04/12/2013 Match of the Day

Good evening. The first midweek match of the day of the season

serves up some thrilling football and an abundance of goals.

Surprises, comebacks and drama, all to be enjoyed in the company of Alan

Shearer and Robbie Fowler. We start at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland

remain in the bottom three, five points adrift of safety. Tonight

they face a Chelsea side who went second on Sunday.

With three wins out of three at home, Gus Poyet has quickly endeared

himself to Sunderland supporters. Now he faces the club where it began

for him in England. Fernando Torres must wish he could play Sunderland

more often. He has put six goals past Tim, his best return against

any team. Jozy Altidore was caught. Phil Dowd

says an advantage had not been played. It is a free kick for

Sunderland. He was caught. Jozy Altidore X Mac --! His first

Premier League goal for Sunderland. He took it beautifully. Poor free

kick. It worked to Sunderland's benefit. He was allowed to turn by

John Terry. He turned, he fired, he scored. Sunderland in front. They

know there will be nervous times ahead.

Lovely controlled by Juan Mata. Of the knees of John O'Shea. It is

going to be a corner kick. It could have been an equaliser.

Lampard! One - one. Sunderland were in front for only three minutes.

Ever since going behind, Chelsea have turned and, at them. Sunderland

did not deal properly with the corner. A great bit of skill from

Hazard. Lampard arrived at just the right time with just the right leap.

His fifth goal of the season. Hazard! What a goal! He has sparkled

since the start of this game. Chelsea have turned being behind

into what looks like being a half-time lead. The full-back had to

think about where he had to go and who he had to watch. What a finish

by Hazard. Into added time at the end of the

first half. The goalkeeper just about stopped

the ball from squeezing past him at his near post. We just do not know

where it is going to go from Hazard on the form he is in tonight.

A Sunderland corner. It is a goal! John O'Shea turns and fires in. Who

was at fault? So many bodies in the box. It goes in and of John Terry.

One capped and onto another. -- one capped and onto another.

Hazard scores again! He has been sensational. It does not matter how

many defenders Sunderland put on the Belgian. With a bit of help from his

colleagues, he can beat them. Chelsea in front again. It has been

the Hazard show tonight. Turned in by Phil Bardsley into his

own goal! They did not seem to be any danger. Demba Ba could not find

Ramires. It was an awful ball into the middle. It befuddled Phil

Bardsley. Phil Bardsley! He scores at the

right end. We are as we were. The goals keep on flying in at the

Stadium of Light. Bars the score is one in his own net and one at the

other end to give Sunderland hope. -- Phil Bardsley. What an incredible

game this has been. Neither manager will be happy with the defending. It

is always good for us to see goals. If they make it 4-4 this will go

down as one of the most remarkable games the Stadium of Light has ever

hosted. He slept. Johnson had to shoot first

time, really. Lampard has got Chelsea a corner. I

should think they will keep it in that corner. An incredible Premier

League match. Jose Mourinho's Chelsea blues have taken all three

points. It looks as though even he cannot believe how it all planned

out before his eyes. A big three points for Chelsea.

For my team it was the best game by far away from home. We had complete

defensive control of the situation. We had not just control of the game,

but a beautiful game. We played a beautiful game. Our creative players

were really creative. Edin Hazard had a special performance. But we

conceded three goals in three defensive set pieces, which instead

of giving us a comfortable victory, gave us a hard last six minutes. We

conceded three goals we cannot concede. Hazard was outstanding. It

was very difficult to stop him. He is a very good player. He was

unplayable. We fight, we kept believing, we kept going. We went to

the end. I am sure that probably looking at the games Chelsea have

played this season, they made an honest try to beat us. It shows

where we are and what we want to achieve. I want to make sure that

teams coming here will suffer a lot to beat us. They are building a very

good side. He is doing a very good job. The way they play, not just at

the quality of their game, but the spirit and the crowd behind them, I

think this team has to get out of the situation they are in.

It was certainly a sensational game of football. Jose Mourinho still

unbeaten in Premier League football in December. Great game of football.

End to end. It could have gone either way. Mourinho knew it was

going to be a tough game going to Sunderland. That is how it proved to

be. Chelsea again going behind like they did on Sunday. They showed

great qualities in coming back at the weekend. They did the same

tonight. It was a great game to watch. But the star of the show, and

both managers actually said it, eating Hazard. He was unstoppable.

He was on fire. From the first minute, he was Chelsea's most

dangerous player. Everything Chelsea Dunne came through him. He is so

tricky. He does create chances. Shoots right footed into the far

corner. What I like about this one is... The next one. Look at his

movement, how he takes the defenders away. He just wants to create

chances. Fernando really should score. He picks the ball up on the

left. He runs past two defenders. We are expecting a run from Frank. He

does not stop. That is what I like. He makes some space with his right

foot. On this one here, he takes two defenders out with the pass. Once he

gets in the box, he takes six or seven players out. What a finish.

I'm not sure about taking his top off, getting a yellow card again.

