AZ Alkmaar and Exelsior were unable to separate themselves in the Eredivisie table, drawing 3-3, but the most important news from the match came from the teamsheet.
USMNT winger Aron Johannsson played the full 90 minutes in his first full return from hip surgery and an ankle injury that have caused him to miss the entire start to the season, amounting to 10 total matches.
The 23-year-old called the result “terrible” as the club needed a win to separate themselves from the bottom half of the table, with a potential three points allowing them to jump into the top 7, but instead they can only settle for a point and a 12th spot - just one ahead of Exelsior.
Good to be back on the pitch but terrible result! We are all very disappointed but we will bounce back stronger next week! 💪💪💪 #AZ
— Aron Jóhannsson (@aronjo20) November 2, 2014
According to Squawka statistics, Johannsson took three shots and saw one miss and two saved by Exelsior goalkeeper Gino Coutinh, while he completed 82% of his passes all over the attacking half. He also attempted one failed take-on on the right flank.
The minutes were Johannsson’s first start and first full 90 of the season, but he had already made an appearance in the KNVB Bekker - the Dutch Cup - playing 61 minutes in a 5-0 win over third-tier side GVVV back on Wednesday.
AZ will need Aron to bag goals on the same pace as last year, but it’s great to see him just on the pitch.