15/03/2014 Match of the Day

Hello. Only two months are remaining of this compelling Premier League

season. We have got hugely important games from both ends of the table.

And here to enjoy the games and to sit in every seat in the studio,

fresh from their marvellous effort for Sport Relief, Alan Shearer and

Robbie Savage. Really good of you both to repeat the feat next week!

Was it harder than you anticipated? Absolutely, far harder than I ever

thought it would be. Never did we think it would be that tough. It was

very, very difficult. But the thing was, after 45,000 seats, after pure

pain every single day, we were asked who we would like to present us with

the trophies? And we got Greg Dyke! It was a terrific effort. There you

are in the ice bath. That was hard work as well. Anyway, well done, you

have raised a lot of money. Thoroughly appreciated. We start

this week with two days early game, a test not just of Manchester

City's title credentials, but their character, after a brutal week in

the cup competition is. They travelled to a Hull side who Did

make it to the semifinals of the FA Cup. Two cup X its has changed the

complexion of Manchester City's season. It is all about the league

now. -- X its. Jake Livermore comes back into

midfield for Hull City. Curtis Davies has scored in each of the

last three games. He celebrates his 29th birthday today. Manchester City

make four changes to the side edge was beaten in Barcelona. Demichelis

and Gael Clichy come in at the back. Javi Garcia starts a league match

for the first time in two months. Sergio Aguero is absent with a

hamstring injury. Figueroa. Into space for Jelavic. He

has got some support! Oh, that was dangerous for Manchester City for a

moment. Clichy was able to clear. Jelavic had a lot of space on the

left-hand side for Hull it was Figueroa with the pass forward. But

Clichy was in the right place at the right time. Fernandinho. Back in the

Brazil team in the recent internationals. Nasri.

Some trouble now offer a Kompany, really struggling against Jelavic.

And Kompany is going to be in trouble here, and he is straight

off. Inside the first ten minutes of the match, Manchester City have lost

their captain. They are down to ten! Well, he got in all sorts of bother.

As Jelavic tried to untangle himself, he went down under

pressure. The Manchester City Captain Paul Bonhomme back, and Lee

Mason reached for the red card straightaway. What a dramatic start.

Manchester City, down to ten men. Not quite what Manuel Pellegrini had

in mind. A knee leaves the arena, lashing out

in frustration. Big game for City, big decision early in the match.

Now, Jelavic with the free kick. Confidently taken by Joe Hart. Well,

plenty to think about early on. It is only the third visit in the

Premier League for Manchester City to this stadium, and they are yet to

win. Silva, floating around. Oh, water

goal. Absolutely brilliant from David Silva! The perfect response

from Manchester City. It has taken them less than four minutes since

Kompany's red card to take the lead. It is his first goal since the

middle of December. And what a great time to get it. Cities response is

swift. Hull looking to do something they

have struggled to do this season, come back and win after being

behind. That is a decent ball in. Zabaleta! A lucky escape for Hull

City. Just look at this. Zabaleta lets fly, and the ball bounces

agonisingly the wrong side of the goal line from Manchester City's

point of view. Hull City yet to make their

numerical advantage count. Jelavic, finding Livermore... And he was not

far away. Just over two minutes to the break, and that was better from

the home side. Steve Bruce's team have only picked

up seven points since the turn of the year. The shot from Long brings

the save from Joe Hart. It is a decent start to the second half for

Hull City. That is going to be a free kick

against Yaya Toure. Jelavic! Joe Hart download, and down

quickly, and able to make the save. Up towards Livermore. Hooked away by

Demichelis. Out to Rosenior. Road could be in here... Joe Hart comes

out! L Mason has given it to Manchester City! And Boyd squaring

up to Joe Hart, the City goalkeeper. And the referee has got some sorting

out to do. Let's have another look. He tried to take it past the

goalkeeper. Down he went. Does Joe Hart make contact with his leg? It

looked as though Boyd was going over anyway. It was a very tight call for

the referee. Boyd challenged by Fernandinho, goes

down. More shouts from the home crowd. But not from the players.

Yellow card for Rosenior. Manchester City living dangerously

at times inside their own 18 yard box.

Fernandinho! That was a great chance for 2-0.

It has been 11 against ten for the vast majority of the game, but Hull

have not been able to press home their numerical advantage. Edin

Dzeko. This could put it beyond doubt. Good save by McGregor.

Goodness me, he needed to make that save, otherwise it was all over.

Silva. Away from Davies. Great movement by Dzeko. It is all over!

It is a big win for the ten men of Manchester City. They have come up

trumps at the end of a tough week. Down to ten after ten minutes, and

they have emerged victorious. The win put beyond doubt just as the

clock strikes 90. Edin Dzeko scores for the first time

in the last nine games. A good end to what has been a

difficult week? Yes, a very good end. Because, as you said, it was a

very difficult week for our team. Especially, today, after two

defeats, playing 80 minutes with one player less. What was your view of

the sending-off? First of all I think it was a foul against

Kompany. After, Kompany did a foul. If the referee saw the first one, I

think it would have been different. It was a clear foul before. There

were a couple of incidents in the second half, the first one, it

looked as if Joe Hart -- as if the player might have been pushed? It

looked as though that was the case. I will have a word with him on

Monday about the one when he has gone around Joe Hart. We have seen

it before. I think most players are waiting for the contact. You do not

want a smack from Joe Hart. In that respect, the referee has made the

right decision. The push in the back looked a bit more like a penalty. It

was very difficult today because we lost Vincent Kompany after five

minutes. We know how important Vincent is for that team, especially

at the back. But the performance of the team was one of the best so far

this season. We kept a clean sheet against. Very proud of the team.

