02/11/2013 Match of the Day

Hello there, when the football's as good as we have this week there's no

time to waste, eight games on the way including the top and bottom

three of the Premier League. In the studio this week we have the

footballing equivalent of the Mitchell brothers, Alan Shearer and

Danny Murphy. We start at the Emirates and a game

that promised much. Top of the table Arsenal, who are

the only team in the Premier League to have scored in every game, came

up against a Liverpool side whose front two have been unstoppable of

late. The commentator was Guy Mowbray.

Arsenal v Liverpool, it's one of the great games of English football,

they are tussling at the top again. It's the first time in over 16 years

when they have met as both as top three teams. Arsenal are eight games

unbeaten in the Premier League, they field a side one different from last

Saturday's win at Crystal Palace: no Wilshere today due to a slight

ankle problem. Glen Johnson is unwell. Flanagan comes in for his

first league game since April last year. Suarez has been the subject of

two high profile Arsenal bids in the summer.

COMMENTATOR: Ramsey, so full of confidence, five goals and three

assists in his last half a dozen Premier League games.

I think it needed saving by Mignolet. Good work by Rosicky, in

the first place. Cheeky evidence by the Cech.

Arsene Wenger's 43rd game as Arsenal manager against Liverpool. He has

won 16. They were one of his bogey sides in the early days in his

career as Gunners manager. Henderson has a clear run through.

Henderson has scuffed it. Didn't know which option to take. Great

work in the first instance. Dispossessed Cazorla.

Great chance this. Off the post! A good follow-up by Santi Cazorla.

What a good follow-up. What a noise around the Emirates. Arsenal one,

Liverpool nil. Santi Cazorla has his first goal of the season. Skrtel

could only watch it. Santi Cazorla had the second bite of the cherry.

He hits the jackpot. Couldn't do a Suarez, by powering a header from

distance. He was close to it though. He stayed switched on. That is a

thumping finish. The first goal of the evening goes to the Gunners.

They are trying to pass the ball in again. They can do it though. It's

Santi Cazorla! Well held, Mignolet. Someone has just pressed green for

go. All out attack from Arsenal. Sagna, he's holding him back. That

has to be a yellow card. Free-kick. Henderson will tap it in. The

whistle has long gone. He is saying that he took the free-kick quickly.

It wasn't a case of advantage, he simply got on with it by playing the

game from the free-kick. Same referee who controversial chalked

off a Sunderland goal against Arsenal.

Finds Ramsey again. Mignolet could only brush it up and away. Busy boy.

Flanagan, he can't get through two. Giroud.

Giroud moving into the space that was left. Santi Cazorla. Always

wide. Mignolet knew that. Glorious attacking play from Arsenal again.

He tries to angle it back inside the post. It's going to be half-time

Liverpool change. Cissokho's number is up, coming on is Coutinho. A

slight change of shape, it would seem to be four in defence.

Sturridge in the middle. It has come to Hernedson.

It has to go back to Skrtel. It's picked off by Olivier Giroud, who

can't find the target. What will that mean for the game as a whole? A

big chance missed by Olivier Giroud. He has not missed much this season.

Giroud. Went for the toe-poke this time. Arsenal chances are falling to

the man they would want them to come to, Giroud, eight goals this season,

two in his last two games. Brilliant shot. What a goal. Aaron

Ramsey's season just gets better and better.

He didn't really need to think about it. Everything's flying in for the

Welsh man. That's 10 goals this season. He's almost doubled his

tally of goals for the Gunners in the space of three months. That's

ex-squibs it. Dump -- exquisite. Sturridge. Suarez takes over. Just

getting the feeling now it won't go in for Suarez or Sturridge today,

but with that pair you can't really ever say never.

Ozil, he's in. He tried to catch Mignolet out. Quick reactions from

the Liverpool keeper. A quick ball out too.

Ah, Szczesny, dear me, when it's going for you, it's going for you.

That would have been a ridiculous way to allow Liverpool back into the

game, they might be yet. Suarez. He can't find the target. Sturridge

looks at his strike partner and says - surely you should have found me. I

think we can say now, after that, that this is not Liverpool's day.

There have been terrific performances this season, is that as

good as it has been? Yes. We had a great convincing performance today.

We had some good games. Because it was not always against opponents who

fight for the Championship, people are a bit sceptical, that's why it

was important to turn up today with that kind of performance. It was

never going to be over until that final whistle went. You could seele

right through to the end. The players kept pushing. They kept

pushing. There was still half an hour to go and it's 2-0. We just

didn't have that wee bit of good fortune or finishing quality to get

the goal. Seven goals in your last Premier League games, you scored six

in your previous 101, how does that happen? I don't know. I'm feeling a

lot more confident now in situations in front of goal. You know, I'm

feeling confident and comfortable in situations like that to put the ball

in the back of the net. I think that has been the biggest change. I've

felt like I've gone into positions where I could score, but I have been

rash in the past. That has been the biggest improvement. Wonderful and

remarkable turn around in fors tunes for Aaron Ramsey. He was an

important player today in an impressive display from Arsenal.

