AZ stay on top after narrow win over Roda

Published on 23 oktober 11, 00:00

AZ unexpectedly started the match with Pontus Wernbloom and Roy Beerens in the lineup. Both players got problems with their ankles but were fit enough to start the game. Ragnar Klavan was replaced by Nick Viergever and Charlison Benschop by Jozy Altidore in comparison with the previous match against Austria Wien.

AZ dominated from the start and created chances though Altidore, Simon Poulsen, Elm and Johann Berg Gudmundsson. Roda JC only got one opportunity when Mitchell Donald shot wide. AZ was withheld a penalty when two Roda-defenders held Altidore in the penalty area. Referee Makkelie didn’t respond.

Immediately after the break Makkelie withheld AZ a penalty again when Wernbloom was fouled. Not much later AZ took the lead. An Elm corner went straight into the goal and was too powerful for Roda-defender Jimmy Hempte. Against Austria Wien an Elm corner flew into the goal as well, slightly touched by Wernbloom.

Mark-Jan Fledderus got his second booking for protesting immediately after the goal. The rest of the match AZ tried to increase the scoring but didn’t succeed. However, first a Wernbloom header was correct disallowed for offside and second a goal by Altidore was incorrect disallowed for the same reason.

MATCH STATISTICS:
AZ – Roda JC 1-0 (0-0)

Lineup AZ: Esteban; Dirk Marcellis, Niklas Moisander, Nick Viergever, Simon Poulsen (78. Ragnar Klavan); Pontus Wernbloom, Rasmus Elm, Adam Maher; Roy Beerens, Jozy Altidore (90. Charlison Benschop), Johann Berg Gudmundsson (67. Celso Ortiz).
Lineup Roda JC: Pawel Kieszek; Martijn Monteyne, Robbie Wielaert, Bart Biemans, Jimmy Hempte; Laurent Delorge, Ruud Vormer, Mitchell Donald, Adil Ramzi (83. Djoum Arnaud Sutchuin); Mads Junker (65. Davy De Beule), Sanharib Malki.

Goals: 51. Elm 1-0.
Bookings: Altidore (AZ), Wielaert, Monteyne, Hempte (Roda JC).
Sent-off: Fledderus (51th minute).
Referee: Danny Makkelie.
Attendance: 16.200