League leaders PSV were hoping to bounce back from a shock defeat away at FC Volendam last week, but had to do so with a new striker after Guus Til was ruled out for the coming weeks. Myron Boadu took his place, while goalkeeper Matej Kovar returned to the starting XI.
Joey Veerman, who leads the league in created chances by a country mile, created another chance but for the wrong side this time. A clumsy pass gave Heerenveen the ball on the edge of PSV's box, after which Ringo Meerveld assisted Luton Town loanee Lasse Nordas, who gave his side a shock lead with a stunning overhead kick in the 21st minute.
The goal was the Norwegian's fourth in his last three games, making him the first Heerenveen player to score four goals in his first three starts for the Frisian club.
PSV aimed to bounce back quickly, but after Ismael Saibari's shot flew just wide of Bernt Klaverboer's post, Dennis Man wasn't able to stay upright and score a potentially easy equaliser, keeping Heerenveen alive.
The hosts came closer a couple more times, but finally found a breakthrough when Ivan Perisic's inswinging cross sailed over Saibari's head and past Klaverboer, putting PSV alongside Heerenveen on the cusp of halftime.
It didn't take long for the reigning champions to restore the order - Saibari and Wanner played their way into Heerenveen's box, where Myron Boadu stood to tap the ball into an empty goal.
The visitors showed nothing of their promise in the first half, but were kept alive by PSV, who created a host of chances but couldn't finish any as the clock ticked for Heerenveen.
The Frisians were given a rare lucky break when PSV's 3-1 was ruled out - goalkeeper Bernt Klaverboer played a woeful pass after a goal kick and was intercepted by Ismael Saibari. Ricardo Pepi finished an easy chance, but the goal didn't stand after Saibari entered the penalty box before the goal kick was taken.
Heerenveen made use of their lifeline and were close to scoring an equaliser twice shortly after Pepi's goal was cancelled, but eventually it was the American striker who delivered with a powerful strike from distance that put PSV's win beyond any doubt.
The reigning Eredivisie champions returned to winning ways against Heerenveen, beating the Frisian side 3-1 to at least maintain a 14-point lead at the top of the league.