What a game. Sunderland played their part. Jose

Mourinho can see them getting out of trouble. They will be a lot of

positives that Gus will take from that. Plenty to work done in the

future. Old Trafford next, where David Moyes took on Everton for the

first time since leaving to replace Sir Alex Ferguson. Everton have not

won at Manchester United for 21 years but began the game ahead of

the champions. Steve Wilson was there.

There can be no doubt that over 11 years Everton and David Moyes were

very good for each other. Everton are doing just fine without him.

They are two points and three places above Manchester United. Still no

Robin van Persie for the home side. Marouane Fellaini faces his former

team-mates. Two changes for Everton, Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley

return to the team. The Munich survivor who died last

week, aged 81, a Manchester United great.

Here is Kevin Mirallas. Gareth Barry, good possession from Everton.

In a good position, well found by Romelu Lukaku.

Roberto Martinez has changed enough at Everton to feel that David Moyes

will not know them inside out. The referee notes the file, says

play on, and Manchester United do. There was a handball decision,

Everton have the free kick. The ball was won by Patrice Evra.

Lots of blue shirts about. Tough to get through.

Inches wide from Ryan Giggs! Wayne Rooney started it. Very nearly

finished it here. He has scored in 23 consecutive seasons for

Manchester United but not yet this term.

Lovely control by Wayne Rooney and the shot was just deflected off the

post. You have to credit Tim Howard here.

I think he thought it was in. Wayne Rooney's shot was deflected off

Sylvain Distin. He reacted very quickly. Otherwise it would have

been a tap in. Only five minutes of this first have

to go. Not been the most eventful first half of football you have ever

seen. Read by Gareth Barry. The goalkeeper needed to make a

smart save here. This is good stuff from Everton. Romelu Lukaku with a

really powerful drive. The game really opening up with

half-time approaching. Lifted up. Tim Howard clutches at the second

attempt! An extraordinary left off. It went straight through the legs of

Wayne Rooney. Really good head! Really good head

by Patrice Evra. If you are looking for a sweet

spot, Patrice Evra certainly found it. Saved by Tim Howard. 20 attempts

since Everton one at Old Trafford. Roberto Martinez has that in his

sights. He might go alone but he cannot beat

the goalkeeper. Great chance. His first impact on the game was nearly

to put Everton in front. Tim Howard just got enough on it and

it is a corner. Worked well, unleashed a left foot

swirling drive which Tim Howard only just dealt with.

Little bit of room. Click them. Phil Jagielka got something on it.

Yet another half chance goes astray. Wayne Rooney takes the corner. Off

the bar! Kept out by Phil Jagielka. How did they get away with that? No

penalty. He ran into Phil Jagielka. Great pressure. Wayne Rooney! Way

over the bar. Patrice Evra with a thumping header. Great save and

Danny Welbeck unfortunate to see it hit the bar.

The referee plays on. It is a free kick to Everton. Certainly a file by

Valencia. Kevin Mirallas, or over the wall! That close, Everton. Bryan

Oviedo finds Phil Jagielka. Bryan Oviedo estimation Mark he has

scored for Everton! There are only four minutes to play. Everton are in

front! Bryan Oviedo for Everton against Manchester United at Old

Trafford. Completely mishit by Romelu Lukaku but it fell

beautifully. Bryan Oviedo with a famous Everton goal on a fabulous

night for Everton. It was an important game but we just could not

get the goal. We did not have the luck we needed. To be fair to

Everton, they played well, eventually got the goal right at the

end. However many years, 1213 that we could not get, away from home,

being able to win games, I thought that was a big battle today. We had

to break the mentality, I thought we were outstanding in the manner that

we were playing Manchester United eye to eye, we created chances and

they created chances. To be able to have the nerve and the composure and

the quality to keep a clean sheet and win the game is just what we

deserved. I have often come to places like this and struggled to

create things. The confidence the manager has put into the team, we

have come in and have a right good go. Up until the goal it was a good

game for the neutral. Posts were being hit. It was a good game but

obviously more special when Brian pops up with the winner. They were

magnificent. There are five points better off than they were at this

point last season, they have kept a clean sheets. Remarkable progress. A

lot of the discussion was about David Moyes and Manchester United,

the difficult job of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson, but tonight, nobody

really gave Roberto Martinez a hope of going there apart from him and

his team. Let's not forget he has had a huge void to fill, David Moyes

was hugely successful at Everton, but I thought Everton hung on their

tonight. They thoroughly deserved it. They have lots of chances. Be

created lots of chances, but the surprisingly thing about Manchester

United is the lack of protection in front of the back four. Are they

missing Michael Carrick? Absolutely. They needed dominant midfielder who

scores goals. Look at the space. Great ball from Ross Barkley into

Romelu Lukaku, who I thought was big in strong and was a threat all

night. Good save from the goalkeeper. I thought Everton got

their tactics spot on. Phil Jagielka was brilliant as was Gareth Barry.

