06/04/2014 Match of the Day 2

Everton go into their match against Arsenal four points behind.

It's important we continue to fight. Huge three points for us takes us

closer to the safety margin. Six to play, six to win and if they do,

no-one can deny them through. A tale of two cities as regards our

two games this evening. And we have great expectation force the punditry

of John heartson and our other guest tonight. Noimp have sacked Chris

Hughton with just five games to go. Tell us what you think about that,

you can e-mail us. We have West Ham v Liverpool. We'll just concentrate

on the next game, you know, and the next game is Manchester City. No,

it's not, the next game is West Ham. Brendan Rodgers take this is one

lightly at his peril. Liverpool might have title chases, West Ham

away is a tough assignment, especially now Sam Allardyce wants

respect. There's also a big striker with a

point to prove. There'll be no one bursting Liverpool's bubble.

Jonathan Pearce was watching. He signed for Liverpool on the same day

as Carroll signed for West Ham. West Ham make one change.

Liverpool are forced to change their defence for the first time in seven

games. A bang on the knee in training ruling out Agger. Sakho

starts is for the first time in 2014. Carroll's performance against

that defence will be crucial. Sturridge and Suarez have scored

seven more goals as a pair than the West Ham team has managed.

Gerrard. Flanagan. Suarez. Lovely move already developing here by

Liverpool. Good defending the. Another throw. Suarez into the box.

Oh, what an effort! Off the bar.

Conjured up out of almost nothing. West Ham momentarily switched off.

Just for the second that that sort of player craves.

He can belt them, he can chip them, lob them, trickle them, he can score

which way he wants. Suarez. Coutinho. Sterling.

Sturridge on the edge of the box. Blocked by Taylor, back to Coutinho.

Great opportunity here for Suarez. A few notes for the half time team

talk. Suarez on the shieldser of the last

defender as ever. Mistake there by Demel. Suarez appeals for a penalty

and Liverpool get the penalty kick for handball.

It's their 11th penalty of this Barclays Premier League campaign.

All West Ham's work has been undone. His arm was stuck out, he moved it

on to the ball. That's a handball. That's a penalty.

Four Pengties scored, one missed this campaign for Steven Gerrard.

Keeper goes the wrong way. Ten in 14 games for Gerrard.

13 in all this season. Tomkins' head. Liverpool lead. This

has been hard going for Liverpool today. He knows that.

His run of goal scoring in recent weeks has been timely.

Demel back to know Lang. -- Nolan. Hesitated before he got

the cross in. Won the corner though. Gerrard was there again. No wonder

he's blowing hard, he's covered a lot of ground. Needs others around

him to lift their work rate. West Ham aren't out of this. Carroll.

Mying mying dropped it. Mignolet. The asssistant, his flag was raised.

Will it stand? Did the asssistant see a foul? My

first impression was there'd been a foul in the air. The goal stands. As

real blow for Liverpool. Time to get your first West Ham go.

Mignolet spilled it. Demel poked it in. Money owe Mignolet comes,

Carroll was looking for it. Liverpool are absolutely furious.

Liverpool will complain long about that West Ham equaliser. Let's be

honest, they should know what Carroll can and will do with set

pieces. Diame. Carroll. Off the bar! One was effective, the other not.

West Ham so close. Andy Carroll against his old side

and very nearly West Ham into the lead.

Henderson. Taylor. Flanagan. There's contact. He's given a penalty and

West Ham again will be fuming. He got it with his hand for me.

This is a big decision. Stretched his hand out and seemed to get it

for me and push it away from Flanagan.

The keeper goes to ground. Flanagan knocked it beyond him. Does the

keeper get a touch? He wafts his hand at it, gets a touch on the ball

first and Flanagan goes over. Kenny Dalglish looks as if he's caught in

two minds. Top right. He goes top left!

Liverpool are ahead. A game here of huge talking points

and, has the Captain put Liverpool back on top?

Steven Gerrard scored two from the spot in the win against Manchester

United, had the hat trick chance as well but squandered that. Smiles

from King Kenny. Two for Gerrard. Both from the spot.

Suarez on side. Timed it right. Armero is back with him. Blocked.

Suarez appeals for handball again. Should Liverpool have had a third

penalty? Bounces up in his hand. Don't think

so. The second penalty looked harsh.

They'll argue long and hard about that. Sterling. Suarez with the

spin. Hit the bar again. Suarez holding his run. Blocked with

his legs. Armero got back at Suarez. Tomkins clears.

