28/12/2013 Match of the Day

Good evening. An enthralling Barclays Premier League season

reaches the half-way point this weekend, six games and 20 goals on

the way. Alan Hansen and Danny Murphy are on

hand for the final show of 2013, what a way to go out. We start at

the KC Stadium where, before losing 3-2 to Manchester United on Boxing

Day, Hull had conceded only three goals at home all season. Today's

visitors Fulham were hoping to build on a rare away win at Norwich.

Martin Fisher was watching. Allan McGregor had a scan on his injured

knee yesterday and was given his all clear. Bruce and Meyler are only fit

enough for the bench. Despite their Boxing Day win Rene

Meulensteen has freshened things up making six changes. Six places, but

only four points between these sides in the table. Hull might be better

placed in 12th spot, but recent form probably mean that Fulham start the

day in more confident mood. Liver, he has found Rodallega. McGregor

required to make a decent stop at his near-post. It was a nicely

crafted opportunity this by Fulham. Of all people it's the left back,

Riise, which blasted the shot goal wards. Sagbo's header. A fairly

meaty challenge that one. The foot was high. Sagbo was caught in the

face by that left boot. He strikes the post. Desperately unlucky,

Huddlestone. Stockdale had just moved to his right. He is inches

away from scoring his first goal since April 2011. Livermore's cross.

Sagbo. In goes Boyd. Stockdale with the save. Hull City have threatened

twice in the space of a minute. Boyd arriving, just in the nick of time.

Stockdale stretches to excellent effect. Boyd. Sidwell has missed it

though. Up in the air from Amorebieta. Huddlestone will shoot.

That was flying. Flying the wrong side of Stockdale's right hand post.

Time and space to get the shot away. Huddlestone with a chance to release

Sagbo. He has a lot to do. He goes for goal himself. Kept out. Rebound

is kept out again by Stockdale. Denying first Sagbo then consideren.

On his return to the KC Stadium, David Stockdale is having a blinder.

Huddlestone through the legs of Karagounis. Stockdale was at full

stretch. Blocking the close-range effort. Huddlestone's corner. Right

the way across. Fulham struggling to clear. Elmohamady scores. Elmohamady

puts Hull City in front. Four minutes since the second-half. First

goal in three months. Fulham paying the price here for not clearing

their lines. It's a really smart finish from Elmohamady. He was off

balance when he struck it. He was on target when he hit it. Hull City

one, Fulham nil. Now, Fulham will have to come out of their shells.

Fulham have now conceded in each of their last nine games away from home

since the opening day at the Stadium of Light. Sagbo with the early ball

in. Dangerous ball too. It's 2-0. It's Koren. His first goal of the

season. Unlike Boxing Day, when Hull led 2-0 against the champions,

Manchester United, you really can't see Fulham coming back. A lovely

ball in from Sagbo. Hughes was caught napping in the middle. Koren

slid in behind him and stabs home goal number two for Hull. That's the

pass that does the damage. Two goals in the space of 15 minutes at the

start of this second-half. It has surely taken the game Hull City's

way. It's only the fourth time this season than Hull City have scored

more than one goal in a game. It's Boyd. Boyd setting himself up. It's

3-0 Hull City. Like Koren, it George Boyd's goal of the the season. His

first goal in the Premier League. He is always dangerous on his left hand

side. Stockdale, who produced, two, three excellent saves earlier on, is

beaten for the third time in the opening 18 minutes of this

second-half. Hull City's most emphatic win of the season is on

course, after a blistering start to the second period. Prior to kick-off

no side in the Premier League had conceded more than Fulham. They have

now conceded 38 goals this season. Figueroa. He goes for goal himself.

Stockdale blocks. Doesn't know much about it. Huddlestone. This will be

the icing on the cake. And he's there! Tom Huddlestone, finally he

will get a hair cut. He's waited since April 2011 to score that goal.

Now, Tom Huddlestone has finally done it. He has threatened a few

times today. Stockdale's save from Figueroa only brought brief respite.

It's a bullet from Huddlestone. It's right in the corner. It's 4-0, Hull

City. Short, back and sides, please, pal, Monday morning at the barbers.

Stockdale left grasping thin air again. The hair cut has started

already. He will be tubal say that on E bay. Huddlestone looking for

Boyd. Of course he has found him. -- be able. Away. Koren was on his

shoulder. Handball given against Karagounis. This is 35 yards from

goal. The crowd want Huddlestone to shoot. He has done. Against the

ball. It's in now. Goodness gracious. Fryatt has helped himself.

