Football-Oranje - AZ went into the game without top scorer Wout Weghorst, who was serving his suspension after a red card last time out, with Fred Friday starting in his place.
The visitors took control from the start but couldn’t find the opening goal in the first half with Guus Til hitting the post, while Friday and Teun Koopmeiners also came close.
After the break, Alireza Jahanbakhsh fired wide and Hidde Jurjus saved from Til as AZ searched for the opener. At the other end Marco Bizot comfortably dealt with a shot from Mario Engels, before Dani Schahin wasted a big opportunity.
Eventually, in the 83rd minute, AZ found the winning goal through substitute Mats Seuntjens, who netted on the rebound after Jurjus could only parry Jahanbakhsh’s strike.
The victory moves AZ three points clear of AZ in third and level on points with Ajax, who have a far better goal difference. Roda JC remain bottom of the table.