AZ Alkmaar earned their third win in four Eredivisie matches after downing struggling VVV-Venlo 4-1 away from home on Friday night.

Adam Maher put AZ ahead in the 27th minute but VVV, seeking to avoid a third successive defeat, drew level seven minutes into the second half thanks to Uche Nwofor.

However, three goals in 11 minutes immediately after settled the game as a contest as AZ stormed clear with strikes from Donny Gorter (55 - penalty), Jozy Altidore (62) and Etienne Reijnen (66).

The victory lifts 2009 Dutch champions AZ into the top nine ahead of this weekend's matches on 24 points, with VVV remaining in the bottom two.