Despite being pegged back after taking an early lead, AZ responded well to ensure they secured a win which leaves them trailing only Ajax and PSV in the early standings.
Ali Elkhattabi broke the deadlock on 11 minutes, and although Richard Knopper equalised after 41 minutes Barry van Galen struck just three minutes later to ensure the hosts went in ahead at the interval.
A third from Kenneth Perez 12 minutes after the break sealed matters.
Willem II continued their positive start to the new season with a 2-1 home victory over FC Zwolle but left it late to secure the win.
Dmitri Shoukou put the hosts on course for victory with an opener just three minutes before the interval.
However, basement boys Zwolle shocked the home fans with a leveller through Macedonian striker Georgi Hristov forteen minutes from time.
Just when it seemed the visitors would cling on for only their second point of the season, Joris Mathijsen popped up in injury time to hand Willem all three points.
RBC Roosendahl moved into the top half of the table after recording a 2-1 win at lowly ADO Den Haag.
Sammy Youssouf edged RBC ahead just past the half hour mark, and, although ADO replied through Peter Hofstede, former Leeds and Bradford defender Robert Molenaar (pictured) handed the visitors all three points with a late winner.
Twente Enschede grabbed a much-needed success after seeing off high-flying RKC Waalwijk at the Arke Stadion.
Khalid Sinouh gave Twente the perfect start by netting after just two minutes.
Said Boutahar restored the equilibrium just past the hour mark, but Kim Christensen ensured the hosts emerged victorious with a late winner.
Vitesse Arnhem are still looking for their first win of the season after being held to a 1-1 home draw by Roda JC.
Both goals came in the first period when Aroune Kone cancelled out Emile Mbama's opener for Vitesse.
Click below for match summaries:
ADO Den Haag v RBC
AZ v Heerenveen
FC Twente v RKC
Vitesse v Roda JC
Willem II v FC Zwolle
Click here for updated Eredivisie table
