01/05/2016 Match of the Day 2

This is the strange and expect to tail of some very, very clever

foxes. Early on in the hunting season, people said they had little

more going for them then team spirit and a strong instinct for survival.

But fighting and beating Eagles and Toffees set them up nicely. After

all, hadn't they blown away the blues? As the season on folded, with

the Gunners not bothering them, the only people chasing the Foxes

Walcott cross. Cox was chasing Foxes? Well, I did say it was a

story. But with the Foxes doing well against Eagles and Black Cats, hope

was in the air, and so were the Foxes. But suddenly it didn't look

so easy. Farmer Hamas stopped them in their tracks. -- farmer hammer.

Then it was Foxes up against Swans. As you might expect, put a fox up

against a sworn, and there is only one winner. Well, all through

history, Foxes and up outwitting everyone, and it looks as if it is

the same this time. But who would have predicted it?

Leicester's title charge has been the story the season,

and it's no different in tonight's show.

We'll have their match against Manchester United,

plus Southampton v Man City, Swansea v Liverpool,

Saturday's action, and April's Goal Of The Month,

All in the company of Alan Shearer and Martin Keown, both title

winners, so they know what it's like to lift that trophy.

So, first to Old Trafford, where Leicester knew a win today

would secure them the title and defy the odds, as they have

Is this the day when the most unlikely title triumph of all time

is confirmed? Leicester City on the verge of being England's first new

champions since Nottingham Forest 38 years ago. They will have to earn

it, though. Manchester United have their own top four motivations.

Their line-up shows one change from last week and's semifinals as

Antonio Valencia comes in at right back. Midfield again for Wayne

Rooney, flanked by Lingard, who had alone with Leicester in the

championship only few seasons ago. Leicester are unchanged, Albright

and again making wafer gesture up. -- making way for Schlupp. And of

course Kasper Schmeichel, playing at his father's former home for the

first time. There are so many reasons why it would be somehow

appropriate for Leicester to clinch the title here. The Theatre of

Dreams, and the biggest dream of all could be about to become a reality.

Valencia is really motoring to the right. Just too high for Rashford,

and Anthony Martial sends it under Schmeichel into the net. Barely a

flicker from Claudio Ranieri. Fully deserved based on what we have seen

so far. That is why Valencia has been brought back into the team.

Still thinks he is a right-winger, and Anthony Martial kept his

composure. Christian Fuchs is not easily beating usually. Schmeichel

might feel a bit disappointed he hasn't kept that out, but it was hit

low and hard, Anthony Martial with his 15th Manchester United goal. A

little bit early to be biting nails. Claudio Ranieri's team have gone

behind in 11 games in the Premier League so far this season, and only

lost three of them. Rojo's lip, and Fellaini is waiting.

That is a super save by Schmeichel. He got down really smartly there. It

could so easily have been 2-0 Manchester United. What a good save

from Kasper Schmeichel. Drinkwater, Mauresmo.

Drinkwater with the chip in, looking further ahead, and are level! There

is a beaming smile on the face of the Foxes' cap in. And every one of

those boys in blue will come over to the Leicester supporters in the

corner to celebrate. Morgan is being held, but he breaks free, he gets

away from Rojo and he puts the ball past De Gea. Leicester City's first

attack of any sort of significance in the game, and those supporters

believe that the dream is alive today again.

That statistic remains, they have still only failed to score in two

Premier League games so far this season, 0-0 draws at Manchester City

and Bournemouth at the turn of the year.

Loads of room left here for Marcos Rojo. Schlupp not close enough to

stop the cross. Valencia, and Drinkwater mis-hits. That has gone

high, up goes. Mawr and Fellaini is at it again.

Had that been spotted by Michael Oliver, Manchester United would be

down to ten men. Just a suggestion that his hair was being held, and

Tiwary acted with the elbow. It doesn't excuse the reaction. -- he

reacted with the elbow. It was Valencia's sliding block that takes

that over the top for the corner. Didn't have a lot of room to work

here, Leicester, but that is good from Arca

Simpson was caught in two minds, and he has presented the ball to

Lingard. Lingard is through on goal, Michael Oliver thinks it was 50/ 50.