Armero showed a great turn of foot to get that ball there. They have

played with certainly more attacking intent today but can they get back

and get a point in the last minute from Liverpool? Jarvis. Lovely

cross. An inviting. As to Armero. Downing. Right footed. It would've

benefit moment for him against his old club. Terrific cross. Rose with

Cole. It had: 's armour. Sterling pulling away sensibly. -- it hit

Cole's arm. He drives it. Good save. In terms of chances created,

possession of the football, Liverpool have been the more

impressive side. We don't want controversial

decisions in any game we play but unfortunately, two of the decisions,

one went in our favour, the open rules Assistant referee. They won by

two penalties. The second one is a penalty. Adrian has played the ball

first, played halfway down, looking for the penalty, before he knows

he's not going to get there. Adrian gets a touch on the ball. If you

play the ball as the goalkeeper like that, it's not a penalty. A slice of

luck with the winning penalty? No, I thought we did well in the second

half. John got a touch on the ball. Past the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper

gets a slight touch on it, but, as he does that, he then brings down

John. And his foot gets caught in his armour. Daniel scores, he

doesn't, and the ordered a penalty, which I thought was right. In

general play, the reason we've come through today is because how well we

handled West Ham are's long ball. I think we handled it well. I think

the referee got it wrong. Everyone will judge it for themselves but for

me it's a plain foul. There was arms flying around the whole game. That's

just how it is. Almost impossible now for centre forward to jump

without a referee giving a decision against you. Your arms have to go

somewhere. Yes, I always say that. Little strikers get away with more,

I don't know why. It's hard for me to jump and get away with it. I'm a

believer in things evening themselves out. In 38 games, you

have a lot of decisions you don't deserve and a lot of decisions go

against you. You have to get on with it and you can't feel sorry for

yourself. We have to show everyone how much we want this and I thought

we done that. People can't come outside of this environment, tell me

they will work themselves out towards the end of the season. But

absolute nonsense. So he says it's nonsense they even things out over

the season. Do they even themselves out for you? You would like to think

so. Over the course of a season. You would like to get decisions in your

favour. You know there will be decisions which go against you but

sometimes, it's clearly not always the way. Do you agree? No, a lot of

fans in Scotland will say differently. Knowing Sam, somebody

would get decisions which went for and against him. I bet that list is

longer than the other. Let's deal with a controversial decision. You

both think the first penalty was fine. Let's go to the second

penalty. Who wants to start? First of all, it's a wonderful ball

from Henderson. A good weighted past. Adrian gets the ball and, for

me, it's not a penalty. He gets the ball initially. There. See? Ball. He

catches Flanagan after the ball but I think the fact he gets the ball

first, that's the referee's view, which is different from what we have

seen obviously but, for me, it's not a penalty and I felt that was the

first of a few mistakes the referee made today. I will disagree with the

bigger man. I often don't do that. It's not healthy! I'm always worried

when goalkeepers come running out. They have to get the timing right

and they have two, in the referee 's mind, they have to make sure they

get good contact with the ball and make sure it goes in a different

direction. I think he touched the ball but I also think you brought

Flanagan down. The ball did not change its trajectory. It kind of

bounced about. Flanagan touched it first. He got a touch on it but not

enough to deviate it. On the follow-through, I think he called

John. For me, the referee, the view he had of it, he was banned think

was a penalty. We have looked at it over and over again. I can see both

sides of the argument. For me, I would want the penalty.

If you had challenged Mignolet like Andy Carroll, would you have

expected the whistle to being blown from foul? No. But it's clearly a

foul. I would have liked to been in the centre forward union here but

Andy Carroll, so physically aggressive in the air.

He makes contact with Mignolet's face and arm and pulled down the

ball. You can see, there in the face. And there, on his armour.

That's why the ball was released. I think the referee, it was a mistake.

I agree with that. The linesman did the right thing, flagged it up but

the referee thought was a perfectly good goal. He's got Mignolet has

stopped the ball and made that decision, possibly incorrect. It

feels like in recent weeks we've spoken about Liverpool and their

formations more than any other side in the Premier League. They started

off today with a 4-3-3 and then Brendan Rodgers brought in Lucas and

changed it to a diamond in the second half. What was the thinking

behind that? They were getting congested midfield. A feature of

Liverpool 's play has been the fullbacks kicked forward and it's

more apparent in the modern game. The fullbacks have a good outlet and

good players and you can see time and time again, a good set up by

West Ham. They made life very difficult for Liverpool. You can see

the starting positions, even for Flanagan at left back, with a tempo

and the slow passing, Len Johnson, you would rather see Johnson,

Flanagan in outer positions. He gets bogged down for the it's slow. This

is totally different when Johnson is wide. Steven Gerrard is now the

pivot. John Flanagan on the other side. Sterling got a lot more joy in

the second half. Glen Johnson in a centre forward position almost.