Look at this again, Ross Barkley picking the ball up, running at the

United back line. Where is the protection? That should be an

attempt at goal. It is too easy. Look, he turns and he passes. Caught

in two minds. Her touch. Not a great effort. Here comes the goal. Ball

into Romelu Lukaku, has a touch, tackle, turns and shoots, and

Valencia lets him go. Sloppy, does not know where his manners. Not

aware of what is around him and it is an excellent finish. -- does not

know where the man he is marking is. He has come into the team and scored

again tonight. Brilliant performance. Are we at a stage where

we can rule out Manchester United for the title race? I don't think

they will win the league. It will be very tough. Top four? I think they

might even struggle for that. I know people will think because I am an

ex-Liverpool player, but they have been a little bit more for me this

year. I did not think they could win it before a ball was kicked and I

have not changed my mind. Liverpool's defeat against Hull city

means they have won just two of their last X. Tonight, they were

back on home turf for the visit of a Norwich side whose last victory

moved them clear of the bottom three. -- two of the last six

matches. With seven goals in his last three matches against them,

Luis Suarez will be looking forward to meeting Norwich again. With the

absence of Daniel Sturridge there is even greater need for him to

succeed. Just one alteration for the visitors as Chris Newton goes for

five across the midfield. -- Chris Hughton.

The tactics are obvious, Liverpool have a ten man wall in front of

them. Luis Suarez, good effort, that is

absolutely stunning! Who else would even have thought of trying it?

This incredible record he has against Norwich. If memory serves,

he scored a spectacular goal from a similar range at Carrow Road. Just

look at this. Who else would even have thought about having a shot?

That is absolutely superb. The superlatives just keep on being

trotted out for the Luis Suarez. With Liverpool not looking at their

best, not looking quite in the zone, as long as they have a player like

this, they always have a chance of scoring.

He wins the corner. It looks like Martin Skrtel played a fantastic

ball, and from it, he won the corner.

it is another four Luis Suarez. -- for. Horrible marking but delightful

Liverpool. Look at this. Who has got Luis Suarez? I suppose it is

supposed to be Russell Martin, but nobody gets new to him. Thumped into

the roof of the net. He made it look easy.

Great effort! Fantastic! What a player. Norwich are sick to the back

teeth of him. Especially John Ruddy. He has got a hat-trick inside 34

minutes. And Norwich City might as well forget about taking on

Liverpool because when Luis Suarez is in the side, there is nothing

they can do to stop him. All on his own, full of confidence, full of

imagination. Ten goals against the same opposition and now his third

hat-trick against Norwich. Suarez once said. Sterling goes

himself and Mrs. It takes a deflection and goes for a corner.

Suarez is aghast. Great Alan -- great effort by Joe

Allen. What a fabulous save. He may have been beaten by three goals that

he could do nothing about, but John Ruddy showed what a very good

goalkeeper he is. That is a breathtaking save. He had no right

to get to it but he did. Fabulous shot.

Good save by John Ruddy. If you can get 11 out of ten for a performance,

Suarez will surely get it tonight. Good balance by sterling. Brings in

Gerrard. A free kick to Liverpool. One which -- Gerrard has stayed down

momentarily and lost a boot in the process. Suarez! It is in the net.

He has done it again. Norwich's nemesis. Each goal has something to

be admired. It was a fabulous free kick. John Ruddy had set up his wall

but it did not matter. He went over the top, into the corner. Luis

Suarez now has 11 goals in four matches against Norwich City. Can I

play you every week? That is what he wants to chant.

Wonderful header from Johnson. Fabulous goal. It will not match

those that have come from Luis Suarez but in its own way it had

quality. He has gone across the defender.

Off the post by Gerrard. Nearly clever. A huge smile on his face. He

knew he did not have many options when the ball came to him.

Sterling! And he completes the rout. Raheem Sterling with a smashing

finish. Who is the provider? You know who. For first Suarez, one for

a Raheem Sterling. I really enjoyed watching the team

tonight. I thought they were outstanding. But when you have a

performer playing at that level, the goals he scored, the first one was

brilliant. Reminiscent of the one he scored at Carrow Road. The second

one was just great instinct. The third was out of this world. The

quality, the fear that he gives defenders. He puts them on the back

foot. The quality and the finishing is outstanding. He gets his

hat-trick. To top it off, he gets the free kick. It is not by

accident. He practices it in training. Everything about him is

world-class. They have good touches. They are very neat and tidy around

the box. You have to defend incredibly well. You have to have

good periods of the game where you can keep possession. We managed that

other locations. But you cannot afford to let a good Liverpool team

have that much space. Everybody is talking about Luis

Suarez. 11 goals in four games against Norwich. You have scored a

few goals for Liverpool. What do you make of this fellow? He is a

phenomenal player. I love him as a player because I'm starting to

dislike him because he is making all of the former Liverpool striker 's

look very average! This was almost 40 yards. A great finish. The

goalkeeper has got no chance. It was well struck. Steven Gerrard makes a

great run here. Nobody picks him up. Suarez does not really do much.

It was a neat finish. But this goal. He has four defenders around him. It

was not the greatest lay-off. He still has a lot to do. The defender

backs away. That was the pick of the goals. I think that was the hardest

one. The technique is just incredible. That is a phenomenal

goal. We could have goal of the month with just these goals. The

free kick was brilliant. That takes some stopping. He is top drawer. He

is world-class. You have always got a chance with somebody like him.

Three games down and we are only one third of the way through the show.

