29/04/2017 Football Focus

Good afternoon. After the FA Cup took centre stage last weekend, we

will focus on the final stages of the Premier League season today. He

is a man who divides opinion, and his are certainly strong. West

Brom's James McClean tells all. People see me as anti-British. We

look ahead to a big week end in the title race for both Chelsea and

Spurs. It is getting tighter at the bottom as well, the Swansea's Leon

Britton knows how to stoke up the fire. You see it every day in

training that the players are fighting. We also have a noble

captain at West Ham, but who exactly is he talking about here? I'm pretty

sure 50% of the male fans loved him more than they did their wives at

some point. You will hear James Ward-Prowse from Southampton and

find out which manager line of duty's Ted Hastings is based on.

Matthew Upson and Leon Osman Arhip, refusing to answer any presenter --

any questions from any presenter who is not at least one rank above them.

All 20 Premier League clubs in action over the next three days.

Today features the teams battling relegation. Hull versus Southampton

as they bid to stay out of the relegation zone. Sunderland will be

relegated if they fail to win and results go against them. Tomorrow,

six of the top seven are all in action. Chelsea facing a tough match

at Everton and Tottenham at home in the north London derby. All of that

to come but we start with a fascinating interview with West

Brom's James McClean. Beginning his career at every city, his decision

to play for the Republic of Ireland and refusal to wear a poppy had

brought plenty of criticism and even death threats. He has been telling

his story. What was it like growing up in Derry

and your first experiences of football? It is a small city.

Playing football in the streets. You had to be dragged home at bag,

kicking and screaming. I got in trouble a lot. My parents will tell

you that. A few smacks for getting up to no good. I wouldn't change it

for anything. You would like the golden boy back home and you have

come over here and things kind of changed. Yes. That's where a lot of

the kind of negative press came from. Back in Derry, I could tweet

what I want and do what I want and no one cared. All of a sudden, I

found out it is in the papers today, I haven't changed, I'm still the

same person I am. I wouldn't want to change because that is not me. If I

did change, I would be a fraud. When people become footballers, they are

all given a script and they seem to go off the script which is boring,

it is not them and me. If you like it, you like, if you don't, you

don't. You have been pulled off because a baby on social media. Some

petty stuff blown out of proportion, I grew up in the Northern Ireland so

I wrote on Twitter that I was, and all of a sudden it is in the papers

that I am pro-IRA and pro this. The way it goes now, if you see

something in the paper, you believe it. I have been quite lucky that the

managers have been fight understanding. They have understood

my side of the story. They have said we understand and how it is seen as

well, so they helped me so myself getting more flak than I needed

really. Since you came over here, you have had death threats and

people wanting career threatening injuries happen to you. Yes, I have

had death threats and people see me as anti-British. I want to go on

record here that I have never been anti-British. There are certain

things I don't agree with, my beliefs. I have made that clear in

the past. But I take people at face value. I treat people how they treat

me. Yes, I have had a lot of death threats. It started when I declared

for the Republic. I was an Irish boy growing up and I supported Ireland.

I played with Northern Ireland in the youth system. I have never hid

from the fact that I took advantage of that system. To better myself.

But I never had any ambition of playing for Northern Ireland. I said

it made me feel uncomfortable, why should I feel uncomfortable playing

football? Never any hatred towards Northern Ireland or their fans or

the football team. There are lots of Northern Ireland internationals I

play with and get on well with. I was getting death threats for

declaring for my country. Why should again I turn away after getting

abuse and save that they can abuse me but I have to like them now? It

is as simple as that. I don't think I should have to change. Have you

ever felt uncomfortable playing football then? It is not nice people

booing. It was difficult to start with because it was coming from my

own fans. Before that, I could do no wrong, started my second season very

well. Then came the whole poppy gate. It quickly turned. James

McClean, the 23 old midfielder was criticised for his decision not to

wear a remember the state poppy. Playing at home you feel you should

have the support of your own fans and I didn't. The way the second

season went for me, I would have liked to play better and not let

things affect me but they did. I make sure pretty quickly going

forward that they were never going to affect me in that way again and I

am a stronger person now for it. Was the time you thought I don't need

this? A funny story, I was coming back from one of the last games of

the season. Like I normally do, I take home. Because you never know

who needs one. I gave it to a kid outside the stadium and this person

took it off him and threw it back at me. On the way home at the traffic

lights, I pulled up and there was a car here and a car here, and a guy

rolled down the window and spat at the window and drove off with my Mrs

in the car, and she was pregnant at the time. I was thinking I don't

need all this hassle. So I went in the next day and said I think it is

time I move on and explained the situation. You took a step back with

Wigan but you are here now, so in a way, that step back out of the

limelight has benefited you? I was on a much better contract at

Sunderland but I wanted to play football. I wanted to get back in

the Premier League. My performances earned it. What did Tony Pulis say

to you? What kind of conversation did he have when you came here? I

was on the verge of signing for someone else but I could not turn

down the chance of playing in the Premier League again. I spoke with

Tony and he outlined his plans for me and for the club. And it was a

no-brainer. Having a manager that believes in you, there is no better

feeling. The you know what you get with Tony, you are going to work

hard and he will take a liking to you but the act-macro because he is

nothing but hard work. That is what you are paid to do as a footballer.

