04/11/2012 Match of the Day 2

Hello everybody. Highlights of Sunday's two games, with four teams

hoping that V stands for victory. All watched by my guests tonight.

The first Premier League powder-keg can be found at Anfield. Two feems

teams we hoped to deliver something teams we hoped to deliver something

At the time of those high-scoring Liverpool Newcastle games in the

1990s, Steven Gerrard was a teenage trainee at Anfield. Today he

becomes only the tenth player in Liverpool's history to make 600

appearances for the club. After nine changes on Wednesday, when

Liverpool crashed out of the Capital 1 Cup. Brendan Rogers

reverts to the starting side from Ba has shrugged off an ankle injury

Ba has shrugged off an ankle injury That might have been a handball

from Coloccini, he certainly lunged in. It wasn't a handball, but does

Coloccini catch Saurez here. There is certainly a connection. On his

leg. That is inside the penalty area. Anthony Taylor was the

referee who allowed the goal 17 years of age, Sterling will turn

18 in December. Already he has become very much a first team

the marking, it needed to be a better shot from that kind of

distance. Alan Pardew as manager came against Liverpool.

Here comes Saurez, Birch has to be careful on the edge of the penalty

area. The referee has award add free kick.

Birch was on the receiving end of the long tackle and doesn't get the

ball. Saurez is too high.

Six goals in nine Premiership games Saurez has fouled Santon, that has

Liverpool goal. And he has had a few chances. He clipped the heels

It was such a tight angle for the Frenchman. And just before half

time, Newcastle United get a goal on the break, to crush Liverpool's

spirit. Ben Arfa, held up by Enrique so many times this

afternoon, got passed him. And Cabaye, who scored recently against

Sunderland, scored an absolutely terrific goal here. That was

something his compatriot Zidane would have been proud of. The

control, vision and execution from Yohhan Cabaye, and Newcastle United

lead at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers won't believe his team is heading

been scampering across the goal line.

Saurez hardly hesitated to think the penalty area. Sahin has scored

three goals against West Brom and Norwich. He didn't quite catch that

perfectly, but but it was almost control is absolutely sub breaktime

-- sublime. Liverpool are back on level terms, with a goal just

seeped in inspiration, as well as% racial. First of all, the thought

process for Enrique, to even attempt this pass. Then, subtle but

effective control from Saurez. That is his tenth goal of the season in

all competitions. Far and away Liverpool's top scorer this evening,

no-one has got a more goals for Brendan Rodgers in this campaign.

a run back at Coloccini. Good defending from Coloccini in the

first instance, Saurez isn't giving up. It should have been 2-1.

Shelbye has only scored one goal, it came against Chelsea. Saurez

brilliant run. Steven Taylor ensures he doesn't so there. Just

counts as really good defending, doesn't it. Brendan Rodgers hoping

to win back-to-back home games for the first time as Liverpool manager.

There is a chance of a counter- Coloccini. Oh, it's a straight red

card. The two south Americans have been leading each other a merry

dance for most of the afternoon. We have not had a yellow card for

anyone in this game. But after that tackle. From Coloccini, on Luis

Saurez, the referee, Anthony Taylor, has produced a straight red card. A

downward stamping motion, I think it is the assistent there we can

see. You don't need to be a skilled lip reader to read the word "red"

concentrating on keeping it down, he didn't want it to fly over the

crossbar. In the end too much of a see if Liverpool would gain a

meaningful advantage there. Gerard has taken up a position at the far

post. Shelbye, it bounces off the It could have looped in over the

goalkeeper. As a manager there are things you

can't legislate about? We give away. We were open when we had possession,

we thought they were going to keep it, and then a big ball from Jose

and he has exploited us. We were so unlucky today, we have had three

injuries, all my subs were down to injureies, the captain sent off.

you think it was a red card? It was a naughty challenge. There wasn't a

great deal of contact, if I'm honest. The ball was well gone, I

didn't see it at the time, once you see the replays he goes for that.

was surprised of a straight red, I wasn't sure what it was. I didn't

think he touched him. But it does look bad, it looks like there is

some sort of intent there. It is so out of character, I don't think he

would intentionally do that. went on to the field to speak to

the referee afterwards, was he able to tell you? It was unfair on my

part, there is enough pressure on referees, the morale of referees is

low. I don't want to make a big issue of. That he got the call from

his linesman and he has followed that. That is our fifth draw in ten

league games. We have should won games out of those draws. I believe

once we get a number of other players that can fit the profile

and the model of the game, when we dominate games like that, and

finish the chances, it will be great for us going forward.