Trying to bring people in. High and wide. Hayes had it too early here.

Again, both fullbacks in the box. Liverpool had a recyclable again.

This is where sterling, this is a perfect position for him. He likes

to eliminate people. Suarez, an audacious piece of skill. This is

where the penalty comes from. Flanagan, goes in high. Far more

possession in the second half. Far more control. It's almost like

having a back three times. Any time two fullbacks go forward, Gerard is

there soaking up the danger. The annoying thing about Diamond

formations, your fullbacks are high and wide. If you are vulnerable to

counterattacks, does that mean it's more important for the Steven

Gerrard character to drop back? 100%. It's a great position for him

in his career. He reads the game so well and can still cover the

ground. Any counterattack, he will be the first port of call. I you

surprised more teams don't use a diamond? For me, I like to play with

wingers, but we had three out injured so we had to suit players

like Kris Commons. It gives lessons for Luis Suarez to know what to do.

They both want to play centrally, him and Daniel Sturridge. There was

no balance on the left. Then you have sterling at the top of it. We

know somebody who was on a coach, who invented the term false

fullbacks. It'll soon be a false manager as well. Probably a false

presenter, the way we are going. Still to come tonight.

COMMENTATOR: A decent try. Lukas Podolski. A good save from Howard.

That is a brilliant goal. And we will bring you the game from

Goodison after your chance to vote for March's goal of the month.

COMMENTATOR: What a fantastic goal! That is a very special goal. As

explosive a finish as you are likely to see.

David Silva floating around into space. Oh, what a goal! Absolutely

brilliant from David Silva, floating in between two players. He scored

his first goal since the middle of December.

Two skilful. Playing to the left. He sets himself to put it in and it is

in. Delph has scored. Brilliant work from Delph. He kept on with his

run. Did he mean that? If he did, it's a touch of genius. Arsenal on

classic counterattack. Tomas Rosicky. Arsenal lead! What a goal!

What a finish that is. An absolute cracker from Tomas Rosicky. Four to

aim for in the middle. Tettey, what a goal! What a goal! Alexandre

Tettey. Would you believe it, that is his first ever goal in the

Premier League? It has been worth the wait. What a strike! Samir Nasri

from a free kick. Yaya Toure on a hat-trick. What a beauty. That was

special. What a belter. Wayne Rooney. He goes for it. It's

an unbelievable goal. Spectacular from Wayne Rooney! There is one for

the album. There is a man who knows how to score goals like that.

Tomkins beaten and roomy's improvisation catches at the

goalkeeper. -- Wayne Rooney's improvisation.

There could be an Everton break on. Berkeley.

What a stunning goal! Ross Barkley. It only further enhances his

ever-growing reputation. And that, for his sixth at the season, is an

emphatic finish. Amalfitano. The goalkeeper is off

his line. Marshall is beaten. Amalfitano, a moment of

improvisation and sheer genius. It was inch perfect. What about that

from Morgan Amalfitano? Here comes Lallana. He goes for

goal. Oh, what a goal! Lallana. Look where he picks it up. He's only been

on a few minutes. It's a beautiful shot from Adam Lallana. So there are

your ten goals. We've spent the last ten minutes arguing about them. You

can now vote via the BBC sport website, clicking on the goal of

your choice, or you can tweet the hashtag of the goal you liked best.

For example #Goal1 to @bbcmotd. You can find the terms and conditions

for the vote on bbc.co.uk/football. one in goal of the month in.

Goodison Park though, it was all about the race for fourth.

Everton haven't beaten Arsenal in the last four attempts.

So, this is Roberto Martinez' biggest match since he took charge

at Goodison Park. Arsenal are not out of the title race, but reaching

the Champions League for a 17th successive year is a must as a

season that promised so much... A significant result And their seven

point lead at the top draws to a close. High stakes on Merseyside.

Before their last visit here, in February, Arsenal were top of the

league. Everton have continued to believe

and Martinez makes two changes to the team that won at Fulham.

Mirallas and Naismith who both came off the bench start today with bar

barically on the bench. Monreal replaces Gibbs at left back

for Arsenal. They are Aaron Ramsey among the substitutes who hasn't

featured since Boxing Day. Rain falling at Goodison Park to add

a little zip to the surface, and a little spice to this

much-anticipated occasion. Lukaku.

