18/12/2011 Match of the Day 2

Welcome to the show. We have highlights from four Premier League

games for you this evening, plus all the goals from yesterday... Not

now, Mario! About to go on air! This is... Leave it! This is a

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festive edition of Match Of The Day Hello, everybody. With super Mario

Balotelli handing out free money dressed as Santa in Manchester city

centre last night, we are well in the festive mood for tonight's show.

As Christmas is all about looking after the elderly, I have brought

Alan in from the cold to join the guest that keeps on giving, Lee

Dixon. Four games tonight and not a turkey amongst them.

The blue side of Manchester kicked off against Arsenal in the darkness

of today's fixtures so we begin with United who had the chance to

return to the top of the Barclays Premier League if they could beat

Premier League if they could beat QPR at Loftus Road in the early

kick-off. There is one thing for sure that will be on Neil Warnock's

Christmas wish-list, that will be a Premier League ticket for next

season. At the moment, that is looking good. Wins against Chelsea

and Stoke have been particularly impressive as Rangers mix it with

the big boys. For Fergie and United, their wish will be to lift a

record-extending 20th top-flight title. You wouldn't bet against it!

Their last defeat was that 6-1 thrashing against City. Since then,

they have won five out of six. They QPR plunder the spoils as the

forces of Manchester United's mighty empire sail on a tide of

misfortune caused by injury. side unchanged for the first time

since they thumped Arsenal in August.

Wayne Rooney has scored against 44 clubs. He has not managed a goal

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taken the lead in 53 seconds. It is his first Premier League goal

against Queens Park Rangers on his 299th league appearance. He went

such a long while from September until last week without netting.

He's scored two against Wolves and has another here. Got across his

man. Valencia - a good, darting Alex Ferguson turns 70 over the New

Year. That was a free header! Manchester United should have been

made to pay. Helguson has been in went. He's stayed down. He is

holding his right ankle. Queens Park Rangers have Mackie on the

ball. A great chance for Bothroyd. Manchester United are furious. It

No, it's gone up now! It won't count. From his reaction, it was

close. He checked - he is onside, I think. At worst he is level with

the defender. Manchester United went into this game knowing victory

could take them top of the Premier League again, if only for a few

The first goal for Manchester United was in the offing for Johnny

Evans. The keeper got nowhere near Cerny blocks. He has scored two in

his last three games and should have made it two for Manchester

Great recovery from Cerny. Good stretching. Bothroyd was well off

target. De Gea went early for the it down. Such an entertaining

the first minute of the first half. Straight at the goalkeeper. Danny

Gabbidon was not on the field of play at the start. No Gabbidon -

out he comes. Can't come on the field of play. With QPR one man

short, Manchester United nearly scored the second. Rooney had to

check back and the keeper saved. He would have been furious had

Manchester United scored against run! What a good goal! Manchester

United finally have a second goal. For Michael Carrick, it's his first

in 11 months since he netted against Manchester City in last

season's League Cup. Stolen away from Barton and a lovely soft-shoe-

shuffle took him clear. What a good goal that was. A fine run was

deserving of Manchester United's second goal. Brushed off Faurlin

been a thorn in QPR's side throughout. Rooney couldn't poach a

considering substituting Welbeck any moment now. That's a brilliant

save. APPLAUSE Well, whether Welbeck looked across and saw

Hernandez waiting to come on and was anxious to score before he was

to depart, I don't know. It was a good run. A fine piece of

Rooney! QPR clear it. Queens Park Rangers survive by the skin of

their teeth again. Nani slipped beyond his man. It was a good save

he miss, DJ Campbell? A lovely ball played in. A fine cross. Oh, he has

to hit the target from there! That's a shocking miss. They have

made a statement here today to Manchester City that they will be

on their shoulder throughout the Manchester United to have Hernandez

fit and playing again so soon. Wayne Rooney was outstanding before

his substitution. His goal paved the way for a very comfortable win.

2-0. It could have been four or So United stroll to another win.

Rooney's header after 52 seconds set them on their way. Carrick's

solo goal was another pre-christmas present. But Fergie's men could

have had a bagful. As for QPR, they just couldn't live with the

champions. And when they did unwrap their defence, they couldn't

convert. We should approach that game to bed after 30 minutes. The

goalkeeper had two fantastic saves. We were very wasteful with our

chances but it was a good team performance and some very good

football. If we should have scored a lot of goals. Danny Gabbidon got

hurt. He had a couple of stitches in his head. He should have been

out there. If he'd come back, he would have got a second booking and

that would have been a catastrophe. The official used common sense.