I have watched both those goals 20 times already, I already want to

see them again. But Robbie, we have Newcastle and Liverpool a lot this

sea on because of the Europa league. Coloccini is a remarkable talent

and a surprise his performance today? He has been their best

player all season, but today he has been their leader and captain. But

today he looked intent. This one, he's lucky there because the ball

hit him. If it went over his head it was a penalty. Here he has left

Saurez get the wrong side of him, a fantastic goal from Saurez, he has

to do better than that. This one, doesn't know where he is, he gets

beat. Tries to have a nibble here. Goes unbalanced, nearly gives a

penalty away. Shelbye should have scored. All afternoon he was all

scored. All afternoon he was all over the place. This one, If he

stands in the centre half position, he just clears that up. Kick s

Saurez there. This one, he could have been sent off. He slowed this

right down, wow, he catches him there, that could be a straight

head. On this one, that is, he's lucky there, Saurez, slowing it

down here, if he catches him there, I don't know what would happen to

Saurez there. The linesman got it perfectly right, saying it is a red,

red. The gaffer says "what's that for", he should look at him and say,

for", he should look at him and say, I have had a shocker. Pardew was OK

afterwards. Two different stories, Brendan Rodgers has said it is

inevitable he will spend money in January. They have played ten games

in this season, ten more games before January 1st. What must they

do to get better results now, and not just be a great passing side?

Every time we watch Liverpool play, we talk about the same thing. They

have such a good player in Saurez, they have to try to get players in

and around him. He will create things, not just for himself but

for other people as well. In the course of the game today, I mean,

eventually they had to change a little bit when Newcastle were 1-0

little bit when Newcastle were 1-0 in front. This is in the first half.

Rober Downey Jr down Steven Gerrard makes a run at the top of the

picture, and he's -- Steven Gerrard make as run at the top of the pitch.

In the end nothing happens because of it T

-- it. He comes into the box. You know. Two players, five, six,

Newcastle defender, even a player of his ability, very difficult to

see what he can conjour up. Sometimes he's on his own, and left

frustrated. He has a great big wass at it, and nothing from T all of a

sudden, Shelbye comes on, gets people in the box. It is completely

different, all of a sudden Saurez can drift away, do what he wants.

There you go, he has people running off him, lots of options. It makes

Liverpool look a much better team. Steven Taylor does a good job, but

Sterling should score from there. He drifts away, and picks up the

space, when he does that somebody like Shelbye can get in the

position. It is difficult, he's the position. It is difficult, he's the

only striker they have got. The thing is, if he can just get people

in and around him, those people taking defenders away, you would

get an even better Saurez. Newcastle many more options up

front, rob beef. Last week we saw on Match of the Day 22 how they

hung in and got a win against West Brom. The first time this season,

won't be the last. You have to admire their tenacity to stay in

and get things out of games? They went to Merseyside and drew 2-2 at

Everton. The same today, they hung in the game. On the counter-attack

they are fantastic, the players, Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye, this is a

goal, fortunately from them a foul throw from Wisdom. They took the

throw in, Ben Arfa on a one-on-one with Enrique, Sterling doubles up.

Poor defending. Gets away. I have to say, what an absolute stormer of

a finish. It is a top-class finish from Cabaye. He's such a good

player. With Newcastle, they are dogged. We talk about Coloccini,

generally, and Taylor, the goalkeeper is outstanding. There

are almost times in games where you can let the front three, Ben Arfa,

Cisse and go and try and win the game. From that point of view, we

have pace, they are very, very direct. And you talk about them not

playing particularly well, I think that is quit the good for them this

season, -- quite good for them this season, they are getting results.

On the counter-attack with the pace and directness that they have, I

think they are a real threat. Good point for them away from home.

