PSV in command as rivals falter

Christmas came a day early for PSV Eindhoven after title rivals AZ Alkmaar and Ajax both slipped up.

AZ were held to a goalless draw at home to NEC Nijmegen while Ajax lost 4-2 at Vitesse Arnhem.

The results mean PSV lead second-placed AZ by nine points with Ajax a further two points further adrift.

The stalemate in Alkmaar was in stark contrast to the goal-fest in Arnhem where the Amsterdammers cruised into a comfortable lead thanks to goals from Zdenek Grygera and Tom de Mul.

But an astonishing collapse then ensued as mid-table Vitesse hit back to win with goals from Danko Lazovic, Mads Junker, Fred Benson and Youssouf Hersi, the final two strikes coming in the last two minutes.

Ajax's cause was not helped by the 70th-minute dismissal of utility man Gabri.

Fourth-placed FC Twente were also beaten - 2-0 at Roda JC, Dieter van Tornhout grabbing both goals for the home side.

A dismal day for Twente was completed by the late sending-off of Jeroen Heubach.

Sunday's other game saw RKC Waalwijk and FC Utrecht fight out a 1-1 draw.

Robert Fuchs put RKC ahead but Tom Caluwe levelled matters midway through the first half.