It's a long season and there are times when people are not at their

best, but it's about picking up the points. We've managed to do that

this season. People say we are not this and not bad but we are in

there, challenging. Hopefully the best is to come. Overall, they were

better than us but to expected from the champions. I think that when we

get to New year's Day, in the ball park, hopefully we'll get a chance

of the second half. Well, they always do. QPR never got their

claws into the Champions today. Man United cruised to victory

superbly in all departments without even breaking sweat. I think QPR

were disappointing. Neil Warnock will be disappointed with the goals.

But you just felt United could step up and it Sir Alex Ferguson is

right. They should have won the game. Eight clean sheets that had

now which surprise to be. I've been critical of them at the back but a

clean sheets already. It was two very familiar people. I think it's

the best Man United played this season. Totally in control. In

every department. When you have a little bit of a crisis, big players

come to the fore. Rio Ferdinand and a lot of people including myself

thought he'd gone. Culminating in a low point at Old Trafford against

Manchester City. Today, he was back to his very best for so I don't

know where it has come from, but certainly, he was totally in the

front. His performance was nothing short of magnificent. It comes at a

time when they have lost Nemanja Vidic. In the air, dominant. On the

And here, what about this for a pass with his feet? This is

something we haven't seen in 18 months, him anticipating,

interception, reading the play and, finally, six weeks ago, he wasn't

fit enough to do this. To intercepted, anticipated, fantastic

passing to Wayne Rooney. Rooney himself, appreciation, space,

technique. Nutmeg there. After that, he was absolutely sensational. This

is what Wayne Rooney is all about. He gets it back, plays it quick. He

was like that all afternoon. I love this. If you watch the second pass,

when he opens he his body up, he gets into position and that is

phenomenal passing. Inch-perfect. Finally, a game at the passing to

Jones was perfect for that great save. You look at that performance,

and a lot of people were writing them off. You should never do that.

Last year, I thought they played How easy did QPR make it for them,

especially in the first half? Warnock said he was disappointed

but when you play against one of the top teams, Manchester United,

at home, I think defence is really important. Yes, you have got to try

to score goals but you have got to play narrow, no gaps in between

your players at the back and that's what they didn't do, QPR. Their

back four did not link up, they were too wide, and they needed to

play from a solid base and they is on the right. Connolly has got

to come over, Danny Gabbidon. Shifting positions. The furthest

man, Nani, his most dangerous. Rooney is of the box, playing

catch-up. Great header from Wayne Rooney. He has got to be tight here.

If he doesn't get tired, Danny Gabbidon is not even looking at the

ball. Luke Young, not on the cover. He's got to get back. One pass, as

it happens, just offside, he gets away. Rooney is in space here. What

Connolly, do is go to the ball. Any movement to the ball, either pass

Rooney to make either side of him, when he gets the ball, he just

turns. There he is, Jones is a way. Back four split apart and he should

score. If you're going to get tied on Rooney, you have got to have

cover behind. Here, no cover. Look where Luke Young is now. No cover

behind. Rooney get some. This was the second goal. Michael Carrick, a

way. They have got to shift over it. Connolly has to come over. They

don't, they stay where they are, leave a massive gap and run

straight into it. It's about having a back four. Not breaking your

lines, and covering each other across the pitch and they didn't do

It's more important to get off to a good start against Manchester

United at home but Old Trafford because if you get off to a bad

start, but because the home crowd are urging you to chase the game,

and when you do that, that happens. What about the start of the second

half? I've never seen that. All the years I've been watching the world

of football, I've never seen a team start the second half with one

player shot. You look and think, where is he? -- one player short.

here, he's in. I've never seen a team start with one man of the

pitch before. I'd been caught short at the toilet but never managed not

QPR, in terms of expectations, three points above the dreaded but

dotted line going into Christmas but only three points below 10th,

and should be glass half full. the start of the season, you would

be happy with that. But you would be happier going into the Christmas

period with six or seven out of 12 of. One a point out of 12 is a very,

very bad run. You could go into freefall because confidence is low.

You are under pressure. Individual, collectively. I think they got

money to spend Christmas if they need to. A packed Christmas

schedule which we will tell you about late in the show. So United

after that win went back to the summit by a point. But they would

be knocked off again by City unless Arsenal spoiled their party by

taking all three points at the Etihad. Arsenal, thanks to Robin

van Persie, are soaring. So it's not surprising Arsene is hoping for

more from his flying Dutchman? He's scored 15 league goals in total.

The latest a belter against Everton making his recent record 14 in his

last ten. He's on fire. Can he keep his run going though today? City's

unbeaten record melted away on Monday in the heat of a frenzied

battle at the Bridge. After going a goal up, Mancini's men lost their

way. And having a man sent off was snow joke as they paid the penalty.