Simpson was thinking about the backpass, didn't want to go all the

way back to Schmeichel, when maybe he should have done. Does he hold

onto Jesse Lingard and impede him? The first Army Simpson's, Lingard is

back at him, and Michael Oliver rules six of one and half a dozen of

the other. If he had ruled anything else, it would surely have been a

foul by Simpson and a red card. Jamie Vardy would have been

desperate to play today, of course, but this is his second of his two

match ban. He might hope to be the ultimate power at the King Power

next weekend. And Mahrez feels that he was brought

down. When you look from that angle, that last swing of the leg from Rojo

makes it a little more debatable in Leicester's favour. And Rooney will

find Marcus Rashford once more. He was held back just for a second by

Danny Drinkwater. And now his name enters Michael Oliver's notebook. I

do think you needed to do it. Rashford looked as though he had

played it too far in front of himself and out of play. They have

been ready to party for some months now, and it is nearly time. Simpson,

and Blind into closing down. Mahrez pulled down by Rooney. And Wayne

Rooney is going to be carded now. Definite booking, says Michael

Oliver. There is a push, and a drag back, and a reaction. I think he is

frustrated with himself as much as anyone else. Can Claudio Ranieri's

team find a goal to win the league today? Did that clip the outside of

the post? Smalling incredibly close to scoring. That is a great jump.

Mata. Here is Marcos Rojo, two's touch behind Martial. Can Leicester

break? Ulloa gets himself plumping down the

left-hand side, he had time to get it down, but then he sliced across

the ball. Just as Ulloa was poised, Rooney got hold of grey right under

the referee's knows. Look at that, and he is already in the book. That

would have been a decision from Michael Oliver to make had Ulloa

decided to knock that down to grave. And there was a hold outside the

box, Danny Drinkwater with the grab, he is already in the book, and he

has a second yellow card. Leicester are down to ten, and they are going

to lose one of their key players for next weekend at home to Everton.

Memphis gets passed him, and that is the grab. There is another debate to

be had, where did the grab take place? The ball is outside the area,

he might have been just in. It is a free kick not a penalty, but

Leicester are down to ten for the rest of this, and without him next

week. Just had the feeling there would be another twist before today

was done. There might be another one or two yet.

Has he diverted that? Schmeichel was alive to it, and reacts again to

keep it from Rooney. Goalkeeping that is applauded by Claudio

Ranieri, and indeed by most inside this crowd. Robert Huth thought he

had done the right thing there. Kasper Schmeichel, so alert.

WHISTLE It is not quite enough to get the

party started the Leicester, but it will be if their Blues brothers

Chelsea don't lose to Tottenham tomorrow. For United, not quite

enough is a fair summation of their Premier League season. It looks like

being all about Wembley in three weeks for them. At the very top, it

is over to Tottenham Hotspur. Foxes never quit, but do they get nervous?

Manchester United 1-1 Leicester City. First of all, we didn't come

here to win the title. We came here to make our performance because we

knew it was a difficult match. I would have loved to come here and

finish the game as champions, but at the end of the day, you come to Old

Trafford and get a point, and we have two games left. It is one of

the best performances of Manchester United this season. So then I said

also after the match to my players, it is a great match when you score,

and we didn't score the winning goal, and we were so close. How much

of a blow is that the top four Hopes? It is going to be difficult

now. We just have to do our job and try to take maximum points from our

next few games, and see where that takes us. How did you see the Danny

Drinkwater red card? It wasn't in my opinion, but I accept the decision

of the referees. The referees are part of the match, and that is OK

for me. So do you accept the fact that Marouane Fellaini was perhaps a

little lucky to stay on the field after what looked like an elbow one

Robert Huth? Yes, but if the referee didn't see it, it is OK. He can be

on the foul of half against Delaney, because if I grab you, what you

doing, then? Shall I do it? You are OK! That is also a penalty, because

it is not in the books that somebody has to grab with the hair, and then

put it behind. And only in masochism, then it is allowed.

Let us move swiftly on from that final comment. Spurs need to beat

Chelsea on Monday otherwise it will be Lester's title.

Leicester deserved the point. A fair result, United dominated for the

first 20 minutes, causing problems, probably the best I've seen them the

way they move the ball. Credit to Leicester, they showed great

character. A key moment was the fantastic save from Schmeichel.

They are fighters. They went down to an early goal and they showed they

could be champions. Not done yet. Lots of debatable incidences.

Let us start with Fellaini. Both going for the ball, still

together there. You can understand from the referee's position why he

doesn't see it because the ball is wide. They come together, scrapping.

Fellaini without a doubt we'll get charged for use of the elbow,

aggressive. Huth can expect a call from the FA for pulling the hair.

That is blatant from Delaney and Huth.

They happen at the same time. There has to be consistency. If Dele

Alli is punished, then without a doubt they must look at that.

Definite for Fellaini, probable, Huth.

They are physical players, Fellaini, there is a lot of force, but he is

reacting. Simpson and Lingard? Danny Simpson

was having a different -- difficult time. He was overplaying. He just

about got away with it. Schmeichel had a brilliant position, look how

high up he was. Schmeichel's position helps.

