18/01/2014 Match of the Day

Good evening. We've got the three highest-scoring

teams in the Premier League in action for you tonight. Seven games

on the way. And, if that's not enough. These aren't just any

pundits. These are M pundits. Murphy and Shearer.

We start at the Etihad Stadium where second-placed Manchester City needed

just one goal against Cardiff to reach 100 for the season in all

competitions. The visitors began the day in the bottom three, but did

beat City back in August. Jonathan Pearce is your commentator.

These days, the Manchester City gunslingers are invariably quickest

on the draw and has set them is -- best sites on a 100 goals this

season. To make a hard afternoon for Cardiff look more daunting, Silva

and Toure are fit again. Javi Garcia is preferred. Negredo and Djeko with

12 goals between them keep Aguero on the bench.

Kevin McNaughton is preferred to Declan John for only his second

League game this season. 90 years since they kept a League clean sheet

at Manchester City. Pellegrini said it is important for

City to win matches and a trophy, but important also to play a certain

way. Kolarov towards Silva, looking for

Djeko in the middle. It bounces away to Navas, still in play, Silva back

into the middle, desperate Cardiff defending saves a goal in the

opening 40 seconds. Silva was onside. But just got back with a

challenge. I don't think it was a penalty. But from that angle,

McNaughton made contact. I think Manchester City did have a very good

case for a penalty. Cardiff had great spirit under Malky

Mackay. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to recreate that.

Silva. Jesus Navas. The keeper might have got a touch. A lovely ball out

wide, too much space. Cardiff are living on the edge.

Manchester City have only dropped 16 points in over 100 possible here.

Silva has already lost his marker. He might have handled it. Pulled

back, Djeko. The goal is given! Their 100th of the season. Cardiff

are fusing -- fuming. Djeko, his 16th of the season. 100 and

counting, Manchester City. The goal decision, Djeko didn't hit

it cleaning. -- cleanly. It was way over.

Cardiff have big complaints, they think it should have been their

throat. Coming into Silva, they think he handled it.

Too much room for Negredo. It is wide. Moved the ball onto his left

foot. Manchester City should be 2 up.

Here is a chance. Noone, how about that, Cardiff are back in the game.

They are level. What an upset. Manchester City have totally

dominated the game. 29 minutes gone. 1-1. Demichelis was awful. Noone in

side will stop he beat Joe Hart. From there, Manchester City should

not have conceded. Demichelis was beaten far too easily. Kompany

beaten far too easily. Manchester City switched off and paid the

penalty. Wow. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might have told

his players, Demichelis, always prone to giving opponents a chance.

He looked sluggish. A lovely pass. Djeko. Caulker tried

to get past. Jesus Navas. Manchester City are in the lead again. Cardiff

were level for three minutes. As soon as Manchester City picked it up

and delivered like that, Cardiff were in trouble. Lovely flair by

Djeko. A trim finish by Navas. Djeko's first touch, Caulker, the

finish was astute. Having unexpectedly got back into the game,

Cardiff up behind again. -- Cardiff are behind.

Djeko, brilliant. Silva. A lovely move. Lovely to watch that. First

time cross, first time touch. Pushed it wide. It could have been 3-1.

Demichelis went to ground far too early. Going for goal, Joe Hart said

Manchester City. They have to look at their centre half. As soon as he

goes to ground, so far up the pitch, Manchester City are exposed. Five on

three at one stage. Not a bad effort by Noone who has played well.

Pellegrini at half-time with a told them, still create, gopher goals,

but be more balanced. -- go for. Yaya Toure powering on. Into

Aguero. That is the finish! The way Cardiff were playing, Manchester

City needed a third. They have it through Yaya Toure. A cultured touch

back to him, driven low. From midfield this season, 14 goals.

Manchester City have scored three at home again, the 13th time they have

scored three or more at home this season. Yaya Toure. Away to Silva.

Aguero. On the outside, steps inside, wriggles, shoots. Absolutely

devastating. 4-1 Manchester City. Off the bench again. Scoring again

as a substitute. Looking along the line, keeping himself onside, it was

very tight. Brilliant touch inside. It goes wide again and then

finishes. Well done to Noone who has had a

good game for Cardiff. Going for goal. Again, Joe Hart made sure that

the goal went away from the goal with a save. He has been bright,

Noone. A threat to Manchester City. Coming in again, far post, in by

Campbell. He has scored at home and away against Manchester City this

season, the former Manchester United player. Another glut of goals for

the home side. It wasn't as easy as many thought it would be.

We scored today for goals. We missed at least six clear chances. If we

continue to play the same way as now, then we are always going to

score more goals. We will try to continue in the same way as we are

doing now. With our winning mentality, and playing good

football. Have you seen enough to know Cardiff

can stay up? We can stay up, no doubt about that. We are looking to

improve. Parts of all the performance have been very good.