We have still got some great games to show you. Southampton have come

unstuck at Chelsea and Arsenal in their last couple of games but they

remain formidable opponents at home. Tonight they faced and Aston Villa

side unbeaten in four games. Southampton have only conceded two

goals in six games here this season. A couple of changes in the backline

tonight. Archer borage has a broken hand. The big news from the Aston

Villa team sheet is that Christian Benteke, seven games without a goal,

is on the bench. Kozak starts up front, trying to remedy the fact

that Villa have failed to score in five of their last seven games. All

Southampton in the early stages. Adam Lallana came close. Aston Villa

right up against it. Brad Guzan palmed it away. Just

about. Southampton once again very, very close to the opening goal.

Agbonlahor in the clear. Racing through on goal. Nice skill and he

gives Aston Villa the lead. They have been under the cosh for the

entire first 15 minutes. Agbonlahor scores his first goal of the season.

Southampton have been doing all of the attacking. A simple ball. The

defender got caught out. Agbonlahor are still had plenty to do. He

waited for the goalkeeper to go down. That was a fantastic finish,

although totally against the run of play. A beautiful finish. Food for

thought for a ritzy Pochettino. -- Mauricio Pochettino. Brilliant save

from Brad Guzan. He had to be sharp again to block the rebrand. A

floating cross. Rodriguez got up really early. Osvaldo warming up for

Southampton. If the chances keep coming for them this evening, I'm

sure Pochettino feels the goal will come.

Once again it was a little bit of last-gasp defending that saved Aston

Villa. Jay Rodriguez! A-levels the game.

Just three minutes into the second half. He was denied by a brilliant

Brad Guzan save in the first-half. This time there was no mistake from

the Southampton centre forward. The header was beautifully directed,

giving Brad Guzan absolutely no chance.

Southampton putting themselves under pressure. Kozak! The goalkeeper did

his absolute best to keep that out. Kozak, in the team in place of

Christian Benteke, has put Aston Villa back in front. Southampton

initially played themselves into trouble. They got themselves out of

it. Kozak timed the run beautifully. The cross placed right on his head.

Kozak just had to put his head on it. His third goal of the season.

Aston Villa back in front. It is in! Osvaldo has his second

goal for Southampton. Beautiful linkup with Rickie Lambert. It is a

ploy Southampton have used so often. Rickie Lambert drifts off to the

back post, on selfishly across goal, as valve will not miss from

there. Lambert teeing up his strike partner. We are level again.

Good ball boy Agbonlahor. What a screamer by Delph! His first ever

Premier League goal for Aston Villa. And the visitors are in front for

the third time. Another classic counterattacking goal. Agbonlahor

found Delph. He had one thing on his mind. You do not strike a ball

better than that. The goalkeeper once again not given a chance. A

sublime strike from Delph. I thought the first goal was

fabulous. Great composure. That is what he can give you when he is bang

at it. Not many people will catch him when he gets going. I thought

the finish was fantastic. The second was a good header. The third goal

was an absolute world-class strike. To I am delighted. It has been a

long time since I have scored a goal like that. Happy days for me. The

main thing was the three points and the togetherness we showed out

there. TRANSLATION: We were thinking, why

did this happen? We've made some mistakes. We were not solid at the

back. Our overall feeling is that we are shaking our heads and wondering

why this happened. It was another terrific game. There is the

possession stats. It was a classic counterattacking performance. It

was. At the end of the day, they lost the game. Aston Villa, on the

back foot all the time. Good ball by Fabian Delph. I don't know what the

full-back is doing. He was flat-footed. He runs on, guides and

a little bit. Really nice finish. This goal, Southampton pushing to

get the winner. Hopeful clearance. Good play again. Fabian Delph, box

to box, nobody runs at him. He tries his luck 25 yards out. I don't think

you can blame the defenders or the goalkeeper, that is just a fantastic

goal. It deserves to win any game. They can play like that, because on

the break they have fast players. Was there a little moment,

Southampton, three on the bounce? Was there a little moment,

Southampton, three on the They are still doing a lot of things right.

They still have the second-best defensive record in the league. It

still does not work for them, but they keep the ball very well. I

think they will be OK, they will do well. Premier league table waste

only on away form would see Manchester City in 15th with just

four points from six games. It is not and they are third. They

travelled to the Hawthorns to play West Brom.

In an attempt to take points off another one of the big boys, Steve

Clarke gives a player only his third Premier league start in the week

when he signed a new contract. Manchester City welcome back Vincent

Kompany after 12 games out with a thigh injury.

What a touch from Edin Dzeko! It was not clinical from Sergio Aguero, and

he knows that was a really good chance. West Brom with every player

deep behind the ball. You sense that the good start is all-important for

them. Wonderful ball, Sergio Aguero!

Clinical. It had been coming, and inside nine minutes, Manchester City

are in front. It is the familiar name of Sergio Aguero. This was

emphatic. Beautifully worked from Manchester City. The awareness of

Pablo Zabaleta and the finish from Sergio Aguero. No chance for the

goalkeeper. Very confident start for Manchester City, and they have

marked it with an early opening goal.