I agree, I don't think that was a foul.

Should Leicester have had a penalty? Definitely, I don't know how the

referee did not give that. He tricks him into a mistake. Goes inside,

down the outside. He leaves his leg there. On a close around all, you

see him flick up and catch him. From here, you can see. The referee

has a great view. Michael Oliver. Is he looking at upper body rather

than the foot? He caught him definitely.

Drinkwater and the yellow cards. The referee got that right, it is a

yellow card. It is silly, he is going nowhere. Yes, a yellow card

but it should be a penalty. We are talking millimetres. He gives a free

kick. It is impossible for the referee to see that. His foot is on

the line which means he is in the box. I understand why he gave a free

kick. I am certain he can't be 100%. He can't guess. If he is not sure,

don't give it. It is a yellow card.

But he is not sure of the position. The view we have come his foot is on

the line, it should have been a penalty.

If Leicester are all right with two yellow cards, with their frustration

be it might be one rule for their player, one fall Wayne Rooney?

Wayne Rooney got away with it today. Three minutes after the Simpson

incident. He is frustrated. That is a foul and he doesn't get a yellow

card fortunately, it should have been.

It is high. Out of control. That one, founding, moaning at the

referee, the linesman. It is a foul, he pulls him back, Michael Oliver

says he pulls him back, and he backed chats. You can understand the

yellow card. The referee was fed up with him.

He got away with that. If the referee sees that, it should have

been a yellow card. He pulled him back and he got away with it.

He is fortunate. The referee is caught by the ball and doesn't see

the challenge. He did well midfield today, Wayne

Rooney. On the football, arguably, the

biggest moment for Leicester was when they were 1-0 down.

A brilliant save from Schmeichel. A game changer. To the back post,

Lingard, to his left hand side, strong hand to keep it out.

2-0. A different story. Three minutes after, lest they get their

goal. A key moment. His first appearance

back following in his father's footsteps.

On tactics, Claudio Ranieri said maybe they suffered with Jamie Vardy

because they didn't have that outlet.

A different story when you are at home to Swansea. Today, they

struggled, away, against a better team. A key feature for Leicester is

their counterattack. When they get the ball, first is to ease the

pressure, can they go in behind? Look up, you see a Ulloa who is not

as quick as Vardy, he has different qualities. The first half, time and

again, a Ulloa and orcas Ake, no one there to run in behind. The ball

goes, it is constantly coming back, which it was in the first half.

Defending, trying to help into midfield. It comes into Drinkwater,

he goes to take it forward, no one is there. The goal went back to --

ball went back to the keeper. The pressure is on Spurs, by next

Saturday, Leicester may already be champions.

Spurs can sit back. It took a lot out of the Leicester players.

They will be hoping Spurs can't do it, and Chelsea do the business for

them. It will be very much won by Leicester.

We heard from the Chelsea players last weekend.

I think they will be trying. You can follow the title race

across the BBC on Monday. Radio 5live will have full

commentary of Chelsea There will be a special

Match Of The Day with highlights Or head to the BBC Sport website

or app for the live text commentary Southampton v Man City,

and Swansea v Liverpool to come, after you choose April's

Goal Of The Month. COMMENTATOR: He has done well. Kane,

brilliant goal! Look at that from Kane, fantastic.

Kolarov, what a goal! Wonderful finish from Aleksandar Kolarov, with

almost the last kick of the game. Townsend inside. Great goal. Andros

Townsend has been Newcastle's brightest spot and has scored the

best goal of the game yet. Dangerous, and into the back of the

net. The little backheel flick from Steve Cook, from Bournemouth.

That is a lovely piece of skill, on the counter. Perfect weight on the

pass. Nasri. In towards Aguero, it is two. Once again, Manchester City

have countered with venom and position.

Skipping around the challenge. It is dangerous. Cresswell. 2-1 to

West Ham, a brilliant goal from Cresswell. Great strike from

Cresswell and Schmeichel could do nothing.

Dembele. On his right foot, curling it in, brilliant. Once again from

Harry Kane who scores for Tottenham. His 26th Goal Of The Season.

Andros Townsend. How about that lets about that? Bent around the wall and

deliciously bent into the top corner.

Here is Andy Carroll with a chip in towards... 3-0, beautiful goal.

Great build-up. And a spectacular finish.

You can vote now on the BBC Sport website by clicking

We'll bring you the result at the end of the show.

Terms and conditions are also on the website.

Next to the south coast where Champions League chasing

Manchester City visited Europa League chasing Southampton.