Yes, it was a terrific performance, 80 minutes with ten men. It was

vital, and it was a gutsy performance. They coped with it very

well, and every single player, in particular David Silva, I thought he

was brilliant. And the red card for Kompany, what do we think? A lot of

times, the referee gives the benefit of the doubt to the defender. But on

this occasion, he doesn't. I think he gets it absolutely right, the

referee. The closing down from Jelavic, puts Kompany under

pressure. At first we think he has clipped him, but I do not think he

has. I think Kompany pulls him back. It is a red.

ROBBIE SAVAGE: Spot on. I think there was no foul from Jelavic.

Kompany trips over his own leg. Then he looks at the referee, and decides

to pull him over. I think it was a definite red. Surprising he felt the

need to pull him back because he is so quick. What about the George Boyd

incident? Why should they jump out of the way

if a defender or goalkeeper comes rushing out. If you look at here.

Yes, there is contact. He is down before the contact comes. He is on

his knees. Contact comes now with his right foot on his calf there. He

is on his knees. For me that is a dive, not a penalty. People likening

this to Alan Pardew. Nonsense. Joe Hart is fortunate. Boyd takes a step

to the side as the heads come together. See that? Joe Hart just

misses him there. Look at that spitting, we can't defend that. I'm

sure the guys will look at that. Joe Hart got a yellow card for his

reaction I don't think the FA can go back and look at it. Manchester City

had to play without their star defender, they coped well? He had

massive authority. When he plays with Kompany he has been hopeless.

He gets beaten too easy by Jelavic. The now he takes authority. Ushering

his men to get up to the 18-yard line. Showing good authority. Great

line there. Catching Hull City offside. Garcia came on, he is

defending well as well. Great line. Well-organised. All in sync with

each other. No chance for the forward to get in. Second-half,

Garcia, getting out, getting out. Great line. How organised there.

This is about their captain, their leader. Hull need a midfield runner.

This is what Boyd does. This is the only time this line got broke.

Garcia switched off for a split second. Boyd goes through. It's not

a penalty. He took authority, led his men and did exceptionally well.

Despite that advantage of having an extra man, Hull never took advantage

of that or impose themselves on the game There has been talk about

Huddlestone getting into the England squad and going to Brazil. Not on

today's performance. It was a great opportunity for him today when City

went down to 10-men. This summed him up. Looking at the referee for a

foul. It wasn't a foul. Struggling to get back in. Half hearted tackle.

Doesn't track him. Again, this time it comes to Zabaleta, no real

challenge on him there. Poor from that point of view. This, what on

earth is he doing here? Playing in the sweeper position. Down to

10-men. His two are halfs can do that chest and Davis can pass this

ball. If he makes a run into the space there. He asks more questions

of the midfield of Manchester City. He causes problems. No, he is quite

content to get the ball there. Get it off the centre half. Pass it to

another centre half. Look how far he is? Look at the two centre halfs in

front of him. What is he doing to affect the game? Asking no questions

of Fernandinho. They are happy with imhad. He is sat on the half-way

line. He is the passer of the ball. He can make the slide-rule pass if

he gets further forward. Getting it off the centre halves, no space to

him. Down-the-line. Out for a goal kick. No influence on the game

whatsoever. In contrast. Look at Manchester City's defensive

midfielder, Fernandinho. He gets into the box. Livermore,

Huddlestone, two midfielders. Gets into the box and breaks forward.

Instead of dominating the midfield because City were down to 10-men he

was a passenger ant didn't affect it all. Missed opportunity. Let's see

how the leaders Chelsea fared. They're unbeaten in their last 14

Barclays Premier League fixtures. They faced an Aston Villa side

who've generally struggled to find the net at home this season, but did

bag four against Norwich last time out. Guy Mowbray was at Villa Park

We've still got half a dozen games to show you, and there are a couple

of crackers on Match Of The Day 2 this Sunday. Out they come, a ground

where Jose Mourinho has never been a winner as Chelsea manager and where

Villa themselves don't win enough. They are attempting to make it two

home league wins in a row for the first time in the first season in

over three-and-a-half years. They beat Norwich 4-1 a fortnight ago.

Joe Bennett is in at left back. Three changes Chelsea from their own

four goal show against Spurs last week.

Mind games before the start or just checking out his boundaries? A word

in the ear of the fourth official John Moss. Drawn three, lost one.

That's the "special one's" record at Villa Park. Willian has caught the

Moroccan international late. They are urging him to get a yellow card

out for that, and he is doing. He was never going to get there with

that. Cahill's header. Benteke. Always

wide of Cech's goal. A little more power in it would have had him

worried. Beautifully down, Ramirez. Looking for Torres.