They were too good for Liverpool. They were superb. Way Liverpool was

set up with three at the back - The way they have been momentum? Yes,

not against the quality they came up against today. What I felt the back

three gave Liverpool in recent games is a solid base. When you don't have

possession. We see these three up against Giroud. You see Rosicky

playing the ball into Giroud. They don't know who is coming from where.

Sakho is being pulled out here of the back three. This is the goal.

The two are preoccupied with Giroud they are not picking up the midfield

runners again, coming from deep. Five guys are rotating in positions.

Giroud is up against the back three. Arsenal had so am possession. You

see the back three in the line. Ramsey coming from deep. Toure gets

dragged out, gets done on a give and go. This went on and on in the first

half am you see the three here up against Giroud on his own. Ramsey

from deep. Toure doesn't see him until lay. He is in between, do I

go, do I stay? He didn't finish with a chance. That happened in the first

half. In the second-half, what you found, Liverpool went to a

traditional 4, 4, 2, if you like, more passes. Better possession. Were

in the game a lot more. Made more chances. Of course it has worked in

different games. When you come up against good opposition you have to

dvrp -- will have problems. You can't stop that, can you? He has

been the best player in the Premier League this season, by a long way, I

think. He was fantastic again today, as was Ozil and Giroud. He played a

great centre performance. Centre forward performance. In recent games

we have seen Flamini protecting the back four, Arteta did that today.

They had a threat in Suarez and Sturridge. They seem to have great

strength in-depth in midfield. I asked you last week whether Arsenal

could win the league. We put that out for a Twitter vote, do that if

you want, to you said no. I will say no at this moment in time. At this

moment they haven't played what I consider the big three that will

challenge the title, Chelsea, City and United. Until they have played

those three I will say no. Can they win it, briefly? Not for me. All

right. After Hart-ache at Chelsea,

Manchester City were back on home turf for the visit of Norwich. The

Canaries were the last Barclay's Premier League side to win at The

Etihad, but started the day in the bottom three. Jonathan Pearce was

watching as was England's number one.

Joe Hart has been left out of the Manchester City side. Pellegrini

highlighting the need for better defensive concentration. Pantilmon

makes his debut 27 months after joining. Negredo starts. Garcia is

injured. Norwich have recalled Whittaker and

Johnson. They have had a tricky run of fit

fixtures in the last four games. That was a good run against Norwich.

But he poked it wide. A lovely touch back. The keeper had it covered

anyway but it was coming at him. A good build-up. A second chance,

and Aguero schools. Very, very fortunate. A huge deflection, Aguero

takes the claim -- acclaim. A sweet build-up, clean sheet and Silva. It

hit Brad Johnson on the way through. It bounced back and looped over the

goalkeeper. They need to get points on the

board, the pressure will mount on the manager Forshaw. -- for sure.

The first touch was brilliant. Pushing it back, Silva arriving,

that is 2-0. Silva got the goal but it was the touch of Aguero which

created it. Two goals in four minutes. A brilliant touch,

cushioned away from the defender. He spotted the defended run. John Ruddy

will not want to see it again. The Norwich goalkeeper will feel he

could have done better. Norwich look the beaten team already.

Manchester City have a corner. As he looks on, Chris Hughton will be wary

his side could be under the hammer today. They started defensively.

They are not good enough to cope with Manchester City. It is 3-0.

Nastasic from the back. Atoning for last week's error. Allowed to get

the header in, on goal. Just deflected from the defender.

Well played, Manchester City come he tried to cut it back to Aguero.

Manchester City are playing very well. Norwich are very poor. Nasri

with the corner. It is loose... A great block by Russell Martin.

Brilliant, into Aguero, that was exquisite! Row -- the move was

breathtaking. They have been outstanding.

Have a look at Toure, big man, such a delicate touch, just onside.

Finished by Negredo. Sheer quality from Toure. Manchester City again at

home are in dominant form. That is his six this season.

Giving it away again. That was a risk. Armando should have scored. --

Elmander. He should have taken it. Was he being pulled back, Zabaleta?

A good save. Aguero into the side netting. Manchester City so close to

a fifth. That is a free kick, it was a foul.

He took his foot away, a free kick for Manchester City. Approaching the

hour. Yaya Toure. An absolute belter. 5-0

to Manchester City. Bending for the moment it -- from the moment it left

his boot. A wonderful season for Yaya Toure.

Bassong mishit it, Aguero hasn't. The biggest Premier league win of

the season and Aguero has another against Norwich city. Really poor

defending. A smart finish. His lethal run continues. For Norwich,

it has been a nightmare. Norwich have made it easy to

criticise them but Manchester City have been out of this world at

times. A great run into the gap but it was

squeezed wide by the goalkeeper, that was a decent save, as the rain

swept into his face. The defeat at Chelsea hasn't not the stuffing out

of Manchester City. -- knocked. And, that is seven. A steady build-up.

