AZ take over lead in Eredivisie

Published on 25 september 11, 00:00

ALKMAAR- AZ beat Feyenoord 2-1 while to go on top of the Eredivisie table as FC Twente drew 1-1 at Ajax. Rasmus Elm and Brett Holman were accurate for AZ in an attractive and equal match. Feyenoord defender Kelvin Leerdam was sent-off.

Feyenoord made an adaptation to the team by bringing an extra midfielder instead of a forward. AZ started in its regular lineup with Jozy Altidore up front fit enough to start and Charlison Benschop back from injury on the bench.

Overwhelming

AZs start of the match was overwhelming with chances for Simon Poulsen, Nick Viergever and Feyenoord defender Stefan de Vrij who almost beat his own goalkeeper. On the other side John Guidetti had to be watched carefully by the AZ defense.

Too fast

It was the away team that opened the scoring in the 36^th minute. Ruben Schaken was too fast for AZ defender Poulsen and allowed Otman Bakkal to shoot the 0-1 behind AZ goalkeeper Esteban.

High pace

The match continued being played in high pace. It took AZ a free-kick to equalize when Adam Maher was fouled just outside the penalty box. Rasmus Elm curled the ball over the wall behind Feyenoord goalkeeper Erwin Mulder.

Miraculously

Ten minutes later AZ definitely took the game in its hands when Kelvin Leerdam was sent-off for fouling Dirk Marcellis. Brett Holman almost made 2-1 but his effort hit the post and miraculously didnt pass the goal line.

First place

Only four minutes before the final whistle Holman did find the net. Near the second post he headed home a long cross from Marcellis and brought AZ the first place on the Eredivisie table.

MATCH STATISTICS:

AZ Feyenoord 2-1 (0-1)

Lineup AZ: Esteban; Dirk Marcellis, Niklas Moisander, Nick Viergever (89. Ragnar Klavan), Simon Poulsen; Pontus Wernbloom, Rasmus Elm, Adam Maher; Roy Beerens (73. Johann Berg Gudmundsson), Jozy Altidore (69. Charlison Benschop), Brett Holman.

Lineup Feyenoord: Erwin Mulder; Dani Fernández, Stefan de Vrij, Ron Vlaar, Kaj Ramsteijn (27. Bruno Martins Indi); Kelvin Leerdam, Jordy Clasie (84. Ricky van Haaren), Otman Bakkal, Karim El Ahmadi; Ruben Schaken, John Guidetti (71. Kamohelo Mokotjo).

Goals: 36. Bakkal 0-1, 60. Elm, 86. Holman 2-1.

Bookings: Wernbloom (AZ), Schaken, De Vrij, Martins Indi, El Ahmadi (Feyenoord)

Sent-off: Leerdam (68th minute)

Referee: Pol van Boekel

Attendance: 16.773