. Everton throw. Everton have won

their last five Premier League games in a row. Osman. That was curling in

the wrong direction. Startled Szczesny. He wasn't getting that if

it was on target. Lovely technique from Osman. That is how close they

were to getting the lead inside the first two minutes.

14 points in the last 30 Arsenal have picked up.

Naismith found a bit of space. Looking for Lukaku. It still might

come to Coleman. Wide-open there for a moment,

Arsenal. Coleman. Still potential potentially there for Everton.

Cazorla to Sagna. Osman with the late challenge. He's hurt himself,

but he's going in the referee's notebook in the first six-and-a-half

minutes. Osman came flying in here, he was late. Felt the full force of

Sagna. Double pain of the yellow card and the cut to the face for

Leon Osman. If his team are to win today, they would be on 63 points,

the same points that David Moyes accumulated over 38 games last

season. And this is Baines. Towards Lukaku.

Denied by Szczesny. Naismith. 14 minutes gone. First goal to

Everton and it's Steven Naismith recalled who scores for the second

weekend running. His eighth of the season. Lukaku denied by Szczesny

and then the calm finish from the Scottish international to roll it

into the bottom corner. Check this composure. He's clocked up some big

goals this season and he's just provided another one. Everton 1,

Arsenal 0. Just listen to the Goodison noise

now. That's the start they wanted. Coleman in an advanced position for

Everton. Barically wants it back. Settled

very quickly into this game. Mertesacker missed it. McCarthy.

It's Naismith! Into the arms of Szczesny. Me.

Mertesacker missed it. McCarthy. It's Naismith! Into the arms of

Szczesny. This could have gone anywhere. From Arsenal's point of

view, it went into the arms of the goalkeeper. Giroud. On the other

hand was a chance. He knows it. Best opportunity so far for Arsenal. Good

delivery from Sagna. Giroud couldn't get enough on it. Baines. Space for

Barkley. Lukaku screaming for it. Still Barkley. Kept out by Szczesny.

Blocked by Sagna. Everton corner. Two bites of the cherry, Barkley.

Can Everton conjure up anything from the corner kick?

Szczesny came a long way. Back in. Blocked by Flamini. Space again for

Mirallas. Up against Cazorla. Stir Mirallas. The near post. Good stop

from Szczesny. Mirallas, who could have joined Arsenal before opting

for Everton, certainly brought a save out of Szczesny there on the

right hand side. Naismith. Look at Lukaku in space.

He's been fouled. Monreal. Still Lukaku. 2-0. Lukaku to double

Everton's advantage. His fourth goal in six games. He runs straight to

his manager and this is going perfectly to script for the home

team. Little bit of fortune in the

build-up when it breaks to Naismith. Look at Mir Ralls lass, head up,

sees Lukaku, still had plenty to do, looked as though he overran it at

one stage and guided it into the bottom corner. 13th league goal of

the season. It's Everton 2, Arsenal 0.

And just look at the embrace between player and manager. That says it

all. Deep in thought and he has some

thinking to do. Lost at Anfield, Stamford Bridge and the Etihad.

Arsenal trying to find one back before half time. Monreal's cross.

The effort from Podolski. Good save from Tim Howard. Had to be alive to

the reaction and good reaction from him to tip it over. Every single

season he's been involved in, they've finished in the top four.

Back to 1995-96 season was the last time Arsenal weren't amongst the top

four in English football. Barkley. Two players to his left.

Mirallas knew Barkley was available. Naismith went down.

Naismith thought he was pulled by Vermaelen.

Flamini. Only had Giroud up in support here. Trying to bring Sagna

into play. Good tracking back by Mirallas.

Where is he going here? Mirallas is going into trouble. Giroud. Stones

will bring it clear. Everton have been encouraged by their manager

ever since he took over to play football. Mirallas overdid it here.

What was he thinking? Howard with the intervention. If his team win

for the sixth time in a row, it will be the first time since November

2002 that they will have done that, it shows you the strides they have

made under Roberto Martinez. Brilliant from Mirallas. Barkley to

his left. Naismith down the centre. He's looking for Naismith. Szczesny

had to get there. Mirallas. 3-0 Everton.

Kevin Mirallas with what could be a killer goal for Arsenal and a big

goal at Everton's Champions League challenge. Who would have predicted

this scoreline? Everton 3, Arsenal 0.

