AZ suffer 2-0 defeat at Roda JC

Published on 28 januari 12, 00:00

KERKRADE- AZ missed a chance to reclaim top spot in the Eredivisie as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Roda JC on Saturday night. Sanharib Malki and Mads Junker scored two first-half goals for the hosts.

One day after PSV had moved to the top of the table, Gertjan Verbeek´s team put in a poor display, and Rasmus Elm, who served a one-match ban, was sorely missed.

Two goals out of three chances

As expected, the hosts adopted a counter-attacking system and showed great efficiency in front of goal. Sanharib Malki and his strike partner Mads Junker were impressive with two goals out of three chances. Malki headed home a cross from Junker after ten minutes and in the 34^th minute Malki found Junker and the Dane tapped home from close range: 2-0. Junker missed a good chance to add a third goal, sending his shot wide, after he had intercepted a poor pass from Maarten Martens. Adam Maher and Martens created only half-chances for AZ in the first half.

Bolster the attack

Gert Jan Verbeek brought on Jozy Altidore to bolster the attack as AZ surged forward in an attempt to reduce the deficit. The visitors dominated the game but failed to create any meaningful chances, while Roda JC hit the crossbar twice. Ten minutes from time, Charlison Benschop played Altidore clean through, but one-one-one with Pawel Kieszek, the American shot straight at the goalkeeper.

GVVV

Following the 2-0 defeat, AZ missed the chance to reclaim the top spot they had occupied since the end of September. They have only claimed one win form their last six league games, dropping thirteen points. They will be next in action on Wednesday when they play host to amateur side GVVV in a KNVB Cup quarter-final tie, with a 20.45 kick-off.

Verbeek: Accept the blame

Roda JC were ready for the clash and we were not, admitted Verbeek at the post-match conference. And I accept the blame for the defeat. We were outclassed by a better side. Congratulations to Roda JC. We will turn our attention to the next game.

Roda JC line-up: Pawel Kieszek; Martijn Monteyne, Robbie Wielaert, Jagos Vukovic, Jimmy Hempte; Davy De Beule (90+2. Bart Biemans), Ruud Vormer, Mitchell Donald, Adil Ramzi; Mads Junker (88. Arnaud Djoum Sutchuin), Sanharib Malki (79. Wiljan Pluim).

AZ line-up: Esteban; Etïenne Reijnen, Niklas Moisander, Nick Viergever, Simon Poulsen; Adam Maher (46. Jozy Altidore), Celso Ortiz (46. Ragnar Klavan), Maarten Martens; Roy Beerens, Charlison Benschop, Brett Holman (79. Johann Berg Gudmundsson).

Goals: 10. Malki 1-0, 34. Junker 2-0.

Booked: Wielaert, Vukovic (Roda JC), Moisander, Altidore (AZ).

Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük.

Attendance: 14.665