AZ survived a second-half barrage from Vitesse to claim a slender 1-0 victory in the Eredivisie this evening.
Aron Johannsson's early strike gave the hosts the lead and they hung on for a second straight win despite Vitesse having nine shots on target and 68% possession.
The Icelandic striker netted his first goal of the season with a driven finish past Eloy Room on 14 minutes.
Vitesse, who were winless in three matches prior to kickoff, responded strongly only to squander several good chances through Chelsea loanee Bertrand Traore and strike partner Abiola Dauda.
Esteban Alvarado produced a number of important saves to ensure that AZ held out for a result which takes them joint third with FC Twente and Feyenoord in the table, while Vitesse remain 11th.