The Champions League semifinal second leg is three days away for

Manchester City. First they face a stern test against a Southampton

side harbouring European ambitions. A top four finish is not yet

guaranteed for Manuel Pellegrini. A group of place is still a

possibility for Ronald Koeman. Southampton showed three changes,

Vinay is preferred to Rodriguez. Clasie comes into midfield. Martina

at right back. Not surprisingly, Michael Pellegrini has made plenty

of changes, eight in all. Joe Hart, Otamendi and Fernandinho the only

started remaining from the first leg against Real Madrid.

40 years to the day since Southampton enjoyed their greatest

ever day lifting the FA Cup by beating Manchester United 1-0 at

Wembley with that goal from the late Bobby Stokes.

Great effort from the Republic of Ireland international, couldn't

quite squeeze it into the near post, Southampton quick to break, Long

quick to shoot. Manuel Pellegrini said before the

match he thought it was unbelievable the authorities hadn't changed the

fixture and moved it forward 24 hours. Real Madrid played yesterday

said they will have an extra day of rest ahead of the second leg of the

Champions League semifinal. Good play by a Nacho, excellent,

still going. Good save by Forster as well. Denying Sterling. The danger

is still not cleared, still with Nasri. Three inside the box.

Getting a free kick for that foul by Fernandinho. A Nacho battling away,

getting the better, look at the space for Sterling but he couldn't

guide the ball beyond Forster, the goalkeeper able to make the save.

Long is there, Southampton are ahead! Shane Long smelt half a

chance, and made sure when the ball came in that he would be first to

it. Real desire from Southampton, onside. Watch Shane Long as he gets

in ahead of Otamendi. Past the midway point of the first half.

And Shane Long made sure that his toe got there first, and he has now

scored in four of his last five appearances, and it is his second

against Manchester City this season as well, having scored at the

Etihad. Among those in the crowd, Lawrie McMenemy, who is there with

the surviving members of Southampton's FA Cup winning team of

1976. Sterling getting the better of Martina. Iheanacho is up for it.

Southampton getting the ball away beyond the outstretched leg of

Aleksandar Kolarov. Great running by Mane! 2-0. A wonderful goal on the

break from Southampton. And what a disastrous few minutes this has been

in the first half for Manchester City, but look how quickly things

unravelled the City here. Great running by Sadio Mane. Wanyama with

the initial ball forward. Just watch Mane in the middle of the picture

here, hurtling through the centre. Nobody noticed, and it was an

excellent finish, too. Tadic with the pass, Mane to finish, Savar and

2-0 Manchester City. Two goals in form here at St Mary's. -- city beat

in four times on the road so far this season in the Premier League.

In a spot of bother, not out of this game by any means yet. Here is

Tadic. Jordy Clasie, it falls for him, he

goes for the chip. Just wide. How close? Just tumbling away from the

post in the end. You would think a given their league position that

Southampton really need to try to win all of their remaining matches

if Ronald Koeman and his team are to claim a Europa League spot for next

season. They may of course be helped by Manchester United inadvertently

if United beat Palace in the FA Cup final, because that would take the

Europa League places down to seven. Iheanacho, Clasie. And here is

Nasri. And Manchester City have a foothold in the game. Just before

half-time, Kelechi Iheanacho. They haven't threatened for a long time

in this first half, Iheanacho doing the initial work, Nasri with the

ball in, and Iheanacho there to gobble up the chance the ball just

flipped up in the air in his general direction, but it is Southampton 2-1

Manchester City. Delph, with time and space here for Fernandinho as

well. Southampton sit in a long way back inside their own half of the

field. Wilfried Bony, a little combination

here with Iheanacho. Much better from Manchester City. Iheanacho

getting on the end of that one, tip touring through and still getting

the shot away. A good save from Fraser Forster. That was a tidy

little turn away from Otamendi. Bertrand getting well forward, along

way to the centre, Mane in space, too. Southampton's Corner, the first

one of the second half for Southampton. Usual suspects up for

it. And it's in! 3-1 Southampton. Sadio Mane with the final to check.