When the ball came in, Norwich should have dealt with it better

than they did. Norwich are crestfallen. On this form, in

wretched trouble. Manchester City's biggest win over the Canaries. At

home, they are lethal. We played really well, we moved the

ball quickly. We were always pressing in every part of the pitch.

And the same through the 90 minutes. The fact they got their goals early,

it put us on the back foot to start with. Every time they attacked, you

feared it would be a goal. That affects how the team are set up once

you have conceded if you goals. It can only be asked to put things

right. When you're in the top level you

have to something special. Today, I got lucky and I am happy.

How confident are you that you are the manager to turn it around?

I have confidence in my ability and in the changing room. We have been

in this position before. Last season, our start wasn't as good. We

haven't been on the back of a defeat like we are today. That is certainly

new to me and to some of these lads. We need to make sure we put it to

bed as quickly as possible. We don't have any choice but to be far better

next week. Will this be a blistering attack on

Norwich? Mostly how shocking Norwich were

from the first minute to the last. No pressure on the ball. Players not

working hard to close city down. There has to come a time when you

get into the final third and you start to press them with urgency.

That one run, it goes past four players. It is far too easy. As good

as it is from Manchester City, that is poor.

Poor defending from Turner and Bassong. He is in them, Aguero. It

is simple. Ruddy doesn't cover himself in glory either.

5-0. We saw them at 0-0 with no pressure. Look how embarrassing that

is, passing with ease. No pressure on the ball. It is so comfortable

for them. Why would a team play that way

against a side as good as Manchester City?

They were outclassed. That sums it up. An easy clearance but it was

sloppy and lazy. A terrible day for Chris Hughton. He will be hurting.

He is under pressure. He won't sleep for a few days after

that. And Manchester City.

At home, they have been terrific. A mention, their goalkeeper, Joe

Hart was out. I still think he is England's number

one. But the games coming up, it was a chance to give the other keep a

go. He has been unfairly criticised, Joe Hart. The amount of hype

surrounding him, it was probably right to give him a breather.

You see -- he is a good goalkeeper, he will be back.

The day's early kick-off was at St James' Park where Newcastle were

hoping for a lift, following their north-east derby defeat to

Sunderland. Wasn't going to be easy, though. They faced a Chelsea side

that knew a win would put them top, for a while, at least. Alistair Mann

saw this one. Their defeat in February he was

Chelsea's first at St James 's Park since 2006. The odds do seem that

against Newcastle repeating those heroics today.

An opportunity for David Luiz and John Terry to amble forward. Terry.

Onto the bar. Still not cleared. In the end, helped over by the

backpedalling Krul. Terry met that fully enough and it was onto the

bar. Krul did his best to reach it. He couldn't. On the looping second

ball, he helped it over the bar. Copious notes being put onto paper.

The Referee Waves Play On. Cole's Cross Is Gathered Comfortably By Tim

Krul. Chelsea Are The Only Side To Have

Won A Corner In This Half. This Is Their Fifth.

Twice Now Newicals Have Been Caught Out By A Corner.

On The Counter Attack, It Was Driven Goal-bound.

Newcastle Have Won Two Of The Last Meetings Between These Two Sides.

Away by Lampard. Still with Newcastle.

Straight into the body of Petr Cech. That is what Alan Pardew once

and what the Newcastle supporters were waiting to see, a little

sustained pressure. A good ball, finding Cabaye. He has

a new strike partner in Cisse. Bringing in Gouffran. Taking on

Ivanovic and hitting it towards that the post. Petr Cech which boast --

with both hands easing it out of the way. Petr Cech is having to earn his

wages. A free kick to Newcastle, one of the biggest cheers.

Instructions From Alan Pardew. He Will Deliver The Free-kick. Good

Delivery As Well. Powered In By Gouffran.

He is spinning just beyond the goal. Eto'o says there is a handball

involved. Where was the handball? I think it does brush Islam. De

Schlupp brush his arm. Could that be deemed the deliberate handball? Good

block by Tim Krul. Blocked by the knee of Debuchy. Tim Krul with his

first save of the second half and then Debuchy with the second block.

That was a hopeful punt forward. Plenty of time for some time. Aimed

towards Remy and took it in his stride. He has the ambition.

Obertan. A Little Bit Of Keep Ball At The Moment For Newcastle. Tooit.

On Towards Remy. Game over. Newcastle have beaten Chelsea once

again. Looks can say a great deal. Jose Mourinho knows his side sl

dominated possession. He has to admit in the second-half, Newcastle

have been the better side. They have a second goal to confirm the win.