Here's Hazard. Beautifully done by him again. He's warming up. The

lights are on, they are twinkling. We are getting the skills, the

sways, the Dannses, a joy to watch once more. Willian with a Chelsea

corner. Cahill has broken out. It's over him. All the way through, Matic

squeezes the ball in. Has it been disallowed? Is having had words with

Peter Banks, has disallowed the goal. Handball is it? , it is. Off

the right arm, onto the chest, and bundled scrappily into the net. But

that is the decisive touch. The dip of the right shoulder. Took

consultation. Words between the assistant referee and the man in the

middle, Chris Foy, the goal does not stand.

Ramires, might get on to that. Was he through? Bennett brought him

down. Free-kick Chelsea. Joe Bennett has been booked. Not a clear

goalscoring opportunity. Jose Mourinho will claim that it was. He

does claim it. Jose Mourinho had said three points would be fabulous,

one point is not a bad result at Villa Park. Super cross, Guzan

didn't deal with it. Hazard. Trying to turn it back for Ramires. Villa

still haven't dealt with it. Oscar. The poor attempt in the end. By hook

or by crook, with a fair bit of luck, Aston Villa have kept Chelsea

out again. They were at each other the last time their teams met. Right

towards the end of the game at Stamford Bridge. Decisions Paul

Lambert felt weren't going his way. They had a drink afterwards and all

was well. All is well together. Torres, trying to leave the field in

a blaze of glory. Trying to go for goal himself. No.

Well worked. It was on for Benteke. It was always curling wide. There a

change of mind here. Willian had run over to the bench here. It's the 11

that goes up for Schurrle to go on. Oscar will make way. Jose Mourinho

changed his mind about it. The other change was always going to be Torres

off, Demba Ba on. On as a substitute a week ago to score two late goals

to see off Spurs. Delph. He will go here. A second yellow card here for

Willian. Willian's going. When you think about that substitution a

moment ago, when it looked as if he was going to be taken off. The there

seemed to be a change of mind from Mourinho. He dragged Oscar off

instead. Then this happens, a minute later. Willian, on a yellow card,

couldn't take that risk, but he did. It's not much, but it's a foul. It's

enough for another yellow card that has Mourinho hopping mad.

Too quick for Ivanovic. Too skilful for Matic. Albrighton to set himself

and put it in. And it is, Delph has scored!

Villa nick the lead. Brilliant work from Delph. Beat Ivanovic. Too much

from Matic. Kept on withes had run. Did he mean that? If he did, it's a

touch of genius. Aston Villa 1, Chelsea 0. Words, words! Still

pretty cordial. Jose Mourinho wants to make his point. Paul Lambert is

keen to answer. Chelsea un appy in the build-up to Villa's goal.

Challenge by Westwood on Ramires that first got Villa possession and

led to all that happening. And led to maybe Villa winning the match and

maybe Chelsea losing their grip on the title. Westwood, Delph, could be

on for number two. Cech half stopped it. He stopped it fully by

deflecting it onto the bar. Delph wonders how he hasn't doubled up for

the day. What a chance. What a really good save. I don't think it

will be enough to prevent Chelsea from losing though. Ramires. Runs

into El Ahmadi. Villa furious. It spilled over to the touchline.

Fingers being pointed. The feeling is Ramires has jumped in. A straight

red card. He is sent off at Villa Park for the second game in a row

here. This is why Villa were so angry. Oh, he does jump in. He will

be lucky if he has escaped serious injury. Jose Mourinho doesn't want

to let this lie. Who is he having words with here. His own players,

Chris Foy? Is he is being sent away as well? For what, says Jose

Mourinho. It looks like he might have been sent off along with his

player. Jose Mourinho sent to the stands as well. He makes his way

slowly enough. The he might as well not bother because there are only

seconds remaining. He will pass on words of instruction. It might be

all too late for Chelsea. The nine-men at the end will be beaten.

I ask if I could speak five seconds, can I say something, five seconds?

Out. OK. Out. Was that for walking onto the pitch towards the referee,

what was the reason he has given? I don't know if I was on the pitch.

Everybody was on the pitch. Everybody was on the pitch. Me, Paul

Lambert. Grabbed Ramires from behind, from the neck. Everybody was

on the pitch. You don't think you did anything different to anybody

else? Me. Different. For better. I was calm. Not many people was calm

in that moment there. But I think he knew perfectly what he was doing

from (inaudible) You don't feel you got some of the decisions you should

have done maybe? I don't comment. If I comment I bring the game into

disrepute. I'm not going to give any chance to be charged, so no words.

Not one single word. I have seen the second red card, now, that is a leg

broken. second red card, now, that is a leg

You have to play within the laws of the game. And that was a really bad

challenge. -- leg breaker. And then, mayhem breaks out. I do not want any

of that to deflect from the game, and the result, because we were

excellent. Did you mean that? Yes, definitely. He has pulled it back to

me, and the only thing I could have done was to try and do that into the

corner. And luckily it has come off. Of course he meant it. Fabulous

finish. Whatever you think about decisions, it was a brilliant Aston

Villa performance? Which is why we should talk about them first, and we

will. I thought they were brilliant. They frustrated Chelsea. Fabian

Delph was outstanding in midfield. He went into tackles, he created, he

scored a wonderful goal. He got forward from midfield! Heeded, Villa

played ever so well. The performance was outstanding. This was

fantastic. This summed it up. Hazard has been Chelsea's best player for

much of the season. He does not let him get past him. When they go down

to ten men, Fabian Delph, wins the ball, piece of skill to go past

Matic. And this was a fantastic finish. Of course he meant it.

