Eredivisie wrap: Top two claim wins

Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar beat De Graafschap 4-0 on Saturday for their first win in four matches, while PSV snuck past NAC Breda 1-0.

Scoreless draws against Malmo in the Europa League and Excelsior in the Eredivisie sandwiched a 5-1 hammering at the hands Heerenveen in the last 10 days for AZ, meaning their home fixture against struggling De Graafschap took on extra importance.

The likes of Brett Holman, Jozy Altidore and Rasmus Elm have all played significant roles in AZ’s terrific start to the season, and all three were important in their rout at the AFAS Stadion.

It was Australian forward Holman who laid on the assist for both first-half goals, with highly rated midfielder Adam Maher opening the scoring on 22 minutes.

It was the 18-year-old’s seventh goal for the season in all competitions for his club.

Nine minutes later, Danish defender Simon Poulsen became the next beneficiary of Holman’s hard work, as Gert Verbeek’s men headed into the break with a two-goal advantage.

Altidore’s header led to De Graafschap defender Vito Wormgoor’s own goal early in the second half, before substitute Charlison Benschop wrapped up the win with his strike 11 minutes from time.

The win keeps AZ four points ahead of PSV, who themselves tasted victory on Saturday.

Belgiun forward Dries Mertens struck the only goal of the game as PSV extended their unbeaten home record to 18 matches, with their last defeat at the Philips Stadion inflicted in February by ADO Den Haag.

Heerenveen climbed to fourth after a sensational 5-0 win at relegation-threatened Excelsior, with 196cm-forward Bas Dost scoring all five goals.

Dost had a hat-trick at half-time thanks to goals on 13, 18 and 43 minutes, with the last two assisted by strike partner Luciano Narsingh.

Narsingh finished with four assists after supplying Dost with further strikes in the 58th and 66th minute, helping Heerenveen score five times for the second game in succession.

The result extended their unbeaten run to 17 in all competitions.

Also on Saturday, FC Twente defeated NEC Nijmegen, with Luuk de Jong and Nacer Chadli bagging second-half goals for the winners.