Louis van Gaal's men were denied the Eredivisie title on the final day of last season and started this campaign with genuine hope of landing the top prize in Holland.

But they have not got out of the traps.

Consistently mediocre form has seen them reside in mid-table for several months and, on this evidence, they would be better served looking over their shoulders at the relegation fight than at the play-off spots which determine next season's European qualifiers.

AZ took the lead at the McDOS Goffertstadion inside three minutes thanks to a David Mendes Da Silva effort but they were then swamped.

Kevin Bobson equalised before goals from Brett Holman, Jhonny van Beukering and Peter Wisgerhof gave NEC a 4-1 half-time lead.

Jeroen Drost added to AZ's misery before Mounir El Hamdaoui netted a late consolation.

There was no indication of what was to come when AZ went ahead from their first attack, Simon Poulsen dribbling his way past three players before setting up Mendes Da Silva, who finished well.

The lead last just 10 minutes, Bobson converting Youssef El Akchaoui's through ball to make it 1-1.

NEC went ahead shortly after when Holman lashed in a 20-yard shot which flew past AZ keeper Boy Waterman.

AZ were all at sea and NEC's third goal came after 20 minutes via the penalty spot. Sebastien Pocognoli tripped Jeremain Lens and Van Beukering made no mistake.

The onslaught continued with NEC making it 4-1 after 24 minutes. El Akchaoui's free-kick eluded the hapless AZ defenders and Wisgerhof powered home a diving header at the far post.

The second half was anticlimactic in comparison with NEC content to sit on their lead and AZ lacking the quality or self-belief to launch a comeback.

Another goal finally arrived after 68 minutes, Drost concluding a goalmouth scramble with a crisply-struck half-volley which flew past Waterman.

AZ did at least end a dreadful afternoon on the front foot, El Hamdaoui slotting home late on but it was scant consolation for the visitors.