I would like to stay him any more years, I have a long-term contract

and I want to represent the club in the right way. I want to be the best

I can be. I feel that West Brom want to be the same. They feel they can

be even better again. You are so soft spoken but so aggressive on the

pitch. That is my game, it is what I want. A few people in the past have

not done me any favours. We played Bournemouth at home last season and

I dived into a tackle. I still don't think it was a red card. He has

rolled over five times and screams like he has been shot. I thought it

was hard but fair. I'm not going to change that either. It has gotten me

this far. Oxford Bulls, a down syndrome team, you got involved in

that during the last international break and it has caused a stir

since. I had the best day ever to be honest. Seeing how happy they were

to see me. It made me feel on top of the world. It was amazing. Football

just brings so much joy to so many people come in the matter what

religion, race, colour, whatever you are. For that two hours playing

football, all your troubles are forgotten about. The kids just made

my day, it was amazing. It made me feel great and even better knowing

they have a lot to offer and play competitive games. There is no

better feeling than seeing someone else happy. Knowing that you made

them that happy. Derry City have paid to be to Ryan

McBride who has died at the age of 27. You were very close to Ryan and

it had an emotional affect, losing a friend in the manner that you did.

The news of him passing away was something no one expected. It was a

massive shock. It hit hard because he was the same age as me. I played

two and a half seasons with him at Derry. I got on well with him. He

was the nicest person you could have come across. On the pitch though he

was an absolute lunatic. His desire to win. He was just fearless on the

pitch. He was Mr Derry City. If there was anyone who loves football,

it was him. I went to the wake and it just didn't seem real. I had no

emotion, I couldn't cry, I most felt guilty that I couldn't. Then there

was the minute's applause and that is when it got to me, everything

boiled up and it came out in that moment. Anyway, I just tried to use

that emotion and channel it the right way and put it into the

performance. Thinking of him and thinking that one is for you.

Allsorts covered in that interview, James was speaking after West Brom

held a special opening day for fans and towns to meet players and watch

an open training session as well. We know he is a divisive character, I

am sure people are shouting at the TV now asking why we have him on.

Others will be saying look at the strength of his convictions and the

charity work he does and you can't accuse him then and say he is not a

man of conviction. We need to praise him for that, don't we? Definitely.

He is a man who does everything to the best of his ability. Whether on

the field or off the field. Look at the tackling in his game that people

think is a bit borderline but he attacks everything with the utmost

ability that he can. You have to give him credit for that. It would

be easy to shy away and take the easy option and go along with

everything. Absolutely, you can't make a decision like that to take

that stance lightly. Maybe you can say it has affected his career path

but he has made it with conviction, they are his beliefs. And to see and

hear his side of why he makes that decision is important for people to

understand. That drive to get to the top, in whatever sport, he certainly

has that and the decision not to go to America but to go to West Brom

and play under Tony Pulis and to play in the Premier League even

though he gets flak. He does, and he has come up against

criticism which might affect less people more back to ie he is such a

big character that he is able to handle it. It has affected him about

he is able to handle at. How will West Brom look back on their season?

Fourth, then sixth and have stayed in eighth since early December. That

is success for West Brom, isn't it? It is outstanding. To be sitting in

that position in the Premier League with the resources and funds, and

some would say the style they have. They have a manager and are a team

who know who they are, they set up well to win matches, and it has been

a really successful year for West Brom. A bit of identity. Leicester

are the visitors to the Hawthorns this afternoon and they still need

points to win tour survival after the defeat

COMMENTATOR: Arsenal buoyed by their FA Cup semifinal success.

Right into the box it goes. Good save! Riyad Mahrez. Lovely flick,

good save by Schmeichel. Is there a sting in the first half tail? One

minute of added time. The shot comes in from Sanchez and slams against

the crossbar. Shot comes in, takes a deflection, clawed away. He is going

to the back four now. Sanchez. Little deflection. Olivier

Giroud can't get to the ball. Monreal gets it in, the deflection

has carried it in! Suddenly the mood has changed that the emirates. What

a good three points it would be for Arsenal. This will go right into the

penalty area. This is all rather feeble. Sanchez is absolutely fine

and get the yellow card. Arsenal prevail, just.

