After the games this weekend, it is as you were at the top of the Eredivisie. The top three – PSV, Twente and Ajax – all won but fourth place Feyenoord dropped two points to trail even further behind Ajax.
Heracles Almelo's logo
Fifth place Heracles were looking to continue their fine vein of form against the leaders, PSV, as the Eindhoveners visited Almelo for a contest with much more significance than it would have had last year. As usual, with so much at stake, it turned into a bit of damp squib as PSV grabbed the only goal in a dull display which nonetheless earned them their three priceless points to stay ahead of Twente, who pulled off a fine 1-2 away victory at Arnhem against Vitesse.
Ajax travelled to Friesland to play Heereveen and despite the cold weather and their own lack of inspiration still managed to grab all the points with goals from Rommedahl and Suárez, the 0-2 scoreline flattering the Amsterdammers.
Seventh placed Utrecht stayed in the top half of the table with a tough performance at home to Feyenoord in an encounter with plenty passion but little class and a 0-0 result. The Rotterdam outfit should congratulate themselves for getting out of this one with a point.
In Alkmaar, AZ faced up to Roda JC from Kerkrade. Roda tried to set up an impenetrable defensive wall and repelled all that AZ could chuck at them for 70 minutes. The pressure and two late goals were the deserved reward for AZ as they ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.
The nattily pronounced NEC-NAC fixture turned into a goalfest as NEC managed to claw further away from the relegation zone with a fine 4-2 home win over the team from Breda. This, despite being 1-2 down after half an hour or so.
And Groningen marched into the top half of the table with a laboured but earned 2-1 home win against whipping boys RKC Waalwijk. It was all Groningen in this one until a couple of minutes from time when RKC grabbed a late consolation.
Sparta Rotterdam were in good form for the visit of VVV Venlo and moved a bit further clear of the basket cases with a 2-0 win, first half goals from John and Duplan sealing the game despite Sparta’s Slijngard seeing red early in the second half.
The remaining encounter was a relegation zone battle with Willem II visiting The Hague for the game against ADO. The home team were convincing victors in a 3-0 romp which included a brace from Ricky van den Berg.
Next week: PSV host Sparta, Twente receive Willem II and Ajax welcome Vitesse. Feyenoord should be too strong in the Kuip for ADO, Heracles may face a tough challenge at Roda and AZ travel to VVV. Utrecht go to NAC, Groningen go to NEC and Heereveen have a chance to ease their troubles with a visit to wooden spooners RKC.
Tags: Eredivisie, football
