Cocu puts PSV on top

The Dutch international opened his account two minutes before the interval when he gave keeper Henk Timmer no chance. Alkmaar were reduced to 10 men after a second booking for Ron Vlaar nine minutes before time and a minute later Cocu made it 2-0 from close range. Minutes later Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink sealed victory with his first goal this season.

Guus Hiddink's team were making an impressive start to a tough spell as they travel to AC Milan in Champions League action on Wednesday and host Ajax Amsterdam a week on Sunday.

PSV are top with 19 points after eight matches, one more than Feyenoord, who are at home to Groningen on Sunday. Alkmaar have slipped to third, also with 18.

Ajax again dropped important points as they were held to a goalless draw in a poor display at home to Heracles Almelo. Ajax, fifth on 14 points, host Swiss side Thun on Tuesday in a Champions League match.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored a hat-trick for Heerenveen in a 3-0 win at NAC Breda. Remarkably, Heerenveen played with 10 men for the last 70 minutes after Marcel Seip was sent off.