Costel Pantilimon looked as if he had that covered. Not really

stretched here. Good confidence. Cleverly done by Samir Nasri.

Sergio Aguero has been so difficult to pick-up early on.

Yaya Toure! What a fabulous football goal finished by Yaya Toure. A

brilliant team goal from Manchester City to double their advantage.

Movement, imagination, awareness from Aleksandar Kolarov, and what

about that from Yaya Toure? You could watch that over and over

again. Fabulous football. A long way back for West Brom already.

An unlikely west from fan, Goran Ivanisevic, who has been a fan since

there are unlikely escape in 2005 -- West Brom fan.

It was always a tight angle. Just watch Sergio Aguero. He knew he was

not getting the ball and he waited. He was away and they were not

catching him. Shane Long has an opportunity, was

he caught? The referee says he wasn't. Long grounded and

frustrated. He feels he was caught. Aleksandar Kolarov was the one who

made the challenge. He did not get the ball but I am not sure he got

the man either. West Brom have scored in nine of their last ten

games. They know they need a goal. Was Aleksandar Kolarov Cotes? He

was. It is a penalty. -- caught? The Serbian was just too quick for him.

There is the contact. Die actuary will put this beyond

West Bromwich Albion. He does it. That will be just the second away

win of the Premier league season for Manchester City. -- Yaya Toure will

put this beyond them. He made absolutely sure of it. Any faint

hope West Bromwich Albion heart has just been distinguished. Some have

seen enough and will be back on Saturday for the visit of Norwich

hoping for a more positive outcome. The cross has gone in off the

goalkeeper. West Bromwich Albion have got a goal back. Good play

initially. When he drilled the crossing. Full. Full.

-- when he drilled the cross in, it came off the goalkeeper.

Only the third defeat in 11 games. He will look to the next two home

games against Norwich and Hull four points as far as West from our

concerned. Victor in each of the! With

virtually the last kick of the game, victor in each of the -- Victor

Anichebe has made it 3-2. Too little, too late for West Bromwich

Albion. Finishing past Costel Pantilimon, and in the 94th minute

it is 2-3. I think we played really well in the first-half, we scored

two goals and had three or four clear chances. The second half, we

controlled the game, and maybe we were thinking the match was over.

The last five minutes, they scored those goals. We kept going, kept

battling away, and I think the scoreline was a fairer reflection on

our effort than 3-0 would have been. We kept plugging away. Now we will

dust ourselves down. It felt good but in the end we had heavy legs. It

is the kind of game where you don't need to try and be a hero, because

otherwise you just blow up. I am really happy with the Halle --

result. City fans will be pleased to see him back. Sensational goals. If

in style to the individual ones we have seen. That has been the

problem, winning the games away from home. Apart from West Ham, they have

not won enough. He had the awareness and the vision to pull it back

there. Again, the full-back, Super -- great ball, get the finish past

Boaz Myhill. They can hit you from so many angles. They have scored

more goals than anyone else. so many angles. They have scored

more goals than anyone Why has it taken Manchester City a while to win

away from home? They are so brilliant at home. It is hard to put

a finger on it. Maybe it is the new manager getting to grips with the

Premier League, we do not know. What I have liked about them, you have an

embarrassment of riches in midfield. The fullbacks are creating

a lot of chances. They are starting to click, which is good. Vincent

Kompany is back as well. Ominous for the other teams in the Premier

League. Arsenal continued to defy the cynics who believe they cannot

win the title, including some of them from this very programme.

Arsene Wenger is not amused. Tonight's visit was from Hull City.

A total of five changes, with Nicklas Bendtner making his

A total of five changes, with first league start since March 2011

tonight. Hull City, fresh from their victory over Liverpool, make three

changes. James Chester comes in for Curtis Davies, Danny Graham is

preferred to Robert Koren. It is Carl Jenkinson, what a

delivery, what a start to the match! Unbelievable, it is Nicklas

Bendtner! He has taken 90 seconds to score. It is 2.75 years since he

started in the league for the club. It is his first goal since 2011 for

Arsenal. What a blistering start. Slightly mixed reception when his

name was announced over the tannoy. He has certainly created a buzz

now. Could be a long night for some. Hull City cannot get a kick.

There is Per Mertesacker, who scored the winning goal for Germany at

Wembley the other week. It almost felt to Aaron Ramsey but

Allan McGregor was there. Arsenal were very close to getting another

goal. Aaron Ramsey is still going, he

wants the penalty, which he is not awarded by the referee. What a

contest between the pair of them. Looked to have it covered but it

came off his Achilles. Almost a second goal for Nicklas

Bendtner. Constant attacking play here from Arsenal. Nicklas Bendtner

was surprised to find the ball at his feet. Arsenal will try again.

Good save by Allan McGregor! Aaron Ramsey was quick to let fly and it

was a fine fingertip save from Hull's Scottish international

goalkeeper. Apart from winning at Newcastle, Hull have lost all of

their away games so far. Five defeats.

That was inviting. Nobody there to poke at the ball.

Lovely play, absolutely brilliant! What a goal! Hull's players

complaining that the ball went out of play, my initial thought was it

did not. Despite their protestations the game continued. I think it was

the right decision, I don't think it had gone out. Message is all has his

fourth goal of the season. -- message was -- Mesut Ozil.

