24/04/2016 Match of the Day 2

Hello, a good evening to you and welcome to yet another pivotal day

in the Premier League season. We have both the title race and

relegation battle over the next hour in the can of Jermaine Jenas and

Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam. It is a big night in central London

as well as it is the 2016 PFA awards, we will bring you all of the

results of two nights winners including the coveted players Player

of the Year. First, only one place to start, we head to the King Power

Stadium to find out how Leicester City react to an interesting seven

days. It is 4-0. Leicester City, they are coming for you. We showed

belief. We are on the radar. 1-0, it is that man again. Vardy goes down,

I think he will be sent off. The man they would least like to lose is. He

has given a penalty, 2-2. They have snatched something from the game.

Jamie Vardy has accept it a charge of improper conduct. The pressure

will hit. COMMENTATOR: True hope is swift,

crunch time for Leicester at the top, just as it was a year ago at

the bottom, where they beat Swansea to kick-start the great escape. In

the absence of the striker Jamie Vardy, Ulloa will look to replace

him. Riyad Mahrez, spark their first sustained period at the top.

Albrighton left out of the starting line-up for the first time since

mid-September. Jeff Schlupp having his first start since December.

Wayne Routledge is recalled in their two changes after a miserable defeat

at Newcastle, they have not won at Leicester in 11 visits. Claudio

Ranieri says he has lost a season in Vardy because of his suspension but

he has 23 more Caesars in his army. Will Swansea prove party bloopers?

Gylfi Sigurdsson in the false centre forward position, another fine

season. Routledge back in the starting line-up and a dangerous

ball in. Still in play. There is the Swansea coach, Francesco Guidolin,

who were promoted as a player and went on to win Serie A and he has

likened that success to Leicester City boss Mac success this season.

That is a terrible mistake. Mahrez could put Leicester ahead and he

has. It is Ashley Williams's nemesis. Mahrez has done it again.

Ten minutes gone, it is a gift. Leicester City lead and that is just

the sort of start they needed to calm the nerves. A wretched error,

straight to Mahrez, who finished so accurately. 18 in all competitions

for him this season. Woeful from Williams and the King Power is

rocking in a royal way. Claudio Ranieri can celebrate, they will

take any goal, it doesn't matter the quality now. Simpson for Leicester,

just beginning to settle now. Ca Zaki ran into Ashley Williams.

-- Okazaki. Good covering by the defender.

A cacophonous din. Entered the Olympic Stadium...

Good pressure high up the pitch. The free kick goes his way. Wes Morgan,

32 years of age. 29 minutes played at the King Power Stadium. Curled

in, Ulloa, 2-0 Leicester. Jamie Vardy, who is he? Do they miss him?

Not on your Nelly. The Premier League's greatest story ever told

reaches another exciting chapter. Jamie Vardy out suspended and Ulloa

with a fantastic header that puts Leicester 2-0 up just shy of half an

hour. That could be such a crucial moment. Ever the dreamer, ever the

believer, ever the romantic. Saudi Arabia area's believe has flowed

through his players and the city of Leicester, one of the most

remarkable things I have ever experienced. There can be no errors

from Tottenham now and there can still be no errors from list last --

Leicester in this game. A word of warning from the referee keeping his

card in his pocket. Sigurdsson offers Swansea, what can he do to

get them back in the game? Just over. Fernandez was in there, I

think it was his last touch. Keep that up said Claudio Ranieri, be

strong and powerful. Fernandez did get away though. Leicester nearly

subdued him with three pinfalls and a submission but he couldn't wrestle

himself away. Swansea with six on the edge of the penalty area.

Sigurdsson is going to go over this. Schmeichel made sure it was away.

That is the first time he has been tested. This game is not won yet.

The title race is not over yet. And Gail Rangelova has been

consistent over the years. Try to set him up instead of going to goal,

a chance here. Is the right at the start of the second half. Too much

space there. If Swansea can get one, it would stir things up, not just in

this game but the title race. They break here, Schlupp with the pace to

get beyond Fernandez, can they wrap it up? Will he do it now? Ulloa

comes in and Leicester have a third. Delirium at the KP. On the hour,

cometh the hour, cometh the team that has lit up this season. Relief

all round. One mistake by Swansea and another, Fernandez came across

and didn't make it. I thought Leicester had missed the opportunity

but he kept his cool and Ulloa popped up for his second of the

game. What a contribution from him in the last couple of games. His

persistence pays off. Anguished ecstasy for everyone involved with

Leicester City, the ecstasy of winning again and the anguish of

where it will take them, so close now but still so far away.