But 14 matches unbeaten was some run. Now they must keep cool and

refocus. Talking in the air for us slightest jolt seem serious so now

to see how Manchester City react after the first bit of turbulence.

There's been a bit to that of trading, this week, too. Mario

Balotelli and Micah Richards both to extend their unbeaten run to

nine unbeaten games. 12 goals for Robin Van Persie in his last few

matches, 19 already this season. 40, is yet to shine since moving to

City. Maybe with all the hostility from his former supporters today,

this might be his time. A wonderful pass from Barry. Sergio ago where a

was onside but has placed it. Over Very understated from the manager.

David Silva. Manchester City starting to look in the mood. Samir

Nasri. David Silva. Mario Balotelli, lurking. Finding the passes there,

threading them through now. Arsenal look as if they could be too easily

opened up. Mikel Arteta. Incredible that is right up there amongst the

Premier League top scorers this post as far as arsenal are

concerned. It came out of nothing, that. Great pass to Gervinho. It

was saved somehow even though they got there pretty well, actually.

that and it was going in. It's a really good save by England's No. 1.

Robin Van Persie's delivery. That's a little bit more routine. The

first nervous moment near the Manchester City penalty area. Scott

Johnson staying cheerful, despite the fact it's their turn to wait

because he thought he had done everything right. Both goalkeepers

involved in important action. How did Mario Balotelli come away with

that lovely take down to get in between the two defenders? The

goalkeeper spread himself and Davina is wide. Ramsey. Blocked by

Yaya Toure. That was a swift arsenal move and it's a good block

from a Richards. A really good Premier League, arsenal have won 20.

goalkeeping all round. He had to go sideways for a while, here. The

goalkeeper anticipated exactly forward now? Mario Balotelli will

get there. He has got plenty of room and time to consider his

options. He might do it all by himself. He will try and it is

through on to the ball. And he had loads of time here. Tried to do it

by himself. And it nearly worked for him. Too hot for the goalkeeper

to handle. That would not go in. It would from David Silva. Here we are,

pre-Christmas. And David Silva has made it six goals for the season,

equalling his tally for the whole of the last campaign. He has been

absolutely outstanding throughout to be distracted by the continuing

celebrations around the ground. Arsenal back at City and it was a

finish but it doesn't count. Credit to Gervinho. Isn't that tight? That

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taking issue with the fourth finishing touch. They are trying to

walk the ball home. Magical stuff from Nasri. Could Balotelli have

slid? I think the feeling around the ground is he could have got

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gaps. That was a hefty thump It's bundled wide by Ramsey. It was

in line. Not that it mattered anyway. Hart, Ramsey, post. Ball

Robin van Persie has a word with Phil Dowd. It does hit the hand of

it wide. That's a great dart from right back. Look at that. He could

have played it for Aguero. He seemed to be in two minds. Had to

be offside. I think the flag went preserved three big points for

Manchester City. City weren't alive to the fact that Vermaelen was

watching and waiting and ready to Vermaelen - it was curling but it

wasn't curling enough for Arsenal. Joe Hart must hope that that is the

last thing that is going to come his way. A great effort. When he

gets forward, he is as good as many gets forward, he is as good as many

a striker. That's it. City were knocked off the top for

four hours. They now sit at the top of the tree thanks to Silva. Van

Persie couldn't find the net as the Gunners lost in the league for the

first time in 11 weeks. REPORTER: A great game with some

big performances. What stood out for you today? I think we did a

very good performance. Also, some moment after 1-0 we concede some

space for them and I think that we should have more control on the

game. We had a good performance. We gave everything and we were unlucky

as well because we had chances, the offside position are not completely

convipsing. Are you thinking about the -- Convincing. Are you thinking

about the goal you had ruled out? It is part of the game. This game

could have finished 1-1. 2-0 for them. 1-0 for us. It was this kind

of game. It was very up-and-down. You weren't off the top of the

table for very long. How important was it to hit back at Manchester

United today? It was important because Manchester United are doing

a good season. Like Manchester City. It is important to stay on the top

in the end. You have clear frustrations in defence. How close

are your full-backs to returning? At the moment, not very close.

Unfortunately. Can I ask you one more thing? The usual question

about Mario Balotelli. Have you heard anything about him throwing

money out of his car to people last night? I think Mario is a good

player. Today, he did a fantastic performance. You know, he is very

dangerous. I don't know about that. Mario is a quick guy. People who

know him, he is really special. The most important thing is his talent

is great. He can score a goal time. That is what we want him to do.

me... Did he say "yes"? That was confirmation he was dressed as

Santa giving away free money last night. You two are humbugs, you can

find fault with any game. It is hard with that one? That was about

as good as it gets. You got two great footballing sides playing

full throttle. I think the feature of the season has been the games

between the big teams have been great. We have had Manchester

United 8 Arsenal 2, Manchester United 1 Manchester City 6. Chelsea

3 Arsenal 5. This game didn't have 3 Arsenal 5. This game didn't have

the goals but it had the quality. The football was fast, fluent and

end to end stuff. The control of the ball, the passing, the touch.

