11/12/2016 Match of the Day 2

We have four matches for you with three of the top five in action.

With me by Royal appointment, Alan Shearer, who went

to Buckingham Palace to receive his CBE from

And Phil Neville, and the closest he has been to a palace is Crystal.

Very emotional, very fast, very strong, not boring. I like heavy

metal. Born to be wild, Germany's foremost advocate of heavy metal

football has taken the Premier League by storm this season.

Liverpool's shoot too thrilled policy has had Anfield rocking,

making them serious title contenders. But defeat at

Bournemouth last weekend having been leading 3-1 had Jurgen Klopp banging

his head against a wall. West Ham's manager isn't a stranger to rock

music either. I like it. I was raised on Iron Maiden. A poor start

to the season, including a heavy loss to Arsenal last week has had

Slaven Bilic fearing the Reaper. Can they turn it up to 11 and return to

winning ways? Or will they inflict a Black Sabbath on Klopp's men? Steve

Wilson was at Anfield. West Ham, from the Arsenal battering which

Kast doubt on their manager's future. Liverpool without Coutinho,

Sturridge, and now Emre Can is injured. Joel Matip and Adam Lallana

return. They are unbeaten here in 21 games but lost this fixture 3-0 last

season, one of the final straw is that broke Brendan Rodgers' reign at

the club. Antonia and Nordtveit return for West Ham, as do Liverpool

born Aaron Cresswell, Liverpool fan Andre Ayew, and Andy Carroll, still

Liverpool's record signing, is on the West Ham bench. West Ham won the

toss and they will make Liverpool kick towards the Kop end in the

first 45 minutes, which, as everybody knows, is not

traditionally Liverpool's presence. Side flag is up. Don't think

Liverpool realise it, but they do now. Wijnaldum offside. -- side flag

is up. Games coming in quick succession, as they do for

everybody. They don't come much bigger for West Ham, their next two

at home to Burnley and Hull. Anything they get here today would

be a great platform to go into those matches. Sadio Mane for Liverpool,

driving towards Origi and Lallana is their! Liverpool in front after four

minutes. Adam Lallana, back in the side and back in the goals. A little

touch from Origi, and then three West Ham defenders were awfully

passive, standing on the edge of the six yard box and watching. Ogbonna

slipped. Winston Reid and Cresswell were spectators. Randolph was

beaten. Lallana scores, Liverpool 1-0 West Ham. Cut out by Winston

Reid. Dimitri Payet climbing. Dejan Lovren.

Ayew with a sliding challenge, finding Winston Reid. A good ball,

Antonia in behind Lovren. Gets the shot away. -- Antonio. What a lovely

ball here. Ayew got it to Winston Reid. A great ball. Antonio on the

side. Karius with the safe. Fingertips, not sure if it was on

target. Steven Gerrard, scored a rather famous goal against West Ham.

Some room for Mark Noble. Obiang. Free kick. A little bit unnecessary

from Adam Lallana, this. Never looked likely to get the ball. Rule

number one against West Ham, don't give Dimitri Payet free kicks in

shooting range. That's what he has here. If Dimitri Payet gets it

absolutely right, there's not a lot a goalkeeper can do, whoever he is.

27 played, West Ham one down. Payet on the free kick, and in a!

He's done it again, Dimitri Payet. West Ham are level at Anfield.

Payet's free kick. Could Karius have done more to keep this out? He's got

a hand to it, the keeper. It's a really good free kick, take nothing

away from Payet. Payet is one of the best in the world from that kind of

range, but it's certainly save a bowl. -- save - able. Grobbelaar and

Ray Clemence, two of the great goalkeepers of this club. Liverpool

played West Ham four times last season and lost three of those

games, drawing the other. Still Mane. Firmino! Didn't quite

catch it, Roberto Firmino. Good play by Lallana to Inc get back inside to

Wijnaldum. Firmino just scoffed the shot. Given everything that's been

said about West Ham, there will have been those who expect them to

crumble here having conceded so early. Anything but. Came Arthur

Henderson's head. It's awkward. Karius stays. Mikhail Antonio scores

and West Ham are in front. Antonio taking full advantage of a catalogue

of Liverpool errors. Came Arthur Henderson's head. Miss judged by

Joel Matip. Karius stayed when he might have come. -- came off

Henderson's head. Liverpool's soft centre exposed. Liverpool 1-2 West

Ham. Well, well, well. Wijnaldum beats Lanzini. Scoop in

and the header is off target from Firmino. It's a good chance.

Liverpool haven't had too many sites of the West Ham goal since Lallana

scored. West Ham have defended terrifically well.

Firmino to Origi. Just too many white shirts. Lallana is on to that.

Plaid Cymru back. -- Payet coming back. The left arm onto the chest of

Lallana might have been unwise, but Mark Clattenburg deciding it wasn't

enough. The header hits the bar. The referee has blown his whistle. I

wonder if the foul wasn't given for the push by Firmino. Liverpool have

made the substitution. Dejan Lovren replaced by Ragnar Klavan. I imagine

that's a change that has been forced upon Jurgen Klopp.