Today for half an hour, we did really well. But we didn't start the

game well, we had a bad period at the end of the first half. The

second half was terrific. Two or three minutes they blitzed us with

goals. You never look a bit older, what is the secret? Well, you do get

older. You have to enjoy life, coming in here, working with these

lads. It is a great setup, the attitude is fantastic. You are not

going to make me older with performances like this. At times we

looked like a proper team. If you had to play away their every week,

you would look a lot older. Manchester City can't stop scoring

at home. These are some of the scorers. You picked out Yaya Toure

as one of the star players. He was brilliant, a giant of a

performance. Defensively and offensively. He is much stronger

than Gunnarsson. That was an outstanding pass with the outside of

the right foot. Djeko knows, when he makes that one, the ball will come

in, it difficult to pass. But he did it very well. A little bit of luck

but a good finish from Navas. This again, pure strength. Stronger

than Noone. He gives him three yards and he still gets to the ball before

him. Once he is running at you, there is no stopping him. He plays a

beautiful pass with Aguero. A great finish. The all-round midfielder.

His all-round play is exceptional. People around him look up to him. He

has this beautiful balance of physical prowess, quick and strong,

but technically brilliant. That pass, it is so easy for him. The

outside or inside of the foot. He is a naturally gifted footballer. There

are questions about his defensive capability. At times, he has been

called a liability. I would like more liabilities like him. He is

allowed to be. Occasionally, he switches off. He is a big guy. He

gets tired. Seeing him today with the inside and outside of the feet,

both feet, finishing. Aguero is back, not bad. 103 goals is

something already. You just know they are going to

score goals, create chances. Not all the players will have off days. They

have so many options from simile different positions. Cardiff, four -

two is almost like a victory compared with many teams. Ole Gunnar

Solskjaer will have easier days. They made more chances than I have

seen in a while. I think, I worry, they have a couple of tough games,

Manchester united away next. They need results soon.

With City winning, that meant Arsenal needed to overcome Fulham at

the Emirates to retain top spot. The visitors have never beaten the

Gunners away from home in any competition. Steve Wilson was

watching. There is a first Premier League game

for follow and's centre half. Just beyond the keeper. Didn't quite

get enough pace on that. It could have been the opening goal.

Looking for Berbatov. No one in the box. Sidwell! Well hit. The flag

goes up on the far side for offside. What not for this effort from

Sidwell. He brought a really good save here from Chesney. It is the

first save either keeper has had to make, for all of Arsenal's

possession. The goalkeeper came and got bad. Beautifully worked by

Fulham. The keeper gets there. Another free kick for Arsenal. Jack

Wilshere have the wherewithal to take it very quick. The outstretched

leg of this Sidwell conceded that free quick. Decent save, brilliant

double save. It would not have counted. Free kick quickly taken but

then it was offside. Berbatov is absolutely on his own. The

goalkeeper made it his. One touch back killed candidate. --

Kacaniklic. He had three sides at goal which

were all off target. That was excellent, bringing a decent save

from the goalkeeper. Here is Jack Wilshere again. Berbatov the

challenge. Free kick, Arsenal. I don't think the replay does much for

his defence. Follow managed to keep it away. It's

hit Berbatov. What a let off for Fulham. Hangeland away.

1-0! Finally Arsenal breakthrough. The intricate, one touch football

opens up fallen's stubborn defence. Has been waiting a long time to get

it right. But it was worth the wait. Santi Cazorla! Fallen's stubborn

resistance is broken. Just when the Arsenal fans were getting nervous.

-- 41. Will be difficult for Fulham to

swing the pendulum the other way in this game. Santi Cazorla again.

Arsenal with two Santi Cazorla goals, surely have done enough? The

goalkeeper might have been unsighted. Went through a couple of

pairs of legs on its way and into the back of the Fulham net. Stec

Lindberg couldn't make up enough ground.

The goalkeeper got a touch on that. What a hit from Lukas Podolski. It

nearly took the keeper's hand off and then the post with it. The

goalkeeper lost it and he missed. It might not have been as easy as it

looked because he was muscled out of it. Plenty Paul Wood the Fulham.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with probably the poorest challenge of

the day. Six in the box the Fulham. The goalkeeper gets there. The

second attempt, just in time. Very nearly got away from him. Coming

into the second half, you stepped up a gear but was that from you in the

dressing room or from the players themselves? Both. The players were

conscious we had to get up a gear. Second half, you could see we were

in their half and created chances. It was just a question of time, and

Santi Cazorla gave us those goals. We can take a lot of positives out

of it. We were well organised and we defended well but Arsenal, with the

players they have, if you switch off for a moment, it can cost you. I

felt we had something to throw at them and maybe get a goal, but it

wasn't to be. Is there any transfer latest you are desperate to tell us

about? I am not desperate to tell you anything. But we would like to.

Unfortunately, nothing to announce. And after the game, I spoke to the

Arsenal goalkeeper. Liverpool have won their last seven

league matches at Anfield on their way to a place in the top four. You

made your 100 Premier League and kept a clean sheet? It was a great

performance, bit slow in the first half. We gave ourselves the chance

to create a couple of opportunities at the other end. I am very pleased.