This is just an incredible second-half. I don't think anybody

really expected Huddlestone to go for goal here. The goalkeeper

certainly didn't. 35 yards out. Keeper helps it onto the bar. First

to respond, Matty Fryatt. The Fulham defence were snoozing again.

Fryatt's first Premier League goal. He never hit one like that in his

day. 35 yards from goal. I'm rather surprised that more Fulham fans

haven't gone home already because this has been an embarrassing

showing from Rene Meulensteen's team. Only his sixth game in charge.

The third time they have conceded four or more, four at Everton, four

against Manchester City and five here against Hull. Figueroa. Graham.

Nice touch on. Queueing up in the middle. It's Graham. It's kept out.

The rebound in by Koren. It's six to Hull. Stockdale did well to keep out

his effort. Koren on hand and onside to just deepen the misery that

Fulham are experiencing. They have collapsed in this second-half,

rather like England's middle order has been doing in Melbourne. They

have been shocking. Stockdale given precious little support from the

defenders in front of him, who were queueling up -- queueing up waiting

to supply the finish. Hull City 6, Fulham nil. It's one of them

unbelievable day that is doesn't come very often playing in the

Barclays Premier League. We all know how difficult it is. Once we scored,

it gives everybody a little bit of belief. Then all of a sudden the

floodgates open. It turned into one of those memorable games which will

stick in the memory for a long time. Don't know if there was something in

the tea, I didn't see that coming, the players didn't see it coming.

When we started a few weeks ago when we had a run of tough, difficult

games, which I thought the performances were really good.

Today, it was just, you know, it was just not good enough. It hurts for

us playing it. First and foremost it's hard for the fans to watch.

From all of us involved in that dressing room we apologise for them

travelling up this time of year, paying their money to watch that.

Unacceptable from us all. We take it on the chin, dust our selfs down.

People said Roy Hodgson's squad is pretty much settle, could Tom force

his way in? Who am I going to tell Roy. We have to have people who can

look after the ball, in my opinion. If there is anybody better than him,

I've yet to see it this season. It's been a good weekend. I would like to

dedicate my goal to my mum. 27 years ago she was in labour with me.

Hopefully today it made up for the pain. Nice sentiment. Steve Bruce

was eulogising about the masterclass. Get stuck in to Mr

Huddlestone? I played with him. Brilliant today. Only one word for

it "brilliant" I have seen that ability for such a long time. He had

everything. This is one part of his game that people don't talk about.

Firing in to tackles. Here he is tracking the runner. Showing his

strength, spotting danger. People have said he can't do that. Again

interception. The ball comes back to him. He spread play beautifully.

Sees pictures. Here inventive, creative. Everyone is expecting the

cross. Nearly scores a wonder goal, hits the post. Clever little pass.

Sets him on the attack again. Another goalscoring chance created

from him. Should do better, Koren. This is everything about Tom that I

love. Quick thinking. Sees things quickly. Much better than anyone

else on the pitch doing that. Sets up another chance that Boyd fires

wide. The confidence to take this on. We are looking at a Ronaldo-type

free-kick, Gareth Bale. We haven't seen him do that for a long time.

Again, a goal scored from him. The icing on the cake. We talk about

lack of technique with English players. This guy, two-footed, here

we see all the Fulham players drawn to the ball. Lovely left foot shot

to the bottom corner. There wasn't one aspect of his game today that

was weak. He was brilliant in every area. Time for his hair cut. First

goal in three years. It was a masterclass in midfield playing.

When you talk about touch and technique and the ability to pass it

from a to b it was sensational. The criticism, I mean, you look at those

stats there, they tell their own story. The criticism I had about him

at Tottenham when he played at Tottenham, at times the game was

quick and passed them back. He didn't pass them back today. They

are right. If England want to play a passing game, then you have to have

great passers in the team. He is one of the best. He is looking like a

bargain for them. You consider Boyd and Fryatt scoring their first

top-flight goals as well. Other players must love playing him? What

Tottenham played on midfielders this mid season, he is Bert than all of

them. I tell you that now. For me anyway. Tottenham fans at the Lane

agreeing with me. I know how much they thought of him, they didn't

want to let him go. Is that all of them put together. Since Meulensteen

has been in charge? Two defeats. Four defeats and two victories. They

have lost 18 goals. The stubborn thing today was the way they fell

apart. Big players missing for them, Berbatov up front. They have West

Ham and Sunderland at home. That will determine their season. OK,

let's move on then. Manchester City's victory over

Liverpool made it nine wins from nine at home this season. Today's

visitors to the Etihad Stadium were Crystal Palace, who climbed out of

the bottom three with a last minute winner at Aston Villa. Your

commentator is Guy Mowbray. Edin Dzeko is included. His next

goal will be his 50th for the club. Speroni starts every game for

Crystal Palace. He will have primed himself for a busy dome -- game

today against a team which is more than four goals at home this season.