Anita did well. That was only going in one direction. The ripple at the

back of the net that her alled the roar around St James' Park. A famous

win for Newcastle. We had a little gameplan to conserve our energy

today And crank it up as the game went on. We were cautious at the

start and wouldn't let them play for us. Second-half we had the options

to substitutes and energy. We got a goal at a great time. A fabulous day

for Newcastle United. I'm angry because I don't understand why,

after fantastic line of matches and performances, we have this game. I

was expecting to lose my next game when the opponent was fantastic,

when you were very unlucky, were, for some reason, you couldn't get

the result. But to lose a match when you feel that your players are not

tired because they were not in the least, it's what - I don't like.

It's a feeling I don't like. It's something I have to fight. Did he

give you an assist on that opening goal? You had a long chat before

that free-kick? He has a brilliant shape when he shoots. I said whip

them on the back. He hit it perfect. It dipped at the right time.

Gouffran put his head on it. It's nice. We will have a spring on our

step on Monday morning and enjoy today. It's remarkable. When you

think Chelsea are on a run and getting things going and beat

Manchester City. Chelsea didn't make it happen. Newcastle had 39%

possession the whole game. Chelsea lacked pace with the football. They

just didn't have the fizz we saw Arsenal earlier in the show. We saw

them pinging it around with pace and aggression with a football. Chelsea

didn't happen for them today with that. Pardew was right. Newcastle

had a really good gameplan. They sat deep. They were compact. They had

their lines correct. They wanted to stay in the game until the

second-half. They stayed in the game. With Remy, they had a match

winner, I thought, he gave Chelsea big problems in the second-half. He

was willing to run at them. He took three players out of the game there.

He was aggressive with the football. He gave them problems. Again, we saw

him take three out here. With his first touch, his second touch. This

one, two gets in behind them. He did that for 45 minutes. They couldn't

really handle him. This is what defenders hate, running towards

their own-goal keeperment he was willing to run and behind also. I

was very, very impressed with him. Good tackle by Terry. Not a great

movement for his goal Remy. He did enough. A little half yard. Terry

went to the near-post. That is a great finish with his left foot. His

performance deserved that goal. It really did. A big win for Newcastle.

You mentioned a lack of sharpness to their game, Chelsea. Defensively -

Lacked creativity and poor at the back, which is unusual for Chelsea.

Again, in the second-half, David Luiz, what he is doing here, I just

don't know. That is a cop out of a tackle. It is a copout a defender

who doesn't want to get hurt. He should go through - He makes

mistakes week in and week out. Cole gets caught out of potion here. Good

ball off Debuchy. John Terry should come across. Makes the decision not

to. They were fortunate to get away with it. Newcastle did a free-kick

similar to this against Liverpool from the other side. This shouldn't

be unknown to Chelsea who would have known that. Eight players. No-one is

picking Gouffran up at all. Gets the freedom, make as simple run round

the back. It's a brilliant ball off Cabaye. No-one goes with him at all.

It's a very, very good header. Newcastle, I have to say, were

worthy winners of that match today. Mourinho was right, Chelsea were

poor in that game. It's funny, an unpredictable season. You talked

about the three clubs, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea

being inconsistent, the only side consistent is Arsenal, both of you

have completely ruled them out of winning the title? Only the moment.

Newcastle dug in when they weren't playing so well in the first half.

Doing the nasty bits well. Manchester United tend to enjoy a

trip to London. They haven't lost in the capital for

11 league games. They faced a Fulham side, knocked

out of the League Cup by Leicester in midweek, thought it worth

reminding you of that. At Craven Cottage for us was Steve

Wilson. The good, the bad and the Berbatov, hot and cold is how he has

been described. He is still Manchester United's record signing.

Sometimes so good, it's almost moving. Sometimes it's almost hard

to fell he is moving. At the other end of his career, Jan Jan returns

for -- Jancker returns for Manchester United.

# -- Januzaj. Fulham have possession.

David Moyes looks anxious. They have had three back-to-back victories at

Old Trafford since the draw with Southampton.

Real problem on that far side in that last of the day's sunshine. He

hopes there won't be close calls where he can't really see that well.

Rooney, he is onside here. Wayne Rooney, if he finish it, he set up

Valencia. He scores! Fulham nil, Manchester United one. Valencia

scores the goal. Put on the plate for him by Wayne Rooney. He is

unselfish here, Rooney. When it's played through to him he is very,

very close to being offside. I think he's level. He tuck it is square to

Valencia. Rooney judged that run to perfection. Had a look up and saw

that Valencia was better placed. Manchester United are in front.

Despairing lunge from Richardson on the other side could do nothing.

Great ball. Berbatov for Fulham. I think that was a brilliant piece of

defending. That is real encouragement for Fulham, all

because of a Scott Parker pass. Here he is again.

Robin van Persie, 2-0. Manchester United have clear blue water between

them and Fulham now. Robin van Persie. Parker furious there because

he felt he had been fouled by Januzaj. Van Persie very close to

being offside as well. Firstly, was that a foul. Parker thought so.

Januzaj carried on. Is van Persie beyond Senderos?

