Eredivisie wrap: Ajax hit ground running

Champions Ajax kicked off their Eredivisie defence with a 4-1 away win over De Graafschap on Sunday.

It was the hosts that opened the scoring in their season opener, however, with Ted van de Pavert netting on the quarter-hour mark at Stadion De Vijverberg.

The home fans were quickly silenced when Miralem Sulejmani equalised seven minutes later, before Derk Boerrigter put Frank de Boer’s side ahead on 31 minutes.

Christian Eriksen had an ideal chance to increase Ajax’s lead from the penalty spot, but he failed to score leaving the visitors with a narrow advantage at the break.

But Eriksen made up for his miss, providing the Serb Sulejmani with his second goal on 62 minutes to give Ajax a handy buffer.

Theo Janssen’s goal three minutes later not only sewed up the contest, but also ensured Ajax went to the top of the table after the opening weekend on goal difference.

Earlier, AZ Alkmaar accounted for PSV Eindhoven 3-1 at the AFAS Stadion.

Maarten Martens, Nick Viergever and Jozy Altidore all scored for the winners, while Eindhoven’s Dries Mertens netted for the visitors.

Nikolas Moisander was sent off in the 82nd minute after receiving a second yellow card, but his absence did not lead to any more goals for either side.

ADO Den Haag kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Vitesse.