Know the ball is with Nicklas Bendtner. Aaron Ramsey! Saved by

Allan McGregor. Arsenal were quick to break and Hull City's goalkeeper

makes the save. Olivier Giroud left out of the

starting 11 for the first time tonight. Given a rest.

The shot by Livermore was firmly struck. It did not test the Arsenal

goalkeeper in the end. Arsenal so confident in possession. The crowd

willing a third goal. Ozil was hauled -- halted at the very last

moment. A tremendous block. Another highly satisfactory day at the

office for Arsene Wenger and for Arsenal. Niklas Bendtner has not had

the easiest time in the last couple of years but you give him a chance

tonight. The first time he started in the Premier League for about two

and three quarters years. They did not take him long to make his point?

In our job we have to be open-minded and never have another definite

judgement on people. He came back, worked hard in training. I know he

has the qualities. He has shown that tonight. They are confident enough

at the moment, riding high in the league. When they go a goal ahead

after a minute, it becomes difficult evening. I was delighted to get in

at just one at half-time. Lo and behold we have done exactly the same

after a minute of the second half. We had to roll our sleeves up and

show resilience, otherwise it could have been one of these embarrassing

evenings which can happen when this latter playing the way they are.

Lets just keep our attitude good. Desire, good togetherness and go to

the next game. He looks happy. You know it is a very special Match of

the Day when Niklas Bendtner scores. It is not expected. I can guarantee

you when he read -- when Arsene Wenger read the Matt and his name

was mentioned, he would have been praying for that start. This was a

well worked goal, so early in the game. A brilliant cross. The

movement is fantastic. Great ball by Ramsey. Great cross. A little run

near post and a great header into the corner. A great team goal. To

typical Arsenal, wasn't it? The way they started the game. And also the

second half. A brilliant ball in and an excellent header. Arsene Wenger

has come out publicly about the opinions expressed here. Do you

still stick to your guns? I am not saying anything different to what

Jose Mourinho and Pellegrini said, I might? I said Chelsea at the

beginning of the season and I will not change my mind. Where do you

stand? You look at their form so far. The table does not lie. They

have been the best side so far. Can they win it? I think they can.

Finally, we have found someone! The weekend after next, we have got the

BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Nigel Mansell wins! The greatest

British Olympian of all time, Steven Redgrave.

Always a great night. You can vote for this year's BBC Sports

Personality of the Year during the show on the 15th of December. To

vote online, you will need to register. Find out more on the

website. Before then, there is the small matter of the World Cup draw,

which takes place on Friday. We will be live on BBC Two with all of the

news. Roberto Martinez will be joining us in the studio.

After the sacking of Martin Jol on Sunday, Rene Meulensteen was quickly

into the hot seat for the game against a Spurs side without a win

in four matches. His agent says he wants to leave

Fulham, but Dimitar Berbatov is back to lead the line against his former

club. He got the winner in their last meeting at White Hart Lane in

March. Lack of goals has been Tottenham's chief weakness solver.

Jermain Defoe is preferred to Roberto Soldado. Rene Meulensteen

becomes full's sixth manager in six years after the sacking of Martin

Jol. Andre Villas-Boas could face the same fate if Tottenham's results

do not pick up soon. Tottenham's form against Fulham is mightily

impressive in the Premier League. They have won six of the last seven

meetings. Great save by Lloris! I think he was going the wrong way.

Lovely ball in by Kasami. Berger Toff brought it down well. --

Dimitar Berbatov. Brilliant feat by Paulinho. What a

mess! From one end of the pitch to the other. As soon as Fulham

miscued, you knew they were in danger. Paulinho was fabulous until

that moment they. Somehow it is still scorers. Tottenham's passing

is more accurate than it was in the first-half. As yet, they have not

really hurtful. -- hurt for them. Dejagah! For lamb in front. --

Fulham. Dejagah with his first-ever Premier League goal. Didn't he take

it beautifully. Dawson lost his balance. Parker had a nibble. The

quality cross. An unerring finish by Dejagah. Dimitar Berbatov was always

likely to be involved. Fulham take the lead. Are they on course for

their first win in 44 days? What are Tottenham made of, as they look to

force their way back into this game? Steklenburg Pam 's the ball behind.

Paulinho threw himself towards it. Fine goalkeeping. Still plenty of

time to find the equaliser but not with corners like that. Chiriches! A

goal out of nothing. Steklenburg was flat-footed. Chiriches /that

possibly with his eyes closed. It is a real grass court through a sea of

bodies. The Romanian international's first goal for

Tottenham. Relief for Andre Villas-Boas. Both teams now with

their foot firmly on the pedal, looking for the winning goal. Foul

given against Lewis Holtby. Dimitar Berbatov! A wonderful save by

lorries. -- Lloris. Holby! -- Holtby! What a goal. And

what an important three points that may be for Andre Villas-Boas and

Tottenham Hotspur. Lewis Holtby told Andros Townsend to leave it alone

and the fairly thumped it beyond Steklenburg. His first-ever goal in

the Premier League. It has been worth the wait. It is a cracker.