A bit of beauty and the beast. Let's go live to the Hawthorns where it

John Watson has shed the sheepskin, as you can see. Lovely to see you.

Leicester will be desperate for the point they need for the champions to

be safe. Absolutely. After all the triumph, trials and tribulations and

traumas, if you like, of the last 12 months, you would think Leicester

City would be settling down for a quiet summer but far from it for

more than one reason. They do need one more win to be mathematically

certain of staying in the Premier League, I think they will get that,

but the other agenda is the future of Craig Shakespeare. I am still

assured, as has already been announced, that the decision will be

made at the end of the season, but it could depend quite a lot on

Leicester's performances in the last five games, starting with this. They

have Tottenham and Man City still to play and I think the owners will be

carrying a close watch on Leicester's performances in those

games. They may finish mid-table mediocrity, but how they finish may

determine whether Shakespeare and his assistant get the job

permanently at the start of next season, so the players had better

get on their bikes and make sure that if they want them to carry on,

that their performances show they merit back. A year ago, you may

remember when Leicester won the league, there was speculation about

the stellar players, would Vardy go to Arsenal, would Mahrez go

elsewhere, would somebody try to get Kasper Schmeichel. I think that

could be repeated this summer because the window is so turbulent,

big clubs are setting out messages via agents about the players they

would like to sign, so I think it will be a very busy time at

Leicester whether it is with or without Craig Shakespeare. Two quick

things before I go, you already mentioned West Brom, they haven't

scored for four games. If it goes to five today it will be the longest

scoreless run in West Bromwich Albion's long and distinguished

history. They don't want that on the CV. And finally, Mark Clattenburg,

one of the most outstanding and high profile referees of our generation

is in charge today of his last Premier League game. He has all the

big matches and the tattoos to prove what he has done, by the way. One

thing is for sure, he is going to Saudi Arabia and he will not need a

sheepskin coat there! Thank you very much, Motty! Always gives you

insight. After the late winner of the Foxes it is a north London derby

tomorrow for Arsenal against Spurs team who left it late themselves

midweek away at Palace. COMMENTATOR: Against Spurs

absolutely must win. -- a game which Spurs absolutely must win.

Benteke... Real chance. Wanyama. That was serious enough to stop play

and show the yellow card. That was late from Wanyama, who already has a

yellow card, and I think he is on a final warning. Walker's Faurlin,

Dele Alli, oh! How to did not going?!

It is! Christian Eriksen! Absolutely brilliant goal, out of the blue. It

keeps them in the title race. Mauricio Pocchettino seems deep in

thought. Important header from Joel Ward because Alderwiereld was

waiting. Here he is again, a whisker wide, and Jonathan Moss blows his

whistle, a huge three points for Pocchetino, Crystal Palace 0- one

Tottenham Hotspur. Let's have a look at the table going

into the North London derby tomorrow. Looks like Spurs could

finish above Arsenal for the first time in 22 years. On this amazing

run as well, eight straight wins, one defeat in 18, from an Arsenal

point of view that gives you a great opportunity to derail Tottenham.

Absolutely. That will probably be on the mind of the supporters, they

will want that, but hats off to Spurs, the run they are on and the

places they are going to get those results, that midweek result at

Crystal Palace, not many teams can roll up there and win that 1-0.

Christian Eriksen crucial again. The stats are incredible, he has been

involved in either scoring resisting 16 goals in 12 appearances. The one

on Wednesday, so important. It was. When his team need someone to stand

up and scored the crucial goal he stepped up and was fantastic. He has

been all season and deserves to be linked with top teams coming after

him, shall we say. I am sure Spurs fans are concerned about that. You

can see how good they have been in so many different departments. They

take on an Arsenal side, we talked last week about this change of

system, playing three at the back for the first time in a long time,

this is the team we will show you they started with against Leicester.

What is that tactical change giving us an Wenger that maybe he is

looking for? I think at the moment, personally I feel the change is

driven by defensive insecurity from him. You cannot pick out a standout

centre-half partnership going on there, and also in front of those

two centre-backs in the semifinal at the weekend, we had Ramsay and Xhaka

who defensively don't give you too much cover. The full-backs like to

go forward. That formation for Wenger is the safest formation for

Arsenal to win with. I think where they have been struggling recently

is through the middle, teams haven't dominated the man scored coming down

the wings, they have come through the middle. Getting the extra body

in their gives them more security and more cover defensively. We have

to talk about the slowed shoulder/ base incident of Alexis Sanchez. We

will see it again. What is your take on it, would you be embarrassed with

that? More than a bit! I don't know whether it is worth diving here or

whether it is worth to show you have cut your lip a little bit. I am not

sure that cut came from that incident. Coming together with

Robert Huth earlier in the game is probably where he got a knock in the

face. If your kids did that on the Sunday morning in a football team

you would be embarrassed as a parent and telling them to get on with it.