Swansea looked a beaten team now. They will be thinking of their

summer holidays. Here is Schlupp, good save by Fabianski. Alert and on

his toes. Leicester playing decent football, he had to stretches frame

to save that. This could be an important moment in the title run in

because Vardy could be further punished so they need Ulloa to be

fit for the trip to Manchester United and then it is Everton here

and then Chelsea on the last day. A teasing cross, Monteiro, not

really in the game since coming on. He could not react quicker enough,

the defendant did well and it is away for a corner. Ulloa back on the

field of play but grimacing. He is not going to last long I would

think, they can't risk him. The corner, side netting. That might

have made it interesting. Might it have been a moment of concern for

Leicester? Good cross, looking for Monteiro. Couldn't climb high

enough. In the end, Mahrez, back to him. He did well under pressure,

Mahrez opens things up, this could be the icing on the cake. King,

saved well, turned back, it being. You would have but the royal seal on

it. That would have been a magical moment for a Leicester City player

who has come all the way up from the doll drums of despair. Leicester

City were down there not so long ago.

A lovely run. Mahrez through the middle, skipping beyond his man,

crossed the far post, King, brilliant save, and in my

Albrighton. Patients, positivity and determination, hunger, teamwork,

sums up Leicester's season. They have beaten Swansea City out of

sight. A real statement victory. The cynics keep saying they will crumble

but they have answered those cynics today and any critic that still

remains. Once more, the watchword all season has been to believe and

belief is flourishing again. Not King, not Gray but Albrighton

smashes in the fourth. A game won in 90 minutes, a season are built over

37 weeks, a campaign that will be talked about for generations.

It is unbelievable, simple. It is a good team, everyone works for each

other. We tackled, everyone is everywhere. It is a pleasure to play

with this team. After the last goal, I was more confident and today, I

had a chance to play. I am more confident but most important is that

three points. Leicester scored and that made the match difficult for

us. We fight for 90 minutes but Leicester is a strong team. They

deserve to win the Premier League I think.

It was very important to score and early goal. I saw my players

concentrate, so hungry, good shape, everybody was doing the right

movement and it was good. Do you think Tottenham will push you

another step tomorrow when they play West Brom? In my mind I put

Tottenham will win all their matches and we have to do five points more.

It's yet another epic win for Claudio Ranieri and Leicester City

and Charlie, there was a great line in that interview with Riyad Mahrez

there, where he said everyone is everywhere, which pretty much sums

up Leicester City's season and their performance today. It is and it

started right from the start, people like Vardy, their enthusiasm, they

are willing to run for each other and the performances had shown

through the whole season and they are there because they deserve to

be. Fairplay to Ronnie Airey, he got his selection spot-on today. He did

and we what he would do in Jamie Vardy's absence and it was

Albrighton who has played so well this year, but I have to say, to

say, to bring in Jeffrey Schlupp, the quickest player on the pitch

debate, the third quickest -- the quickest player on the pitch today,

Jamie Vardy being the first quickest, he knew he needed speed on

the pitch and Schlupp delivered it for its. He was immense today. There

is parts of his game he definitely needs to work on. It's this raw pace

and power and he is so direct. It puts fear into a lot of people. It's

that end product he needs to work on. He's played at left-back before,

so tracking back is not an issue for him. He works hard for his team,

works well with his fullback. It's this side of his game I really like.

You can't compete with that. Who wants that more? Use so quick and

powerful. Probably should release it here. That's the party needs to work

on, he gets a bit lucky he gets has earned that look through his

endeavour and workrate that he put in throughout the game. He had a few

opportunities, shows he's not afraid to have a strike at goal. He was

sworn in their side today. This is a 3-0 up. -- he was eight thorn in

their side today. He finds Riyad Mahrez and watch his touch for

Mahrez, lovely touches from Mahrez throughout the game. Granted, this

isn't the finest strike in the world but it's a great example of how much

fear he puts into defences, when he runs at them with that type of pace

and power. It was a shrewd move from Claudio Ranieri to stick him in

there. Jeffrey Schlupp was outstanding today, and Leonardo

Ulloa, we always ask what will Leicester City do without Jamie

Vardy, but Leonardo Ulloa took his two goals well today? He did

extremely well, managed to get involved in the game of the two

goals he scored were excellent. When you don't have your star strikers,

you would say, you need someone to come in and back it up and he did

that well. Tottenham Hotspur fans going into this match today no doubt

were crowding around radios, TVs and tablets hoping for a strong Swansea

City performance today, but they were not at the races at all today.

