PSV Eindhoven capitalised on Feyenoord’s slip-up at Heerenveen to claim top spot heading into the Eredivisie’s winter break.
A goal at the end of each half from Danny Koevermans and Kenneth Perez earned the champions a 2-0 win at home to NAC Breda, which was enough to move them to the summit after Feyenoord were held to a 1-1 draw at Heerenveen.
Gerald Sibon’s free-kick three minutes from time shocked the Rotterdammers, who led through Andwele Slory.
Ten-man Ajax drew 2-2 at VVV Venlo to reclaim third spot from FC Groningen, who won 3-1 at Sparta Rotterdam yesterday.
FC Twente climbed to fifth after a 2-0 home triumph over De Graafschap, with Roda JC only a place behind on goal difference after a 2-1 win at Excelsior.
Willem II climbed off the foot of the table with a 3-0 triumph over nine-man NEC Nijmegen, while FC Utrecht drew 2-2 at Vitesse Arnhem.
Ten-man AZ Alkmaar ended a disappointing year on a high with a 1-0 win over Heracles Almelo.