Again, three of them around him. The ball comes once again to Delph. This

summed Villa up. They have beaten Man City at home, beaten Chelsea at

home, beaten Arsenal away. They are well out of trouble now. There were

some controversial decisions to look at. What do we think? I thought the

referee had a bad day. I thought he got some big decisions wrong. I

think Bennett here should be sent off. Ramires was going through. No

chance was Vlaar going to get back to him. The referee should get help

from his assistant, but that was going to be a goal-scoring

opportunity. The referee gives him a yellow card. He gets that wrong, it

should be red. This is Willian's second. I am not even sure this was

a free kick. He just catches him, nothing more. No way is that a

yellow card. This one was Ramires, the speed of the challenge, it was

absolutely scandalous. So lucky he has not broken his leg. That is a

terrible tackle, it is a leg breaker. Mourinho gets sent off for

coming onto the pitch. Both Lambert and Mourinho, both of them were on

the pitch. And the referee has sent him off, I think, we do not know...

It looks like he has sent him off the coming onto the pitch. I do not

understand that. It has livened things up it has been a great stage

Manchester City, but it has also brought back Arsenal and Liverpool

more into the equation. I think Liverpool goal to Old Trafford

tomorrow as favourites, I think they are right in it. It is a great

incentive for both of them before the games tomorrow. We have still

got half a dozen games to show you, and a couple of crackers on Match of

the Day 2 this Sunday. Kevin Kilbane and Henry Winter will

be on Match of the Day 2 protect extra. And Mo Farah will be warming

up for next months London Marathon, by taking part in the New York art

Marathon. Time now to turn our attention to matters towards the

bottom of the Premier League, commencing with two of those sides

hovering just above the relegation zone, Swansea and West Brom, watched

at the Liberty Stadium by Martin Fisher. With Chico suspended, Jordi

Amat comes into the back four. Also coming in is Lamah. Morrison and

Sessegnon are prepared -- preferred up front for West Brom. Many Spanish

flags among the West Brom fans, to show support for their beleaguered

boss. And Lamah has scored inside two minutes! In for the injured

Nathan Dyer, and he has put Swansea in front. The vision from Bony, the

pass into space, and Lamah did the rest. Religious stuff from Swansea.

What a shocking start for Pepe Mel. -- delicious stuff.

Four points out of a possible 21 so far for Pepe Mel. Britton picks out

Davies. Bony! Great save, Foster. How important will that proved to be

in the final analysis? Only thought he had scored his 10th of the

season. Foster did not note too much about it, but kept it out. It was a

vital stop. A busy week for Garry Monk, having become the father of

twins. That was a big let off for Ben Foster! It all stemmed from a

shocking goalkick. Downing in conversation with Pepe

Mel. The thought is that if Pepe Mel is dismissed this week, Jeremy Peace

might turn to Downing once again. Lamah did well to keep it in. And

draws the foul from Reid. Reid initially appealing that it would

have gone out, before lunging in on the Belgian. De Guzman with the free

kick. Swansea have their second corner.

West Brom cannot afford to go in to kneel down at the break. Williams!

-- 2-0 down. His last goal at the Liberty Stadium was three years ago,

Ashley Williams. Still, the second Swansea goal will not come.

Morrison, held up by Williams. Sessegnon! That is the equaliser!

Six minutes into the second half, West Bromwich Albion, a different

team after half-time. And Stephane Sessegnon, his first start since New

Year's Day, has breathed new life into Pepe Mel and those Albion

supporters. It is his third goal of the season. It could be so, so

important. Whatever he said to his team at

half-time, it is working. Canas. Lamah, I'm behind Reid. Lovely first

touch. Pulled back for Bony. Collected by Routledge. De Guzman!

Appeals for handball! The referee was in a very good position. He

waves it away. The question is, was that an unnatural position for the

defender to have his arm? The position of the referee could not

have been better. Rangel just trying to force the

pass. Another very important save from Ben Foster. There might be one

or two who questioned the positioning of Ben Foster for

Swansea's goal today, but since then, he has made a couple of

excellent saves, helping to provide a platform for West want to get

something from south Wales today. -- for West Brom.

Mulumbu! Youssouf Mulumbu! Six minutes from time! West rummage

Albion, are they on their way to only their second away win of the

season? Their first came in September, at Old Trafford. Mulumbu

just ambles through and passes home. It would be a huge three

points for West Rahm and for Pepe Mel.

Now, 28 points, now, more confidence, a good week. Next week,

we will train with a smile on the face. It is different. I am happy

for him because he deserves it. He is a great coach. He does not really

speak English, he tries his best. Today, I think for him it is going

to be a good feeling. We just need to keep working hard. I know we are

going to stay in the Premier League. I am very pleased with the first

half, we passed the ball well, we got on top of them, creating

chances. Everything we asked of them. We could have come in a few

more ahead. But second half, for some reason, we were sloppy. We did

not start the half right. You could see they were scrapping for their

lives. We have to realise now that that is exactly what we are doing.