Arsenal had possession with Sagna in the Everton half. It was Mirallas

who won it back and started the move. From then on, Arsenal were

backing off. Credit Szczesny there. But then the man who started it,

finished it. Actually, it's Arteta who got the last touch following

Mirallas. Mirallas was celebrating but Arteta on the stretch quite

clearly gets the last touch. An own goal on his return to

Goodison Park. Coleman. Brilliant from Seamus

Coleman. Lukaku. This could get worse for Arsenal you know. Barkley

ahead of him. Chance. Straight at Szczesny. Look at the run of

Barkley. Nobody goes with him. All the time to assess the option.

Another woeful away day for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.

Inside the final five minutes of the 90. Oxlade-Chamberlain. Might fancy

a go. Really good try. Right back off the cross bar. Very important

touch from Tim Howard. Finger tips from the Everton goal Keir. Top

class save on to the cross bar. -- goalkeeper. The race for the top

four is well and truly on. Everton knew this was a potential day of

destiny. They responded. They are fourth. They outclassed Arsenal and

in the running for the season of their Champions League dream which

is a touch closer. I thought today we were perfect from

a tactical point of view. That's credit to the players and more

importantly, it's credit to the young players that they can show

that they have good understanding, I thought the experienced players

carried through the play to the youngsters. To maintain their focus

for 90 minutes, it was very important. How do you reflect on

that today? ??FORCEDC We They were sharper and deserved to win. The

only moment we looked to be coming back into the game was in the second

half. How worrying are things? Look, it's

a massive worry to lose a game like that, of course, but we have to

analyse it well and come back with at different attitude on the pitch.

The togetherness is there. Did that encapsulate when Lukaku scored and

ran to the manager and everyone was together at the club? You seen that.

It was phenomenal. That was the desire to make sure we won this game

and make sure that from now to the end of the season if we want to

finish higher, it's in our own hands. It was a comprehensive win

for Everton, Neil, were they that good or were Arsenal bad or a bit of

both? A bit of both. It's unfair to say Arsenal were disappointing, they

were, but you would be taking a lot away from Everton who were fantastic

today. The alarming thing about the game from an Arsenal point of view,

the score line was 3-0, by u but it could have been a lot, lot more.

Everton were far superior, there was a huge gulf between the games today

and that's not something you expect from a game of this magnitude today.

It was very surprising, from an Everton point of view, superb. They

were set up very well? Yes, they were. Everton started with the big

centre forward, Lukaku, playing on the right. Mirallas started on the

left and Naismith started down the middle. He only started his ninth

Premier League game of the season and health service absolutely

fantastic, man-of-the-match for me. Every time he wanted to go in, he

wanted to stretch the Arsenal defence, you know. I thought he was

fantastic at times. You see this. Again, Naismith is there, picks it

up, in loads of space. This time he's behind Arsenal. He did this all

game, caused a big problem. It's what Arsenal didn't do. Naismith was

first to get on to that ball. Barry wins it. Into Mirallas. Naismith

looking to get in behind Arsenal all day long. You see the first goal

here, it's Baines on the ball. The Arsenal back four is not in the line

as it should be. Flamini should be getting tighter. Look where Naismith

is. He causes Vermaelen a serious problem there, he doesn't know where

to go, and this one for me, Lukaku, he's 14 yards away from Monreal who

doesn't even look to see where Lukaku is. He gets all the space in

the world. Monreal should be showing him down there on his weaker side.

He lets him come inside on knave right left foot and, when he does

cut inside, you look at the effort here from Vermaelen, he gets beat

far too easy and Mertesacker doesn't even get a challenge in. He has to

throw his body on the ball. Great finish from Lukaku, but for

defensively from Arsenal. We highlighted Arsenal last week.

Roberto Martinez has used him up top. Do you think Arsenal would have

worked on Lukaku being the man up top? No yes. He's played there

predominantly all season. Maybe Roberto's seen a weakness in

Monreal. Not often you see a six foot striker playing right side but

he's a good all rounder, he can do almost anything. I think the fact

is, Monreal and Lukaku, it was a mismatch at times, so thenally they

did that for a reason and it worked. Able to adapt? There were mismatches

all over the pitch today and regardless of whether Monreal is up

against Lukaku, there was no midfield penetration from Arsenal

today. Every 50/50 seemed to go to the blue shirt, McCarthy, Barry,

Barkley, they were more hungry. Naismith, I known him a long time,

obviously when I was managing the Celtic Rangers game, he was the one

I always worried about, and he's starting to find real form again

after a transitional first season. He's had a few injuries. Good pro as

well and he's getting rewarded for his hard work. Wenger talked about

Arsenal need to come back with a different attitude, more

personality, stronger challenges and says they have to go back to basics.