Aguero should have scored there. At the other end, Song, a brilliant

ball and a good hit and a great save by Joe Hart. Balotelli - this

is a phenomenal piece of skill. Great hit, good save. When we look

at the use of the width of the pitch. City on the right-hand side,

goes to the left-hand side, it comes to the full-back, Zabaleta,

and then they decide to come all the way back but always in control

of the ball. It's into feet, it is controlled. Never in any doubt

where it is going. Then Richards on that side makes another fantastic

run. This time, it's Silva into Nasri. Phenomenal play. It should

have been a goal. Then, right at the end, we had a well-worked free-

kick to Vermaelen, great save from Joe Hart. Then, finally, Vermaelen

makes a tackle there, it's last- chance saloon, it is played up,

route one, comes to Van Persie, who comes into the picture? Vermaelen.

It is a fantastic first touch. Hits it and that is phenomenal. He is

distraught. You can tell by Joe Hart's cheeks what he thinks. It is

like relief. And it was a fantastic game. I didn't think Arsenal

deserved to get beat. It's a rejuvenated Arsenal. They played

really well. Lee will tell you one or two of the decisions went

against them. To come back when they were under pressure, it's a

sign of champions. Where does this leave Arsenal? Whether they

deserved to get beat or not, they did? They did. Arsene Wenger was

very disappointed. Manchester City were magnificent. A brilliant game.

They are decimated with injuries at the back, especially their full-

backs. Me and Nigel might get a call! And they don't look

comfortable at the back. They have four centre-backs playing. That is

not ideal at the best of times. The way the prospects are for the full-

backs coming back, it will be like that for a while. Now Djourou has

got injured. They have massive problems at the back. It could have

been different, though. Decisions go one way or the other? Yeah, I

mean, Van Persie, the offside goal, a split decision. Great finish. As

the ball comes in, Van Persie makes his run, overshoots, he just goes

offside, does he? We see it from this angle, look at Kompany at the

top of the screen, I think he is level. You can see his feet. It is

very difficult for the linesman. It is decisions like that - what a

fabulous finish. Also the handball. How he misses this I don't know. He

must think that that is not - I don't know why he doesn't think

this is handball. Is he too close? We see his position. That, for me,

is a penalty. How it's not given. So, yes, Manchester City played -

they probably had the better of the chances. Ramsey is telling him what

he thinks there. Ultimately, they were unlucky today. Any comfort in

defeat is always a cold one. We sat here last time Arsenal went to play

in the league in Manchester and it was pub team stuff. They were

beaten 8. That's more the Arsenal we all recognise? It is. They have

signed - Arteta was fantastic today. They have signed Mertesacker - he

adds experience. I don't think he is the answer. So, yeah, a lot

better performance. You talk about where Arsenal are in the league, so

many fixtures. As far as the two two go - we will take a look at

what to expect from them. It favours Manchester United

especially that little home run for them? You look at some of these

fixtures, you think these are easy. Because the games come thick and

fast, there is never anything easy. They will rotate the players.

There's a lot at stake at Christmas. You can't win it at Christmas. You

can lose it. Manchester City have got fantastic strength in-depth.

Manchester United, you know, time and time again over the years you

write them off and when they went to the Champions League, we said

they ain't going to win the Premier League, but you look at the way

they played today and I think that the winners will eventually come

from these two. I don't think there is any doubt about that. I don't

think those fixtures are that much different. It is not that hard for

both of them. Christmas is a funny time. You get a couple of injuries

in key positions. It is City's to lose, the way they are playing.

Alan said, he did mention the old cliche, you can't win the league

over Christmas, but you can lose it. You will see all the winners and

A bumper Christmas of football then here on the BBC. But we're not even

half done here tonight. Later we're at the Lane for Spurs vs Sunderland.

But now, we head to the Midlands and Big Eck's Villa against Little

Kenny's Reds. Villa could be seen to be a little bit like Scrooge.