And just as Manchester City had been coming back into the match in the

early stages of the second half, they concede for the third time,

Mane quickest to it with the ball finally in his facility, off the

bar, didn't quite fall the Jose Fonte, but again, the Southampton

forward is the quickest to react in front of goal. Southampton 3-1

Manchester City, two today for Sadio Mane. Oriol Romeu trying to find

Mane. Kolarov got a bang there. In it comes off the head of Bony, van

Dijk! Tipped over the bar by Joe Hart. Nearly a goal to remember for

the Dutch defender. Midway through the second half now, the clock is

ticking, and City needed goal fairly quickly to get themselves back into

this one and key something from the game. Here comes Mane now, will he

get a hat-trick as Mac he certainly well! Mane lift the roof at St

Mary's, and Manchester City concede four goals away from home for the

second time this season in the league. They were beaten 4-1 at

Tottenham earlier in the campaign, there are 4-1 down here. Mane with

that Listerine pace, and Iheanacho upended inside the Southampton half

of the field. -- that blistering pace. His hat-trick goal, and many

of the personnel necessarily going to be starting on Wednesday in the

Champions League, this is a less than ideal start ahead of that

big-game at the Bernabeu. Brilliant goal from Kelechi Iheanacho, his

second goal of the afternoon, and one of real quality. Manchester City

haven't played well for the most part in this game at all, but

Iheanacho here with a wonderful finish. He scores Manchester City's,

and his, second goal of the game. WHISTLE

An outstanding game for Southampton, where the winners, Sadio Mane the

star of the game with a hat-trick. A tent home win of the season for

Southampton, ten defeat of the campaign in the league for

Manchester City, the final score 4-2. It was a great game, maybe the

best first 45 minutes so far in this season, and great football, great

goals, the final was a very good result. I think that we play on

Saturday, and think maybe I would've put together a stronger team, but I

think in this case, we had prioritise one competition, and

prioritise the important game that we had on Wednesday. But I repeat, I

think that I would prefer my full squad for the green everyone is

happy today because we played today, I think the team is good, and also

we deserved to win, and we are in the final, so we are happy. Still we

fight for Europe, and that is what we like, because that is still two

games to go, and you are fighting for something, that is nice and we

try it and we will see what happens. Southampton were excellent this

afternoon, but there were those on the defending side who might want to

criticise Manchester City's events. I am certain Southampton would have

targeted the weakness of Manchester City's back four, constantly trying

to keep their high line, but they had a field day. All afternoon, they

caused them problems, getting the ball and knocking it in behind, and

they just couldn't handle the pace of Long, Tadic and Mane. It is a

brilliant run from Tadic. You can see him pointing the finger, great

run, pace, determination. And if you look at this, Mangala, no pressure

on the ball, just drop off and deal with it. It is a foot race with

Tadic into the corner flag, and he doesn't get there. You should be

able to do this with your slippers on. And in the box, look at

Otamendi. He isn't even looking at his opponent. Unbelievable

defending. The determination and desire and hunger, 25 yards in front

of his own half, to run past all the city defenders. He does it, but look

at Kolarov, he is just jogging back. Absolutely unbelievable, if Mane can

get there, you can. But Otamendi is just too deep. It is literally a

1-2, Mane runs onto it and it is simple. Set piece, this next one. He

is quicker than anyone else, he's going to get there, he wants it and

you got it. Van Dijk is in a better defensive position than Mangala. He

just prizes out of the way, he is a huge man, gets his head on it, and

then Mane puts it in. Hat-trick. And it gets worse from Manchester City's

point of view, a superb finish, one-on-one, I bet you wish you could

play against that that four every week. Look at the back four. That is

on the line. Iheanacho hasn't got good control of the ball, so they

shouldn't be breaking forward in numbers. Has he not had enough

warnings now from Mane? Punished him again. I felt sorry for Joe Hart,

because he couldn't believe what he had in front of him today. Waller

Coman talks about targeting the Europa League. They will have an

interesting summer because we were talking a lot about clubs who have

been looking at what Leicester have done this season and said, we can

raise our ambitions. We will also have an interesting summer if they

decide to keep hold of their top players such as money and Wanyama.

And the recruitment of Southampton has been absolutely superb. Coman is

a manager now who has been highly regarded, and Pochettino was

replaced. They just keep going from strength to strength, and it is what

they do with that money from the sales they get, but I would like to

see them stick together, they will be looking lest thinking, if only we

could have kept some of those players together.

It has been a good afternoon for West Ham, who have had both

Manchester clubs drop points, and they will quite rightly be thinking,

we can still make the Champions League. And rightly so, because

Manchester City have proved today with their performance, they have

one priority, Champions League, and it is not top four Pellegrini hasn't

got a face what next season is, his priority is the Champions League. I

don't want this to say he doesn't care, because Guardiola has to take

over... The Arsenal game is the one between those two, and to win the

game it get out of Arsenal, I think they will finish ahead of Arsenal.

