts were fluttering when Darryl Roberts pulled one back with a minute to go.

PSV upped the tempo, though, and made it 3-1 when substitute Jason Culina netted in the dying seconds.

PSV caretaker coach Sef Vergoossen clearly warned his players about the danger of underestimating a Sparta side which thrashed De Graafschap 6-1 on Sunday as the home side came storming out of the blocks.

Lazovic had their first chance, heading narrowly wide from a Balazs Dzsudzsak cross.

Eight minutes later, Alcides' 15-yard shot was also just off-target.

The pressure told after 25 minutes when Dzsudzsak again crossed from the left and this time Lazovic made no mistake with a crisp finish from six yards.

The one-way traffic continued after the break and it came as no surprise when PSV doubled their advantage, Alcides heading on to Kromkamp to fire home.

Sparta had to wait until the 84th minute before creating their first chance with Sjaak Polak hitting a free-kick just past the post.

The visitors did get on the scoresheet five minutes later though when Roberts caught out home keeper Heurelho Gomes with a long-range strike.

But PSV were not to be denied and they added a third late on when Culina fired home from 25 yards.

PSV stay three points clear of Ajax with the Amsterdammers beating FC Utrecht 2-0 on Wednesday night.