No, they want, the first goal sums it up from the start. It finished

that way at the end, it was sloppy and they were disappointing. Yes,

because when you look at them defensively they looked so shaky.

This is it, right from the start Ashley Williams' slack pass, lazy,

he gets caught out there with the past. Is this hand ball, by the way?

No, definitely not. It's his elbow. It wasn't hand ball, it's a

beautiful finish. There they are, it's something we've worked on with

Stoke when we played Swansea recently is set plays. You can cause

them problems. Today, I felt Ashley Williams' body shape, no real

leadership in their, going and attacking that, he gets done there.

Fernandez here around the back, Robert Houthis strong, bullet out of

the way and he has kept him on the opposite side from where he be and

he has dropped too early and he keeps everybody onside and it's a

great delivery from Drinkwater. Great from Leonardo Ulloa. We saw

this clip earlier with Schlupp, I said at the time, who wants it more?

I want my centre-half to clean him out there. I know if that's Wes

Morgan or Robert Huth attacking Jeffrey Schlupp there, Schlupp is

ending up in Row Z. They just didn't want it enough today and we've

probably torn the Swansea team to bits here but look at this from

Demarai Gray. It's phenomenal. That's Jefferson Montero he's

getting away from there, faces him up again. He has shown a 15 minute

cameo, I don't know what Fernandez is doing, he needs to clear that,

back to Demarai Gray Tomer Hemed showed a 15 minute cameo that he's

going to be a special talent that boy on all three substitutes

involved in that last goal. That's why it's all very well to talk about

Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez this season and Wes Morgan and Robert

Huth, but surely the ultimate credit must go to Claudio Ranieri because

as you point out, three substitutes came on and played a massive role in

the last 15 minutes. Arising is so positive at the club. You can

imagine Marc Albrighton would be disappointed to not start the game

today but he has come onto the pitch with ten minutes to spare, a good

attitude. That's the beauty of what Leicester have actually got. They

are all pulling in the same direction. They are inches away from

the title. Tottenham Hotspur, you played in the Premier League for

Blackpool, Liverpool and Stoke City, the Spurs side you played against on

Monday evening, is it one of the best sides you have played against?

One of the best for the last number of years, better than Chelsea and

Man United, strong, quick, all over the pitch. We were never at the

races with them. They are extremely talented team. Well structured and

they will be very unlucky to lose out on the Championship. That's what

will depress Spurs fans this evening because if indeed they don't win the

title this year it's looking increasingly difficult for them.

It's one of the best teams that Tottenham Hotspur have ever had. If

you go through the stats, chances created, shots on target,

possession, the defending stats, they are number one on all of them

apart from the one that matters which is being top of the league and

you can only put that down to credit Leicester City and to say they've

been brilliant, but they were -- will be 100% disappointed.

You can find out how title-chasing Spurs get on against West Brom

on Monday night on Radio 5live from 7:00pm.

The hardest working man, Jermaine Jenas is part of that team.

Next to the Stadium of Light, where Sam Allardyce is overseeing

To cover cut has resigned. Sam Allardyce has been lined up. Sam

Allardyce is the new manager, a two year deal. Here's the perfect man

right now for Sunderland. First and foremost he needs to save them.

They've been on an inevitable collision course for weeks. Penalty.

Norwich nil, Sunderland one. Defoe is in the middle, perfect, 2-0.

Watmore has squeezed it in and Sunderland have a third and it's a

mighty strike for Sam Allardyce. The pressure is still on us, we can't

afford to fail. Failure of a different kind is the charge against

Arsene Wenger in the eyes of many Arsenal fans. The Gunners come here

unbeaten in six in the Premier League, with Alexis Sanchez

unexplored in each of their last four, after yesterday's with results

Sunderland avoiding defeat would see them move out of the bottom three.

It's no surprise Sam Allardyce names an unchanged side, Jermain Defoe's

goal at Norwich last week took his tally to nine in 14 league

appearances this calendar year. Yedlin was a slight doubt because of

an ankle problem. Mannone faces his former club. Arsenal are also

unchanged, Giroud scored at both ends in the 3-1 victory over

Sunderland in December. He and Aaron Ramsey finding the net in the league

and FA Cup victories over the Black Cats. Good news for Arsenal, Jack

Welch is on the bench. -- Jack Wilson. -- Wilshere.