Are you at the end of that game feeling there are they are a little

one-dimensional? stretch the opposition. Today, we

have got signs of this today. This is early in the second half. This is

where the ball should be going. Tomas Rosicky wants to play pretty

and gets broken down there. You have got your big centre forward, Johan

Djourou. Support ball into the box from your big striker. You want to

in the six yard box. He does the first thing very well. Again, he

just gets shoved out of the way. Sylvain Distin shows a lot more

strength. Johan Djourou, you are looking at him there and you want

that ball played with good weight on it, in behind Arsenal. What does he

do? Comes back inside, so nobody wants to stretch them. They have

missed Theo Walcott. Six months ago, this is what Arsenal were doing.

Theo Walcott, the first thing in his mind, can I get in behind the

opposition? This time, Tomas Rosicky with a long ball. Theo Walcott pulls

away. Arsenal today would have come out where the arrows are and played

but instead Theo Walcott makes up Wilshere's mind. I know they have

had long-term injuries. Ramsey was on the bench today. Walcott, they

have missed the Moche -- most. His first thought is always can I get in

behind? There's no replacement for pace. And

quality. Everton had all the pace today. Mirallas was brilliant today.

We have already touched on Naismith. Talk about fullbacks,

Liverpool, false fullbacks, you won't get a better one in the league

than Baines this season. He was constantly on the left-hand side. He

got so overworked, Sagna because he had no cover whatsoever. We get

upset with the fixtures coming up. Everton's remaining games, they have

Manchester United and Manchester City to come. At this stage of the

season, you could highlight Sunderland away and Crystal Palace

because... They have Sunderland fighting for

their lives. Manchester United and Everton, always a massive game.

Manchester City. Southampton is tough. Hull away is not easy. Some

of them got difficult fixtures. As far as Arsenal are concerned, a

London derby with West Ham, Hull, Newcastle, West Brompton Norwich.

You would argue they have an easy run. Yes, no question. The way they

are playing at the moment, they will relish the big games. Man City, Man

United. Roberto will want to test himself against the best and he has

done that so well this season. Everton are playing fantastically

well. They are one of your clubs, Arsenal. I know you care about them.

With the fans preferred fourth-place or the FA Cup? The FA Cup. They are

desperate to get a trophy. Nine seasons without a trophy. Yes,

financially, from a business point of view, top four, Champions League

is a place to be. I think they are so desperate to get that monkey off

their back and win a trophy. It's not a foregone conclusion. Wigan are

the real form team in the Championship. Arsenal playing Wigan,

Hull and Sheffield United in the other semifinal. No disrespect to

the other team. Anything can happen in a cup game. You know, Wigan have

got form. They are the holders. Man City. Arsene Wenger usually get a

good reaction from Arsenal and we expect that next weekend. Let's move

on to the other main story because Norwich have dismissed Chris Hughton

with just five games to go. It follows yesterday's defeat at home

to West Brom. He did have things thrown at him post match. They were

beaten by this goal, the only goal of the game. That only conceded one

goal in their last six at home previously but have lost four of

their last six games. Norwich have released a statement this evening.

Is that harsh, in your opinion, given that record we can see there?

I'm very surprised at the timing more than anything else. They've

only conceded one goal at home in the last six home games. Away from

home, you know, they have been bad this season. Their performance at

Swansea last weekend when they got beaten 3-0, lost again yesterday,

it's the timing. A big game next weekend against Fulham. If Norwich

one that, full of only 18 games this season themselves. If Norwich wins

that, they are almost safe so the timing is shocking. Lots of fans and

got in touch with us on social media. Cheshire says all the pundits

are saying it's a stupid decision. They should have been at Carrow Road

yesterday. We had some hope. This one says the board of left us no

time and the damage is done and Chris Hughton should've been fired a

long time ago. They should have let him do the season. Or maybe done

earlier. It's been bubbling under for quite awhile and I know we have

talked about the last four this season. Five cup finals now for

Norwich and everyone there probably knows what's at stake now. The chief

executive have said it would be a big disaster to get relegated. I

think the timing is bizarre, unless they have somebody lined up already

to go in there. I'm sorry to see Chris go, though. It's a precarious

job being a football manager. Neal Adams is in charge, who guided them

to the youth cup final win last week. This is coincidence that you

are on the show this evening when this has happened because you are

amongst the bookies favourites for this job. I would be among a list of

candidates, I'm sure. Al make sure you're the first to know. It's

always flattering to be linked with jobs. In the Premier League. One of

the best leagues in the world. You know, I don't want to talk about

that. With a situation I'm in at Celtic at the moment. Do you get

annoyed by being constantly asked about your future when you are a

manager of a stable club that's winning things? Does it tend to come

south of the border? Predominantly, yes. And I think people always think

the Scottish league, the Scottish environment, is not as good as the

English environment. The English league. I'm at a great club for so

it's a privilege to manage it. If he lets me know first, I will let you

know. Don't let me know. I won't let you know. And now how the battle at

the bottom unfurled yesterday. If ever Cardiff needed a lucky

redshirt it was yesterday but it was Tony Pulis's Crystal Palace who

struck a significant blow in this season 's relegation battle.

