Parrott inspires AZ as top-six push gathers pace | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: AZ beat Heracles 4-0. In the fifth minute, Troy Parrott finished from close range after Mees de Wit's cross. VAR ruled out Jannes Wieckhoff's reply for offside (19.), before Sven Mijnans doubled the lead in the first minute of first half stoppage time. AZ registered 15 attempts and seven shots on target to Heracles' two, a clear measure of control. After the break, de Wit netted from Parrott's pass (74.) and Isak Jensen sealed it with a direct free-kick late on (84.), AZ rise from seventh to sixth and visit Sparta Prague in the UEFA Conference League next, while Heracles remain 18th and host Excelsior.

Player of the Match: Parrott led the line superbly, scoring the opener and supplying two assists as he was directly involved in three goals.

Stat of the Match: Peer Koopmeiners made seven tackles, anchoring midfield and disrupting Heracles' build-up.

Three Things We Learned: VAR had a real say, with Heracles seeing a goal overturned for offside after a review (19.). AZ's pressure told over 90 minutes, reflected in 15 attempts, 52.1% possession and seven corners. Parrott's form is elite, now on 14 Eredivisie goals and third in the league scoring chart.