Forward by Iwobi. Just wide from Alex Iwobi. Sunderland will be

concerned at the ease in which the Arsenal man was able to make

progress. Arsene Wenger's side haven't -- won only three of their

last 11 away matches in the Premier League. -- they have won. Sanchez, a

little lob over the top. Giroud, can he get it back into the middle?

Comms off Mannone, and Arsenal corner. Lovely to watch from

Arsenal, Mannone with the final touch Arsenal's first corner of the

afternoon. Towards Mertesacker. He hasn't yet scored this season, Per

Mertesacker. His last goal came in the Cup Final last May. Mannone

right behind it. Games in hand for Sunderland over Newcastle and

Norwich. Ramsey, he might be in trouble here. Sunderland coming

forward in numbers. Bishop was off target, Khazri making the run

forward. -- the shot was off target. There was hope that the Stadium Of

Light that the opening goal might be on its way and it gets a deflection

wide for the corner. Cattermole drives it in and only just wide. You

can see here, Cattermole waiting just outside the penalty area in

case of an opportunity presenting itself. Ramsey can't keep hold of

it. Borini finds Defoe. Foul. By Koscielny. This is a free kick in an

extremely promising position. An earnest conversation between Van

Aanholt and Khazri. Van Aanholt. Well, that just struck the outside

of the frame of the goal. Off the join of post and crossbar. Van

Aanholt, so close. Monreal looking for the return from

Iwobi, and he has got it as well. Elneny is fouled. By Cattermole.

Mike Dean was right up with play. Sunderland most unhappy. Sanchez

strikes. Mannone with a firm hand to put it away. -- push it away. Look

at the ground here that Mannone has to make up. That would have crept

into the bottom corner. Ozil will take this corner. Saved by Mannone,

and too many defenders in the way. Iwobi denied a goal by a trio of

Sunderland players. Khazri finds Defoe. Defoe wants the return pass.

Borini needs help. Arsenal now back in numbers. Might drop here to

Defoe. Was that hand ball in the penalty area? Sunderland absolutely

convinced. You can hear the boos from the Sunderland supporters here

at the Stadium Of Light. Defoe's shot and it clearly strikes the arm

of Per Mertesacker. No penalty. You can see the referee's view.

Straightaway, he says, play on. Finds Sanchez, up against Van

Aanholt. Giroud with the run. A little touch back. Again, Sunderland

have players on the way. There are appeals from Arsenal this time for a

penalty. Again, you could say that is exactly the same as Sunderland

shout at the other end, the defender hurling their body in the way.

Giroud's header. The chase on here for Defoe. It's Jermain Defoe, a

brilliant save from Cech. Cech just able to push the rebound wide.

Jermain Defoe gets plenty of power behind this shot. Cech right in the

way and then scrambling across his goal mouth, to push the return ball

back. Khazri trying to get away from

Bellerin. Khazri's shot, Cech with another save. Khazri has been

outstanding today for Sunderland. Cech called into action three times

in quick succession. Frustration for Sam Allardyce. It's been right from

his side in the early exchanges in this second half. -- right from his

side. The chase on here from Defoe, Defoe trying to log Cech.

Agonisingly wide. Thousands inside the Stadium Of Light help their

collective breath here. Where would this ball drop? It drops wide of the

goal. It's the application these Sunderland fans want to see. Khazri,

over the top towards Defoe, who is onside. Borini is in the middle.

Defoe can I find his strike partner. It is away by Koscielny. -- Defoe

can't find his strike partner. Suddenly, Defoe was away and rather

and go for goal himself he tried to find Borini. Khazri with the corner.

It was missed completely by Kone. They didn't seem to be any sense of

expectation from him that the ball might come through to him. What an

opportunity! It's behind the trio of Arsenal

players in the penalty area. Towards Ozil. High from Larsson. It's still

Danny Welbeck. Straight at Mannone. Had time here to measure out the

shot. Straight at the goalkeeper though. A significant moment for

Arsenal, and maybe for England as well. Jack Wilshere comes on for the

last seven minutes burst shot which time. His last appearance was for

England at the end of May. -- plus four stoppage time.

Sanchez lined up the shot and it was cleared by Kone. Late pressure from

Arsenal as they look for all three points.