The ball has hit him in the shoulder so to go down and lie on the floor,

you start to cringe a little. He tried to cover himself with the

picture after the game. This is the cut lip and the ice pack, which

brought a beautiful response from Robert Huth later in the week. As

many have said if there was a PFA social media team, who should be

captain? There he is with a particularly nasty finger injury

which he managed to come through. It was the last north London derby at

White Hart Lane because Spurs have announced they would play all their

home games at Wembley next season. Chelsea still have the 7-point lead

on Tottenham thanks to the return to form of Diego Costa. On Tuesday

night against Southampton. COMMENTATOR: Victory put Chelsea

tonight will reopen the lead over Spurs to seven points. Defeat will

be the door for Tottenham. Goes back to Eden Hazard, 1-0 Chelsea. The

league leaders are ahead. It's in, it is 1-1. Incomes K Hill. Chelsea's

leaders restored right on half-time. Good ball in. Diego Costa's goal

down comes in. The biggest cheer of the night is for John Terry. Costa,

Pedro, brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

What a way to seal a superb performance. This was magnificent.

Simao! LAUGHTER. Crossing, Bertrand rises, and Southampton have

consolation back. Really important night, Chelsea have the victory for-

two. As you can see, we have moved over

to the touch-screen to talk a little about the strikers we saw,

particularly Diego Costa, who is third in the top scorers in the

Premier League at the moment. Five behind Lukaku. We saw a dip in form

around January with rumours of a possible move to China, but he was

back to his almost unplayable best midweek. He was. He did

fantastically well. What we see the other night was he played right up

against the back four of Southampton, started bringing his

teams into play, but the most impressive part was his linkup play

with Eden Hazard. You see here, not looking, look -- knows instinctively

where he is. That happened all night. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa,

great distance apart, Diego Costa goes in, fantastic run, and Eden

Hazard's determination to go after him, follows him in, got away from

him, realises he needs help, they are always looking for each other

and it is instinctive play, a fantastic finish, and you see on

this angle, looking for where he is, trying to find his mate and the

linkup play was fantastic. And Diego Costa can be a brute when he needs

to be. You cannot underestimate how important that asset is in a

championship winning team. His play is aggressive and positive which is

outlined here. There is that intricacy when required as well.

There is. He showed another part to his game, again linking up with Eden

Hazard and Pedro on this occasion. When you have Diego Costa playing

with such confidence, what a fantastic player to have. The great

gold. Not much as a defence you can do about that, or Lukaku either when

he is in top form although against West Ham last week James Collins

managed to nullify him quite well. One thing Ronald Koeman has asked of

Lukaku this season is to work harder, and you can see the stats

back that up, he is putting a shift in. He is, he is working harder than

last year, 400 metres game is quite a raise in someone's game we will

see it in some of these clips, show it right here. His recent goals. He

likes to play on the shoulder of defenders and make them runs in

behind, and that's where the raising and workrate is coming from, he is

making more runs for his team-mates, and when you have quality team-mates

alongside you, they know where he will be. When it goes through on

goal, like we see, I think he is the best, he doesn't miss a chance.