COMMENTATOR: Ledley able to turn. He finds him. Palace are in front! And

that could be a crucial goal. It could determine the destiny of both

of these clubs at the end of the season.

Hulk dinner. Ledley. The former Cardiff man turned the temporary

close range. Out of respect for his home city club, the club where he

started his career, he does not celebrate. A class act from Joe

Ledley. That is a brilliant goal from Jason

punchy. It is sealed victory for Crystal Palace -- Puncheon.

This is a beautiful shot. Cardiff city can be well and truly beaten in

a match that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer labelled as must win. No Gabriel

black Bonnell, Aston Villa relatively safe from harm, this was

a big opportunity for Fulham. COMMENTATOR: It has gone beyond him.

Richard son. Richard son! Follow that taking the lead. And that fans

still have belief that Fulham take the lead. What a scream about Kieran

Richardson. And the goalkeeper gets nowhere near it. Forward for this.

It has gone in. Hold has equalised and scored his first goal for Aston

Villa. After exactly 70 minutes. Not so easy now for Felix Mager.

Further over, Jagger. I don't believe it and is all don't either.

Goodness me. -- Fulham don't either. Matthew Ladson is their saviour. Oh,

it's close. This is the nearest I've seen this season to the goal-line

technology being so close. It is in. Rodellega. They have gone back in

front, and it is Rodellega with his first Premier League goal of the

season. What drama here at Villa Park. Look at the joy on the Fulham

faces. Can they survive relegation? Rewind ear and Swansea had already

secured a place in Europe and were enjoying their football but

yesterday they went to Hull with both clubs chasing three points to

ease any nagging relegation worries. It's a good cross. Rosignor. The

cross on the right, write some side. Turned into the net by Boyd. It was

implicitly at set, and George Boyd headed it beyond the reach of Michel

Vorm. Thanks to Fulham's win, Sunderland now probably table and

play tomorrow night against Spurs. There is a buffer between the bottom

three nobody else, five points ahead of Fulham playing Norwich. Yes,

there is. You would think that the three that there are now I think...

Even with Sunderland's three games in hand? Well, they were poor last

Monday night. Against West Ham. Losing at home. Can they go to Spurs

and win tomorrow night I'm not sure. Tim Sherwood will want Spurs to

finish strongly as well. It's interesting the bottom three clubs I

think we'll get relegated. They will change their manager this season.

Norwich were the only ones. They were the only ones who haven't

changed their manager up until this evening. Fulham have used 38

players. Admittedly, they've had three managers. That highlights the

instability. Yes, it's a scatter-gun approach and that possibly they are

where they are. There has been most ability. No consistency. It's very

difficult for players when you have a different voice every three or

four months and I feel he's a very experienced coach. I'm looking

forward to the game next week games Norwich. If they get a result the

Rowley two points behind. Norwich have four games to go so it'll be

interesting. It seems the change from week to week. Sunderland, even

though they have games in hand, they have got to start winning and I get

the tell Gus Poyet that. There will be pressure on Fulham because they

went to Aston Villa with less expectations but the fans will go to

Craven Cottage next expecting to win.

Craven Cottage next expecting to be huge pressure on Norwich as well.

The players might be give an lift, but Fulham at home, Craven Cottage,

it used to be a different proposition. I think the confidence

they have got from beating villa will stand them in good stead for

next week. On to the rest of the games, the game force the title race

and plus the one that we couldn't fit in because it doesn't feature at

the top or the bottom. Manchester City have more games to

play than the other title chasers so just as well it was the early kick

off. Southampton provided stiff opposition.

Navas racing to the tej of the box. Dzeko might not need it. Manchester

City have a penalty with two minutes exactly on the watch.

Will bit the perfect start for Manchester City? It most certainly

will. Cool, calm, casual. The keeper

nowhere near it. After the opening five minutes, there's been a lack of

assertiveness from Manchester City so far. Rodriguez straight to the

ground there. This will be worrying. He's having a magnificent season and

is very much in Roy Hodgson's plans for the World Cup in Brazil now. Is

this an awkward fall? That is what has caused it. There was no contact

from Kompany. And fingers will have to be crossed here for Rodriguez. It

does not look great. Southampton have a penalty. Chris

Foy points to the spot. Clearly six inches inside the box.