They don't score many but they don't give away too many either. 18

goals for and 19 conceded this season tells the story. Seven draws,

four wins and four defeats is their record. And although it's not a

case of saying bah humbug to champagne football, Alex McLeish

and his troops have performed more than admirably. A Christmas Carroll

on form though is what Liverpool fans would love to see as the

record breaking �35 million man has struggled since his arrival at

Anfield. He's scored just four League goals since January. And

only two this season. But the Reds need Big Andy firing as king Kenny

could easily ask just what the Dickens is going on? Our Bob

Stewart down in returns to Villa Park for the first time. In his

last game for Aston Villa, he do when he plays on the right. On

blocked by Warnock. Liverpool corner. It's fair to say, he's

getting a warm reception from the and Craig Bellamy has his second

Premier League goal this season. Stewart down's corner was not held

and Craig Bellamy reacted quickly. Bellamy, back in the team and back

Villa to retain their shape and not moment. Corner taken by Bellamy.

Uninviting one to and in! Liverpool, 2-0 in front. Inside quarter of an

hour. Martin Skrtel, he just guided that into the corner. The Slovakia

got a really good contact on that. Disappointing for Aston Villa from

the defensive point of view. for his first Aston Villa goal. No

problem with the strike. Always rising a fraction too much. This is

certainly a tested at Aston Villa's character now. Charles N'Zogbia has

found it. He certainly looks the most likely for Aston Villa to try

to get them back into it. He was the only option, in all honesty

here for the Alfonso. A fraction wider that he might have liked. The

ball was only in the side netting. Gabriel Agbonlahor, 10 goals

between him and Darren Bent. A big won it back. Luis Suarez! Liverpool

hit the woodwork again. It looked as though the chance had gone there

but brilliantly stepped inside, Collins, and rattled it against the

crossbar. A lick of paint away from Aston Villa just cannot get out.

Now Johnson! Good save it. If that had gone in, Aston Villa would only

have had themselves to blame. He will want to kill this off as soon

now moved into a central role. Liverpool have conceded just seven

goals in the Premier League. Aston Villa, somehow or other, need to

find a way of breaking down a defence. Deflected. There would be

nothing that Pepe Reina could have done about that. If it was on

target, that was in. That might have been the slice of luck Aston

why Rez! Bellamy! -- Louise wires it was not he came back from an

using his arm up. -- it certainly looked. Somehow or other, Aston

Villa have kept it at 2-0. You do Given away. Charlie Adam. It is

still Adam and it still won't go in for Liverpool. How have they not

scored in this second half? They here. Set up really nicely for him

but he could not keep it down. Liverpool supporters,

Mark Albrighton were asking for. Did it hit his arm? It's a

debatable one. By the way, it's not been Aston Villa's day. Arsenal at

home, next. Away games at Stoke and Chelsea. Might be a tough

away with the ball. Aston Villa needed. Daniel Agger allowed to

stride forward. What about that? There are three options here for

Stewart Downing. Once again it he could not keep the effort down,

Shelvey, and it be a desperately disappointing day for the Aston

Villa supporters. FULL-TIME WHISTLE BLOWS Kenny

Dalglish Marks's 350 of game as Liverpool manager with their 4th

away win it. Goals from Bellamy. It could and

should have been more. It mattered, STUDIO: Two early goals were enough

for Liverpool who enjoyed an easy win. They created so many chances

and could have scored more. As for McLeish's men, their woes defending

corners continued. Scrooge they were certainly were not at the back.

I thought we played really well. Every part of the team was doing

well and I think they felt they deserved it. The goals that we lost

where pretty shocking. I thought they were shocking. We shouldn't be

losing goals like that, set pieces, runs in the box. We have got to

look at that seriously on the training ground. How strange was a

coming back for you today? Plain goal to collateral ground is always

difficult. The limit keeping quiet was to get the result. I expected

it. Disappointing. I tried my best run I was here but the main thing

for me was to play my normal game and get the result for the team

which we did. If we can put performances like that on in

training, it must be encouraging for everybody. Lots of the players

enjoyed it. Hard work and a bit of class. The snow fell at Villa Park

today. If truth be told, Aston Villa were a bit flaky. More than

that, they were awful. The way they pass the ball today. Are they had

the ball in the game because every time Liverpool gave it away, Aston

Villa gave it straight back to them. The possession from Liverpool away

from home, I thought you can't give teams like that the ball every time

it. Their passing, back, the bid field, I thought was awful.

Defending like that from set pieces, they will get into trouble because

it's not acceptable. Set pieces was the problem? Their last more than

any other team in the Premier League. Today was no different. --

they have lost more. The problem was not Liverpool, they defended

front post. It's an important part of the pitch. As soon as an Aston

Villa player comes into shot, they go tired, find the space, it goes

along. This is what happens. Watch this space. Nobody picks up Shelvey.