It hit Winston Reid. Mane appealing but Clattenburg had a good view of

it. A good cross scooped in. Origi sends it into the net after

Randolph's mistake. Liverpool are gifted an equaliser. Divock Origi

helps himself to a fourth goal in four games. And Darren Randolph is

absolutely furious with himself. Question marks over at both

goalkeepers coming into this game. Neither has done anything to answer

their critics today. Mane sent in the cross, Randolph simply tipped it

on to Origi's foot. There was simply no missing this. Lifeline for

Liverpool. 2-2. A long way to go. Both goalkeepers will have the

jitters every time it comes near them.

Lallana, Wijnaldum and Firmino all in the box. Mane, is there room for

the shot? Wijnaldum has room. It wasn't far away, either. They tried

to close down every angle and every route to goal. Sadio Mane turned and

twisted and fed Wijnaldum, who wasn't far away. Be strong, that is

the message from Slaven Bilic. Miller only clears as far as

Henderson, by Nordtveit. The West Ham goalkeeper makes amends with

that one. Tremendous strike from Henderson, it looked set for the top

corner. It's a brilliant save from Darren Randolph. Wonderful effort

from Henderson. Two understated managers who like to keep quiet on

the touchline. If you went for a night out with Klopp and Bilic, you

would need your C legs. -- your sea legs.

Origi's first touch wasn't quite there. Tried to wrestle it out. They

few appeals from Liverpool, more the fans than the players. Nothing

doing. Just got pulled a little bit. But not enough, I think. Bilic is

screaming for the whistle to go. And Mark Clattenburg blows it. Darren

Randolph, the West Ham goalkeeper, distraught at his mistake, which

gifted Liverpool their equaliser. He should also reflect on a quite

brilliant save from Jordan Henderson, which might have

prevented Liverpool from winning the game. In the end, a better point for

West Ham, surely, than it is for Liverpool.

A great reaction in every way. I'm happy with the way we played the

second half, but of course, we didn't defend that great, but we had

plenty of stubbornness but expected us to be better on the ball. Your

team were a little below their best today, did you feel? Yeah, that's

right. We had this in other games when we won pretty clear. We weren't

as good as we could be. I think there were one or two situations,

especially Adam Lallana, which could have been a penalty late in the

first half. Divock Origi also. It was a real challenge in the box,

quite brave of the West Ham player. But we should have scored more and

couldn't. Every time I say Winston Reid, I think he's outstanding. We

defended as a team, but you are right, every time we like this, we

have the bodies in a box, and it's mostly Winston Reid that you see. At

the moment I think there are three of him. Again, he was magnificent

today. Goalkeeper is a strange position because you are always

under an individual spotlight in perhaps a way other players aren't.

We know Dimitri Payet can produce a free kick which is impossible to

say. Maybe this wasn't impossible to save? For this, I will have to see

it again. I only saw it in the game. I wish that he could have saved it

everybody in a red shirt, but I will have to see it again. I feel for

Darren Randolph for that mistake early on the second half and he made

a sensational saves. Is the nature of the job. He made a mistake for

the second one, but before and after that he showed real quality. He did

a good job for us. STUDIO: A few things to pick out from the game and

we will come to the goalkeepers in a little while. West Ham had a player

who seemed to play in virtually every position of the course of 90

minutes. Antonio. Bearing in mind he started the season as a right

full-back. He played centre forward today and gave the two centre halves

the runaround. His workrate and movement were brilliant. Lovren

doesn't have a clue where he is. Poor defending, takes forever to get

going. Joel Matip, watch Antonio's run. Very poor defending. Again, not

sure about the goalkeeper. He doesn't come or state. But finish.

The second half, Bilic brings on Andy Carroll. He puts him at right

wingback. He was brilliant in that position as well. Big, strong,

defending and doing his bit for the team. The effort here, he starts

inside his own box. And he's the one trying to get beyond the Liverpool

defence to try to upset them once again. He's playing in the full-back

position nearly. He has come from his own box to go to the Liverpool

box. Switched him to a different position in the final ten minutes.

Playing just behind Andy Carroll, so his job is to bring people into the

game. He did his bit in the box again. The workrate and effort here.

Look how much ground he makes up. Dragging his team forward. Keeping

hold of the ball, and there is no one near him. He was superb today

and let that team. I saw West Ham at Man United two weeks ago and I watch

them again today, and they are playing for the manager. That means

a lot to them. I think they've got to stick with him. They have to keep

on improving and putting in more performances and effort like today

and they will be all right. You played a variety of positions,

but to do several once in a match does that require a great deal of

concentration? It is difficult. You saw him in the last five minutes and

he was dead on his feet. The strength of him up front was his

effort and his energy and the way he kept running in behind and carrying

the fight for West Ham. To change positions in a game takes a lot of

intelligence and he did it regularly and today he must have played three

positions. Jurgen Klopp says the nature of the position means one

mistake and they get analysed by you. Where you go. The story is the

Liverpool keeper because he will come in for the most criticism and

rightly so. He has made two errors in the last couple of weeks and it

has cost his team three points. Darren Randolph today made an error

which cost his team a goal. This was the first one. It is a free kick.