He has made that decision from the shade now. The son is no longer full

in his face. Cleverly through. Three onto three. Van Persie looks for

Rooney. 3-0 to Manchester United and we are only in the 22nd minute of

the game. Fulham are falling apart here. Manchester United have picked

up for them and ripped them to shreds, all in the space of 12

minutes. Full asking for offside, again, it

doesn't go their way. It is a tap in for Rooney.

An absolute horror show for Fulham. He might have had the sun shining in

his eyes earlier on, but I think the referee has got three out of three

right. Berbatov on the turn. Decent save,

but Berbatov will be disappointed he didn't make it harder for the

keeper. That wasn't far-away. Beautifully

struck. Martin Jol will need a better

performance from his players in this second-half.

It is deflected, it's an own goal. It is Wayne Rooney. Full have won

from a very unlikely source. Kacaniklic hit it but this was an

own goal by Wayne Rooney. Bent's header is looping onto the

crossbar. Here, it looked like it was being teed up for a shot from

Kacaniklic, then Berbatov arrived and nearly set up Bent.

A header from Richardson, it's a great chance.

He will be really disappointed. Coming in the 89th minute, it might

not have been enough for Fulham to actually salvage a point from the

game. A minimum of three added minutes.

There's a scrap for possession here. Lee Probert has to get involved

here. It is all suddenly kicking off. Suddenly there was a flash

point. Very difficult for Lee Probert to identify what happened

here. Riether has stood on Januzaj. I don't know if the referee would

have been able to see that. Riether might have got fortunate there but I

don't think United have. They deservedly win this game.

I felt Robin and Wayne really played well. They scored goals and set up

the goals. It's good for the team, good for them individually. I'm very

pleased for them. Some probably aren't behind you now, what would

you say to those who were chanting, Martin Jol out? We could have

probably had a result today but nobody expected us to win today. On

the other hand, I think we've got a good team. I think we are able to do

that, but not today. And after the game I spoke to the

United manager David Moyes. It must make for a relatively relaxing

afternoon when you have such a good start as you enjoyed. As a manager

you always want to get off to a good start in games, and we did. We were

fantastic for 20 minutes or so. We scored three and was a great start.

Once again, Rooney and van Persie scoring the goals, you must be

encouraged by the way they are playing together now. I'm beginning

to start to see signs of a partnership. They are creating goals

for each other. There's another couple of moves between it as well,

they tried to make things happen again. It's a dying breed, centre

forwards. The Premier League this year seems to have got a few good

partnerships. I know we've got one here. It is unusual when a team is

three up to see a manager makes three substitutions at half-time. We

got three injuries. Tom Cleverley have that bit of double vision, Rafa

went over on his ankle and Jonny Evans' back seized up. The team had

played really well in the first half, but great credit to Martin Jol

and his team. They fought really hard for their manager in the second

half and made a real game of it. Ten Premier League games into the season

now. You've won the last boar games in all competition, seven unbeaten.

Are you getting more comfortable with the role now, are you feeling

this is perhaps your team? It's always been my team, since I took

over from Sir Alex. When you come into any new job it can take time to

settle in. It has a little bit for us. I'm chesty and I did over the

years have sometimes made slow starts and got better as the season

has gone on. That hopefully is the case and we will hopefully get

better this season as well. The players have been fantastic, great

to work with. The habits they have got from the previous manager. More

importantly, their winning mentality is what I want to see every day.

Thank you for talking to us. Glad he seems to be finding his feet

and getting results, building them together. Spring in their step now.

A big fan of David Moyes. I never had any doubts with them finishing

in the top four. Whether they have enough to win the league now, I'm

not sure. I'm not sure whether David Moyes knows his best team yet. There

seems to be a lot of variation. It may be to do with injury but I'm not

sure he knows his best 11. But with van Persie and Rooney in the team

they've always got a chance. Life is a lot easier when you can go three

up in 20 minutes. Was it made easy for them? It was made easy. When you

play Man United at home, you expect intensity, passion, closing down.

up in 20 minutes. Was it made easy for them? It was made easy. You

always want help in the central midfield. Jones here, oceans of

space. The two strikers have no awareness of where he is. Parker and

Sidwell have to drop off. This happened all game. This was a

brilliant example of Vidic, the centre half, taking five, six,

seven, eight, coming into your half and there's no real intensity in the

pressure from Berbatov. And he's got the captain's armband, he should be

setting the example. This leads to the first goal. For me, Fulham

didn't give themselves a chance. You can't sit of Man United and let them

dictate. Here, oceans of space. Miles away from each other, not

working together. When there is no pressure on the ball, the back four

squeezes up. It is suicide. 3-0, game over. This, he was a lucky boy.

He has kicked him initially and Riether has stamped on him. It's the

only bit of aggression that Fulham showed in the game, and in the wrong

way. This, for me, as a Fulham ban and someone who's been there a long

time, that wouldn't have happened. A smile on the face because he's got

the United shirt on, that is an acceptable.