Defending against someone like that, do you need tag team action? When he

is like that you cannot deal with him on

your own. You almost need to overcompensate because when he is on

your shoulder he is that big and powerful that if he gets the half

you're the wrong side you can't really back him so you need to

overcompensate and be safe with your decision making and positioning to

stop him. We spoke about Everton at home, you mentioned a lot this

season how well they play, but they take on Chelsea this weekend at

Goodison, and you could argue if you look at their remaining fixtures,

the team in best position to win the title this season, this weekend will

be crucial because this is by far the hardest game left. It is, it is

Chelsea's biggest test to go to Goodison where Edison -- Everton

have won eight in a row on their home turf, playing great football

and arguably could certainly win the game. Look at the rest of Chelsea's

games, and I don't see many other points being taken off them in that

run, so it is what you would say is a final big test for Chelsea. It

will be fascinating. Whistle Southampton lose that Chelsea in the

week. Let's hear from the England midfielder who joins us in the

studio. I am James Ward-Prowse and I played

centre midfield. Short-term is to get a scholarship here. Long-term is

to reach the England squad. Germany against England, James Ward-Prowse

making his international debut. He will remember this for the rest of

his life. It is unbelievable, something every young player wants

to achieve. To get that feeling was great. But I left the trip feeling

frustrated that it didn't last longer. To come on and make England

debut is great but I wanted to play more and have the game last longer,

hopefully I can be back on the state soon. Do you feel Gareth Southgate

being manager has a better impact on you? Gray I think so. But I'm not

going to get into the England squad just for that reason. I need to

perform on a weekly basis for the club and warrant my call-up and that

is what I have been working on ever since I can remember. Another name

to watch, 17-year-old James Ward-Prowse in his first league

appearance. What brings out the best in the players? They have an example

of a player in the first team who has been good enough to give them

their chance. Growing up, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was a big one for

me, I shed a train journey into training with him. Listening to what

he said about the first team, he was an example, Luke Shaw and Calum

Chambers as well. If you were good enough, you would get the

opportunity. For them to put their faith in youngsters is a great

incentive for young players coming through. A chance and a goal and put

away by James Ward-Prowse. Things have gone pretty well this season?

Yes. I think so, if we look back at the start of the season, the targets

I had was to get in and around the England squad. Add a few goals and

assists to my name and I have done that. There is a bit more of the

season left to try and improve on those stats. Always change at

Southampton. Claude Puel came in this season, what impact has he had?

A positive one. It was a big challenge for him to take on with

the Europa League campaign but he came in and stated his ethos early

on. The lads bought into that. We have been playing every three days

this season which has been difficult mentally and physically but everyone

has been at a good stage. It was recently said that you are the ideal

son-in-law, tell us what he means by that? I am not actually sure. I was

a bit confused myself. I want to be the ideal player, not the son-in-law

but whatever he says goes I suppose. Wise words. Rachel Stringer asking

the question there. This is the Southampton under 13 side that won

the Dallas cup in 2008. Here is James with the trophy, any ideas?

I'm guessing Luke Shaw. A wonderful haircut. Calum Chambers at the back

and Harrison Reed who has recently come through as well. It is amazing,

you see this picture and here is a young man, only 22 years old and has

had five good seasons in the Premier League. So much experience at a

young age. It is an example of what Southampton have done extreme you

well in recent seasons. He has been brought into the team so gradually

and introduced in a healthy manner for a young player. Not huge

responsibility but enough games and much time to develop into a top

player. Interesting what he said about having a player to look up to,

he got the train with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain which had a big

influence. I am sure you have your own stories of players who you

wanted to be like and to learn from? Many players in and around the first

team that do that. The person who helped me was David Unsworth. Just

as I was getting around the team, he had been there before and he took it

upon himself to help me make that transition. I am thankful for that.

He took a decent penalty. I was blessed with a lot of really good

senior players at Arsenal, Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Lee Dickson.

Players like that who give you an insight, not just to the

technicality but coping with it and having a career in football and

giving that guidance. Under the wing of Martin Keown, can't imagine

anything better. Hull are just above the bottom three with a 2-point

cushion on Swansea at the moment. Importantly, they have a player back

after a rescinded red card. It is safe to say that he was surprised by

it at that time. You will see his reaction in a moment. Surprise that

he might get a yellow card and absolute disbelief that he gets the

red card. It wasn't a red card and could really have affected Hull on

the day but they didn't let it. And he will be available for this next

game. They came back to win impressively. 1-ball, if you talk

about recruitment, Marco Silva has brought in a lot of players, and

they scored a wonderful counterattacking goal, a style

thing, how they want to play. A definite feature of their play at

the moment. As you can see, the free kick on the edge of the 18-yard box

and the energy and the decisiveness to run forward with the ball, it is

a great run into the box. And the ball is fabulous. I can't explain

how difficult that is with the bouncing ball to guide that header.

Very difficult, a great decision to head the ball, many would have

tested it. -- chested. They know they are up against it and they had

five players around the box and that is fantastic. That win over Watford

was more important after Swansea had dramatically beaten Stoke. Club

captain Leon Britton was back in the side for the first time this year,

he has been talking to Ivan Gaskell. From the outside looking in, it

looked like you are Mr Swansea. I felt so much at home and the people

in the city were so friendly. Coming from London it is very busy and

people are in a rush but here you stand in a queue getting petrol and

people take time to talk to you whether they knew football or not.

The style changed under Roberto Martinez and we started to play a

bit of all that started a lot better. -- played a bit of football.

