Eredivisie wrap: AZ fail to fire

AZ Alkmaar missed a chance to move back to the top of the Eredivisie after they were defeated 2-0 by Roda JC on Saturday.

PSV had moved to the summit of the league after a 3-1 win against Vitesse Arnhem on Friday, but Gert Verbeek’s side had the chance to respond immediately in Kerkrade.

Things did not go to plan for AZ, however, and they now have won just one of their last six league encounters.

Syrian striker Sanharib Malki scored the opener after 10 minutes and Mads Junker doubled that lead with 12 minutes of the first half remaining.

In an attempt to change the match, Verbeek introduced American Jozy Altidore at the break but despite their best efforts, AZ could not bridge the gap in the second half.

Heerenveen are fifth after their 2-0 home win over Utrecht, with Bas Dost and Jeffrey Gouweleeuw scoring inside the first 20 minutes for the winners.

In other matches, Heracles cruised to a 3-0 win over bottom-placed Excelsior while NAC Breda and De Graafschap played out a 1-1 draw.