In David Moyes' defence, he was probably let down a bit in the

summer with the signings. You get the feeling that he is getting to

know his players a little bit more. They are feeling a bit more

comfortable with him and, likewise, him with his players. As home debuts

go, it doesn't get much better for a new Sunderland manager than victory

over Newcastle. Steven Fletcher scores for

Sunderland. We have liftoff! Debuchy scored.

He has smashed it home! Red and white delight. Sunderland two,

Newcastle United one. Could Gus Poyet build on that result against a

Hull team unbeaten at the KC Stadium since they returned to the

top-flight? Commentary by Dan O'Hagan.

Scatter mole here. Got away from Livermore despite heavy first touch.

It is tight, edgy and anxious so far at the KC Stadium. It is Davis who

has gone down. Sagbo scores for Hull City. An own

goal of Weller's head, perhaps? -- Weller.

There is McShane turned away. The flag is up. The goalkeeper gets the

decision. Brave, Westwood, as he went flying in with the boots from

McShane. Both have come off in some difficulty.

He cuts a fairly disconsolate figure as he is led away, Kieren Westwood.

Here comes Manolo. 31 league players dashed bad games here in a couple of

league spells. There's going to be a card coming

here for Cattermole. The red card comes out.

Cattermole can be a ticking time bowl -- time bomb.

Andrew Marriner called across by the fourth official. The manager gets at

least a telling off here. This is going to be a final warning

for him. Another card coming here. Another

red card! My word, what the first half for Sunderland! It's a wretched

day, a dreadful tackle, too. Two red cards in the first half.

Even Gus Poyet has to admit that the red card.

a deflected shot, it is pushed away well. A smart save. It takes in Nick

on the way through which makes the goalkeeper's job a lot tougher. The

team are digging in. Regrouping. Making the best of the worst of

situations. Adam Johnson, what a save by Harper!

Adam Johnson, so close. Livermore shoots, against the post.

On the rebound, he could not react to it.

First, Livermore against the post. Adam Johnson denied by Steve Harper.

A heavy challenge by Brady. Over to the referee. A yellow card this

time. To the chorus of Sunderland jeers.

I thought the first half was a really poor game, I have to be

honest. The second half, it got worse. To be fair to Sunderland, the

defending, we always needed a second one to calm everyone down.

Do you think with Cattermole, a player's reputation can explain a

lot. I thought for a minute the player

was going to the hospital. I know what he is like at a

competitor. In today's football, you can't make that challenge any more.

It is difficult to comment. I would like the pundits to comment. To

comment on the Cattermole tackle, the last one on Adam Johnson, B

Kieren Westwood tackle. It depends who you are. It is difficult.

Has he got a point? With Cattermole, you can't tackle like that. Five

years ago, that is probably a yellow card. Look at his reaction. It is

dangerous, reckless. You will get a red card if you lunge in.

That is a disgraceful challenge. A leg breaker. That puts people out,

it finishes careers. There is no excuse. It is calculated, nasty,

vicious. I am glad the lad is OK. A leg breaker. That is horrific. The

cat all -- Cattermole one was unlucky. He is saying that is a bad

one. He wanted you to look at the

challengers from the other side. What did you make of those?

I thought the first one, McShane, a hard challenge. Either player could

have got injured. I don't think that should be in discussion at all. That

is a committed challenge from two brave players.

That one, Brady left the ground with two feet. It is dangerous. The

referee effectively should have sent him off. Just there, he is off the

ground, out of control. Similar to Cattermole.

You can understand Gus Poyet's disappointment. I still advocate

referees having common sense. Credit to Hull City, 11 points from

15 at home. They have been brilliant.

We've seen a couple of decent strikes already but, on Match of the

Day two, you're guaranteed ten absolute corkers. We think October's

goal of the month could be the best ever.

Pretty good. You'll be able vote for your favourite.

There's also the rather large matter of the first Welsh derby in top

flight history, as Cardiff host Swansea.

Everton v Spurs is the other game. And in the meantime: we have seven

goals shared between Sheffield Wednesday and breading.

After the drama between Watford and Leicester, we have another talking

point with a bizarre goal. And we go to Bristol city who continue to

struggle. Join us after Match of the Day.

Match of the Day two Extra will be back Sunday lunchtime.

Don't forget, all the action is available on the iPlayer from Monday

night. It's five clean sheets in six games

for high-flying Southampton. Their opponents Stoke have conceded just

twice at home this season. You might think that a goal could be a long

time coming. You'd be wrong. Martin Fisher saw this one.