Nobody gets him. There are four players not even looking at the

ball. It's a shocking shot, it really is. Sensational. Luis Suarez

it react and then Bellamy react. It's a great ball from a Bellamy.

Difficult to defend against. A free header, six or seven players around

him, and there was no way back, Skrtel, but a great team

performance. Aston Villa are the top half of the table but are they

going up or down? I think, over all in the season they have done all

right. Obviously, they didn't have Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor

playing today. Scoring goals has been a problem for them at the last

few games. They scored one in five games, so struggled in that

department. Alex McLeish has got to get Shay Given back on the training

pitch, get him back to basics for the ultimate league, when they are

fit, they are decent. Look at the bench today, Liverpool's bench was

really strong and not so strong from Aston Villa. Jordan had the

sun, his best game yet. Absolutely. He played great. -- Jordan

Henderson. The star of the show was Luis Suarez. I don't know what he

was drinking their but I would like to get some of it. Mike Rutherford

nutmeg there. The movement, the touch, the technique. A touch of

aggression. He chases it, gets it back. He cuts the corner and is so

unlucky there. And this one, you know, again, Warnock comes in. A

hint of hand ball there. The technique to chip it. The

goalkeeper has no chance. Unbelievably unlucky and then, the

right peg, inch-perfect. Good, decent save of. And finally, inch

perfect for Bellamy. He has been a sensational. He loves the post.

wonderful player and so did a good to play against. 16 times Liverpool

have to hit the woodwork this season. Still to come, all the

goals from yesterday plus some seasonal treats you do not want to

miss. But our final game from today takes us to White Hart Lane and a

visiting side who got an early christmas present in the form of

new manager Martin O'Neill. But Spurs though give nothing away at

sensational season so far. Last week, their 11-match unbeaten run

ended in disaster at Stoke. Was it a penalty? Oh yes it is! The ref

said? Oh, no, it isn't! As for Martin O'Neill, he will be rubbing

his lamp! He's already got off to a winning start after last week's

late show and as for the bad times? It's behind you! It's a phrase he

With him in their side, Spurs have taken 25 points out of 27 this

season. Larsson's free-kick a week ago ensured Martin O'Neill's reign

got off to the best possible start. Ekotto has not scored for over two

smartly to save at the feet of Walker. It's coming for Tottenham.

Their pace is worrying Sunderland. Martin O'Neill very encouraged by

what he saw last week. And what he been forced to make. He caught it

well. It would have gone in. It oh how close? Just behind him in

the six-yard box. Great counter- attack from Sunderland. Larsson's

pass intended for Richardson. He was a yard too quick for the pass

side, Tottenham need Assou-Ekotto to go on more and more of these

runs. He was looking for Pavlyuchenko and Vaughan's touch

was vital. Brilliant skill from spotting that one. Now, then, all

eyes on Larsson here. Richardson is there as well. I doubt very much he

right to keep it out. Tottenham had done their homework and it pays off.

It's a sweet strike from Larsson. Tottenham did have a player on the

line as well. Walker had gone back there. Friedel has been the busier

of the goalkeepers. The last minute Pavlyuchenko is there! The ball is

not in the back of the net. The closest Spurs have come to scoring.

Brilliant by Scott Parker. Pavlyuchenko almost scores with his

first meaningful touch since coming Vaughan! Plenty of power in that.

Friedel at full stretch. Vaughan scored the equaliser a week ago

against Blackburn. He left Sandro Colback took too long to shoot.

What a moment. What a moment that goal! The Russian sub breaks the

deadlock! Remember the name on the back of the shirt! An hour played,

and Tottenham take the lead. The careless pass from Brown, that's

what opened Sunderland up and then the crisp passing. Pavlyuchenko

with a deadly accurate shot. Lovely reverse ball from Van der Vaart and

Westwood is left grasping thin air. Tottenham on course for home win

number six on the bounce. And the such a narrow lead. It's run

Tottenham's way. Van der Vaart - a great run by Adebayor - he's in -

Westwood saves! What a miss by Modric! Prior to that, it is a

glorious save from Westwood. Adebayor thought here he had put

the game beyond Sunderland. Westwood came to his team's rescue

and Modric fluffed his lines. If this goes in, surely it is game

over. Only Modric knows how he Adebayor - good save from Westwood.