It is your 10th clean sheet this season, the highest in the Premier

League, that must fill you with great satisfaction? We have improved

massively defensively. We have kept eight clean sheets over the last

nine games at home. We know if we do the job defensively, we will give

our selves chances to win games. That is what we have been doing. It

shows great character bouncing back from conceding six goals against

Manchester City. Since then you have only conceded two goals in all of

your games? It was a big wake-up call for us against Manchester City.

We were doing defensively very well up until then, then we conceded six

goals. We did some hard work in the training ground and it has played.

Do the players believe they can go on and win the league this season?

We want to take it game by game. We have had a good run recently, focus

on the next game against Southampton and see where we go from here.

Thanks for talking to us, keep up the good work.

He is having a terrific season, one of the best goalkeepers. Fulham were

more resilient, but it was only a matter of time, wasn't it? When you

go to Arsenal you have to rely a lot on your back for. Also ask a lot of

work of the two midfielders. They did that today and for a lot of the

game, Parker and Sidwell snuffed out a lot of the problems. If it was not

Sidwell, it was Parker. There they are, closing the ball down. In front

of the back four for Arsenal to go and play. Sidwell clearing up there.

They were always there or thereabouts. Arsenal did not move

the ball around as quick as they can do in the first half, which enabled

them to do just that. Their defensive duties were excellent.

Parker clearing up and Sidwell near him. But with the quality from

Arsenal, they started to move the ball a bit quicker. Jack Wilshere.

In behind. That is a fantastic finish. Probably only a matter of

time before they get the second one. Sidwell was probably tired and could

not get there. Arsenal were not at their best but it was three good

points for them. A lot has been said, we have talked about

Arsenal's midfield, their freedom, but one of the key aspects, is the

fact they have not conceded many goals, they have been solid and in

the defensive partnership with Koscielny and Mertesacker. It has

been consistent. Credit to them, they keep producing good

performances. We have doubted them, but they are still up there and

giving everybody a run for their money. Some of you have doubted

Arsenal! On the same show, you both said they could not win it. We did

not say they can't, I still don't think they will. I said Chelsea

before a ball was kicked and I will stay there. Liverpool are leaking a

lot of goals? Yesterday was much better. More solid. You never quite

know what you're going to get. I would be worried if they concede too

many goals. Liverpool have won their last seven league matches at Anfield

on their way to a place in the top four. They faced an Aston Villa side

whose best form has come away from home picking up 15 out of their 23

points on the road. Guy Mowbray was watching.

It did not take Daniel Sturridge long to mark his comeback from

injury with a goal at Stoke last Sunday. Now he makes his first start

since November. Luis Suarez is in incredible goal-scoring form. He is

looking to score in an eight successive land -- Anfield game.

Ryan Bertrand makes his Aston Villa debut.

Paul Lambert having made a promise and insisted Aston Villa will come

here to try to win, as they did last season. 3-1, Aston Villa success in

2012. That was a great knock down to Agbonlahor. Climbed above Kolo

Toure. Had to get the target. Skrtel got that right, he had to.

Gerrard, in trouble. Agbonlahor moving into the middle. A chance,

but straight at Mignolet. Westwood, straight down the middle. A touch

heavy. A lovely ball from Benteke. Cleared by Skrtel.

Another good cross, just too high for Benteke. An Aston Villa corner.

In the opening quarter, Aston Villa have been the better side.

The header against the post from Clark.

Still not away, a Villa pro. -- throw.

He must have thought for a split-second he had scored. This

Liverpool team have just not got going.

Bertrand won the ball, caught by Sterling. Suarez.

Villa on the break, Agbonlahor is onside.

Agbonlahor in, turned in by Weimann, Aston Villa are in front. They have

been terrific from the start today, fully deserved. Feynman has his

first goal since getting the winner against Manchester City back in

September. 15 games without one. It looks to me as if Weimann is in

line. Liverpool's superb run of form at Anfield is under threat. They

have won their last eight games at home. In all competitions.

A heck of a cross, Benteke with the header. Two goals in front. An

almighty mess at the back for Liverpool. Benteke was ready and

waiting. Nice work down the right-hand side. Agbonlahor had a

look, Johnson and Mignolet work in each other's way. He couldn't get it

off his team-mate's head and it landed firmly on the head of Benteke

who had the simplest of touches. This would happen today of all days

when the owner is in town. John Henry.

Sterling had to run a long way with that. Suarez. Turning to shoot. A

lovely flick from Henderson, Sturridge was in, the ball is in,

Liverpool are back in it. They have hardly been in it or match but with

that goal on the stroke of half-time, it is a contest again. A

lovely touch from Henderson. Guzan couldn't get out quickly enough to

close down Daniel Sturridge. A lovely finish.

He was under pressure. Brilliantly taken.

Liverpool don't want half-time to come now, a different feel.

Lovely control. Guzan out to meet him, down went Suarez. Penalty,

Liverpool. Guzan having words with the referee. But I think he is

cursing himself mainly. No card for the Villa keeper. A super pass.