Everyone knows he is going to put the ball in that area.

The distance he had to cover is not that great. He has got his palm on

the ball and his wrist is not quick enough. Should the war have done

better? It is a disaster of a wall. But I think his foot position was

poor. This is Darren Randolph. I do not think he moves his feet quick

enough. He is planted to the floor. It was a simple attack for Origi.

Darren Randolph is devastated because his team is fighting for its

life and he is allowed who is playing really well at the moment.

For me this is the save of the season. It could be the save of the

season. I do not think Jordan Henderson could have struck it any

better. That agility and to get his hand up there, it is a sensational

save. Carriers is new to the league this

year, but the guys in front of him are not giving him any protection at

all. They were so poor. We all know what Liverpool's issue is, they have

conceded 20 goals. Unless that improves, rapidly, then Liverpool

will not win the league. It was the same question I asked the guys last

week after the Bournemouth game, does he deserve a little bit of

slack at the moment given he is new to the league. My criticism of him

is not the mistakes he is making in the game, it is what he did in

midweek. When you are a young player and making a mistake and breaking

into the team, you do your training and work as hard as you can and you

play on Saturday and say nothing to know once and after a couple of

seasons under your belt you can shout your mouth off and have a go

at pundits. Keep your mouth shut and do your job and play football. He is

sticking up for his brother. But the other thing is he is allowed have

his say. That article was booked in two weeks ago. The young keeper, new

to this country, playing for a massive club in Liverpool, you have

had a bit of a poor game. When I have had a couple of good games and

I have got a bit more confidence, I will come out and start talking. I

think to still do the article after you have made the mistake shows you

are not hiding. I cannot believe I am sticking up for goalkeepers

because I feel a little bit for him because he is not getting near

enough protection in front of him. Either Neville family on some team

rotation for Loris Karius? Two of this season's late goal

specialists met at Old Trafford. Unfortunately for Jose Mourinho his

Manchester United side has been Manchester United have now dropped

seven points in the last ten minutes of games this season.

Old Trafford is silence. Two minutes to go. Jose Mourinho can believe it.

And no team has one more point in the last ten minutes this season

than today's opponents Tottenham. An equaliser with two minutes left on

the clock. Not missing a second of this one will be your commentator

Guy Mowbray. Once upon a time late goals were

united's Forte, not their failing. Titles and European Cup were won by

them. At one point they came here 26 matches in a row without winning.

They have since been successful on other visits. Times are changing.

Spurs have a key defender back from injury as well and Toby Alderweireld

starts. He is the only change, for Eric Dyer, in the team that's want

Swansea last week. Following anti-meat Joshua last night, here is

another heavyweight challenge. -- Anthony Joshua.

It saved by Hugo Lloris. Forced into action inside the first 90 seconds

of the game. Perfectly placed for Paul Pogba. He might have hit it a

little harder. Song hurled one towards the top

corner. It was valid enough. The South Korean might have looked

behind him. Vladimir Klitschko, fresh from watching Anthony Joshua

last night. Watching Manchester United against Spurs today. I know

nobody is sitting that close to him! Might be wise!

Harry Kane has got a free kick. Good scrabbling work done by the England

centre forward. It is beaten away by David De Gea.

Really good work from Mousa Dembele. He is not finished yet. Applause

from the home fans for the way United have worked it away.

And he did not need anybody else. He rifled it into the room. Two goals

in two games for the Armenian. Brilliantly played in by her rarer.

That is how to hit them. It is a real rocket of a shot that gives

Manchester United believe. Not that Hugo Lloris or any other goalkeeper

could have done anything about that. It looked as though it was going

inside that post. Spurs look rattled.

Song's effort needed to be saved. Patted over the top very coolly by

David De Gea. It came in really quickly. It was a really good

effort. Tottenham are much more lively in

attack now. He had got past Mkhitaryan quite easily, but he was

blatantly fouled. It is a very useful free kick for Spurs. They

look a bit more busy when they go forward now. That was too straight.

This one will be curling in. Manchester United are appealing for

offside. How did Victor Wanyama find himself so free? That was Spurs'

best chance of the game. Paul Pogba manages to keep

possession and all sorts of pressure and it is a free kick to United.

Mousa Dembele used both hands to target back at the waist of Paul

Pogba. Who hits this? Paul Pogba or Ibrahim of it? There was some

pedigree there. Hugo Lloris was stranded, completely helpless.

Nothing Hugo Lloris could do. Her rarer went down, but there was not

enough to suggest a foul. Ander Herrera is down again in the

box. Spurs get the ball away. That is a foul. That will be a yellow

card. That was pure frustration. Here is Ander Herrera, teeing up

Paul Pogba. They think Ander Herrera was fouled in the box. It was a

clumsy attempt at winning the ball all right. You can see why they were

shouting. You can also see why that was a yellow card. Sitting, but not

comfortable yet. He has scored against United for

Spurs before. Good save by David De Gea. That might have been curling

wide, but there was no way he could take that chance. The booing is

because Marouane Fellaini is warming up. He properly came on and gave

away a penalty a couple of minutes later at Everton last weekend. He is

much maligned, but I did not realise he was that much maligned here.