The second time he's denied Tottenham. Again, he's keeping

Looked very rusty earlier on today, but he has looked much more like

his former self in this second half. Scored one and close to his second

with Sessegnon - Bendtner is horribly wide. How the Spurs' fans

enjoyed this finish, a chance to as Harry's Snow Whites returned to

winning ways. As for the Black Cats, they tried but failed to unleash

their scoring genies from the lamp. It was a tough game. They were

dangerous on the counter-attack. We had to be aware of that. Once we

scored, we started to play. We had a spell where we played as we can

play. We got the result in the end. Confidence wasn't eroded, it was

the fact that Tottenham took that chance and then while we were

chasing the game, perhaps they could have put it beyond us. We

were always in it. You look round, we are looking for another striker,

it is difficult to find anyone better than Pav. He is a fantastic

player. Two great feet. He can score. He's top drawer when he is

at it. Pavlyuchenko comes in from the cold. I'm impressed with how

many different ways Spurs have won this season. Yes, a spirited

performance from Sunderland. As far as Spurs are concerned, they didn't

play great. It was like life without Lennon and Bale. Bale out,

Lennon off injured. We know what that produces for the team - pace

down the sides. Here he is, electric. Not a great cross. Gives

the ball away. That is what we expect from Tottenham. This - no

Bale on the left, the space is there. Assou-Ekotto, where does he

go? Inside. Normally Bale would whip the ball in, Adebayor would

know that, cuts inside, now it's got tight. They lose the ball. This

time, Modric, who played on the left in the first half,

Pavlyuchenko knocks the ball out. If this is Bale, he is going to

bomb down that side. Two strikers will make the same runs and there

is a chance on goal. Modric cuts on his favoured right foot, loses the

ball. Adebayor this time. Walker on an overlap. Normally Lennon would

be ahead of him. Lennon would know to come inside. He would go into

that space. There would be an option for Adebayor to play in

there, another player to play with, but he is not there. Basically,

goes down that end, cuts inside, all of a sudden tightens up. The

only time they got joy is when they went down the middle and this

happened. Pavlyuchenko with a good finish. They played in a certain

way today that we have not seen them play like that before.

affects Walker as well, he could bomb forward. He is good at it?

affected them all over. If you can win like that, 1-0, get the points

on to the next one. As for Sunderland, a new manager and

certainly positivity. They have the same problems? They are organised.

You can take a lot of positives from the match. They were in the

match for a long time. Goalscoring is a problem. They will have money

in January. What does that mean? With all due respect to Sunderland,

if you are in the bottom half of the table, how difficult is it to

attract a proven goalscorer? It have got. That will always be a

problem. Do you take a chance on somebody? It's a dilemma. Martin is

a good manager. He will know what he wants and he will know how to

improve the side. Obviously, the goalscoring thing is a problem.

That is their major problem. They have people in midfield, Larsson,

Colback, they have energy. It is putting the ball in the net.

thought Colback was great today. He stood up when they were losing and

he was counted. I said that! said it better than you said it!

That is why he is paid the big bucks. All the goals from yesterday

in a second after a quick look ahead to a big Thursday night at

achieved has been recognised. would feel humble people want to

vote for me. To be nominated with other great sports people is a

great achievement. It's been a truly wonderful year for me and

this would capitol. Just to be nominated is a great feeling, the

highest accolade bestowed on you. This is massive. To win it, I would

be lost for words. One of the highlights of my career so far.

great list of winners. And one I would like to try to join. We don't

play sport for accolades, but it The Year AP McCoy will be in action

at the Welsh National at Chepstow next week. We've got coverage of

one of the best festive sporting showpieces on Tuesday, December 27

So let's get on with showing you yesterday's goals. Alan, you did

Match Of The Day last night. Are those presence under the tree for

me? I think Santa Claus has come Elly, boys. What can this be? Let's

see if there is one for Alain. Take that. Here you go. We have got one

for you as well. Let's get but over. Don't open it yet. Let's see if I

have got one. There it is, there. By the way, for the children

watching, Santa gave us permission to open these early. You don't do

it. You wait until Christmas Day. Oh, boys! The just my colour.

it around. Oh yes. I think we need some privacy so let's start a

regular round-up. First stop, Ewood families at Blackburn. No protests

against Keane for two games but after this defeat, the relationship

counsellor is on call. West Brom could have connected better with

that chance. Another bite of the take any chances. Just over old son.

Morrison! What a hit. They did not deal with the first ball, but when

it came out to Morrison, he still It's a very tight one. And a

debatable one. They finished well, it for West Brom. What about that

Park. Most have seen enough, not just today. Owen Coyle is failing

to raise a smile after they lost a game. A free header in the box.

Clued Dempsey showed Bolton the folly of their ways. -- Clint

Dempsey. Great header. A brilliant goal. Once he gets there, he's got

an awful lot to do, but he guided Mark Davies's shot was saved by

Stockdale. Chris Eagles went wide from a distance. It is now 13

defeats. Not all bad news in the north-west, though. Although the

first half was a turkey. This effort was saved. Wigan called for

a penalty after the ball hits Ivanovic in the area. The best bits

were in the second half. Lampard start the game but had to come of

brilliantly. There is a goal scorer at the very top of his game right

I think. John Terry has let Ivanovic deal with that. It has

bounced off Gomez. Do Santos! Deflected behind. Wigan, zero.