Lovely control. As soon as Guzan doesn't get there first, he is in

all sorts of bother. The touch that won the penalty. The contact from

the Villa goalkeeper. Steven Gerrard, three out of three from the

spot in the Premier League this season. Gerrard scores. Tucked

neatly as far into the corner as it would go. It is all square. But it

seemed a little more than that. Aston Villa will be up against it

now. Delph, having a go at goal. Mignolet

was very casual, he must have been absolutely certain. He seemed to put

his hands away. He set himself up, Delph.

Henderson. A good save by Guzan. Sterling was onto it. Good, strong

hand from Brad Guzan, just reacted a little late. Got down at just the

right time. Suarez, going for the goal. Free

Suarez knew he was coming, knew he had to get his body in between. He

did that. Gerrard walks away. He leaves it to the number seven who

hit it nearly on target. Guzan thought it was. Too much bend on the

ball. Guzan got something on it, deflected

off the Villa keeper. What happened there? So are as the tackle. --

Suarez got past the tackle. Aston Villa played very well in the

opening period. We couldn't get going. We couldn't get any rhythm in

the game. The second half, we were on the front foot and came close a

couple of times. We came here last year and won. I

thought we played a lot better today in the game. The first half,

outstanding, against a really good Liverpool side.

I thought Brad pulled his arm away. I don't think it was a penalty. If

it had gone view, would you have thought it was a penalty? I just

think, you have to be 100% sure that is a penalty. If you see his arms,

he has pulled them away. We shall come to that shortly.

Liverpool came back well. But Aston Villa, tactically, the way the game

was planned, they were excellent. Credit to Paul Lambert, he went

there and they had a go. He pushed Weimann behind Benteke and stretched

the play. Benteke was winning headers. Liverpool should have taken

a warning. Here, this is the diamond they set up. Weimann was getting in

all day. Steve was struggling. Agbonlahor should have done better.

This went on attack after attack. Agbonlahor stretching, using his

pace. Here, winning it back. Falling to Weimann. It isn't cross, out to

Westwood. Unlucky. That happened all first half, a terrific performance.

Weimann, determination, energy. All the things you want to see. Benteke

doesn't play the pass. A wayward shot. That epitomises Aston Villa.

Weimann on the edge of his own box, desperate to score a goal. Awake at

Anfield where Villa have been struggling. He gets their ahead. A

clever run. First goal, brilliant. What was a special moved from

Brendan was this. He realised he had to change things. He went to three

at the back, matched the midfield. Liverpool clawed their way back. It

is a system that has worked when they play Suarez and Sturridge up.

It is the only way. I thought they helped Liverpool when Agbonlahor

went off. He was having problems with pace. A massive debate on

social networks about whether or not it was a penalty with Suarez. Or

whether he actually died. I thought it was a penalty. I think it is a

Bedford -- it is a penalty, you have to give the benefit of the doubt. If

Guzan is silly to come rushing out on a wet pitch. What is so I is

expected to do, to jump away? Part of a forward's job is your job is to

try to get there first and toe poke the ball past. The keeper has a

problem. Once the keeper goes down, he is not in control. As a striker,

when you are running away, you want to see the keeper running out. If he

is stupid to come out when he can't control himself, he is asking for

trouble. Suarez can't be expected to jump over him. I agree. Different to

diving? Yes, that is the problem the referees have. I agree, you have to

give the benefit of the doubt. There is contact. Did people his arms

away? He didn't. But the contact was with Guzan's Breightmet with

Suarez's right knee. It is a different thing to no contact. Then

it is a blatant dive. We agreed to agree. Three games gone, and we're

not even half-way. West Ham have kept nine clean sheets

this season, but they remain just one place above the bottom three.

The Hammers faced a Newcastle side who've lost their last three games.

Simon Brotherton was at Upton Park. Two managers facing former clubs

today with differing needs. Sam Allardyce and West Ham tried to

clamber clear of the relegation fight. Alan Pardew and you looking

to close the gap to the top seven after three defeats in a row. Andy

Carroll starts today on the bench as his former club come to town. Matt

Taylor fills in it -- at right back. Newcastle are unchanged. Remy leads

the attack, he made his debut in week ago this week -- a year ago

this weekend. Diame, restored to the team today.

Rat looking for Diame. Carlton Cole in their centre. It went wide.

Racing in was Matt Taylor coming up from right back. A liveliness about

West Ham as they tried to prise open this Newcastle defence.

Empty space in front. Steven Taylor has joined the attack. Cabaye!

Newcastle are ahead. Perfectly placed. Just moments after their own

goal was under threat at one end of the field, Newcastle score at the

other. 16 minutes played. Cabaye has his sixth goal of the season.

Gouffran got away from Matt Taylor. A little bit of space. Good touch.

Taking the ball clear of Rat. Into the bottom corner of the net.

Newcastle who have lost their last three matches

Excellent player and a great chance for a second goal. The goalkeeper

just about made the save to deny Moussa Sissoko. Excellent play from

Newcastle. Lovely interchange. Fluid, fast

flowing. Brilliant goal. Superbly created an expertly finished by

Remi. A well judged finish from the Frenchman. You cannot say they don't

deserve it. He is up to 11 goals for the season. Scored twice in the 5-1

win over Stoke on Boxing Day. The home crowd are becoming agitated.