After seeing that second half, our players will realise that is what it

is going to take. West Brom changed their style today, and eventually, I

suppose, it paid off which are first victory in eight games. Whatever he

said at half-time certainly worked. Complete contrast between the two

halves. This was the first half, with the two wingbacks. Second-half,

look at Ridgewell and Reid. They were more on the front foot. First

half, they could have been two or three down. This was the opening

goal. Reid was in no man's land. The ball gets played in behind Reid. He

tracks back well, but he has got to put the brakes on. He goes too

quick. This one, Reid has got to get tighter. Should have scored. Good

save from Foster. Ridgewell on the left-hand side, as wingbacks, no

man's land. Cross comes in. The other wingbacks, Reid, with a

terrible head out to the edge of the box. Shock comes in. That was the

first half, they were all over the place, defending. This was the

second half. Great position. This was a much better performance. And

that is why they have won the game. It is Reid on the opposite side

getting the shot in. They are not necessarily natural wingbacks, are

they? No, but if you are put there, you have got to do the job. What a

strike from Sessegnon. And it is Ridgewell in the box on the other

side. So, much more positive. A massive win for them. The team talk

worked. Would you believe that Everton have failed to score in the

first half in 17 of the 27 league games this season but Jim will

effect in the second half of games, though. The commentator at Goodison

was Steve Wilson. -- prolific in the second half. Everton hope the goals

from Lukaku will get European football, and then that he will be

persuaded to stay. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping for a first away

point since he took over. The Norwegian was offered to Everton as

a player before he signed for Manchester United, but Everton would

not meet the asking price of ?1.2 million.

Mirallas, goes for goal. A really good stop. Marshall had to stretch.

Got his left glove to it, good save this. Good play by Mirallas, who is

having a good season for Everton, he really is. They have started

strongly, Everton. Cardiff are looking wobbly already. Coleman

making a run. Well played. No foul. Here is Deulofeu running at

his country. A little jab onto Deulofeu's left shin.

Noone did well to turn away from Baines. Ricochet to Campbell. Big

chance. Heading wide. Good save by Tim Howard to deny Fraizer Campbell.

Real opportunity here. Fell to him beautifully. With a bit of luck. Tim

Howard did well. This it is the kind of game that Everton have become

accustomed to winning this season. Deulofeu, lovely change of

direction. Good save again! David Marshall to the rescue. Cardiff

couldn't get it away. Lovely shimmy from Gerard Deulofeu. Everton

breaking here. Great save again! Inspired stuff from Marshall. A

hat-trick of saves now. To keep Everton at bay. Lukaku, powerful,

strong, really well hit. Curling in. Excellent save by Marshall. Here's

Kim. Fabio again, that is a good ball,

Fraizer Campbell. Howard down, low to his knee. It would be interesting

to see if it was going in or not. The important thing was that Howard

wasn't too sure and wasn't going to take a chance. Good ball from Fabio.

He ploughed a lone furrow at times, Fraizer Campbell. Two in the middle.

Deulofeu here, goes for goal. He finds the net! Beating Marshall at

his near-post. Gerard Deulofeu, David Marshall, who three times was

Cardiff's hero in the first half, has been beaten at his near-post

here by Deulofeu. Good acceleration from Deulofeu.

There is a deflection off the right fly of Caulker. Everton, in front.

Cardiff have taken only six points away from home this evening, none of

them under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Fraizer Campbell here. A free-kick

is given. I wasn't convinced myself that Fraizer Campbell had that ball

under control. His left foot seemed to come out to accentuate the

contact with Coleman. A free-kick is given. It's an opportunity for

Whittingham, the first since he came on, to conjure something from a

set-piece. Big moment from the game. The touch has taken it in. They have

equalised. Whittingham, set-piece expert. It bounced into the net.

Cardiff are level. Cardiff aren't going to worry about that.

Beautifully worked. Great save by Marshall. Tremendous stop by the

Cardiff keeper. He made three good saves in the first half. I don't

think any was as good as this. The deflection made it so tough. Star of

the show really, Marshall. The leg comes out. Cardiff City were

interested. Zaha thought he was fouled. That's where he was looking

when the right leg of Distin comes out and Zaha goes over it. Roger

East didn't think there was enough there. The fourth official is ready

with his board. He puts up the number four. Red shirts all back

now. Coleman taking on the player. A corner.

Baines delivery. It's a good one. Marshall right at the end to deny

Bartley. He does it again, the Cardiff keeper, don't know how much

he knew about that one. He kept it out. That is all that counts. Great

finish to the game. Barkley. Looks tired Medel, holds up Barkley. Four

in the box, Everton. Good cross. Barry at the back post. Coleman -

in! Everton have won it. Seamus Coleman. Cardiff City players on

their knees, distraught and defeated. A crucial point snatched

from them with seconds to go. Cardiff City stubborn resolve is

broken. Barry's header, Coleman's shot. Mishit it. It span into the

net. You have to wonder if goal Coleman had hit this truly, whether

it would have gone in. -- mishit. -- mis-hit. Marshall was magnificent.

The way their keeper was playing today it's probably the only coal

that would have beaten him. It fell to me. I tried to hit it as well as

I could. I saw it going over the keeper. Unfortunate for them. I will

take any luck I will get. You If you hit it keenly you might have had a

good chance of saving it? It caught the outside of his foot. It dropped

into our corner, incredible. The first one was a deflection. You

haven't had a lot of luck today? No. That's, you knee to earn that luck.

I thought today we had done enough to earn that luck. But if you look

at the decision to not give the penalty. That changed. That is five

minutes ago, whatever it was, 1-1. You score a goal. They get three.