But if West Ham were to win their games in hand against Manchester

United, Swansea and Stoke, they can make top four. And they have been

the real surprise package this season, and City are looking over

their shoulder. Next to the Liberty Stadium

where Liverpool travelled to Swansea It has been described as football's

greatest victory, at last justice for the families of the 96 who

perished at Hillsborough. In Liverpool's first league match in

since the verdict was delivered, an opportunity to pay respect for those

who lost their lives and who were unlawfully killed on that terrible

day. Barry Devonside, who was at Hillsborough with his 18-year-old

son Christopher 27 years ago, and never returned with him. His is just

one story that Tibet -- typifies the painful stories of football's

darkest day. Matters on the pitch today do seem

largely academic in contrast. Swansea make two changes to the 11

who lost 4-0 at Leicester. Income Amat and Jefferson Montero. Sam Wood

between the two legs of their Europa League semifinal, Liverpool make

eight changes to the 11 who lost in Villarreal. The three he remained,

Klein, Lovren and Coutinho. Swansea City have won just one of the nine

Premier League meetings with Liverpool, and they have lost the

last four in a row. Here is Montero. A nice ball, pics at Cork, and he

has Ayew Routledge. There are question marks at the end of most of

the Liverpool sentences. Where was the cover, a question of offside.

Lovren did well in the end. You did get the impression that Swansea were

battering on the Liverpool door waiting for the opening goal. And

here it is! Its scorer is Ayew, Friday night his partner gave birth

to a child, and a couple of days later he has the opening goal, and

you have to say it has been coming because Liverpool Art Verratti at

best, and they're defending has been anything but watertight. And from

the set piece, Swansea are in front, and Andre Ayew has his nights

Premier League goal. And it is a double celebration for the father.

Swansea born the last three home games 1-0. They have given away

another free kick. And a yellow card as well for Smith.

Just grabbing onto Routledge, Brad Smith. The marking from the last set

piece was all over the place, and again it is. He ought to have

scored, and he knows it. Liverpool just aren't picking up

their men from set piece deliveries. Amat should have put it under not

over the bar. 27 minutes completed. 27 years

without justice. Both sets of supporters wanted to pay tribute at

this point of the fixture. There are so many aspects of that day back in

1989 which resonate with supporters all over the world.

Again, Liverpool caught in possession midfield, here comes

Montero. A good stop again, low, to his right hand side, by Danny Ward.

Again, Swansea winning the ball, high up the pitch. Within seconds,

able to attack Liverpool. A good stop to deny Montero.

Cork emerging with the ball and going for goal, scoring

delightfully. Liverpool are just melting away here. The defensive

protection down the middle in particular is looking nonexistent.

And Swansea are taking the fullest advantage. Jack Cork's first goal of

the season, his first goal for a year, in truth. And, again, Swansea

winning the ball, high up the pitch. And going straight at Liverpool. And

Jack Cork bending it delightfully out of the reach of Danny Ward who

has already had a lot of work to do. But has been able to do nothing

about the two goals that have eluded him.

On it went to Sturridge, good weight on the pass, unlucky. Really

unlucky. A super move, he has a fabulous recent scoring record, six

in his last seven Premier League games and he almost grabbed another.

Swansea City haven't scored three goals in a Premiership match all

season. They must surely be thinking that

this is the day when they put that right.

Smacked away by Taylor in front of Fabianski and he caught his

goalkeeper in the process of clearing. He catches him in the

face. A Liverpool corner. Really threatening to find a way back into

the game now, and they will, with Benteke. It has been a

transformation in the second half. Swansea have barely expressed

themselves in the liberal half, it has been all Liverpool. 64th minute.

The way in which Liverpool conceded in a similar manner, Benteke has now

scored for them. Jurgen Klopp, no matter the circumstances, always

feels there is a way back in to a match for his side.

Play on, says Roger East. Montero. A good tackle by Clyne as he was about

to pull the trigger, Montero clipping it in. Ojo defending. Ayew

looking and scoring! Just after Liverpool had got themselves back in

the game, Ayew gets his second and the first time this season and

Swansea have three. Just after Liverpool threatened to come back

into the game and make it 2-2, it is now 3-1 to Swansea. They looked as

if they cleared the danger. Some hesitation, some inconclusive

defensive work. And Ayew scores. Double figures for

the season now for Ayew. Three goals in a Premiership match for Swansea

City. It was a surprise appointment when

he was given the job but Francesco Goodell Lynn has done exactly what

he was asked and Swansea will remain in the Premiership. That was a foul.

And a yellow card is coming for Smith who has already had one, and

away he goes. He looks up at the heavens in frustration. Jurgen

Klopp, a smile of resignation because I think even he will have to

admit that this game is now beyond them.

I don't think there can be too much of a complaint.