Ricky Lambert now with a chance to equalise.

Lambert against Hart and it's 1-1. Ricky Lambert burying it from 12

yards. Nasri. Four minutes of added time at

the end of this first half. Dzeko's touch. Flag stays down. Silva.

Nasri. 2-1! What a beautifully worked goal.

As the ball comes in, you can see Silva is off side. No wonder

Southampton are feeling hard done by.

There's a man who clearly feels his team do not deserve to be in the

position they are in at the moment. Nasri creating mischief again in

added time. Dzeko waits in the middle. It's in and it's 3-1.

Suddenly, it's looking good for Manchester City.

Good ball from Kompany. Navas. First time. Great chance and it's four!

Jovetic with his first touch of the ball after coming off the bench

makes absolutely sure of the points. And a miserable afternoon for

Southampton is all but complete. A chance for Chelsea to return to

the top for a day at least, but even after this comfortable win over

Stoke, it still feels a bit false for Jose Mourinho.

Matic. Uses his weight against Odemwingie.

That's justified his place in the team. All on his own to get himself

set. Chelsea 1, Stoke City 0. Saleh. Allowed to wander in.

Hazard. His first involvement.

It's going to be a Chelsea penalty. Wilkinson lunged. Didn't need to go

in like that. Frank Lampard from the spot.

Interesting that it's Lampard, not Hazard and Lampard has his effort

saved and is there for the follow-up.

Lampard scores in the end. Chelsea have their second. And it looks as

though at least temporarily they are going back to the top of the tree.

Willian down the middle. A glorious goal. Wonderfully taken by Willian.

The first one he's netted at Stamford Bridge. This one has made

sure of the win today. Once the highlight of any season,

this Newcastle Manchester United was a fanfare. Newcastle showed very

little class. Tiotti. Manchester United free kick.

Gosling the offend offender. . Januzaj. Mata. 1-0 Manchester

United. Inch perfect.

A scrambling across the goal. Couldn't get there. Mata with a

beautiful execution. Hernandez is in here, looking for

Kagawa. It's Mata. What about this? ! Real composure.

In the end, a simple finish. Januzaj. Kagawa. Hernandez made the

run. 3-0 Manchester United. Newcastle caught flat-footed.

Hernandez with his ninth of the season.

Januzaj. Mata. Januzaj. Wonderful goal.

Rounds off a clinical Manchester United performance.

It's perfect time for Manchester United, ahead of a huge Champions

League challenge. OK, they are all the goals from

yesterday. That is how the top of the table looks.

I can tell you that the goal of the month result is in. It's a close

one. Probably the closest goal of the

month. Barkley was third, Tettey second and Wayne Rooney won it by

1%. Jon, as you said, you don't often score from the half way line?

No, you don't score from the half way line every week, but this is

just a great goal. A volley. Frightening. Unbelievable. What a

goal that was. It would have been an injustice if he hadn't have won goal

of the month. Such a hard thing to do. The look and the power and

accuracy. The keeper was a bit bamboozled there, but you can't take

anything away from him. Sheer class, sheer genius. Wayne Rooney wins goal

of the month from Alex Tettey. A comprehensive look at the league

table. Liverpool two points ahead of Chelsea. Four ahead of Manchester

City. Everton closing in on fourth. Just one point behind Arsenal with a

game in hand. Sunderland will have the chance to move off the bottom

when they play Spurs tomorrow night. West Ham remain in 11th. 11th. You

very much -thank Neil and John. The end of a

very good sporting weekend then for the City of Liverpool. Wins for both

of Merseyside's Premier League clubs today. It was the Grand National

yesterday. Football's big race still has a way to run. Good night.

Away they go. My goodness, already last year's winner falling back into

the pack as they approach the first of these famous obstacles. A few

have gone already. Some really big names out of the race. And we have

not yet reached the half way point. Towards the Canal Turn, this is

where the experts said the Gunner might struggle with the pace. The

Red Devil who won this race so impressively last year is out of the

race. Listen to the roar as legal hero takes it up. Looking really

good. He's had everything so far. Three in it, maybe four, as they

judge for home. -- jump for home. Listen to the crowd. Local Hero, the

citizen and the special one locked together, racing for the line.

What drama as the noise goes up another notch. Tremendous racing

here, too close to