He could only stop him by fouling him. Brilliant work from Mkhitaryan.

A yellow card for Danny Rose. That was a great burst of pace and super

control by the man that the Manchester United fans are starting

to call Mickey T. You can see all the weight goes down on his left

ankle. That does not look good. Eric Bailly makes its Premier League

return. More words from Mourinho, trying to gee up his players. He

will be livid if they throw away another two points late in a game.

United clinging on. Sissoko beaten to it by Ibrahimovic. Danny Rose is

onto it. He wanders through and goes down. Nothing doing, though. Didn't

even ask for it. And then Harry Kane is guilty of a fowl. That would have

been unending if Danny Rose had won a penalty for Spurs at the end. The

villain of the piece as far as United fans are concerned. He runs

into Phil Jones, who just stood his ground and won the ball fairly. Jose

Mourinho just wants to hear the full-time whistle now.

Fellaini tried to hold back Dele Alli. Goes back into win it again.

And the full-time whistle goes. Manchester United on it. They keep

themselves just about in touch with the top four.

We played very well against a very good team, a team that creates a lot

of difficulties. They create that for everyone. But the team was

really good and I think we deserved more. We deserved to score a second

goal, we deserved to be more relaxed, we deserved to be enjoying

the match. The last five or ten minutes was not enjoyable. Always

difficult to play here at Old Trafford. But I'm very calm, the

performance was good. It's only that the chances we created, we didn't

score. They scored when they had the opportunity. In this occasion, many

would give up because the gap, it's not too big now, but it has been a

little gap there for us to the top, but I'm confident we will close the

gap. Did you have a bit of concern about the lack of away victories.

It's been a long time since you have won away from White Hart Lane in the

league. I think, no. We are in a position where, it's true we want to

improve, but I think we need to be positive and try to keep going, and

be ready for the next game. Henrikh Mkhitaryan has come into your team

and John in the last couple of weeks. Are you fearful you have lost

him for a couple of weeks? Doesn't look potentially dangerous or

difficult. He crossed that line where the can't play the way I want

him to play. He crossed that line. He's bringing to the game everything

I want an attacking player to bring. He crossed that line and hopefully

he can go in a positive run and maybe have one week out, and better

to be fresh for Boxing Day when we play at home. STUDIO: Forget what it

does to the league table and three points, psychologically it was

important for Manchester United to hold onto that. Very important win.

Big performances, Mkhitaryan with another impressive performance. Took

his goal incredibly well. Herrera and Carrick dominated the midfield.

The two best players I thought were Marcos Rojo and Jones. Considering

the opposition they were against, Kane, Dele Alli, Eriksen and Son.

Rojo too strong for Harry Kane. This was a superb tackle, sending in way

he wants to send him, down the outside. Superbly timed tackle.

Again they try to go over the top and he reads well, clearing the

danger. And his mates next to him was also brilliant, Phil Jones.

Great header, clearing the danger. Reading the game in front of Dele

Alli. Again, Rojo clearing the danger. And this was a superb tackle

in the final minute. That has to be perfectly timed from Phil Jones, and

it was. Those two were brilliant. The big thing for Phil Jones, and we

have said it for a long time, he has the ability but he has to stay fit.

And he has to have a run in one position because he has been tried

in different places. I would have thought this is the longest he has

been played in his best position, centre-back. At the start of the

season he was probably fifth choice, Rojo may be forth behind the others.

A remarkable turnaround that they are playing fantastically well. Alan

Shearer praising them for doing their job... Yeah, it is. But on a

weekend as we have seen... With all the goals going in and sloppy,

diabolical defending, what these two did, they cleared the ball, defended

one against one, headed away, and did what defenders should do. Spurs

had no fluency. They didn't, I was disappointed with them, particularly

in the final third. Harry Kane had a really disappointing game. Dele Alli

didn't do anything. Eriksen and Son. They got into good positions where I

thought they could do something. Ian Bailey shooting from 30 or 40 yards.

-- Dembele shooting. Put the ball in the right area. Disappointing cross.

Dele Alli, can he slide the ball in behind four Danny Rose. It's a

sloppy pass. My one concern for Spurs, particularly in the big

games, do they have that player, that special player who can beat a

man one against one and can win a game on his own like Coutinho or

Payet. Somebody with that individual talent. The best chance of the game

from Wanyama and he should have scored. My concern for Spurs, good

set of players, brilliant coach, but they lack that special player. Do

you go along with that? I thought last year was a great opportunity

for them, but my concern for Spurs is they haven't improved that much.

