Feyenoord have made their strongest Eredivisie start in seven years, collecting nine points from their opening three matches after a commanding 4-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam in Sunday’s Rotterdam derby.
It is the first time since the 2017/2018 season that the champions have begun a league campaign with three straight wins.
The clash at Het Kasteel swung firmly in Feyenoord’s favour early in the second half.
Just minutes after Ayase Ueda struck to make it 2-0, Sparta’s Bruno Martins Indi was dismissed for hauling down a breaking opponent.
With the hosts reduced to ten men, the contest was all but decided, and the three points were destined to cross the River Maas.
The opening goal came midway through the first half when full-back Jordan Bos reacted quickest to a loose ball and powered home his first strike for the club.
Feyenoord never looked troubled afterwards, controlling the match without needing to be at their sparkling best.
Star man Ueda added two goals to his tally, taking his total to four in three games, while Quinten Timber rounded off the rout with a composed finish in the closing stages.
The derby was also memorable for 18-year-old academy graduate Thijs Kraaijeveld, who came off the bench to make his senior debut in the final minutes.
With spirits high and smiles all around, Feyenoord now head into the international break with momentum.
They return to action in two weeks’ time at De Kuip, where they will host sc Heerenveen.