West Ham backing off. Cabaye went the gold. The goalkeeper at full

stretch and Upton Park is enveloped in a frustration every time

Newcastle come forward in that manner. There is absolute panic

among the West Ham players. It is in! West Ham are back in the

game on the stroke of half-time. What a mood changer that could be,

and don't they need it. It was a restless, unhappy crowd. Tim Krul

thought he had made the save. It is hard to say whether it comes off

Carlton Cole or Williamson. West Ham will not worry about that, all that

matters to them is they are back in the game. Chance the Newcastle to

break. Cabaye. The flag stayed down. Newcastle almost made the perfect

start to the second half. Carlton Cole! My goodness me. What a

chance. Superb breakaway down the right-hand side. Matt Taylor with

the deliberate. Perfectly placed and Carlton Cole unable to turn it home.

It was a golden opportunity and it should be 2-2. This is a change to

get the home crowd going, Andy Carroll playing in his first home

game at Upton Park. Matt Taylor did well to keep it in. Over the top by

Andy Carroll. West Ham pushing for an equaliser. It was drilled in low

and then over the top of the bar off the boot of Andy Carroll. It has

been much better for West Ham since half-time. He was fouled by Andy

Carroll. Not a great spot to concede a free kick. Cabaye to the free kick

and it is all over. Newcastle are going to go away with the points.

3-1! There is no time for West Ham to come back now. Cabaye with his

second goal of the afternoon. It means Newcastle will win away from

home for the sixth time this season. For West Ham it will be a six home

defeat. You have got to go all out to try

and get the result from coming down -- coming back from 2-0 down. The

opportunity was there but never taken, especially with Carlton Cole

and Andy Carroll's chance. If you missed your chances at this level

you pay a heavy price. We come here determined to show against

Manchester City how good we were without winning. I don't think we

could have played any better in the first half. Apart from the last kick

when we conceded and made it difficult for ourselves in the

second half. West Ham played well in the second half. We are the only

team in the bottom half with the best clean sheet record of nine. We

have certainly been doing the job right. Our major problem all

season, we have not been scoring. We will either add to that in this

window, all the players in those positions when they get chances need

to be more clinical. Interesting, Sam mentioned generally their

problem has been upfront. But today it was defensively. And with

injuries, it was difficult. Newcastle were deserving winners

rushed to market it is difficult with the injuries they have got,

when you have a back four running out the first time together, you

will have problems. Little warning early on in the game. This is Taylor

at this time, losing the ball in his own heart will stop Gouffran steals

the ball. He gives it to Cabaye. A beautiful finish from him. No

pressure on the ball at all. Passing it to each other. West Ham have

three in midfield. This between Taylor and Collins is huge. It is

because they have not played together very often. It is

difficult. You can follow runners. You can run after people and Collins

gets drawn out here. Soon as you have centre halves and fullbacks

crossing over, you have problems. But what a finish that was. You

mentioned Cabaye, he has become a hugely important player for

Newcastle? This was one of the best games I have seen him play. He has

become a leader on the pitch. He has got vision, passing to Remy. The

calmness he shows, skips round the defender. Slots it in the corner.

This is a pass into Sissoko with his left foot. He is on top of his game

and has a big year ahead of him with the World Cup. He is playing into

feet, following and getting into positions where he can be dangerous.

He was the outstanding player today. Just to finish it off, a wonderful

free kick. We have seen him do this many times. I could not fault him at

all. If he keeps playing like that, Newcastle have a chance of finishing

in a European position. Not bad playing, your lot? Having beat

Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United, if he had played a stronger

team, I know he has injuries but he left the big guy, Remy upfront. We

will not qualify for a champions league place, they will not be

relegated, so why rest players? Two more games tomorrow on Match Of

The Day 2. Mark Chapman will be back with Match

Of The Day 2 Extra tomorrow BBC One at 12.15. And following us

tonight... This bike for postponements because

of the weather, there is a lot of drama to reflect on. We have

promotion contenders in Derby and Brighton. We have been to

Middlesborough on the rise, and their new boss. And Wednesday sees

highlights of the League Cup Semi Final. Can Manchester United

overturn a 2-1 deficit against Sunderland. I think we can safely

say Manchester City are through! We had the unusual situation this

week of a manager outlasting his chairman following Nicola Cortese's

departure from Southampton. The Saints marched on without him to

face a Sunderland side who have picked up nine points from their

last six games. At the Stadium of Light, Steve Bower.

Gus Poyet is hoping for another match winning performance from

Johnson. But Gino says this week's events

have been a distraction, we will soon see. Calum Chambers returns.

Came to Rodriguez! What a strike. Southampton, after all of the

problems of the pitch, are 1-0 in front on it after four minutes. It

is his ninth Premier League goal of the season, Rodriguez. A great

finish from the 24-year-old. His sixth Premier League strike in ten

games and one that has stung the Stadium of Light. That was deflected

off Johnson. It almost beat the goalkeeper. Southampton nearly got

the slice of luck. The woodwork saved Sunderland. His reaction is

totally understandable. His players have not got going yet.