They have spent a lot of money on players and looking at teams around

them who have improved like Chelsea and Liverpool. Tottenham have young

players but I don't think they have improved from last season. Ander

Herrera, another impressive Manchester United performer. He used

to be an unsung hero, now I think he's just a hero. United fans coming

away from the game will think Ander Herrera was brilliant, but you can't

remember what he did. He covered every blade of grass, ran the most

on the pitch from a United player. One the most tackles, regained

possession the most. I'm going to call him the fireman. Wherever there

is a problem on the pitch he puts out the fire. He covers for Pogba

when he becomes indisciplined. He has the energy to cover for Carrick

as well. A fantastic team player. He must be a joy to work with, a joy to

coach and a joy to play with. He keeps possession well, tackles

really well. He's infectious, and this pass-through, brilliant slide

through for Mkhitaryan who slots it away. It's a hell of a Finnish. I

think he's one of the first names Jose Mourinho will put on his team

sheet. If he is alongside Carrick, does that mean Carrick can play more

games, rather than one in every two? Does it mean they could be a

partnership for the season, if he has the legs for Carrick? I think

the continent each other well. Pogba has the flair, Carrick with the

class, and Herrera fills in the deficiencies of the others. Pogba is

indisciplined, and Carrick lacks that bit of energy and mobility now.

Parreira can cover them both. He's a fantastic player. -- Herrera. Now

you are bilingual, could you call him the fireman in Spanish? No! He's

not that good! Two of the Premier League's

form teams came head Chelsea, who have won eight

in a row, need a point to return to the top of the table whilst

West Brom are unbeaten in four. COMMENTATOR: A chance for Chelsea to

go top. West Brom arrived with three wins in four, but its 38 years since

they last won here in the league. Chelsea making one change to the

side that won 3-1 at Manchester City last weekend, Nemanja Matic

returning after a calf problem with Fabregas dropping to the bench.

Diego Costa has scored 43 goals in 68 league appearances for Chelsea

and has been on target in four of the last five games. Tony Pulis

flagged up a couple of injury doubts ahead of this one but both are

Gareth McAuley and James Morrison have recovered from Knox and are fit

to start in an unchanged West Brom starting XI. Chelsea beaten just

twice all season. 2-1 here by Liverpool in September and 3-0 at

the Emirates by Arsenal. Hazard ducks away from Yacob. Tries to get

away from Morrison. Diego Costa... Away from Dawson. Brilliant play by

Costa. The interception from Yacob puts it out of play on the far side

of the field but that was a wonderful piece of skill from Diego

Costa. Brilliant the way he got away from Dawson.

The Chelsea defence have been very tight in recent weeks, only

conceding two goals in the last eight matches in the Premier League.

Hazard away from Dawson. McAuley goes across. Short into Costa.

Lovely return and just a step away from picking out Pedro. There is a

nice intensity and early pace from Chelsea to this match.

West Brom with 20 points from their 14 matches so far, their best return

for four seasons. Evans with the ball forward into

Chris Brunt who rides clear of two Anschutz! He wasn't far wide. West

Brom's best efforts so far. Brunt saw the opportunity and was quick to

shoot. Costa with too much pace on the

return. Hazard couldn't control it. Rondon chases. Salomon Rondon has

done well for West Brom. Just wide of the goal. David Luiz has clearly

got his hands full here with Salomon Rondon. Getting away from the

Chelsea defender. Wide of the far post. Frank Lampard back in town to

watch the match. Pedro getting in ahead of Evans.

It's with Costa. Vital touch by Allan Nyom. Costa does well. N'Golo

Kante and a deflection from Pedro! Almost inside the post. I don't

think Pedro knew much about it. Still nearly ended up on the

scoresheet. Alonso is well forward on the far

side. Six West Brom players in a line outside their own penalty area.

Very quickly, as soon as Chelsea threatened to get into the final

third. Its Chelsea's first corner of the match. Chelsea going short.

Pedro whips it in towards Diego Costa. Tussling with Claudio Yacob

in the centre. Costa stretching, couldn't quite get there. He was on

the way down from his jumper before the ball arrived. Frustrating first

half for Chelsea. Pedro up towards Costa. Crunching

challenge. The referee will give Chelsea a free kick. Dawson steps

away, he's already had a yellow card. He will need to tread

carefully. Miss timed challenge from Dawson giving Chelsea a free kick.

David Luiz for Chelsea! Just wide of the post. It took a deflection. It

might have come off Eden Hazard. Chelsea need to do something to

change the direction of this match because West Brom will be happy with

it so far. Willian back to help out. Hasn't helped out much! Phillips in,

Rondon goes for it. Little deflection off Marcos Alonso. Hint

of a threat from West Brom. For the first time in a while.

Room for Azpilicueta. Matic tees it up and shoots. Always going wind. --

wide. A long-range, speculative effort. Little moment of inspiration

to make the breakthrough against a defence as organised as this one.

Azpilicueta, scored against Albion home and away last season. Willian

looking for an opening, with the shot. It's turning into that sort of

Sunday lunchtime for Chelsea. The possession predominantly

Chelsea's, but chances few and far between at either end of the pitch.