I thought Liverpool were a better team. The problem for Liverpool, if

they lose Gerrard and Saurez. counting down the days toen ja. He

will spend then -- to January. He will spend then. Liverpool fans

have seen home wins in the calendar year. To be serious, they don't

deserve treatment like this! This is in the main stand. I'm not sure

how much they pay for the season tickets, �450, they didn't read the

small print, it is if you come and watch against Newcastle. Not only

do you get a seat in the main stand, but a shower. This boy as the

raving hump about it. At least he had the kit on. It could have been

wore. I said earlier, ten games gone this sea on, 18 out of 20

teams left in the Premier League before January 1st. Quick higher or

lower. Liverpool, ten fixtures before January 1st. Mid-table at

the moment. Cast your eye over it, how do you think their next ten

will go? I think probably about the same as it has already gone. Robbie

made the very valid point. If you lose Saurez, after three or four

off those games you are in a mess. Newcastle, tenacity, with fantastic

Newcastle, tenacity, with fantastic performances., the different story,

the next five a little easier than the five after. They have lost a

few players to injury, the next five games are winnable. They have

tough games in the next five, Arsenal, United, City at home, but

much of a muchness for them. Thank you for now. By the way we have

Goal of the Month from October tonight. Now to Loftus road, with

QPR and Reading going into this one. It's no fun being a QPR or Reading

fan at the moment, both sides must be sick of the sight of the gunners.

For Tuesday night's the Capital 1 cup ended in crushing defeat over

Wenger's side. They need to bounce back fast or the season could be

open by Christmas. If you believe the players, Mark Hughes men must

win today or he's in trouble, if you believe the papers.

Disappointed because the referee has killed us in terms of allowing

their winning goal. Neither side have a win to their name in the

league this season, now would be a and arguably the first six-pointer

of the season. These two have played a combined 17 patches so far,

without managing a sing -- matches so far, without managing a single

the team after a sending off against Arsenal. He starts a three-

match suspension this afternoon. A free kick against Makie.

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the last week have scored eight and flected. Mark Hughes is the best

man for the job and has the full backing of the board, according to

Hollett who gave the lead in the last match, a draw with Everton,

wasn't far away from the lead here. Corner for Reading. QPR really

his former club. Reading have the lead. Morrison with the header off

the bar, and Gorkss with the acrobatic volley. Which Houllio

QPR have conceded the opening goal on six occasions already this

Morrison. Makie almost up to the edge of the penalty area, before

Morrison left his leg out. Granero takes it and it smacks against the

match since April against Nottingham Forest have the

advantage. They have defending to 17th of April the last time Reading

won in the league. QPR pushing for an equaliser. Granero went really

from that sort of distance, is worth watching. Not as close as it

held up by Morrison. You can clearly see. He pulled him over. A

Just got away from the defender. QPR are level, it is just about the

first thing that Cisse has done in the whole match. But that's what

he's there for. That's why he's playing. The little turn away from

the defender. He's just able to beat McCarthy to the ball, to find

the bottom corner of the net. Queens Park Rangers are right back

in the game now. What a relief there Tony Fernandez and all the

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home supporters in the crowd. Queens Park Rangers, so close to

going ahead in the match. Cisse waited for the run, for the pass,

and Taarabt couldn't quite get it past the Reading goalkeeper. It is

Alex McCarthy's foot that saves the day. He keeps his team level. He

just got down quickly enough much it was a good chance.

It goes straight into the arms of Alex McCarthy. Real excitement

there as Cisse kept the ball in play, look at Zamora racing into

the far post. There is Chris Houghton, the Norwich manager, who

travel to take on Reading next weekend.

A point would be a better result for Reading, you fence. La Fondra

goes down, he's going to get booked for simulation. Stumbled to the

floor. Down he went, and the referee had a very clear view of it.

He reached straight for his book. Almost ten games without a win, and

almost nine without a -- for Mark Hughes, and Ten for his fellow

Cisse blasts it wide. It is the last action of the game.

Neither side can find a winner. A combined 19 matches in the Premier

League this season, without a win between them. There is quality out

there on the pitch. Chelsea have come here and Everton have got draw,

we have got the same point today. Everyone knows this is never an

easy place to come to. We knew exactly what to expected. I

understood exactly what the game plan of Reading would be, we, in

the first half didn't really deal with it as well as we needed to.

Second half we did. Did you get expectedly what you were expects

today, or did you wonder how they will be or start? I know these

players, I know them so well. I have been lucky enough to have this

job for the past three years. I come to work and they give me a

lift every day. People talk about picking the players up, there was

never an issue after the mid-week game. We have a real spirit about

us, we just keep going, we look forward to the next game. We need

maximum points on the board, and the longer it goes on without those

maximum points, it the more irritating it become. Another day

we will look back and think possibly it is a good point. At the

moment we feel it is two point dropped. Given that and the fact

they both haven't won. That was the most likely draw of all the draws

this weekend. Let's start with Reading and the away team. They

went back to basics? It is not rocket science when you are

fighting for your lives. 120 minutes mid-week. Tab, Leigertwood,

they were fantastic today, in the middle of the park, they were

winning second balls, on the front foot. Nice, simple stuff all

afternoon. Considering the performance mid-week, the energy

levels were superb. This is the last two minutes, Leigertwood loses

ball, Tab is covering from behind, as we see there, both sprint back,

Tab makes a great tackle. There is his mate backing him up and plays a

lazy ball. All afternoon they have done that. Jason Roberts worked the

channel all afternoon, the ball in behind, that simple, back to basics

football, when you are bottom of the league, do the simple stuff

well and they have done that. Jason Roberts are do that all afternoon.