Rickie Lambert! It probably should have been 2-0. Dummy initially from

Lambert, puts back in by Snyder Lynn. It has gone to Lambert.

Rodriguez! And other letter of the Sunderland. Wes Brown this time who

breathes a huge sigh of relief. Turned into Rickie Lambert and

Rodriguez will be disappointed here. O'Shea can only concede the corner.

A terrific effort! Dejan Lovren. Over the ball and steered it past

the goalkeeper into the bottom corner. Terrific finish. It is

nothing more than Southampton deserved. To stay in the Premier

League was always going to be a fighter for Sunderland. They will

have do show some now in this game to come back. They needed that. Adam

Johnson the provider Parini onside. Wasn't the greatest contact. He and

Sunderland will not worry about that, they needed a lifeline and now

they have got one. It was all going so well after half an hour. After an

uncomfortable week, more food for thought now. He was caught by the

mole. -- Cattermole. Sunderland cannot afford to concede again now.

That was going in. That was a good save from Vito

Mannone. Came from the Miss placed pass from Wes Brown. Was almost

punished here. Adam Johnson has followed up last

week's hat-trick with the equalising goal at the Stadium Of Light. From

two goals down, now 2-2, with 19 minutes to go. Johnson had plenty to

do when he picked it up. It came off the goalkeeper, of the post, and

into the back of the net. -- off the post.

In towards Fletcher, through to Gardner. Craig Gardner, the

substitute, denied. It bounced just in front of The Resistable Rise of

Arturo Ui who was at full stretch. -- in front of Boruc.

Going alone, Ramires. Wes Brown got the ball.

Chris Foy is greeted by Southampton frustration. Ramires is still down.

Picked up by Wes Brown there. Did he get the ball first? Just.

That is where Lovren appeared to have injured himself. Ramires is

stretchered off. We will hope that is not too serious for Lovren.

Everything was looking really dark. But Borini came in at the right

time. That was the possibility to adjust things. Not only at

half-time, with -- but with players coming from the bench. You need to

be realistic. This is a point gained.

Two - zero down, if you get a point, it is like a win. Any point is

valuable for us. It is another point on the board, we are moving back up.

TRANSLATION: In football, there are no guarantees. It depends on the

performance of the team. It is up to the people on the board. Whether I

am here. The owner has come out and said no one is for sale. He put

rumours to bed. We want to concentrate on football. Was that

the most important for supporters, no destruction to how you played. We

are disappointed we couldn't get them three points. Played very well,

Southampton. It looked like it was going to be a comfortable afternoon

for them. A vitally important comeback for Sunderland.

The first half, they were hopeless, no pressure on the ball. Poor

clearance by Brown. Just cross it. This summed it up, it typified them

in the first half. The ball came out to Schneiderlin. Larson. No

pressure. The same thing, Johnson. It is lazy. No point being that if

you don't close them down. Again, no pressure from Cattermole. Rodriguez

in the middle. Four yards of space with no one around him. A little

touch. That summed it up again. Look at all those players. He has time to

touch it on his chest, right foot, 24 yards with no one closing him

down. May I say that was a fine goal! Whatever Gus Poyet said at

half-time, he must've given a telling off.

Look at the way they have a bit of energy in the second half. That's

why they got the point. They deserved it, their performance was a

little better, second half. A good strike from Johnson. He should have

saved it. A quick look at the tackle on Ramires. It looked nasty. It did

look nasty. I think it is an accident. Unfortunate, unlucky. He

gets the ball first but followed through with his momentum. He

twisted ankle. I think it is unfortunate. One defeat in the last

seven games for Sunderland. It gives light at the end of the stadium.

Yes. Not losing games, you pick up points, confidence, momentum. The

games I've seen recently, Manchester United, they have played good

football. I think they will stay up. And Southampton will survive

without a chairman. Our next game sees Crystal Palace

boss Tony Pulis come up against the Stoke side he led for seven years,

before leaving at the end of last season.

A great day for stroke City. What a goal! Fans who fully recognise the

remarkable work done by Tony Pulis. He has got the goal, a famous day

for Stoke. Oh, that is sensational! A great

chance. He buries it. Mission accomplished for Stoke City and Tony

Pulis. Stoke fans who made the trip to

Selhurst Park were quick to welcome Pulis. Victory for Palace would move

them off the bottom. John Roder was watching.

Cameron Jerome cannot play as he is on loan at Palace from Stoke.

Guedioura comes in, with Chamakh the focal point of the Palace attack.

Gayle is on the bench. Assaidi returns for Stoke having been

ineligible against Liverpool. Guidetti is on the bench.

Chamakh and Puncheon waiting in the middle. Bolasie, bought in. Only

just wide from Ward. Good work on the near side. Bolasie has made an

excellent start on the left for Palace, the first chance of the

afternoon. Crouch, a touch fortunate there. It

takes quite a bit to help you to crouch to the ground but that is

what Joel Ward did. A little bit of afters as well. Just there. Ward

felt there was contact from the Stoke striker. Bill Mason thought

otherwise. -- Phil.