It is a huge point for Sunderland. It will take them out of the

relegation zone. Sunderland much improved in the second half, it has

finished 0-0. Ahead of the game, if anyone had said you would get a

point out of Arsenal, would you settle for that? You will when you

play Arsenal, they are one of the top teams in the Premier League

since the Premier League emerged. The quality of their players and

their football is always difficult to play against. A brilliant clean

sheet by the players but on the second half performance and the

chances we created, I am a little disappointed we did not win it. Our

first half was very good, we could not take our chances, the second the

second-half is always more difficult when you play Sunday in the third

game. A possible penalty for both sides, your opinion on those? When

he is close to the ball and does not make a deliberate handball it is not

a penalty on both sides. Originally I thought it was a penalty. It

happened so quick. It is not easy for the referee but he had a look at

half-time and he said if it was given, I don't think anyone would

have complained. How important is it to have the game in hand on

Newcastle and the goal difference? It looks like it could be a

difference but we want to try and make sure we can stay out of the

bottom three by going to Stoke next week and trying to win. We put

ourselves in a position where there are four games to go and it is in

our hands now. A big point for Sunderland in their fight against

relegation, on the basis of their performance today, there is hope for

Sunderland. It was a huge point against a good Arsenal team, they

are now out of the relegation zone. When you see that, mentally, it is a

good feeling to know you finally out of that situation. The thing that

will please Sam Allardyce is the performances his team are putting

together, the runs within the team are good. They have given themselves

a great opportunity. Sam said he was disappointed they didn't win it but

you impressed how they set up defensively. He said when they

walked in the door that it was about clean sheets and hoping to make

goals. I think Kone has been a big signing since coming in January. Him

and Younes Kaboul have a good partnership and great understanding

together at the moment. Here, against Olivier Giroud, a strong

striker, he does well to hold them up here, especially the runners like

Mesut Ozil. He has improved the team since coming here, again, they cover

each other extremely well. That is one thing that will keep them up.

Younes Kaboul here, anticipating that and setting up another attack.

They are forming a good partnership and that might be good enough to

keep them up at the end of the season. Olivier Giroud is now 14

league games without scoring, the longest goal drought in the Premier

League for him. They are solid, when you play Arsenal and you know this

Charlie, when you played them, you have to remain compact and that is

what they did. It is one thing we try to do as a group. You can see

them highlighting the defenders, forcing Arsenal wide if you can.

Welbeck making an excellent run but Kone blocks it and stops him from

getting it. He read it extremely well and he was excellent. When you

have an opportunity to get through, you need an impressive goalkeeper

like Vito Mannone who did an excellent job as well. No one

epitomise the fight for a point more than Khazri today, he was terrific.

He was, usually he is the type of player who likes to get on the ball

and make things happen but he not only did that today but showed a

different side to his game. More powerful and mentally strong. He

physically wanted an impact on this game. He was very impressive. For

the first 20 minutes of this game, Arsenal dominated. They didn't score

when they needed to score but it was like he felt he had had enough and

he wanted to have an impact and make something happen. You see him on the

ground here, he gets up quickly. When you pressure top players, they

find it very difficult under those circumstances. A very unfortunate

not to stick that one in the bottom corner. Very happy to receive the

ball, I mention how good he is technically, receiving the ball

under pressure, look at his reaction. He wins the ball back. You

cannot imagine what that does to the Stadium Of Light, they erupted when

he did that tackle. He was working back for his team which was

excellent as well. When the back four was under pressure, he carried

the ball up the field and trying to mount attacks for Sunderland to give

them opportunities. This was in the second half. He has good technical

ability and today, he was their best player by a mile. If he can stay in

that type of form along with Sunderland keeping clean sheets, it

is pretty much nailed on that they will stay up. A couple of penalty

shouts as well, Jermain Defoe says 100% penalty, Arsene Wenger didn't

think either of them were penalties, what was your view? I agree, I don't

think either were penalties. This one is a bad header from a -- Hector

Bellerin. Mertesacker cannot get away from that. It is no penalty.