Going back to 2003, fighting for your life in the Football League. We

have come a long way. You mentioned 2003, ironically we were playing

Hull in the last game of the season to stay in the Football League. We

are now in our sixth season in the Premier League and how won the

League Cup. We didn't have the training ground back then, we took

our kit home to wash. Now you see the facilities we have got. It

really is a fantastic journey and a privilege to be part of. How does it

compare, survival in the Premier League to surviving to stay in the

whole football league? Back then you were looking at players having to

pay their mortgages and worried about that side of things. In the

Premier League it is a lot different but whether you are in League 2 or

the Premier League, you need the same qualities in a relegation

battle. We have seen what you bring on the pitch, what do you bring off

the pitch? The macro over the years we have been lucky, a few of us have

come through the divisions, like myself. Daria mon, Rangelova, Ashley

Williams. We kind of reminded them of the standard we set and how

things are done. I heard talk of a DVD being passed around, the story

of the club. I gave the DVD out on the Friday before Stoke. Purely for

the fact that the players come here and maybe don't understand the

history of the club. Just that if you get a spare hour, just have a

look and see how much it means to the people of Swansea and how much

hard work has gone into getting us where we are. I know from the

outside, when teams are not doing well, the accusation is they don't

care. I can tell you now, the players do care and you see it every

day in training. Everyone is pushing each other and after a defeat,

everyone is disappointed and looking to the next game to put it right.

The home supporters stand as one to cheer off Leon Britton. You've not

been in the team very much since December, how have you taken that? A

standing ovation coming back at the weekend? It is frustrating. The

manager has a difficult job to pick his 11 from 25 players. Try to be

ready when the manager calls upon you whether it be the bench or to

start and take your chance. Four games to sort yourselves out, what

is your gut feeling? My gut feeling is we can do it. It starts on Sunday

with a difficult place, Old Trafford and Manchester United but if we keep

the level of performance art, we can get the points we need. He has a

stalwart, 15 years at the club, their last four games, they have a

decent record, winning two of their last four at Old Trafford. Handing

out the DVD making the other players understand, it can make a difference

at this stage the season? It can, what a fantastic thing to have

someone who knows the history of the club and played in that defining

game all those years back to keep them in the league. Now he can

remind the players around him how important it is to keep Swansea in

the Premier League. If they have a sniff of staying up, they are in a

good position after winning last week, we know Middlesbrough are in

real trouble on 27 points and Sunderland could be relegated this

weekend after losing in the week. It has really been one of those seasons

when nothing has clicked for Sunderland at any stage. They have

lacked consistency. This type of goal and the simplicity of it and

how easy it was with the long straight ball has been a common

theme in their season. They have not defended anywhere near well enough.

When you look at their goal difference, it is a huge reason they

are in the position they are in. Burnley come at the same way we

talked about Leicester, probably need a win and a few points to be

safe and they will have to do it without Joey Barton who has been

given an 18 month ban after the gambling which came to light in

recent months and came through this week. Some people are saying it is

really hard, he is taking a level of responsibility. -- 18 months. It

highlights the problem of gambling in the game. It does, the amount of

advertising and of gambling around the league is incredible. For

someone who does have a documented problem with gambling, it doesn't

help. I felt the gabbling companies, with him being gabbing for ten years

could have come out and blocked his account. I gambled once I finished

and they phoned me and blocked my account within six weeks because

they knew I had been a footballer. I had to show I wasn't playing with a

club at the moment and they let me bet on the three o'clock game that

they thankfully. No one-stop Joey Barton over a 10-year period, that

is something you have to question. That is basically the end of his

career. To be realistic, that is a good assumption. I feel sorry he has

done himself well to get back into the Premier League club at the

moment but it is good that he is taking full ownership of what he has

done. He is not shirking from the fact that we know we can't gamble on

football matches. It is something he has to take on the chin. It is not

defendable as such, the Wolves are in place but surely there should be

measures to help him come to terms with that. An increasing problem and

something we should talk about a bit more. Leon Britton came through the

West Ham academy, he has crossed paths with this man as well, Mark

Noble. Britain left without making an appearance for West Ham and Mark

Noble has hit 400. COMMENTATOR: Noble, wonderful goal. The

19-year-old puts West Ham in front. Mark Noble places for hundredth game

for the club. You are a dying breed really. What you have done doesn't

really happen any more. It is unlikely. I really think it is going

to happen a lot less. Because of the money involved in football. I want a

name from you, one player, the outstanding player in all your time

at the club. Careful. I'm going to upset a lot of people. May be your

hesitation suggest there have been a few. They have. When I was coming

through at the age of 16 or 17, I played with Teddy Sheringham and it

was an unbelievable learning curve. I really learned a lot from him. The

way to be a professional really. I is like Carlos Tevez, that I gelled

with well on the pitch. Yossi Benayoun. He was a fantastic player.

