PSV Overtake AZ After Big Win Over Sparta

The Eredivisie table got a shake-up this weekend, and it was PSV who came out smiling. A ruthless 4-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam, powered by a hat-trick from Sven Mijnans, sent the reigning champions to the summit. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar's perfect start came to an end, and Feyenoord enjoyed a goal-filled afternoon away from home. There was late drama elsewhere too, with two struggling sides finally tasting victory.

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Mijnans Hat-Trick Fires PSV Past Sparta
Things didn't start well for PSV. Just 15 minutes in, Sparta striker Milan Zonneveld latched onto a clever chipped ball in behind the defence. Goalkeeper Matej Kovar rushed out to intercept but completely missed his clearance, leaving Zonneveld with an easy finish into an empty net.

PSV needed a response, and Sven Mijnans gave them one. The former AZ captain rose to meet Esmir Bajraktarevic's cross in the 23rd minute, heading it into the far corner for his first goal in a PSV shirt. Just before the break, Kodai Sano added his own name to the scoresheet, firing home from distance as his shot slipped under goalkeeper Michael Brouwer to put PSV in front.

The second half belonged entirely to Mijnans. He struck twice more, with his third goal a beautifully curled effort from the edge of the box, completing his hat-trick and sealing a comfortable 4-1 win that lifted PSV to the top of the table.

AZ Stumble, Feyenoord Run Riot in Zwolle
AZ Alkmaar had been the division's only unbeaten, ever-winning side heading into the weekend, but that record disappeared on Friday night. Jordy Clasie put them ahead in the 32nd minute against Willem II, only for newly promoted Willem II to hit back through Devin Haen in the 81st minute. AZ had chances to seal the win, most notably when Calvin Stengs somehow put the ball over an open goal, and the missed opportunity cost them, dropping them to second on goal difference.

Feyenoord, on the other hand, had no such trouble. Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side travelled to Zwolle and returned with a thumping 7-0 victory, played in front of no away fans. Nacho Ferri scored twice and also had a hand in an own goal from Simon Graves Jensen. Gijval Zechiel kept up his fine early-season form with another goal, Anis Hadj Moussa netted a brace, and 17-year-old Jivayno Zinhagel got off the mark with his first goal for the club.

First Wins for Utrecht and Cambuur
Elsewhere, two clubs finally ended their winless starts. FC Utrecht eased some of the pressure surrounding new manager Anthony Correia with a 2-1 away win over Excelsior, sealed by a Dani de Wit goal in the 92nd minute.

It was a rougher weekend for NEC, though. Dick Schreuder's side fell 3-0 to newly promoted Cambuur, who picked up their first win of the campaign thanks to goals from Ilyes Hamache and Iwan Henstra.

At the bottom of the table, ADO Den Haag's troubles continued as they lost again, this time to FC Twente. Wout Weghorst opened his account for his new club from the penalty spot, before Robin Propper added a second for John van den Brom's side.