Costa chasing up against a McAuley. Costa has done well, away from

Gareth McAuley. What a sensational goal! Brilliant play from Diego

Costa. They have been so tight, strong, well organised, but Diego

Costa there, had the pace and determination. Finally, the skill,

to break their resistance. He muscled his way past Gareth McAuley,

and it was a superb goal. And a really rare moment of quality in

this opening 75 minutes or so. Mike Dean has just had a look at his

watch. We are almost done here at Stamford Bridge. This has to be the

last chance for West Brom. There goes the FINAL WHISTLE BLOWS Chelsea

win nine in a row in the league and they go clear at the top of the

table, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Diego Costa. A tough

game, but we knew this. We prepared for this situation. I think the

players were very good to play with patients. But today a good win. West

Bromwich Albion looked a difficult team to get past. Yes, it is a very

difficult team. It is a very compact team and it is very difficult to

fight between the lines. Very difficult to find the space and to

play and to score a goal. Finally, we scored and three points is the

most important thing for us today. When the majority of players get in

that position they keep the ball low and with his left foot as well, he

found the top corner. He was a constant threat but they dealt with

him very well. We do not really want to criticise anybody, the lads play

a lot differently than most play in the Premiership and our structure

and organisation was very good. The only criticism was the possession.

We have got better players than that. We created opportunities, but

not as many as we would have liked and that is the only criticism. We

have won nine games in a row and it is fantastic because this league is

very tough, it is a league with great difficulty and to win nine

games in a row means we are working very well. STUDIO: Nine in a row for

Chelsea. I know you thought that in some ways this was more impressive

than their win at Manchester City last week. Yes, it was. We have seen

teams set up differently against them. For me this was one of their

toughest games. They came up against a team that was so well organised

and drilled. Typical Tony Pulis. They worked all week on balancing

the team. They had Fletcher and they never gave Pedro or Diego Costa or

Eden Hazard any kind of space whatsoever. But look how many

numbers they have got behind the ball. It is impossible to get any

kind of space in the box. But what Chelsea did, which is impressive, is

they kept going and they kept battering down the door and they

kept moving the back eight West Brom and they knew eventually they would

get a chance. If you have got players of that skill, you will get

a chance in the game. I do not think they played well at all today, but

when that happens and you come up against a stubborn side, and that

was the only mistake of the game from Gareth McAuley, but when it

happens you look your big players to make a

difference. You are looking for one moment of brilliance and that is

brilliant. What a finish with his left foot. Gareth McAuley should

have got rid of it, but there was still a lot of work to do for Diego

Costa. They did not play well, move onto the next game. Just watch how

Gary Cahill pumped his fists at the end in celebration. Maybe they

thought this could be crucial at the end of the day. You cannot be

spectacular in every game. You look to the players to make a difference

and you say, we might get one chance today and it might be up to you guys

to go and win it and that is what happened to Chelsea today. You are

not going to play silky football every game. Hazzard is not going to

be fantastic every single game. But they have got a centre forward and

two winners who can win a game on their own and Diego Costa did that

today. They seem to be progressing quite serenely towards the title at

the moment. Any team that wins the title has to have a strong spine.

Leicester had that last season. It is no coincidence that the two teams

with the best spine are sitting at the top of the league, Chelsea and

Arsenal. Manchester City have brought in players to try and play

in a different way with a goalkeeper and it is not necessarily working.

Liverpool are not settled at all. But the two settled teams and the

ones with the biggest spines are Chelsea and Arsenal. When you say

strong spine does that mean settled spine? Arsene Wenger quite often

changes the midfield as well. It could be a mix. Does it have to be

settled? Look at the form Chelsea are in. Cesc Fabregas played last

week, but he put it back to his normal team today. It is the

goalkeeper, the two Central hearth in Arsenal, it is Sanchez up front.

There is always one of those midfielders in there. Yes, they are

the settled teams and they have got the biggest and strongest spines at

this moment in time. Sir Alex Ferguson was known for rotating, but

he never rotated his spine. If they lose a player, does that change it?

Liverpool lost Coutinho. Yes, it all depends on injuries. If Arsenal were

to lose Mesut Ozil Sanchez, and Chelsea were to lose Diego Costa or

Hazzard, so you are always rely on a bit of luck.

After being knocked out of the Europa League on Thursday night,

Southampton welcomed Middlesbrough to Saint Mary's.

A win for Aitor Karanka's side would take them above

Jay Rodriguez makes his second start in the season. Dusan Tadic will play

with a face mask due to a broken nose. Alvaro Negredo is ruled out

because of a slight injury. Just 13 goals each in 14 matches. Calum

Chambers aiming for a clean sheet against the club where he started

his career. Middlesbrough have lost just one of their last six in the

league. Southampton have just lost one of their half a dozen.

Roads with a shot. It was just put there by Fraser Forster. First

chance of the match going Middlesbrough's way. Jordan Rhodes

at close range should have stabbed it.

Southampton's first effort of the night. Looking for his first Premier

League goal of the season. Jay Rodriguez did not get too much

on it, but he was able to guide the ball towards the Middlesbrough goal.