Probably gets booed around the East End are saying this but Dimitri was

fantastic, he was a top, top player. Lucky to play with so many good

players. I could sit all day and tell you loads. Why haven't you been

able to take on this season after that success last time out?

The stuff that has gone on and off the pitch, the massive move to the

new stadium. We put ourselves under pressure last season. Do you think

you overachieve? I wouldn't say so because I wouldn't say seventh

overachievement. Lester was an overachievement. They created

history. But we are competing, really, from seven, in my eyes,

7th-10th and we need to be in position as a club. Once you get

into those positions and stay there, you have the real backbone to grow

as a football club and try your hardest to get into the top four

places. How disruptive is the constant speculation about the

managers? It is only the second season. Last season he probably

couldn't believe what was going on, we all couldn't, it just clicked,

but this season has been tough for him. I can assure you it will make

you a better manager, though. He hasn't let it get to him. He hasn't

shown into the players, and I stronger person for it. And the

Dimitri Payet saga, was that painful? I know because I am so

close to him how the West Ham players felt about him. I am pretty

sure 50% of the male fans loved him more than their wives at some point!

LAUGHTER I am sure they would tell you that as well. It's like if your

wife walked out on you. You'd be devastated. A lot of people would be

devastated and that's I think how they felt. Are you proud of

yourself, 400 appearances is an incredible achievement, especially

for your club. To be able to play 400 games for this club, sometimes

you take it for granted because you are involved every day but for my

family it is pretty incredible. Well done, he is to a few more.

Hopefully, thank you. Good man. He makes a number of good points

there, and I suppose he is right about that sort of player spending

an entire career at one club. We will not see much of that going

forward. You don't see it very often, to be honest. It is not easy

to do. You need a real driving force behind West Ham at the moment

driving forward. Interesting comments on Dimitri Payet as well as

men in their wives, not sure how true that is! Another thing he said

is about where West Ham are realistically aiming at, that spot

between eighth and tenth and he is right on that as well. Definitely.

It is a spot they could achieve, and the size of the club, it has the

stature and capability to maintain that, but at the moment they are

probably falling short of that with their performances, I am not sure if

they had a great summer transfer window at the start of this season

and I think that is something they will be looking to address and get

right for the new season. Leicester's success probably hasn't

helped the fans expectations everywhere. West Ham were raided by

tax inspector this week investigating transfers between the

club and France, as were Newcastle United's offices. Clem joins us from

the BBC Sport Centre. I am sure that news has taken shine of celebrations

in the north-east. I was wondering if the taxman was a Sunderland

supporter because 36 hours at a promotion back to the Premier League

and Rafa Benitez said, I love working at Newcastle because there

are no backroom distractions, business as usual for Newcastle last

night, one at Cardiff, new club record, and they only achieve that

figure over the last four seasons in comparison. It won't stop writing

winning the title later today if they beat Bristol in the 5:30pm

kick-off. Looking at everything else that could happen in the

Championship, the play-offs could be sewn up, Huddersfield have their

play-offs place. Full need to better their position, Leeds at home to

Norwich, four points from the last 18, that's why they are out of

contention, and at the bottom rather long gone, Wigan will go unless they

can win at Reading today, they are six points adrift with only two

games left, and Blackburn could go as well, unbelievable 94-95 Premier

League winners, but they need to beat Aston Villa because if they

don't Birmingham when, they will be in the third tier the first time

since 1980. Briefly, where should we be looking at today? League 1

switches to tomorrow and finishes a week early, Bolton looking for the

last automatic place there, Port Vale sadly the last relegation

play-off place. The big news in League 2 could be Hartlepool going

out of the Football League for the first time having been in the league

for 96 years. They have to win at Cheltenham and hope resurgent

Newport slip-up. Lay-off actions as well, Leupolz -- Luton could book

their place and a cluster between fifth and 12th, eight teams

separated by five points. We will keep you up-to-date with the

Football League action on Final Score this afternoon with Jason

Mohammad and Jason Roberts, worth tuning in to see what colour Garth

Crooks's tank top is, always a favourite pursuit of mine! I might

get an early look of that, thank you, busy for Clem as he said. Garth

and his tank top in the studio for Final Score. A bumper four game

Match of the Day two tomorrow. This week the Manchester clubs met at the

Eddie had in a rare Thursday night bonanza. -- at the Etihad Stadium.