And I said again, a bad header from Hector Bellerin, there is nothing

that he can do. This one here, Olivier Giroud knocks it back in,

Alex Iwobi with a shot and it comes off the thigh and goes against his

hand. That would be harsh as a penalty kick and Arsene Wenger said

it wasn't. If it was a Charlie Adam shot, was it a penalty? You would

claim for it but I don't think I would have got it. They were big

calls but two right decisions. Definitely not penalties. Mike Dean

definitely got it right, you just need an understanding of the game in

those situations. Mertesacker was too close and the deflection off his

leg to his arm, he got it right. Arsenal out of the title race and a

big job on their hands to get in the top four. They have, they are in

this situation quite often in seasons past. They know how to

handle this situation of chasing the top four position. But are they

playing their best football? A lot of unrest in the club. The fans are

not very happy. The pressure is mounting and these next three games

will be pivotal. They still have to play Manchester City a way which is

what it may come down to. Manchester United do not seem to be taking

their foot off the pedal and I am sure Manchester City went make it

easy for them either. Still to come, the announcement of the PFA players

Player of the Year, all season we have been taking a trip with fans of

all 20 Premier League clubs to hear their story and why they love their

football club and their favourite memories. Tonight is the 20th and

final one as George Sefton invites us to Liverpool against Newcastle

United. I grew up in a family of Liverpool fans. I came for my first

game here in January 19 60. I am living a boyhood dream basically.

Good morning George, welcome to Anfield. Your macro you all right?

Good morning George. Morning George. Number ten, David Fairclough. Number

11, Terry McDermott. Welcome to today's Premier League match between

Liverpool and Newcastle United. I did my time on the Kop, we had our

own little speck in the exact centre. The happiest fencing

football show their faces. When it was full and in full voice was a

magical place to be. My first game here at Anfield, on the PA, was the

14th of August 1971. A young lad from Scunthorpe who we just signed

for ?35,000 made his debut. That is Keegan. And he scores. Kevin Keegan

had scored. Della macro they said he was a bit of a tiger and they said

he was and went on to be a superstar. You sit down in the cold

light of day, Kenny has to be the number one. I am old enough to see

Pelle and Johan Cruyff but Kenny, some of the things he did with the

football were out of this world. Rafa Benitez, we thoroughly enjoyed

having him here and we owe him for Istanbul in 2005. He is revered on

Merseyside. It is that time of the match day where I handed down to

pitch side. Towards Sturridge, first time inside

the Newcastle penalty area. One minute and eight seconds, Daniel

Sturridge scores. Liverpool's first goal scored by number 15 Daniel

Sturridge. The welcome for Rafa Benitez didn't last long. Moreno,

Adam Lallana. It is 2-0. Lallana guides it high into the net. The

scorer of Liverpool's second goal, number 20, Adam Lallana. Andros

Townsend supported by Sissoko, now, Vurnon Anita onto the head of Cisse.

Newcastle have a goal. Oh my word. Just the start of the second half

that Newcastle required. The scorer of a Newcastle, number nine, Cisse.

Andros Townsend. Jack Colback with the shot and it is 2-2. They have

done it. 2-0 down at the break, seemingly out of the match,

Newcastle level. Scorer of Newcastle's equaliser, number four,

Jack Colback. I am very optimistic about next year. We are ideally

placed to go on and Liverpool should be winning the Premier League, we

shouldn't be worrying about the four. We should be back where we

belong which is where we always work. Has such a wonderful voice, a

big fan -- thanks to George and the other 19 contributors across the

season who have made these features possible. We hope they give you a

flavour of what it is like to be a fan of their club. We will now find

out who won the PFA players Player of the Year awards. We will be there

in a moment once we take a look at the six nominations for the men's

category. and the winner of the 2016 PFA

players Player of the Year award goes to Leicester City's Riyadh

Maris. -- to Mahrez. . There we are, this is just coming

into us from the Grosvenor Hotel in London. Riyad Mahrez was outstanding

today for Leicester City and has been brilliant all season. Looking

very sharp today in his tuxedo, getting his award. What a special

night for Riyad Mahrez and Claudio Ranieri, getting the award from his

manager as well, wonderful for Leicester City Football Club. It

could be the first trophy of a number that they may win this

season. A wonderful night for Riyad Mahrez.

Congratulations, I know that very little phases you and you are, and

collected but how does it feel to be picking up this prestigious award?

Good evening everyone. It is a pleasure to receive this award. And

I want to thank my team-mates because without them, I would not be

receiving this. The manager and the club and the staff, I am very happy.