Fulham, having led early in the second half, now trail 2-1 and face

the prospect of a sixth league defeat in succession. Walker did

well to find Holtby. Steklenburg denies Paulinho what would surely

have been the third goal. Steklenburg at full stretch able to

keep it out. Somehow Lloris kept it out. He comes

again to Tottenham's rescue. The shot away. Somehow it was kept

out. The referee looks at his watch. Andre Villas-Boas looks at the

referee. There is a fist pump from the manager of Tottenham before

shaking the hands of Rene Meulensteen. The most important

thing I have asked of the players, I wanted a really inspired

performance, for themselves first and foremost. That is how you win

the fans back. That is what we did tonight. We were both looking for a

win to put our challenge back on track. We could not wait any longer.

It had to happen today. And we did it in the most difficult fashion. We

have lost the game but we won a lot on other fronts. That will give us a

lot of heart for another cracking game. Terrific

comeback for Spurs. Two unbelievably good goals. Very good goals. It was

a big win for a stop --. Chiriches did not even take a touch. Right in

the corner. This was like the kind of goal that Gareth Bale used to

scorer last season. Lewis Holtby. He needs to do it more. More

encouraging for Fulham. A new manager. That always happens. A new

manager comes in, the players want to impress. Seven changes. A lot of

players showed a lot of character until the 90th minute. They were

trying to get back into the game. A great save by Lloris. Four straight

wins have propelled Newcastle into the top six and confidence was high

for tonight's trip to Swansea. They have won just once in six home games

this season. Swansea beat Newcastle here last March. Since then, Swansea

have won just one of their 11 home fixture. Michel Vorm returns for the

home side. Finding the net has not been a problem of late for

Newcastle. They have had four consecutive victories.

Pushed away to safety by Michel Vorm. The best chance of the night

so far. Loic Remy rose high. A brilliant stop by Michel Vorm. Alan

Pardew approaching almost three years in the managerial hot seat at

Saint James 's Park. Chico Flores, to Jonjo Shelvey, all

waiting. Tim Krul unable to planet away.

Nathan Dyer! Swansea make the breakthrough.

Stoppage time at the end of the first-half. Swansea have had so much

possession in this first-half, but they have not fashioned a serious

chance of note until now. Plays the ball across, Tim Krul knocks it away

but it felt so nicely for the substitute, Nathan Dyer, who gets

his third goal of the season. It is 1-0.

Can he get the shot away? Blocked. Newcastle are claiming handball.

Howard Webb not in the least bit interested. Mathieu Debuchy goes

flying in for the challenge. There is certainly a card to be shown, it

is yellow. Newcastle convinced they should have had a penalty here.

Howard Webb said it was not a penalty.

Lovely ball forward, Jonjo Shelvey, can he beat him? Yes! In the most

fortuitous manner possible. Jonjo Shelvey racing forward here. Tim

Krul makes the save and it comes off the defender last of all. It is an

own goal from Mathieu Debuchy. It all stemmed from the incident where

Yoan Gouffran could not keep possession. 2-0.

Almost played it over the top of Tim Krul for the third goal. Great stop

from Tim Krul, and a little bit of fighting afterwards.

Fantastic stop from Tim Krul. Newcastle's run of four successive

victories looks like it is coming to an end.

Jonjo Shelvey! This time it is his goal, no doubt about that. It is

surely victory for Swansea city. Tim Krul beaten for a third time

tonight. Swansea's sparkling possession football results in a

goal. Look at where he picks it up. First-time ball in. Tim Krul gets a

hand to it but nothing more. Swansea City have surely wrapped up their

second home victory of the season. 3-0.

We played well first-half, continued in the second half, scored another

two goals. They had a couple of chances, but I think in the end, it

was really deserved result for us. I am happy for the players we needed

this. It is a blatant penalty, the handball, and the reaction said it

all. He did not think his arm moved towards the ball, but it is going in

the back of the net, it is a penalty, so I disagree with him on

that. The Jonjo Shelvey one, he did not see, the second one, you did not

think was a penalty. I have to accept that. Excellent win. It stops

momentum for your team. Has he got a point about the penalty? Yes, it was

a crucial point of the game. It was 1-0. The ball comes into him, and it

is Ben Davies. His arm is actually out. It is not as if it is by his

side. That is going in. It is a blatant penalty. I cannot believe

nobody mentioned it because he gives him a bit of a nut. A few minutes

later he scored the goal. The penalty, the head but, then he

breaks away ten minutes later again. He could easily have gone

down. Good victory for Swansea. After being thrashed at Everton,

Stoke City look to bounce back against Cardiff.

Difficult times. Stoke have only one victory in ten.

Cardiff have their left back making only his second league start.

He did well to make the angle, was Peter Crouch being held? It was

actually hindering the holding, that is the referee's interpretation.

Peter Crouch feels this was maybe the wrong decision. Good play to get

the angle. Peter Crouch in the centre. Who is doing the holding?

David Marshall was a big barrier therefore Cardiff. It remains

goalless. Delicious through ball. The flag

stays down. Give David Marshall top marks. He made himself a huge

barrier. Malky Mackay's team have been pushed back in the last five

minutes or so. Better signs here from Mark Hughes.