The corner came in and all the way through, is that a handball? It is

no. As the referee given that? Well, there was a claim of a handball

there against Sturridge. Then the shot went wide. I thought for a

minute he had given an infringement. A few Swansea fans but it had gone

in from Rangel, it hadn't, it is the side netting.

When you were brought in, the target to stay in the Premier League, how

pleased are you officially that it has been achieved now?

Yes, this is mathematics. Top of the table for us. A result very

important to me, my players, the club because today they showed they

are not on the beach but they are very focused on their job. And I am

very happy for this. How difficult are these games when

they fall in between semifinals like they do?

Usually I don't think it is so difficult because we change the

line-up. With this line-up we can play much better football. We

deserved to lose, they deserved to win, that is football on a bad day.

I don't know, for the future, now, I am happy for this victory today. And

tomorrow is another day. I don't know. I am happy now.

He has done what was asked of him, should he be there next season?

He was given one job to keep Swansea in the Premiership and he has done

that with two games to spare, he deserves it. I have a feeling he

won't get it. There have been good performances.

Today was one of the good performances.

Today they were excellent. There have been accusations they have been

on holiday. Not today. Much sharper, quicker than Liverpool. Having said

that, Liverpool were not in the races today, they were all over the

place. The set piece here, Smith and Skrtel

at the near post. Those two run, take Smith and Skrtel, which creates

a space for Ayew. By the time Lovren realises, it is too late.

Zonal marking, you have two attack the ball. Lovren. He didn't. A very

good header. Get him off to a good start. This young boy was not up to

the task. Taken off at half-time, the game was too quick.

But a very good save, he could be punished again.

They lose the first and second ball, Chirivella. Jogging back. Brilliant

finish from Cork. Absolutely superb. Lovren ducks his head out the way.

This summed them pull up. Lucas came on at half-time. He should know

Sigurdsson is there, takes too long. Swansea straight back into the back

four. Ethsham Ghafoor went down too easily. But they get themselves into

a decent position again but the ball came into easy. Ojo didn't clear it

again. Ayew got his second. Swansea deserved that three points, they are

safe. Brilliant. I have some 74 Jurgen

Klopp, he is not making any excuses. He is not.

Comparing them to Lester's fixtures in April, eight games, Leicester

have played in More four. They have been stretched. Thursday night

football has affected them. Today, playing youngsters, it did not come

off. Only three who started on Thursday.

The youngest ever Premiership team Liverpool have fielded.

Sturridge was in this team. He had an off day.

That is being polite, to be honest. He was left out midweek. This is not

the reaction they needed. He had an off day. Free kick, miles over the

bar. His touch was poor, his distribution was poor. He gives it

away. A simple pass, it should have been.

Again, touch. The only positive is he has not got

injured and is available. Looking to some.

He had a bad day, right? I said to you before, could he be trying too

hard? You looked at me like I said I supported Sunderland! Last week, we

heard they are trying to prove themselves upfront to Jurgen Klopp.

Maybe they are trying too hard. Does that make sense? Jurgen Klopp will

be judging these young players, as well as Sturridge. He also wants to

win the Europa League. He wants to plan the next season. He is looking

for reactions and he didn't get the right one. Football, not soccer,

Martin! The result of Goal Of The Month, and

2good, 2bad, to come after a look at Saturday's action,

starting in the north-east. Townsend. Bumped by Dann, a free

kick for Newcastle. For the first time, the Palace centre-back has got

it wrong. 57 minutes gone. Andros Townsend

with a free kick. How about that! Newcastle needed a

big win. Bent around the ball -- The wall and into the top corner, Andros

Townsend. Brought in to keep the club up. That might play a huge

role. Down with the header, and a penalty

is given, Crystal Palace have a penalty. Handball. Mike Dean,

absolutely no doubt. Cabaye corner kick, the hand went

up. He has been booed throughout his

return when he was once a hero. Saved! Darlow! Hero of the hour.

Newcastle stay in front. There is a chance, and the chance is

taken by Arnautovic. Cross listed in. The ball broke very kindly to be

swept home. Was that a foul by Peter Crouch? He did have both hands on

the back of Kaboul. Defoe trying to turn. Craig Pawson

has given a penalty. This could be Sunderland's get out of jail free

card. Into the feet of Jermaine Defoe.

Didn't seem much in it. What might this kick be worth?

Jermain Defoe scores, nearly took the net off. Sunderland level,

another massive moment at the bottom end of the Barclays Premier League,

another chance gobbled up by Jermain Defoe. He was never going to miss

that. Regimen, and Goode saved by Peta

check. First big chance of the game goes Norwich's wave. Petr Cech got

down well. Redmond hoping to get onto this, and he has, and he gets a

shot away. That is twice now Nathan Redmond has been denied I Petr Cech.