It is the small matter of the Manchester derby, give us your

thoughts. I couldn't bear thinking about losing to United. Playing in

the Europa League next season would be fantastic. We have to beat them,

end of. It has been a mixed season, a lot of it people expected

Guardiola to do better, we can't get away from the fact that city should

have been title challengers and haven't been but a lot of

foundations have been put in place, you can see where he is trying to

take the club. It was supposed to be quite Viola versus Mourinho, five

games from the end of the season, should be a title decider but is

only a fourth place play-off. Most fans including myself are happy with

him, he is toughening players up, demanding high expectations, and I

think given time next year especially, we will see a lot from

him. This is a derby. To get a foothold in the race for the

Champions League Mourinho will try to stifle city's creativity so I

think it could be tight whatever happens. We will not think about the

impact on the season, it is just 90 minutes of

football you want to win, you don't want to lose a derby. When these two

meet at this late stage in the season there is more at stake than

just a derby. It might be one or the other in next season's Champions

League. Zabaleta tries to keep it. Good ball into Aguero. Sumptuous

cross from De Bruyne. Looked just rightful Aguero. Hit the outside of

the post. Anthony Marshall. Vincent Kompany couldn't stop that run.

Bravo, nearly pulled its straight to Herrera. Good save from the Qatari,

but mightily lucky. Aguero, good try, really well held by David De

Gea. Rashford, coming in is Herrera, what an opportunity for the

Spaniard. Fellaini was too much for Aguero and that will be the first

yellow card of the night. There is another foul. Fellaini

again. Just seconds after being booked, and now Aguero down and it

is a red card for Marouane Fellaini. What on earth went on in his head

there? That is writing credible. Aguero Kante position from which to

shoot but he plays it in! The flag is up. It is the right decision, it

is a huge one. Manchester United are happy enough with a point,

especially the way things went on. Goalless that the Etihad. I know how

difficult it is to play Manchester United. The defences in our hands so

it is a big point but every it doesn't matter, West Brom, every

game will be difficult. The only thing I know is that we have to play

for almost 15 minutes with a tired team, and that was difficult for us,

but we got the best out of the character of the players to give

everything and keep the point. That can be an important thing in the

game. It didn't quite deliver on goals but

plenty of talking points. I know you know Fellaini well, so let's get to

the bottom of what was going through his head with the red card. I think

he has been terrific for the last few games, but he is prone to a

moment of madness. He took the booking and it was a good booking to

take for the team but you can't make another foul straightaway. Literally

leaving that for your team-mates, but he does. Again he saw the red

mist. I will say, there is a coming together, but you see, in my

opinion, Aguero is just as aggressive as Fellaini. The only

problem is Fellaini lowers his head touch. As Aguero comes through, the

same aggression, the same determination for heads to meet and

he throws himself on the floor. I think is -- that is the key point,

if Fellaini goes down similarly who had but it do? I call that squaring

up. Aguero has conned everyone in a manner of speaking. Mini Mourinho

over there! In terms of the race for Europe let's look at the top the

table, I made up rubbish saying Chelsea were seven points clear and

probably terrified Spurs fans. They are four clearer Spurs but two sides

to join those two in the top four, where do you think it will go?

Personally I feel United, with the destruction of Europa League, have a

good avenue into the Champions League. They will miss out on the

top four and I feel City and Liverpool will see at home. I agree,

United have the cup competition to distract them and that would be too

much for them. Quick word on Liverpool, Steven Gerrard now

involved with the under 18 's, shrewd move, isn't it? It is, to get

him back involved in the game is fantastic and you wish all the best.

Gentlemen, thank you. That is it from us, we will be back at midday

for your next week. At the start of the show we promised we would you

which manager, superintendent from elite Max Hastings from Line Of Duty

is based on. It is Dunbar. Who is balaclava man? From all of us,

thanks for watching. Goodbye. My officers conduct themselves to

the letter of the law. So you didn't have a corrupt officer in your

department for two years? No one regrets more than me not seeing

through the deception. I am an Arsenal supporter and have been

since the Dublin 1971. He scores! The Irish connection with Arsenal

was strong through that period. Chippy Brady was a big hero of mine.

I a lot of managers come out of Gauvin. They have great management

skills! Hastings had to have money management skills. I kind of mind

him from that as I am from that part of the world myself. The great

survivor of the Premier League era. No doubt about it, the club needs a

new broom, as it were, but it is up to Wenger to decide when he will go.

It will be nice to see... We won the FA Cup, if he would leave after

that. Spurs at home to Arsenal, you would expect Spurs to win being the

best team in England at the moment probably, at least the one going the

best. I would be happy with the draw but you have to fancy Spurs because

the home advantage. I will be happy if we come away with a draw. We have

Sanchez and I hope it will be 2-2. where my guests will be

the fantastic Michael Ball...