He was terrific this afternoon. not give him a big head, he's on

next week? I know, when you are down at the bottom of the table,

them balls are great. It relieves pressure, gets you throw-ins and

corners, it takes the pressure off for you. It allows you to play in

there when you force the opposition back. All afternoon he was doing

this, getting corners and throw-ins. Reading have to have the same

application every week. If they do they will start winning games.

is different, consistency is the key thing. One thing is either

score or get sent off, Cisse, he gives what he gave today, bonus?

You never know what you're gonna get when he's on pitch. The fella

can play, he likes playing up front on his own. He is in trouble there,

with the defenders. You don't know what he's getting, he's in his own

box, a hopeless touch, and puts you on the back foot. Look at him here,

he's already cappuccino on the edge of the box. The ball comes to him.

Completely miss hits it, and that is Cisse, and then you see

something like this, and you think what has he got. Not the greatest

first touch in the world, but what a great finish. When you see it

here, surrounded by three defender, the only one of the four who

anticipates what's going to happen, pitches a goal, it is a really good

finish. Really starting to play with the confidence he has. Comes

inside, sees, Taarabt, rolls it in, we think it is 2-1, outstanding

save. This is it, lots of grass in front of him, he will run at people

all day, cause them all sorts of problems, great ball in to Zamora,

he didn't make the greatest of connections. He thinks he has

scored here, you will see that from behind, it looks like it is in, and

McCarthy thinks it is in as well. If they can keep him fit and on the

pitch, they have a chance. goalkeeper played a huge part this

weekend, maybe the starting role was Alex McCarthy, these two saves

were world class? The first was Granero's free kick, we see the

replay, he has got his right hand to it. I think it's in, what a save.

What a right hand. It is one of them as a goalkeeper, you are never

quite sure if you are going to get there. I think this is better. He

gets down with his foot and arm. It is hit really, really quickly.

Wonderful stuff. All the goals from yesterday, as I said, on the way,

as I have also remooneded you, the best from October. First a pointer

towards some other things you might Now Saturday's fixture, three draws,

all of them coming with a twist. The champions were on the road this

weekend, big bubbles, big scarves and big decisions at Upton Park.

The toffees were hoping to avoid a sticky afternoon at the Cottage.

And Chelsea went to Wales, where Swansea were in no mood to concede

Swansea were in no mood to concede the three-point maximum.

Kay hill, 1-0 Chelsea. Cahill's header deflected by Moses.

Just the touch that was needed. To steer home Gary Cahill's powerful

header. Knew exactly what he was Chelsea fail to keep possession and

they have been made to pay for it. Really well placed. He was

unsighted by his own defenders, scored, but he hasn't. The chicken

run of Kevin Nolan stopped because he's offside.

He is played on side by Jecko at the bottom of the screen wearing 10.

Gareth Barry has missed it. They are claiming West Ham that Barry

landled it, it hasn't been given as handball. It goes down as a glaring

miss. Highly controversial if the goal

had stood. Roberto Mancini ignores, oh, no

six-and-a-half minutes gone. Howard got something on it, but not enough.

He provides an equisite finish. At the double. It's such a good

finish. Drives it underneath the goalkeeper. Everton have come from

behind to lead at Craven Cottage. Deflection against the post.

Fulham hanging on by the skin of save by the goalkeeper. It deserved

Sidwell levels for Fulham. Everton have had so many chances today. It

looked like they are going home to Merseyside with a point to show for

Merseyside with a point to show for their efforts today. Robbie, West

Ham, we have to remind ourselves, they came back into the Premier

League, and through the play-offs, top form? I think Big Sam is doing

a fantastic job. That is not a surprise, is it. Not at all?