That is the margins, isn't it? No breaks for Cardiff. They played

really well. David Marshall was outstanding. If it wasn't for him I

think they would have been relegated. He has been outstanding

on a number of occasion this is season. He didn't deserve to be on

the losing. Some of his saves were top draw. First one here from

Mirallas. Left hand, pushes it wide. This time, Deulofeu, right hand,

pushes it... That is the impressive thing. Not pushing it back into the

danger area. Good play from Everton. Another one there, right hand from

Lukaku. They really are top, top saves. This one is the best one

here. He steps to his left and goes back to his right. How he mansion to

get that wide of the goal. Not back into the danger area either. This is

- this is the only way they would beat them with a little bit of luck.

Deflection through the legs. This one here, as you heard Coleman

saying, it was a flubg. Fluke. He scuffed it. Got under the ball. He

looks devastated. Huge blow for Cardiff. We are off to the South

Coast where Southampton played Norwich. Norwich are desperate to

stay out of the relegation zone. At St Mary y's was John Roeder.

Gary Hooper hasn't scored since Boxing Day. He is Norwich's

top-scorer this season. Schneiderlin, who is onside. 1-0,

Southampton. Morgan Schneiderlin gets his second goal of the season.

What a perfect start for the Saints. Just under five minutes played and

John Ruddy is beaten. Super interplay from Southampton.

Rodriguez with the ball back, the pass forward and he timed his run to

perfection. Only Ruddy to beat, and he did so. Terrific start for

Southampton. Ralph Kruger was appointed as

Southampton's new Chairman, sitting there with the club's owner. Just

behind them is the England manager, Roy Hodgson. A little bit more

pressure now from Norwich. Hooper. Snodgrass. Gary Hooper.

Almost 32 minutes played, that counts as Norwich's first reasonable

chance of the match. Hooper with the quick touch to Snodgrass. Then

peeling away to make the space for himself to get the shot away.

Schneiderlin. A touch from Ramires, Davis,

Ward-Prowse. Room for a shot from James Ward-Prowse. Pushed away by

Ruddy. James Ward-Prowse looking for his first Premier League goal for

the Saintsment he has one goal for the club, scored in the FA Cup, a

couple could of years back. -- couple of years back. Lambert! He

has only just come on as a Southampton substitute. Rickie

Lambert has doubled the Saints' advantage. What a substitution from

Mauricio Pochettino. Important touch here as the ball came forward. It

was there, off Bennett. It set the ball up nicely for Lambert. He

turned inside the defender and then assess his options. Lambert here

looked as cool as you like. Ruddy beaten, for a second time. Rickie

Lambert scores just 66 seconds after coming on as a substitute.

Lambert with the touch. Clyne. Three in the middle to aim for. Lambert.

Can he turn? Do Prado. Do Prado. Ruddy with the block. Lambert. Can

he set up a third goal. He can! Rodriguez for Southampton, surely

all three points for Southampton. There is no way back for Norwich.

Lambert with the touch to set up Rodriguez, who wasn't going to miss

from there. Rodriguez scores for the second game in succession. It takes

him up to 14 now for the season. He's had a good performance in front

of Roy Hodgson. Rodriguez, has a go from distance!

Oh, off the bar. John Ruddy annoyed with his defenders for allowing Jay

Rodriguez to have a shot from distance.

Oh, given away. Elmander gets a goal back for Norwich. Something at last

for them to cheer about. A careless goal for Southampton to

give away, but it surely comes too late for Norwich. Southampton have

given it away again! Elmander. Van Wolfswinkel! Snodgrass! 3-2! And

now, there is time for a comeback! Two goals in quick succession for

the visitors, and Southampton, who looked so comfortable, now most

certainly are not. Elmander got to it first. Will sprinkle's shot was

only pushed away to Snodgrass. -- van Wolfswinkel's shot. Suddenly,

the Norwich fans have belief. Southampton might be away here.

Steven Davis has got Gallagher in the middle. Here is Gallagher. Can

he finish it? It is in! That was over the line, no doubt about it.

Gallagher has secured the points for Mauricio Pochettino's team. It is

his first Premier League goal. Norwich, with virtually everybody

forward. Dave Short, seeing the teenager in the middle. -- Davis.

There was no need for goal-line technology. It was clear that the

ball had gone over the line. TRANSLATION: In football, nothing is

ever finished until the final whistle. It is a cliche, but that is

the truth. We were 3-0 up, we were lacking a little bit of focus at the

end. You cannot take anything for granted, especially in the Premier

League. They dug in and showed character, and on another day,

something might have materialised. We might have ended up getting the

draw. After the game, I spoke to Rickie Lambert. Ricky, thank you

very much for talking to us. That got a bit hairy at the end, didn't

it? It did. One minute, it was completely fine, like you said, the

next minute, we were in danger of losing a 3-goal lead. I could not

quite believe what was going on. As for yourself, you came on and scored

with pretty much your first touch. That must have been pleasing? It

was. Obviously, I was trying to get on and score a goal, and it happened

straightaway. I was made up. Good finish as well, may I say. It must

be quite frustrating sitting there on the bench, not selected for the

start of the game, especially with the England manager watching?