The goals of Peter Crouch couldn't prevent Southampton being relegated

in 2005. Stoke hope his return to form will help them climb away from

the danger zone. Only Robin Van Persie has scored against Boruc in

their last six games. Mark Hughes turned 50 yesterday. Three points

would be an ideal birthday present. A blustery day at the Britannia

Stadium. It is always cold and windy here. Earlier, it was pouring with

rain. Oh, my word! Begovic has just scored. Boruc has only scored --

conceded three goals all season. Almost too embarrassed to accept the

congratulations of his team-mates because he knows how the other guy

at the other end is chilling. Look at the wind get hold of that. What

an incredible start to the Britannia Stadium. Stoke City have been

desperately searching for goals at home. Nobody in this crowd would

have put any money at all on the number one to break their duck which

has lasted here since August 24. Begovic, the fifth goalkeeper to

score in the Premier league. Schmeichel, Friedel, Robinson, Tim

Howard before. That is a corner for Stoke.

Southampton are trying to look cool, calm and composed, they are

rattled. The first corner of the game. Stoke always dangerous in set

pieces, none more so than now. Shawcross should have put that in.

Excellent defending from Shawcross. The conditions are making life

uncomfortable for both sets of players but making it an interesting

spectacle for spectators. How did that stay out? He scored the winner

at Liverpool. Involved in the equaliser at Old Trafford. Lovren

should have levelled it there. Stoke City starting the day above the

relegation zone courtesy of a better goal difference by Norwich City.

Lovely football from Southampton. Looking for Rodriguez. What a goal!

Bearing in mind the blustery conditions, Southampton have just

scored a supreme team goal. Fluid, passing movement, Ward-Prowse,

Lallana heavily involved. Rodriguez somehow gets the ball to bounce in

front of Begovic. And beyond it into the back of the net. All the noise

from the Southampton fans. They travelled in their numbers, and why

not, given Southampton's terrific form this season.

A terrific save by Boruc. The man embarrassed earlier in this game,

reveals himself with that saved. This will be Stoke 's third home

draw of the season. Appeals for handball. The referee

would have had a good view. Schneiderlin with a strong appeal.

The cross from Clyne, deftly captures the back of the arm of

Pieters. Last week at White Hart Lane, Spurs got a penalty in a knot

dissimilar situation. Into the last ten minutes. I wouldn't be surprised

if you offered Mark Hughes a point, he would grab it with both hands.

Just drifted away from Boruc's left-hand post. The referee has

checked his watch. Play continuing. A great chance. What a save by

Begovic. The flag was up anyway, it would not have counted. For a

moment, Stoke City thought Ramirez was going to win the game for

Southampton. He is onside. It is academic because Begovic made the

save anyway. It wouldn't have counted. The flag had been raised.

TRANSLATION: It was a very tough game, the weather conditions were

very hard for us and made it difficult to establish our way of

playing. We showed a lot of resilience after conceding that goal

early on. It has been difficult to pick up

points. Today, it was important to get points on the board.

And unfortunate incident. It caught the wind, bounced. I feel bad for

him, it's not nice being on the receiving end. But it gave us one

point today. What happened happens. I will take

those two points back in the next couple of games.

An extraordinary start to the game. Probably the fastest goal by a

keeper. It caught everyone by surprise.

Everyone could see by the conditions, it was obviously

downwind. He was caught out. Bizarre.

I like the humility in celebrating. He kind of looked disappointed at

one point. I'm not sure we will see that again this season. But a good

point for Stoke, they needed something on the board after recent

performances. He joins Stoke's top goal-scorers.

Will he mention that to his fellow strikers?

Southampton have Arsenal and Chelsea away, a test them.

They have made a fantastic start. They have nothing to lose, they can

play with confidence. Still no word on who will replace

Ian Holloway at Crystal Palace. Caretaker boss Keith Millen took

charge again for the game at the Hawthorns where they looked to end a

run of six straight Premier League losses, against a West Brom side who

lost their first game in six last week at Anfield. Watching for us was

Steve Clarke has signed two new strikers in the summer. Neither have

managed to score a goal yet for West Brom. So Shane Long returns to the

starting 11 today. Chamakh has summed up Pallas's boar stop to the

season. He's appeared in all nine of their league games but has only had

two shots at target. In 2005, West Bromwich Albion had their greatest

escape from relegation. Saved by Myhill. Still in play for

Guedioura. This chance was very much against

the run of play but it was effective. Keith Miller admits he is

not the man to take the club on himself. Whoever does come in would

be very grateful if he could take any points from this game today.

Sessegnon looks... Brilliant! The substitute breaks the deadlock. Look

how he was so calm here. He didn't panic, picked his spot, wasn't

worried about power. Well picked out from Sessegnon as well. Hardly any

backlift. That is a poacher's goal. Kevin Phillips on the bench would

have been proud of that one. One minute before half-time is the

perfect time to score for West Bromwich.

Easy to forget that this is Steve Clarke's first managerial job.

He's a young striker losing with confidence. -- losing with

confidence. He has got it through to Chamakh.

Puncheon again. He did brilliantly to get a shot on target there. There

were a line of defenders in front of Puncheon. Chamakh wasn't too keen to

take it on himself. They have had to ride their luck a little bit in this

second half. There have been opportunities.

It was going to have to be something very special to trouble the

goalkeeper from there. He has given the corner.