It is Viktor Fischer. He could not score from the angle. It was blocked

once more. Viktor Fischer looking for his first goal. Since joining

them from Ajax. It was always going to be a tight angle. They were able

to keep them out. The shot was blocked on the way.

Boufal with the shot. It is blocked by Middlesbrough. Callum Chambers

was in the way. What a shot that is! Sofiane Boufal

gets his first goal for Southampton. He digs it out from under his feet.

The ball was curling away from Victor Valdes. Early in this

second-half Southampton make the breakthrough. Sofiane Boufal, the

Moroccan international, with a historic goal for the Saints. It is

their 500th home goal in the Premier League.

That was a tourist across in and it is only just over. He has only just

come on. Steve Davis with a run through the middle, not quite able

to guide the header downwards. It is a corner, it comes off the

goalkeeper. A second go at this late stage might just see it for the

Saints. What a chance for Southampton. Rodriguez with the

header, but the defender for Middlesbrough was in the right

place. He just stooped down and cleared it away.

Nathan Redmond goes across. How did that not go in? Unbelievable.

Redmond comes away with it. You can see Jay Rodriguez racing into the

penalty area and it is over by about a yard or so. This game shows strong

character from my players, my team. It was a difficult game to prepare

just three days after a big game. It shows a strong attitude and the

quality of the squad. I am very happy to score my first goal in

front of my fans in Southampton's Stadium. I want to say thank you to

all of the physios and all the people in Southampton who worked

with me when I was injured. This goal is for everybody. How good a

goal was that from your Moroccan striker? It is a goal with a lot of

quality of course. He played simply and he can make the difference

because he is quite fantastic. He can become an important player for

the squad. How much did you miss Alvaro Negredo and Gaston Ramirez

today? Yes, we missed them, but I always said we will win as a team

and we will lose as a team and we will play with the players. STUDIO:

It was not a brilliant game of football, but it was settled by a

brilliant goal. It was, and it was by a record signing, somebody they

have had to be patient with. He came with a bit of injury. He is a winger

who likes to dribble and take people on. He has got fantastic skill. At

times he makes the wrong decision and he takes a little bit too long

on the ball. He must have been told simplify your game a lot more

because he was outstanding in the second half. He was a constant

threat in the positions he took up. He is a box of tricks and he is

somebody that offenders will not like and not enjoy playing against

because you do not know what he is going to do. Look at the positions

he is taking up. Really difficult for full-backs to go in there. That

was an unbelievable shot with his left foot because he is a right

footed player. It is a brilliant strike from a player we will be

hearing a lot more about. He will also get more of an

opportunity after the Charlie Austin injury. He will be out for three or

four months with a shoulder injury. A bit like Karius, you have to be

patient with him. 23 years old, arrived with a knee injury. It'll

take time. Some similarities with Mkhitaryan as well. A forward

player, he likes to play free, and he needs time to bed in as an young

lad in English football. Do you worry about Middlesbrough? I do,

they mean defensively, but they have only scored 13 goals in the league,

which is the lowest. That's a concern. It must be so frustrating

as a centre forward in that team because they do not create a lot.

Ramirez, Negredo. That's what the forwards look for. If you give a

centre forward a chance or two every game, that's what you ask for and

it's up to them to take it. With baby better with two upfront? --

would they be better? Or is that too simplistic? That's the way Karanka

plays. He will not change for anybody. There are moans and groans

among the crowd sometimes, but they will not necessarily be more bold.

He has been successful with it. Would you change it? He has come up

to the Premier League with a certain style. He's a more defensive coach,

setting up his team is really defensively. He looks to

counterattack. They missed Ramirez and Negredo today. I think they will

be OK, they have that bit of extra quality. I expect you to defend

centre forwards. Shay Given has tweeted this evening, he never

thought he would see the day that he would stick up for the goalkeepers.

He nearly fell off his sofa. A dark day for football!

Here is the best of Saturday's action, starting at

COMMENTATOR: Vardy, heading to the penalty area. In on goal and end of

the scoring drought. Leicester City take the lead in the third minute.

Boy, he's waited for that. Christian Fuchs with the long throw

into the box. Slimani was in there with the setup. And its two! What a

cracking start for Leicester City. Andy King with a special.

Lovely ball away out towards Mahrez. Here's Vardy, and its three. How

about that for counterattacking football? Leicester once again are

in dreamland. The nightmares of recent weeks can be forgotten.

Risky backpass. Vardy there on a terrible angle. Was that over? And

Leicester City have a fourth against Manchester City. The goal-line

technology says Vardy hat-trick. Kolarov with it. That's a lovely

goal for Manchester City. At last, something to celebrate.

Zabaleta making a good run into the box. In towards Nolito. And they

have another! But it's Vardy's day, it's Leicester's Day at last.

Robertson. Robertson in. Is that a penalty? Mike Jones says it is. Oh

dear, dear, dear. Scott Dann has realised and pulled out of it. It's

Robert Snodgrass who will try to take full advantage. Snodgrass

scores, and he hammered it past Hennessey.