You look at the names on that trophy, the likes of Cantona,

Thierry Henry Enrique -- Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney. What's it like

to join that list? When you hear the name of these players, it's a big

honour to be part of this. Like I said, I'm grateful to receive this

and I'm very happy. 17 goals, 11 assists, a few nutmegs, the latest

against Swansea. Do you store play with that mentality as if you are

playing as you grew up on the streets in France? Do you play with

that sense of fun and freedom? I tried, I try, but professional, you

have to be in shape. He said, looking at Claudio over his

shoulder! I try to play like I have played and, yes... That just into

was there from the Grosvenor Hotel in London. Well done, many

congratulations to Riyad Mahrez. Let's look at the five nominations

for the winning's award. -- women's award. It was announced a

little earlier so here is who has won the 2016 award. And the winner

is Izzy Christiansen of Manchester City.

APPLAUSE Well done to Izzy Christiansen. How

does it feel to be voted by your fellow pros, the ultimate accolade?

I'm feeling very humbled and proud right now. Every player in this room

will agree there is no better feeling than being recognised by

your fellow professionals. I am extremely honoured and in amongst

such a talented group of nominees, this means the absolute world to me.

So thank you. Well done to Izzy, chatting to manage. We have a

special programme on Monday evening. with highlights of the whole evening

from the PFA Awards, The correct winner for you? Harry

Fett -- Harry Kane can feel fortunate not to win but Riyad

Mahrez has been phenomenal for Leicester City, he has been fully

involved in everything that has been good about Leicester City, the

assists, the goals, the creation. For me, here's the big reason why

Leicester City are where they are. Did you play against, were you in

the Stoke City side when you played Leicester City? No, I was injured,

the game they beat us 3-0 I was on the bench. I voted for Vardy. It was

excellent for Mahrez, he's been exceptional and it's a fantastic

story for the whole of Leicester. On the ball he's been absolutely

mesmerising. He's amazing to watch. You can tell that he plays with such

a freedom, but also that Claudio Ranieri, he's almost got the best

out of him by giving in that discipline as well. He's got the

perfect blend. He frightens the life out of defenders. No matter how much

you watch him, I'm sure you have conversations yourself when you play

up against him of how to stop him. No one has been able to do it. How

do you stop him, exactly. There is nothing much of him, he is thin and

his ability on the ball is amazing. It's also been FA Cup semifinal

weekend. So find out who out of Watford

and Crystal Palace reached the Wembley final on May

21st following us. You can watch Match of the Day three

via the iPlayer and BBC Sport website from first thing

Monday morning. And 5live are looking for a young

commentator - for details go Here's the rest of Saturday's

action, starting at the Etihad. Navas is going to deliver this one.

And the near post, it goes in, it might have been Fernando that got

the telling touch. And Manchester City take the lead from a set piece.

Iheanacho, and onto Toure. He tried to square it to the far side to

Aguero. Here's Iheanacho again and Toure once more. And bang goes

Iheanacho, the referee... Oh, he's given a penalty. Shawcross just

putting his arm across Iheanacho. Sergio Aguero has missed a couple of

spot kicks this campaign. But he doesn't miss this one. Goal number

28 of the season. They might well have the three points already. I

Aguero, it's a lovely ball by Navas. Here's Zabaleta, Iheanacho wants it

and get fit. 3-0. He does have an exceptional scoring record,

Iheanacho. That is ten for the season. Fewer than the stance he has

had this campaign. Here is Fabian Delph, now Bony, on it goes, a good

ball, Iheanacho bursting clear. Are they going to concede four, three

matches in a row? Yes, they are, and Iheanacho continues to show just

what an exceptional talent he is. Its Manchester City four, Stoke City

nil. Tadic, Bertrand with the early ball

in. Booze and thought about coming and didn't, 1-0 Southampton. So, so

easy. Shane Long finds the net inside of a quarter of an hour. So

straightforward for the Saints. And that's not the best of passes from

Bacuna. Here's Long. It's been put on a plate. Shane Long, denied by

Guzan for now, but then it is Tadic, and it two, and it's another

giftwrapped goal. Well, it was an horrific pass. Joleon Lescott was

done for pace, all ends up by Long. Booze and did well to prevent the

initial effort but Tadic was never going to pass up the opportunity --

Guzan did well. It's a good run, it looks like he was being talked

there. Neil Swarbrick not interested. Two Villa players come

together. Westwood is there and has got one back for Aston Villa. Ashley

Westwood, who scores his first goal in almost two years. Tadic slipping

it down the line the Long. He's going to have to go it alone for

now. Tadic, game over now, surely. Tadic, with his second of the game.