Obviously, I want to play every game, players would say that. It is

disappointing in that aspect. But I have got to understand what the

gaffer wants to do, and I am fine by that. I understand that I cannot

play every game. It is something I accept. I want to play every game,

and whenever I get on the pitch, I have just got to try and do well.

Hopefully I have done that for him today. He has pretty much got a

season ticket at Southampton now, is the World Cup on your mind? It is

something that you cannot take your mind off, I would be lying if I said

I was not thinking about it. Ali I am focused on doing well for

Southampton. That is the main thing. I know that by doing that, it is

giving my chances of getting to the World Cup a boost. That is all I am

trying to do. I suppose ultimately, he can only take so many forwards,

it could even come down to a straightforward choice between

yourself and your team-mate, Jay Rodriguez? It could be. Like I said,

these over-30 players, there are quite a few strikers. And he plays

in my position. He has had a great season. I have always said how I

have appreciated that I have got my chance, if I do not go. That is not

taking away my desire to get there, but if Jay went in place of me, I

would be made up for him. We wish you all well. We need you there,

even if it is just for the penalties. Good luck for the rest of

the season. Thank you. Well, there they are, side-by-side, two

team-mates, playing similar positions. England are likely to

take only four strikers. ALAN SHEARER: Out of these Tour, my

choice would be lambert. I think he deserves to go. You can see Roy

Hodgson looking on once again. There are so many exciting players down at

Southampton. Lambert he came on, he turned Yobo inside out. Lovely,

composed finish. It was too easy for him. He was not fazed in front of

goal, he never has been. I like this one. I know he should score, but it

is a good run. He bends his runs so he is not offside. Times his run to

perfection. And Rodriguez is impressive as well. Absolutely. Do

Prado should actually score. But how unselfish was that? You put it on a

plate for his mate, Rodriguez. They are a decent partnership. If you

give this guy time, he can do this. What a fantastic shot that is. Who

do you think it will be? I would take Rickie Lambert. I think he

deserves to go. He has got a couple of goals for England already. It

could be a big point, seriously, about the penalties. I would take

Andy Carroll if he scores between now and the end of the season. I

think he offers something different. The Football League Show

follows us tonight or is available on the iPlayer all week. And don't

forget Late Kick-off in your region, on Monday night. There is a welcome

made table look to our next game. Would you have guessed that Stoke

and West Ham have scored fewer headers than any other Premier

League clubs?! Observing matters was Alistair man. Just one change for

improving Stoke, and that was enforced, with Stephen Ireland

replacing Jonathan Walters, who was sent off at Norwich last weekend.

Four alterations for the visitors, one of them Antonio Nocerino being

given his first start. Andy Carroll has been recalled following his ban.

Comes in towards Carroll, who saw Nolan running off him. He had the

confidence to try to go alone. That was a fairly easy decision for the

referee. Mark Noble doing the signals, and aiming towards Andy

Carroll, who gets there in front of Begovic! And insightful minutes,

West Ham are in front. That was simplicity itself. Just died within

by Noble. -- just guided in by Noble. Andy Carroll bravely puts his

side in front. Well, it was a really well taken

goal from Andy Carroll. And here is Ireland at the other end! That was a

fabulous stop from Adrian. Within seconds of falling behind, maybe

Stoke ought to have been on level terms.

Peter Crouch with the effort. Corner to Stoke. These two sides ironically

have scored the fewest number of headers, prior to today. It is

turned in by Peter Crouch! Well, he was the only one that seemed to

react. It hit Odemwingie on the line. I

wonder if he might claim this one. It came off his shoulder.

Peter Crouch has been to World Cups in the past for England, but I do

not think he is expecting to get a plane ticket this time. Excellent

stop by Begovic. The Kevin Nolan -Andy Carroll partnership was

evident there. David Moyes on a watching brief, watching future

opponents on his day off. The offside flag is up. Kevin Nolan

is absolutely appalled, because he believed he should not have been

flagged. I think that is the right decision.

Because the goalkeeper was out, Nolan was offside.

Nice move from Stoke. Is there an end product? Arnautovic! And it

creeps into the corner! And Marko Arnautovic gets his first Premier

League goal in front of the supporters at the Britannia Stadium.

It was to refit build-up. -- it was a terrific build-up.

Claims of a handball against Muniesa. That was intriguing. He did

not look as though he was going to win that ball, Muniesa. Andy Carroll

says he handled it. That is a handball, and a penalty. Definite

penalty. The referee says to Andy Carroll, no

way. Thumped away by Cameron. Noble. Good

header from Shawcross, brilliant from him. Here is Ireland, looking

for a third. On towards Odemwingie! Game over.

Well, it was one end of the field to the other. It was all about the

timing of the past. And Odemwingie fired it into the

roof of the net. We just don't in and waited for the

moment to shift our way. Once it did, we were quite devastating with

the goals we scored. All in all, a very pleasing performance. The

defending on the second goal, it was pathetic, to be honest with you. But

then of course we had an extremely poor decision by the referee. And

when I say extremely poor, I mean extremely poor. You could see his

mouth saying, definitely wasn't. Have you had a chance to speak to

him? No, I have to wait half an hour before I go in. I think we all

agree, that was definitely a penalty. And Stoke are becoming

pleasing on the eye, I never thought I would say that? Yes, Mark Hughes

is doing a fantastic job. He has reinvigorated players like Ireland

and Crouch. This was fantastic. Stephen Ireland was fantastic all

afternoon. It was great play. Mark Hughes has slowly turned it around.