Imagine if you were a Blackburn fan watching that. Balotelli some of us

were won over by the stories, his eccentricities, in the Chinese they

asked for the bone out of the spare rib, we loved all that. You weren't

having him from the word go? ability is fantastic, but as a ago

manager you spent all the time looking after one player to the

detriment of all other players. You can't have that at the top of the

Premier League. Just go and play and get on with it. Goal of the

month shortly, the four games from yesterday. Starting about 500 yards

from where we sit now. The Canaries have been flying of

yet, yet Tony Pulis needed a win to steady the ship. The struggling

sourcer, met the struggling apprentice at the Stadium of Light.

Life at the lane doesn't get much better for Wigan. RVP caught up

with a few old friends and did his best not to look too pleased when

makes his mark immediately. Wilshere in with a retaliatory

challenge, he has his hand in his target, a good strong hand by the

off his hand. It looked like a handball to me. Rooney with the

chance to double Manchester United's lead before the break.

Rooney's put it wide. Goodness me. Huge let off for the goalkeeper and

the gunner. You have the feeling that Van Persie will be on penalty

duties next time. Van Persie is on they have got it, Patrice Evra has

it. It is a lovely ball in from Rooney, Evra's judged it absolutely

right. Wilshere showed too much to Evra, has he gone in too strong.

He's gone, Jack Wilshere gets a second yellow card. Arsenal in

trouble, 2-0 down and a man down. compensation for Arsenal.

Snodgrass, a foul. Bradley Johnson gets his first goal of the season.

After a free kick that Stoke hotly disputed. Norwich 1, Stoke 0. Some

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villa the lead. Clipped by Loughton, blank saves from two very good

Wigan openings. It's Watson, was it over the line,

I think it is a goal. I think Watson has scored, for wag began

athletic. Martin Atkinson looked to the line on the side. It is well in,

nearly in the back of the net, with the goalkeeper. Ben Watson becomes

the first Englishman to score for Wigan in this calendar hereer year.

-- year. It is a substitution. He Is replacing Defoe, I'm not sure

the crowd like it or him. James McCarthy in the right place

at the right time for Wigan. Really a good piece of defending keeps

Wigan in the lead. It is getting Wigan in the lead. It is getting

desperate for Tottenham. I remember Wigan five points from

eight games. It was on a Sunday, we refused to say anything bad about

them. Two wins in a row. If you look after ten games in five

seasons. They haven't done too badly. What do you like best about

them so far? This year they have more of a cutting epbl. The signing

of Koni might be a massive stroke for Martinez for me. A good, good

player, relatively little money. Good win for villa, confidence for

them, because the next three games don't as inviting? It is United,

City, Arsenal, massively important victory with Sunderland. Guzan,

they have good players, Ireland, they have a chance. Do you want to

take some penalties for Manchester United, four different players have

missed, God help us when they start scoring them. Rooney has missed

seven out of 20. Are you going to tell him? He tell him he's not

taking them. Robin Van Persie might tell him's not taking them. Ten of

the best from the month of October. It is a really tough choice this

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month. So Croket and Tubbs have to Tricky, come on then. We decided

actually, it was quite in agreement. That it was, who was it? Taarabt!

No we are only joking. Tom Cleverly, we didn't think he meant it.

Taarabt has quite a lot to do when he get the ball, and fantastic ball.

Ramis had a fantastic volley. He has more to do, I think, hasn't he.

Tom Cleverly did say he meant it? You would, wouldn't you. You are

not going to say, no, it was a cross. Even his manager on the day

said there was no way he meant it. Right now, you have to take him at

his word. Cabaye and Saurez already in goal of the month for November?

Which was better? I don't know, I haven't seen a goal quite like the

Saurez one, it is close. Next week's Match of the Day takes us to

St James's and the Bridge, here is the story of today.

To win just one remains this season's model for QPR and Reading,

as they share the spoils at Loftus road. A few tricks and two real

treats from Cabaye and Saurez, delivers another draw at Anfield

between Liverpool and Newcastle. Chelsea's ten-week stay at the top

ends with Manchester United replacing them at the summit.

Unbeaten Manchester City are two points off the pace, while Everton

The alternative table, this is what the Barclays Premier League would

look like if only goals by British That's all from us, on a weekend

that some might put down as a little disappointing. Despite a

glut of draws and a cop of damp squib, fans of villa and Wigan

Arsenal really in trouble now, 2-0 down and a man down. Have you any

complaints about the sending off? Yes.

Baalotelli. If we don't score, we don't win. That is football. It is

a real shame the goal hasn't stood. Off the line. Today was a bad day

at work for us. It is a long season and we will see it through. How we

have not won that game is incredible. You need a bit of luck,