Clipped in by Bellerin. Danny Welbeck has only been on the pitch a

couple of minutes, but that is the difference he has made. A very sharp

finish from Welbeck, and that spells trouble for Norwich City. 1-0

Arsenal. Every fan of every club wants a hero in their team, have

Newcastle got one in Andros Townsend? He has given an extra

pace, and added dimension, he has added goals and pace. And he has

been very, very positive, and he is very dangerous when he comes in off

that right-hand side, he can go down the wing and also come on the

inside. This is a decent save. He is fearless, that pocket there he can

either go on his right foot, or he can go on his left, and when he gets

onto his left foot in this sort of area, there isn't a better player in

Europe at the moment. If you know he can do it, can you defend? It is

difficult because he can go either way. That was a sublime goal. He is

playing his way back into England contention. He has been a favourite

Roy's before, and Royals loyal. He is up against Sterling,

Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, they are not playing and he is, he is

doing very well. Shouldn't be discounted. And now here is the rest

of the weekend's action. It falls kindly Fergus Pyatt. Andy

Carroll is free, Kouyate is there, and it is his first goal since

September. Payet's delivery, and an excellent finish. A little touch

suddenly opens things up for Kouyate, he is away. I don't think

McAuley will catch him any time soon. A great chance... 2-0! On the

stroke of half-time. West Brom undone, West Ham on the break away.

Andy Carroll getting away from his man, it is imagery Pyatt, -- Dimitri

Payet at, and it is 3-0! Mark Noble has now scored four in the last two

matches. A great build-up and a spectacular finish, game, set and

match, West Ham. Westwood is with it, and what a

lovely header that is. It is a terrific goal, and Aston Villa are

in front through Ciaran Clark. It is his second goal of the season, but

his first in the Premier League since December 20 14. Abdi has very

carefully placed this ball, Suarez is behind it, and now Watford are

back on level terms. Ayew, he lines up the shot, and it is a brilliant

one as well. Aston Villa are back in front. Jordon Ibe -- Ayew gets his

seventh of the season. Support is arriving, but was Anya filed? He

was, and what kind is Anthony Taylor going to produce? It is a red!

Sissoko is dismissed. He was stretching out a leg.

Birdhouse, in towards Dini, and it is 2-2. Classic Troy Deeney goal.

The captain, the Birmingham City fan, scores and possibly rescues a

point for Watford. This might drop to Troy Deeney! What

a late turnaround at Vicarage Road. The ten men of Aston Villa cannot

hold onto their lead. And Troy Deeney with a double late on.

Leighton Baines, now Berkeley. Good footwork from Cleverley, a terrific

goal. Just the start to Roberto Martinez would have wanted, inside

seven minutes, Everton take the lead.

Pennington is inexperienced, and to a man, Everton fans and Everton

players turning towards the Assistant on this nearside, Daniel

Cook, but it is a cruel introduction to the ways of the Premier League

for Matthew Pennington. Gibson, Berkeley, shaking off Ritchie.

Looking for a Lennon's move, he is in behind Daniels, and arriving is

Leighton Baines! And Everton restored their lead. Leighton Baines

with his first of the season. Evertonians say he is one of us, and

he is certainly one of us today. Everton 2-1 Bournemouth. 2good, 2bad

to come after the result of April's goal of the month.

And here is how you have voted. Creswell's golfer West Ham and

third, with 11%, not a brilliant goal of the month competition from

Wayne Hennessey, the Crystal Palace goalkeeper, because the top two are

free kicks against it. Andros Townsend in second, and Payet for

West Ham against Palace. Payet strikes, and he is in! What a

goal! What a goal by Dimitri Payet at.

And next Sunday, we will have Save of the Season.

Full the one point separate the three sides fighting relegation. And

now here is 2good, 2bad. At Stoke, even Erik Pieters laughs at

Aurigny's defending. Bowen and Hughes prove you never lose it.

Nearly. And we have all done this. You can't show that! I'm

sympathising with her. That is a brand-new coat, as well. We are all

on her side. Thank you Ray much. We will have the best of 2good, 2bad

next Sunday. With Jack Cork taking a days between today's goal at his

last Premier League one, we thought we would have a look at those who

have had even larger gaps between their top-flight goals. Goodbye. It

is his first Premiership goal in the best part of ten years!

Simon Charlton with it! And it is Jamie Carragher, and isn't he

pleased? Whittingham, 1-1! Here is an

opportunity for Quinn, and Hull have one back. Their Mac the most

unlikely of goal-scorers.