I think he could get them into the top ten in the Premier League next

year. And I sensed you knew Andy Carroll would score, before you

uttered your previous comment? I did, yes. Next, it is rock bottom

for them desperately in need of a win against Newcastle, for whom

their manager, Alan Pardew, was barred from the ground. Jonathan

Pearce was there. Papiss Cisse comes in for Loic Remy.

Alan Pardew will be communicating with his number two from a nearby

hotel by mobile telephone. He tried to place it, good effort,

good football from Fulham, a good save. Good goalkeeping.

And Papiss Cisse stab at it. And it was an instinctive save by

Stockdale. That is more like the older Papiss Cisse. He reacted so

quickly. A very good reaction save. That was the really important to

block by Paul Dummett. It is of the bar, but he was offside and it will

not count. Fulham are desperately unlucky. This is why we have

goal-line technology these days. The shot took a deflection and looped

high. I think that is over the line. From my first reaction it was a

goal. But the follow up would not have counted because he was

definitely offside. Let's see if the officials got it right. No gold. It

has not gone across the goal. It is a snitch. How close is that? There

can only have been a centimetre in it.

Could this be calamitous for a fuller. They were rescued by

Stockdale. A year ago Papiss Cisse would have taken that.

A mistake by Tom Krul. The substitute comes on for a full and

gives them an absolutely precious goal. One moment a terrific save at

one end and at the other end a piece of hapless goalkeeping gives Fulham

and Felix Magath a goal, a lifeline, hope. Oh dear, oh dear, Tim Krul. It

should have been dealt with. How important could that prove? 12

minutes after coming on Ashkan Dejagah gets possibly the most

important of his four Fulham goals to date.

The referee is signalling that the corner will come in and that is it.

It hit a hand. It is all over. Felix Magath celebrates his first win in

charge of Fulham. Their first win since New Year's day. Newcastle are

arguing they should have had a spot kick at the end. I do not think he

knew anything about it. The penalty is not given and Fulham will

celebrate. It is a vital win. Congratulations, a first win for you

as the boss of Fulham, how does that feel? Yes, thank you very much. I am

very glad and IM very proud. It was hard work today, but now I think we

have realised that we are able to stay in the league. Let's start with

the penalty incident in the dying seconds. What is your view on it? I

took a look at it and it hit his arm. There is no pace on the ball.

The referee was in a difficult position to see it and he has not

given it, so you have to accept that. I was disappointed with the

decision on the challenge which led to their goal. He went straight

through the back of him and he would not get away with it on a Sunday

morning. What is Felix like to work with? I like him personally because

he has given me my debut and I cannot say a bad word about him and

today we have got a good result, so he is doing something right. Gus

Poyet has called it his team's biggest game of the season. Steven

Fletcher is starting. Along with Fabio Borini who has scored

important goals for Sunderland already this season. Crystal Palace

I delete's lowest scorers. -- are the league's lowest scorers. No one

has questioned the importance of today.

It is a goal kick in the end. That is the kind of delivery Sunderland

need today from Adam Johnson. It is his biggest game of the season and

he does not want any weaker players. It is a game for the strong minded.

He lost his footing. That was extraordinary. Straight at the

Sunderland goalkeeper. Tony Pulis has taken 20 points from 16 Premier

League games. It gives them a fighting chance of survival.

Sunderland have to try and break down this organised defence.

That could have been the moment of magic. Fabio Borini knew what he was

trying to pull off, but he was not quite able to do it.

The offside flag was up anyway. Fabio Borini had made intelligent

run. This is the type of run he can make. It was a very close call. 22

years as a manager. Tony Pulis has never been relegated. The onus is on

Sunderland to try and break them down.

Jozy Altidore Ray! He eventually found his feet to get the short end.

Gus Poyet knows the importance of home games for Sunderland. They have

got six games and they have to face Liverpool, Manchester City,

Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea away from home.

He has looked the most likely. He asks for an injection of noise from

the Stadium Of Light. For the first time today he had the space required

to assess the situation and he went for power and it rocketed against

the post. Kagisho Dikgacoi, a big chance, a

huge opportunity for Crystal Palace and a South African international

and a let off for Sunderland. Again Gus Poyet was desperate to take all

three points, and it is a point that will suit Crystal Palace far more.

The fairy tale story line has not been written. There is that feeling

they have one chance and they want to make the game somehow, which

would be terrible for us. But at the end of the day we deserved the win.

Loo-mac everybody within the group worked tirelessly and when Julian

was called on he made a couple of great saves. You could have mixed it

at the end. It was the best chance of the game. They are in the bottom

three and it is possible. You cannot call who is going to be in the

bottom three, it is the toughest it has been for some time.

Put your allegiance to one side, that is a crucial game for Fulham.

Their first clean sheet for over three months. But they got the

decisions and Newcastle are not the same team. That is the sort of when

you need. It gives them a bit of belief, a clean sheet going into the

next game. A massive game. Any more? Is that it? Should George Boyd have

been awarded a penalty. Most of you thought he died. Let's take a look

at the Premier League table. Joe Hart was involved in a row with

George Boyd. The fascinating season takes yet another twist as Fabian

Delph makes hose they see red. Goodbye.