Fraizer Campbell is on his own. He has been caught. Second yellow card

this season for Charlie Adam for this trip here.

Strong play, good play. The shot deflects behind for a corner for

Cardiff. Jordon Mutch has scored twice this

season. This was a good save from Asmir Begovic. The chances have been

very few and far between this half. Offside, it will not count. Geoff

Cameron scored his first goal this season against Arsenal, he has not

scored his second goal yet. It was very close. Maybe just offside. It

really was a tough call for the assistant.

It is clumsy, it is awkward, it is only a goal kick. Cardiff are asking

big questions here. It looked awkward on Fraizer Campbell. It was

Marc Wilson, the defender, off-balance for sure. It is clumsy.

Maybe he is lucky. Peter Whittingham was caught late.

Pull-back for a Cardiff free kick. Off the ball, Fraizer Campbell has

gone down. What did the referee C in that little melee? -- referee see?

Yellow card for Fraizer Campbell, yellow card for Peter Crouch. It is

not Peter Crouch, it is Charlie Adam. He had a first-half yellow

card. He is a lucky man. Stoke City's lack of goals has been

a major worry this season for them. Charlie Adam with the elbow on

Jordon Mutch. Cross behind for a corner, but it

was a fine effort. Asmir Begovic had to make a very smart save, the

18-year-old was that close to a winner. We need to keep the home

form nice and solid. We have been decent enough, but obviously, we

need maximum points in games and that is what we are looking to do.

Cardiff will make things difficult on the road because they are

well-organised, they get people running the ball and they make

things difficult for you. Charlie Adam should maybe have had a second

yellow card. I am not sure if the referee has seen it. It was

certainly a booking. I suppose Charlie Adam can count himself lucky

that they were not down to ten men. Probably very lucky, it is quite

possibly the most interesting aspect of that game. It was a case of

mistaken identity. Charlie Adam is a lucky guy. He gets booked for the

first one, Fraizer Campbell, the referee get that one correct. Yellow

card. I am looking at that, Peter Crouch ends up getting booked and I

don't know what the referee has seen because he is looking at the

referee. I smacked it is hard to mistake them. He did. What is so bad

about this one, you can see Charlie Adam having a little loop. The arm

was high. Lucky guy tonight. -- little look. I suppose both teams

might have not been too dissatisfied. There was not much to

choose between. The fact that we are talking about bookings tells you a

lot about the game. It was an easy final choice. There was one game

played last night, Tony Pulis leading at Crystal Palace against

West Ham. Revell Morrison has got it. Quickly

closed down. Crosses back into the box. Just headed over the bar.

Barry Bannan with the ball in, Crystal Palace lead! Into the near

post. He did well to win it. He managed to touch it back, keep it in

a beauty of a cross. Marouane Chamakh was on his own, all he

needed to do was steer it in. Could get them further behind. Jussi

Jaaskelainen is out to meet him. Sliced off the post. Did he get a

glove to it? He did. Barry Bannan with the corner.

Header over the top! He tried to stay in the air, hang on in there.

The reaction of Tony Pulis tells us how good a chance that was. There

might be another one for Crystal Palace. He is into the box. Marouane

Chamakh... Really important save from the West Ham keeper.

Bush has been spotted. Is it going to count? -- a push. West Ham

thought they had scored. The flag was being waived.

Over the bar! Full-time at Selhurst Park, 1-0 to Crystal Palace. We need

victories and we need to win the home games. To get off to that sort

of start is brilliant. Everybody has put a shift in. When you are a goal

down, to get you back in the game, it is critical. When they go against

you, when they should not do, both people were talking shirts. I

thought it was given for offside at that stage but the fourth official

told me it was a foul. Now I have looked at it, and looked at it from

the angle of the assistant referee, and unfortunately he got it horribly

wrong. Is Morrison OK? He looked angry. Like everybody, we are

disappointed when we lose. People react in different ways. As long as

he doesn't get into trouble, then you can show your displeasure as

much as you like, I am very angry myself. Great result tonight. Clean

sheet, which we are Westbridge to collect. -- desperate. It gives us

three points which we are really pleased with. Massive win for Tony

Pulis, and interestingly, focused on the clean sheet because they have

only conceded one goal in their last four games. If they can keep that

they will have a chance. Absolutely. That will give them huge confidence.

This gives them a fighting chance. I think any team that comes up it is

important you get points on the board. They will have that spirit

because Tony Pulis always get that. That is what you can guarantee. He

will get a bitter fight into the team. West Ham need to start scoring

away from home. It does not take a genius to work that out. Let us have

a look at the Premier League table. It is as you were at the top after

the top five clubs all got the victories. The Gunners are 12 points

clear of Manchester United. Sunderland continue to prop up the

table. Crystal Palace are level on points with Fulham. Both clubs are

three points adrift. This is the morning papers. The Times focuses on

Everton winning at Old Trafford. The daily express has a word of

caution for England fans travelling to the World Cup. Even mice has

finally seen Everton win at Old Trafford. -- David Moyes.