After the completion of round ten the top seven in the Eredivisie are now separated by just two points with FC Twente in pole position on 19 points, whilst FC Groningen lie in seventh position on 17 points.
- By Leo Walker
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The round got underway on Saturday when Feyenoord, who would have gone top with a win, were held to a 2-2 draw away at Go Ahead Eagles. They say football is a game of two halves, and it was certainly that in a cold and wet, Deventer. Feyenoord dominated the game, and created numerous first half chances, however only led 1-0 at the break through Stefan de Vrij who has now scored 2 in 2 games. Feyenoord youngster, Jean-Paul Boetius could have had a first half hat trick however was unable to convert his chances and Feyenoord they were made to rue them when early into the second half the hosts equalised. Go Ahead Eagles were then on top in the game before Lex Immers put Ronald Koeman’s side back in front, however a last minute equaliser by Marnix Kolder ensured the shares were spoilt. A game of two halves could also be used to describe the feature match of the weekend. FC Twente dominated possession in the first half at home to Ajax, and went in at the break 1-0 up through Luc Castaignos. The Champions were playing far from their best and no doubt strong words were said at the break by Frank de Boer as a different Ajax side reappeared. They controlled the second half and equalised through Kolbeinn Sigthorsson on the 81st minute and the score remained 1-1.
PSV saw all their closest title rivals on Saturday gain just a point which game them a big opportunity to return to the top of the league; however they were also unable to capitalise. On Sunday Philip Cocu’s side headed to the difficult Euroborg Stadion, and they were another side this weekend that were unable to take full advantage of their numerous chances created as they failed to get on the score sheet. Against the run of play, the hosts led on the 51st minute when a fine breakaway by FC Groningen allowed for Filip Kostic to score the only goal of the game. A famous win for the Green and White army which sees them rise up to seventh, just two points behind the league leaders.
Two sides which did take advantage however were Vitesse Arnhem and PEC Zwolle. Vitesse recorded a remarkable comeback at the Abe Lenstra Stadion on Saturday evening when two quick goals either side of the break saw them look down and out as they were 2-0 behind. However three Vitesse goals provided by two Chelsea loanees saw them record an emphatic 3-2 victory with the winning goal provided by left back, Patrick van Aanholt in extra time. The victory has seen them go level on points with Feyenoord. Moving above Ajax, Feyenoord and Vitesse into third though is PEC Zwolle, who despite recording four wins from four games at the start of the season, were without a win in their last five. In round ten however they welcomed the struggling ADO Den Haag to Zwolle and destroyed them in an impressive 6-1 victory. At half time it was already game over as PEC Zwolle led 3-0, before three further goals for the hosts and a mere consolation strike for the visitors in the second half resulted in the 6-1 score line.
The huge loss for ADO Den Haag ensures they remain in the bottom three alongside RKC Waalwijk and NEC Nijmegen. Pressure continues to mount on Erwin Koeman as his RKC Waalwijk side suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Roda JC on Saturday. After a goalless first half, RKC scored within minutes of the restart through Remy Amieux, before just five minutes later they were pegged back by Roda JC after the equalised. With just five minutes later, Roda JC scored the winner through super sub, Frank Demouge and the three points were wrapped up. NEC Nijmegen remain rooted to the foot of the table and without an Eredivisie win this season as they suffered last minute heartbreak at the Polman Stadion, home of Heracles. The visitors led within just two minutes of the kick off, however were dealt a huge blow when they were reduced to ten men on the half hour mark following the sending off of Hemlein. Despite a resilient second half performance by NEC Nijmegen they conceded late on with just minutes to spare to break their hearts as the game finished in a 1-1 draw.
It’s been a difficult start to the season for FC Utrecht as their injury plagued side recorded just their third victory of the season so far on Saturday. They welcomed the five game unbeaten side of NAC Breda to Utrecht and inflicted a 4-2 defeat on the visitors. Jan Wouters side were impressive throughout last year’s campaign and will hope that this victory can kick start the current season. Jen Toornstra was the man of the match as the midfield maestro scored a brace. The game which ended the weekend’s action on Sunday saw the return of Dick Advocaat to Dutch football as his brief retirement spell ended as he accepted the manager position at AZ Alkmaar, returning for a second stint in charge. They welcomed the newly promoted SC Cambuur to the AFAS Stadion, and AZ Alkmaar were left stunned after just five minutes when the visitors led through Michiel Hemmen. However by the half time break, AZ Alkmaar had turned around the deficit to lead 2-1 after goals by Roy Beerens and Aron Johannsson. A further second half goal by USA striker, Johannsson ensured a comfortable 3-1 victory for AZ Alkmaar and a winning return for Dick Advocaat.
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