Pushed away to safety, Speroni with the save. Look at Wilson. He

suddenly get their ahead of Peter Crouch.

Eric Pieters. That would have been quite something had the Dutch

international scored. He has not yet scored for Stoke City. His last goal

came all the way back in April 2008. Charlie Adam might be in. Only just

the wrong side of the post for Adam. Joint top scorer for Stoke. Half a

dozen goals. He almost put the visitors in front in the early

moments in this second period. Mariappa. Assaidi has tracked him

all the way, picked up by Puncheon. Can he get a shot away? Puncheon! He

was the villain last week at Tottenham Hotspur, and very much the

hero this week at Selhurst Park. Jason Puncheon makes amends for that

awful penalty, with the opening goal against Stoke. A nice build-up down

the near side for Palace. Mariappa looked to have run out of steam. But

then Puncheon was first to the pass from Assaidi, and he just kept

going. Before releasing that shot into the bottom corner. Crystal

Palace get only their 14th goal in the Premier League this season. A

huge one for them. If they get all three points, they will narrow the

gap on Stoke to just two points. The reaction of Tony Pulis as his

current side take the lead against his former club.

A little touch back. Charlie Adam widening the shot. Twice in the

second half that Charlie Adam has come close to scoring for the

visitors. Both from distance. And both not too far wide. Time can't go

quickly enough for Tony Pulis over the next ten minutes. Mark Hughes

will be hoping for as much additional time as possible.

Dropping to Chamakh. Puncheon, can he lay it on? Ward. What a save from

Butland. Puncheon, Butland again with the save, and again. Sterling

goal -- fine goalkeeping. A terrific one-handed save. Look how quickly he

got back up to his feet after the second stave -- save. Charlie had

hit it low. Nobody was able to get there. Cleared forward. Wilbraham.

Puncheon making a run through the middle. Wilbraham will surely take

his time. Jedinak. Three against three. Wilbraham left it, Puncheon.

A problem with the save. Denying Jason Puncheon. Jason Puncheon, fill

in one week, here at the next. People missed penalties. People say

not by that much. Puncheon has to get over it. There were no problems

with us. It has been a long week. I always knew the best way to respond

was to perform today. That's what the team has done. I am tired.

Mentally and emotionally, a long week. It has gone now. It was a game

where you felt the first goal would be key to whoever would win tonight.

Unfortunately for us, Crystal Palace got their through poor defending

from us. There were opportunities. Wonderful support from Stoke City

supporters who have come today. I thank them very much. We have had a

wonderful ten years together. I will never forget it. My wife and my

daughter are here today. They were Stoke City supporters for ten years.

Difficult for everybody. The main thing is we have three points for

Palace. I hope to go back to the Britannia Stadium next year in the

Premier League. A lovely show from the supporters. A

lovely story. Unless you are a Stoke fan. Jason Puncheon, the person to

score the winning goal after winning that penalty last week. Not the only

Palace player who impressed. Bolasie plays down the other flank,

they switch flanks quite terrific dribbler. Here, he is positive.

Knowing at people. He didn't stop. You can see the fans getting off

their feet. Good still, close control. A wonderful cross. Joel

Ward should do better. All afternoon, they were positive.

Strong, tenacious, winning the ball back. Committing people. It didn't

work out this occasion. He didn't stop working. Jason Puncheon, after

the huge disappointment last week, he had a point to prove. Positive,

trying to make things happen. Doesn't get it his own way. Maybe

should have had a shot. He keeps going. This time he things, I will

get a shot. To make up the last week. It ends up being a

matchwinner. A long week for a footballer.

He turned it around. He did a great job. As for Stoke. They are in the

bottom section. Good at home. But poor away. Really poor away form.

Only two points ahead of Palace. I think they will probably have

enough. No team has picked up fewer points

on the road this season than Hull, but Steve Bruce's side still started

the day in the top half of the table. They travelled to Norwich,

who were without a win in six. Conor McNamara was at Carrow Road. There

is a Norwich City debut for Kuyton loan from Newcastle. Steve Bruce has

Nikica Jelavic who starts up front after signing from Everton. There is

no place for Hull's other new signing, Shane Long, he hasn't

travelled due to injury. Rosenior preferred to Figueroa at left back.

Koren returns to midfield. COMMENTATOR: Here is another of the

changes, Koren. Back for Jelavic. First touch! What a start that

almost was. Nikica Jelavic had an instant impact when he joined

Everton, wearing blue. Here he is in blue, he brushed the post with his

very first shot. This is James Chester. It's long for Jelavic, who

is proving a real handful in the early stages. Bassong tries to hold

him off, now Koren. Headed away by Bennett. Only as far as Elmohamady.