Snodgrass kept his nerve after not being able to keep his

Zaha. Puncheon with a dart to his right. It's a penalty for Palace.

It's soft, but more of a penalty than Hull got in the same box.

Benteke, and it's very coolly taken. A tale of two penalties at the KCom

Stadium. Zaha goes on. What a strike! That is

a thumper from Wilfried Zaha. You will do well to see a ball hit that

hard anywhere this weekend. into Diomande. Brilliant finish. The

long wait for a goal for Diomande is over.

Livermore onto it. He wanders through. And he strolls through to

score for Hull City. The Palace defence parted. Now it's up to Hull

to try to keep the lead. Zaha, Palace need more magic from

him now. And it's headed in by Fraizer Campbell. The former Hull

Mickey T has snatched two points away from Hull City.

Rangel, Routledge. The arm came up to the body. And a penalty has been

awarded. Denayer lifted up his arm, no question it hit it. You can't

underestimate the significance of taking the lead in a game between

two sides in the bottom three. And it's a responsibility he's happy to

take. In the opening five and a half minutes of the second half, Swansea

take the lead. Sigurdsson with a variety on the

corner. And it's paid off. Llorente makes it two to Swansea. Two goals

in three minutes. Montero clips it in. Llorente! They

are off the bottom of the table. STUDIO: You reverted to type in

those highlights, saying you should have bought Marshall should have

saved Zaha's shot. No chance! He didn't say that off-camera!

Time for the rest of Saturday's action.

COMMENTATOR: Joe Allen had some space. Oh, penalty! Joe Allen was

checked. Definite contact with the arm into the face. Petr Cech tries

to make himself as big as possible, but you don't stop those. Charlie

Adam, beautifully done. Arsenal are stringing the passes

together here. Bellerin. It's in, Walcott. That's number 100 in club

football for Theo Walcott. 95 for Arsenal and five for Southampton.

Arsenal level at 1-1. A chance here, and it's in. Ozil puts Arsenal in

front for the first time. Good anticipation by the Arsenal player.

No chance for the goalkeeper in that position.

Here's Sanchez. Yes! It's there. It's Alex Iwobi. The substitute has

done it within five minutes of coming on. It's 3-1 to Arsenal and

the game now is probably settled in their favour.

Swept forward by Barry. Lukaku is onside and he can finish. Romelu

Lukaku with his first goal since the end of October. His eighth of the

season. Everton have the lead at Vicarage Road.

Good cross, Okaka, 1-1. Stefano Okaka gets his first Watford goal.

Watford level. Up goes Deeney and it's in from

Sebastian Prodl. The home side have come from behind to take the lead.

Holebas prepares the corner kick. In-out the near post, and it's in.

Watford race into 3-1 lead. Walter Mazzarri begins to believe Watford

have rediscovered that winning habit.

Lennon's cross. Lukaku! He found a bit of room in that penalty area for

once. Good ball. Great control by

Hendrick. What a finish! That is fantastic. That's magnificent. Wow!

Steven Defour's corner. Free header, off the line and in the second time.

Stephen Ward makes it 2-0 to Burnley. Two goals in three minutes.

Both for Irish men. Simon Francis for Bournemouth. Benik

Afobe, 2-1. Right at the end of the first half. Burnley are furious

because one added minute was shown, and that goal was scored 15 seconds

into the second added minute. Clever, George Boyd, got the shot

away. It's 3-1. Through the legs of the defender and into the corner of

the net. Beautiful flick. It will take a mighty comeback from

Bournemouth to get anything from this.

A bit of space for Charlie Daniels to fix it and scores. Bournemouth

took the corner quickly and Charlie Daniels scores. It's 3-2.

Chelsea are three points clear at the top of the table.

Liverpool are six points behind Chelsea in third

after dropping points for a second consecutive game.

Sixth placed Manchester United have closed the gap

Southampton are into the top half of the table after beating

West Ham move out of the relegation zone although they are just two

points clear of Sunderland who are bottom.

Here's 2 Good 2 Bad... Amrabat was grateful for the position of the

steward at Watford. And he showed it. If you haven't got the club

shirt, then go in your dressing down. Better than going as a

Christmas tree. The traditional French greeting at Old Trafford, a

nice stroke of the ear. Twitter went mad for Mark Clattenburg standing as

if to take this free kick, like a certain someone. And at the start of

the second half, it took Guy Mowbray by surprise. Henrik -- Henrikh

Mkhitaryan's goal... I will start that again, got a mouthful of jelly

babies. After Jeff Hendrick's goal

for Burnley yesterday we thought we would leave you with some

of the Premier League's COMMENTARY MONTAGE: Great control

from Hendrick. What a finish. Absolutely stunning. What a goal!

What an absolute beauty. Tony Yeboah! It's in the! Rooney goes for

the extraordinary. It's an unbelievable goal. What a goal by

loaneeTugay. Gareth Bale, what a strike. My

goodness me, what a strike. Kasami, that's exceptional. Wilshere, what

about that?! Oh, what a screamer!