Chelsea, one. Wigan will feel they have done something to get out of

it. It will be a source of frustration for the boss. Gomez

have scored! Wigan have got something out of it. It was toe-

poked towards goal and Petr Cech really had to hold it. Wigan

thought they should have had a free kick after the challenge but a

vital point was briefly received. And point celebrated by Wigan and

two points which will be cursed by We are by much a team on Match of

the Day 2. Don't to build your part, camera two. I'm a bit annoyed

because I got those jumpers so you would look terrible but you both

look quite fetching. We look great, yes. The best we've have a look, to

be fair. Not much Christmas cheer to be found at Bolton or Blackburn.

There is a front page leader tomorrow calling for Keane's head.

Bleak times. It is. He has not been wanted their by most of the fans,

that's for sure. I honestly think Blackburn will get out of trouble,

I really do. Even with the way things are going, yes they need

goals, but the way they play, I haven't seen them get really beaten

severely by many teams. I honestly think they will get out of it. With

Keane, I don't know. Bolton, on the other hand, they go on the pitch

and think they can't get beaten. They think where is the next result

going to come from. They are playing so badly, Blackburn will

will we game pulls up the next. Will come if possible at Ewood Park

because they played that next. What about Wigan? Never relied

Manchester United for the title. Never put Wigan down. Absolutely

fantastic. In the middle of their defeats, you think they will never

win another match and now they had taken eight points in the 15th.

They are still in the bottom three and had begins to come, but never

rule out Wigan. Absolutely. he's got a great relationship with

his German which helps out. Right, let's fire through the remaining

three games from yesterday. Starting at a ground that doesn't

Everton failed to take their chances. Big John kept out this

goal before Martin performed goal- line heroics. Grunt colt showed

hole to. He has scored at fabulous goal! What a goal from Grant holds

up. A magnificent goal for the look at this. Surrounded by blues and

somehow, squirmed it in at the far post. Louis Saha shot wide as

Everton continued to press. Bellini had it coming together. Holds

escaped punishment. He put stepping in. Louis Saha. He wants it back.

He kept his feet well. A great chance! A fabulous save. He was

still busy at the other end and the goalkeeper continued to thwart

Everton. This time, Louis Saha. Until the resistance was broken.

couple of great goals this season already and has got away again.

Look at that for a shot. The goalkeeper somehow got something on

it. A tough day on Tyneside as the Geordie is came together to

remember Gary Speed. His family were in attendance as a bread of

into the game. As 11 minutes that, supporters from both sides applaud

and paid tribute to the late Gary for the second time. They had the

best of the rest of Newcastle's chances. Michelle wall on brilliant

form once again that. -- former. Scott Sinclair had Swansea's best

Woodgate did his best to make it Topsy. Yellow for this challenge.

But should it have been red later? Jarvis scampering up the left-hand

side. Woodgate. Jarvis is called by Woodgate. Penalty. Is he going to

get another yellow card? No, the referee is pointing to the spot to.

Jarvis was showing the tricks and Woodgate catches him. It is a

penalty. Stephen Hunt entrusted with the responsibility here. And

he takes it out star of the reach of Sorensen put up Johnson's tackle

on Walters led to a free kick. Bowls were not happy but stoke took

advantage. It was on target. -- Wolves. It's an equaliser. It does

take a mix of but all, doesn't it? -- Nick of the wall of. There are

five stoke players here now. Etherington, time to deliver. The

I'm at running out of things to say about stoke up the moment. They

have been wonderful. I think they had a wobble. They have been in

fantastic form. Four wins out of four. His great cross the was

played to your strengths. And that exactly what stoke have done. Plus

they have batted quality as well. Thank you, Lee. Thank you, Alan.

It's been fun tonight. Here are the headlines from today. City top the

Fergie had a festive flyer too as United shatter the Hoops' dreams.

Kenny's Reds gave Big Eck the blues in a winter wonderland stroll. And

hot Spurs they weren't. But the Snow Whites did enough to melt

Martin's Black Cats. So Manchester neighbours United following their

wins. Spurs now are up to third and Liverpool move up to sixth after

they both won today. Arsenal stay fifth and Villa 10th. At the bottom,

QPR and Sunderland stay 15th and 16th. But it remains grim reading

for Bolton, Blackburn and Wigan who That's it from Match Of The Day 2

until New Years Day. So on behalf of all our cast and crew, we send