Oh, dear! He looked certain to score. His head seems to ricochet

backwards at the strange angle as the ball hits it.

Sessegnon in the penalty area. He pulls it back. What an opportunity

for Brunt. That was a killer ball from Amalfitano. You would have

expected a bit more urgency from Crystal Palace if they are to catch

up with Steve Clarke's team. Gabbidon cleared it away. A corner

to West from. -- West Brom. Quite a few fans shivering in the cold and

wet. There's a chance! McCauley is the

two goal cushion that West Bromwich Albion have craved. McCauley has

already scored in the Premier League this season against Sunderland in

September. West Bromwich have only had one win in their last eight

league games at the hawthorns. They are surely going to take all three

points here now. The most important thing was the

result. We had a disappointing result last week in Liverpool. At

home, we lost the first two home games. It was important we started

to build up a home record. As a spectacle, maybe we can only

apologise a little bit but the conditions were difficult as well.

For some reason the pitch seemed to play a little bit slow today. It

wasn't a classic, but the important thing was the three points. I am

proud of them but I am proud of them but I'm also angry and disappointed

because they deserved more from it. There are two games now where you

couldn't ask anymore as far as effort and commitment and their

quality to create chances. Unfortunately, key moments have cost

us in both boxes and we've got to address that. You've got to be

ready. The gaffer says you've got to make sure you are ready to affect

the game and change it. It was great that we won it. The players may be

need little bit more belief. It's a tough run when you are losing this

many games. But the players have got to keep working hard like they have

been. They certainly need it to turn quickly. Interesting aspect of the

game was the substitution. It was quite an aggressive substitution.

It was, because Berahino came on for a full-back. He is a super talent. I

wish he would stop scoring because I can't pronounce his name very well.

The finish here with his left foot, lovely touch, took its time. Young

English player, another talented one. West Bromwich Albion desperate

to keep him. There's talk of a new contract for him. Who should Crystal

Palace go for? The bookies aren't often wrong. They must know

something on Chris Coleman. Good guy.

Our final game this week was the clash of the claret and Blues. Well,

one had to change so Aston Villa popped on their sort of florescent

yellowy-green number and hoped to score for the first time in four

games. West Ham had their own concerns, they've lost their last

three at home. John Motson was at Upton Park. A handy return for

Morrison, as they've been laying in the Premier League without a

recognised centre forward. That is the case again today.

Gaskell Lane and makes the save. We saw him do this against Manchester

City the other week. Eight of the seven Premier League meetings here

between these two clubs have ended in draws. But most of the games

between them have been very close indeed, even when one or the other

has got the edge. That was a desperate clearance. This will bring

Tomkins forward. At the moment it is noble on the ball. The drive by Rat.

Weimann was in his own half and he's away. Has he got the pace to take

an... No foul, says Howard Webb. Aston Villa appearing -- peeling.

Weimann down on his knees. It is Morrison who has gone back here with

Weimann. He's got his right arm on his left shoulder. Weimann then

falls outside the box. It had it been deemed a foul, would Howard

Webb have to put Morrison off? The pace of the game has been

unrelenting. Another escape. This time at the

Villa end. That's a free kick. Howard Webb was still orchestrating

the free kick when they took it very quickly. Jack Collison, not far away

from the right-hand post. Here comes Benteke. He thumped it

against the crossbar. Benteke got away from the defender. It came back

off the bar. Nolan to Downing. Here he is again.

He shot wide. Kevin Nolan, who made the early running in that move, got

the return pass. This ball may just be tempting for

Benteke. He's got it down, the angle is bad. He wasn't far away.

The last two home games we conceded three. We got back to that ever

important clean sheet scenario that we've done magnificently away from

home. There's only one thing missing in our game, and that is scoring

more goals. We have to continue carry on playing the way we are

playing and eventually one player has to turn up and convert a chance

into a goal. It's always going to be hard because it's a difficult,

physical game. We stood up to the man and competed well. There wasn't

a foul given for that challenge, what did you make of that? I thought

with the ball being safe side... That's how I would call it. Paul

Lambert felt perhaps something should have been given when

Morrison's challenge... Absolute rubbish. Morrison is a lightweight,

talking about muscling one of his players, rubbish! Was it rubbish or

not? It's a tough call. His position

isn't great at all. If he gives a foul he has two send Morrison off.

He probably just get it right. It's a tough one, though. I'm with you. I

think I wouldn't have given it. I just don't think you can be 100%

sure. We asked you the question whether Arsenal will win the

league. 51% of you think they will. Before we leave, let's take a look

at the Barclays Premier League table.

Another autobiography is causing controversy. It claimed that Sir

Alex Ferguson threatened to make life very difficult if you took

Wayne Rooney to the 2006 World Cup. According to the Sun, Sven Goran

Eriksson says he wants agreed to replace Ferguson. Arsenal are five

points clear and are starting to look somewhat invincible. From all

of us here, goodbye.