Rosenior is at the back post! Two big early chances for Hull City. He

kept it low, but not on target. There is a lot of pressure such as

the congest nature of the bottom half of the table. He did well to

keep that under his control. Now, to pick out Johnson. Snodgrass, Ricky

van Wolfswinkel. It just won't fall for him. Back to goal, difficult

manoeuvre to swivel. He fails to hit the target. Story of recent weeks

for Chris Hughton. Hooper, nicely done, Gutierrez, Hooper again. That

was going on target, you know, before it hit Alex Bruce. He felt

the real brunt of that, the manager's son. Snodgrass. Oh, he

brought a save out of McGregor. A lot of whip in that shot from a long

way out. This is Bradley Johnson. Taking down

by Huddlestone. The referee is reaching for the pocket. Yellow card

for Tom Huddlestone. A poor pass that allowed Bradley Johnson to get

into this position. Huddlestone ensured it didn't become any more

serious. High stakes for Chris Hughton. The hasn't won at home

since November. This is Hooper, after the knock down

from Wolfswinkel. In a game that they've struggled for chances, that

was worth a goal from Gary Hooper, on another day it might well have

dipped under the crossbar. Greg Dyke is here at Carrow Road this

afternoon. There has been chances for both teams. They have lacked the

killer instinct. Figueroa was taking no chances there. He put it out for

a corner. We are into the last five minutes of the 90 now. They've sent

the big men up from the back. Here's the delivery. Goalkeeper's come,

McGregor got a touch on it. Becchio, stretches, Snodgrass. It's very

crowded. It's still not away, Bradley Johnson! Pilkington. It will

be another corner. It's all hands on the pump now. This really was

pressure. Jelavic headed it down. Johnson tried to fire it back in.

McGregor has come off his line. And Bennett! And Ryan Bennett has won

the game for Norwich City. Its his first goal of the season, but it's

absolutely priceless. Delight for Norwich City. Look at the goalkeeper

here. He comes, stranded in no-man's land. There's no defender on the

post. After the longest of stale mates, finally, a breakthrough for

Norwich. Are they about to win at home for the first time since

November? Leroy Fer was brave there. He knew

by getting to the ball ahead of Huddlestone he risked getting a

knock. It is another yellow for Huddlestone, who was booked earlier

on in the game. Tom Huddlestone sees red, and in the final minute of the

90, he has been sent off. Not the most vicious kick we have ever seen.

Howard Webb deemed it worthy of alsecond yellow. That might be that

Steve Bruce today. Is there to be a final twist in this tale? Back toll

Elmohamady. Norwich defence trying to get the offside line in order.

It's a chance. It has gone wide. Bruce and Davis both attacked the

same ball. One of Hull's biggest chances of the game has come right

at the very end. Nicely delivered cross, Bruce was already in the air.

Davis jumping behind him. Norwich mightily relieved. We got the break

that we needed At the end. This game is about the small margins. We kept

plugging away. It was a break that we thoroughly deserved. I thought we

were the better side over the 90 minutes. We kept at it, you know. At

a time where there could have been a little bit of frustration, because

we weren't getting the breaks or the chances that we needed, so fair play

to that group of lads. They worked hard for it and got the result that

we deserved today. Didn't play well enough in the second-half in

particular to go and win the game. Then again, I didn't think... I

thought we were really, really comfortable, they huffed and puffed

had and free-kicks. Overall we were comfortable. The defenders, defended

well. We conceded in the last-minute, which is always

annoying. Wasn't a classic by any means. I don't think Norwich fans

will care. Vital three points? Huge three points. Manchester City Gregor

gets caught in no-man's land. Comes for it. He stops. Bennett gets up

there. No-one on the post, that post there -- McGregor. It the's a big,

big win that is for Norwich. Chris was under a lot of pressure. You

don't like that, nobody on the post? A pet hate of mine, I have to say.

The amount of goals that can be avoided by having someone there. Who

am I to tell Steve Bruce? The bottom-of-the-table is amazing, five

points separate the bottom half of all the teams. Both of these clubs

are in that section? So tight. Will be incredible the latter months of

the season. Bottom half is tight all the way around them. One win can

lift you up there, you are all positive. You can go from bottom to

the top half in a couple of wins? That why we love. It we love the

anticipation of the small teams beating the big teams. The Premier

League is the best for me. Part of the magic. It is indeed. , thank you

for joining us this evening. We asked you whether you thought Luis

Suarez took the dive. 69% disagree with us in the studio. 31% didn't.

There you go. Let's look at the Premier League table: . Arsenal

maintain their slender advantage over Manchester City, with Liverpool

the only other team in the top seven to have played so far this weekend.

Chelsea can move back onto the shoulder of the leading pair by

beating Manchester United. Cardiff have dropped to the foot of the

table for the first time since their promotion. Previous incumbents

Crystal Palace have moved up four places, meaning West Ham join

Cardiff and Sunderland in the relegation zone.

promotion. Previous incumbents Crystal Palace have moved up The

papers, the controversy surrounding the Suarez penalties award and says

Anelka will be charged by the FA. The Sunday Express lead on David

Moyes assertion that the world's best players still want to join

Manchester United and that the club can win the league this season.

That's it, on a day that Arsenal stayed top as Manchester City became

the 21st Century Boys. Goodbye.