Villa have the worst defence in the league and they were sliced open far

too easily here. Back in from Grealish. It's going to come for

Westwood. A second of the game for Ashley Westwood. The most

unlikeliest of goal-scorers. He has got two in one game, for Villa

today. Davis, Tadic. For Cedric. And Marmite -- Mane, he makes it 4-2 to

Southampton. Mane again afforded so much room to guide it beyond Guzan.

There is Diego Costa the Chelsea. Now Fabregas. Pedro to his right.

Pedro is in here with a great chance, and Pedro sticks it home.

Chelsea take the lead in the fifth minute. Fabregas saw the run of

Pedro, who was clearly onside, and the Spaniard finishes with great

coolness. Willian for Fabregas, the backheel for Hazard. Take some

Boruc, and scores. -- takes on Boruc. Hazard's first Premier League

goal since last May. The goalkeeper is found wanting. Bournemouth

corner. Francis with the delivery, Alfie with the header, and this time

Begovic can't keep it out -- Elphick. Elphick's first goal of the

campaign, his first goal in over a year. Fabregas, it's a lovely ball

and Willian is in, and Willian -- and Willian makes it three.

Bournemouth have no answer to that. Another assist from chest Fabregas.

Willian's finish, perfect. Fabregas with the backheel, Matic

takes on, and still goes on, and Hazard gets his second of the day.

The smile is back on the Belgian's phase. Patient deliberate build-up

from Chelsea, it looks like they were boxed in. Hazard found space

and found the net. Amazing, Hazard's first Premier

League goals of the season. I'm struggling to find the correct

phrase without upsetting Stoke City fans, but what on earth is going on

at the football club? It's not great at the moment. We have shipped four

goals in the last three games in each game, so we need to get back to

the basics. We have three games to go and we don't want the season to

peter out. We have targets we still want to achieve and it would be a

disappointment if we let it Peter Rouse. We have two home games and

one away from home and we will look to win them. What about the

manager's language? As a group of players we take responsibility and

we just ourselves down and will be ready for Sunderland next week. We

have to talk about Manchester City, Iheanacho took his goal so well

yesterday? That's what impresses me so much about him, his calmness in

front of goal for a young striker is exceptional. He just seems to get in

front of a goal and goes ice cold, whether he is going around the

keeper or sliding it in the corner, sorry young striker to do that, that

is what you know in the future is going to get better and better. A

big week for them. Do you fancy them to beat Real Madrid? Out of the

teams left in it it was the best team they could have picked out of

it. It's going to be a bit of a shoot out but I think it will come

down to how well City cope with the burn about. -- Bernabeu.

Here's the latest Premier League table.

If Tottenham lose on Monday night, Leicester City will be boosted.

At the bottom, Sunderland's fate is in their own hands. A point against

Arsenal means they are out of the relegation zone. They aren't Norwich

City have a game in hand on Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United. -- they

and Norwich City. A couple of whoppers for you, can I

have a smile please, Guus Hiddink? As for Arsene Wenger, he doesn't

like a camera in his face at all. Move away from me. Go and film Danny

Welbeck instead. Can I go to Europe, Mum? It depends how well you doing

your exams, son. And here we have Jeffrey Schlupp's ball, which

appears to be in continental Europe. And we have no idea what planet --

Claudio Ranieri is saying to his players, but we think we have an

idea. Wonderful stuff. Before we leave you,

let's round up the other winners The PFA Merit Award was given

to Ryan Giggs for his Obviously it's special. I'd like to

thank Gordon and the PFA committee. When you see the people who have

been awarded this before, I'm amongst legends. So it's a brilliant

occasion for me. I would just like to say when I've previously won

Young Player of the Year and the Players' Player of the Year, my

grandad was here. He sadly passed away last month. I would like to

dedicate this, he is not here tonight, I would like to dedicate

this to him tonight. Thank you. Congratulations. The women's Young

Player of the Year went to Beth Mead of Sunderland.

APPLAUSE Well done to Beth Mead. The men's

Young Player of the Year was awarded to Dele Alli, of Tottenham Hotspur,

and Ossie Ardiles was on hand to collect the award on Alli's behalf,

seeing as they have a huge game tomorrow night. Highlights of the

awards tomorrow night on BBC One. Thank you to Jermaine and Charlie.

We leave you with the Premier League team of the season, as voted for by

the players. Have a great week. Good night.