Hi, you can get back to your zip. Crystal Palace coming into this game

in form. December has been good to them, nine points out of a possible

15. This looks to be Tony Pulis' biggest test yet since he took

charge of the Eagles. Deflected. Manchester City, just by

scoring one today, will break the goals record. 19 games, scored 53 in

the first 18 games. Parlous finding their feet, starting to push forward

more. -- Crystal Palace. We have a game on here. Not the

procession that many predicted it to be. Crystal Palace are coming out of

their shells and having a go. He is caught heavily by Jerome. He

has every right to go for it. Joe Hart was brief because he knew

Cameron Jerome would come. Passed into the area very nicely. That is

so painful for Hart, you can see his head rocked back with the impacts.

He is sitting up and will be given a check over. Jerome was hurt as well.

Let's hope he is OK because that could have been a very serious

injury. I think it is a cut rather than any sort of concussion, says

the doctor, like I know! The giant has a world Glennon, Pantilimon, who

feels harshly treated after his little running goal, might be back

in the nets sooner than he thought. Although is there a signal that of

the bench, give it a minute? I think there was, you know.

What a touch, he has blazed it over the bar. Really deserved a goal for

the silkiness of that first touch to control the ball. The lift away from

Mariappa and unfortunately for him, too much left on the shot. A tip of

the cap, an acknowledgement of what his team is up against today.

Manchester City do miss Zabaleta. Saved by Speroni, from Fernandinho.

An excellent cross from James Milner. Fernandinho tried to guide

it and it needed the acrobatics from the Crystal Palace keeper.

Manchester City has scored in 59 consecutive home Premier League

games. Their last blank, November 2010. 0-0 against Birmingham City.

Puncheon rakes -- brings a save from Joe Hart, who is going to be poorly

sited. At great, confident play from Puncheon. That is going in. On

target for Crystal Palace. Now a Crystal Palace corner. Every

incident like that raises their hopes of more than one point. It is

a great chance. Chamakh has missed it, look at his face, a picture of

anguish. Crystal Palace take that sort of chance and they might just

win the game, not just draw it. He is the best bet for Crystal

Palace. That was a terrific effort and many, particularly on the near

side of the ground, for that was curling in. Just over 2000 Crystal

Palace supporters inside the Etihad today. Everyone of them delighted

with the job he is doing so far, since taking the reins. Delighted

with what they have seen so far here today. Kompany away but it falls to

seven. -- Bannan. What a good tackle from Clichy. Crystal Palace are

coming here. Just fancying their chances.

Hart has to save it. Was not intentional from Jedinak? It looked

as though he would try to cross to the back post but he has a go and it

looked as though he would try to cross to the back post but he has

ago additives swerving. Still goalless at the Etihad Stadium.

Dzeko! One - zero. Patience pays off. Edin Dzeko clocks off a

half-century of Manchester City goals.

Isn't it always the way, with a strange twist, that City goals comes

after Russell Palace's brightest attacking spell of the game.

Manchester City one, Crystal Palace nil.

Hart at full stretch to tip it past the post. A really good drive from

Joel Ward, who has never scored for Crystal Palace. It might not be the

worst thing in the world, you know, certainly not for the spectacle that

Palace have gone a goal behind and they will try to get a goal. Joel

Ward's reaction tells you what a chance it was. Round the back, on

his own, he just had to try to make contact to try and hit the target.

What a save from Joe Hart, what a save! With one eye and one hand!

Joel Ward will be cursing his luck. His 47th game for Crystal Palace, no

goals, two great chances within 30 seconds of one another.

The 90th minute. Palace numbers getting back now.

It is over goal from Dzeko. Nasri has a look at and sees Navas Thurley

early on. It was not bad from Navas. Too pacey for Dzeko to properly

control it. That was about as well as anybody could do.

Is this all part of the personality you talked about two days ago? It is

important. The aim was to win something, a title, have different

faces. Normally we score a lot of goals and attack it but we knew

after 44 we were not going to do it today. You are obviously frustrated

but there must be tried in there as well? The lads worked very hard, the

shape and discipline of the team when we haven't got the ball, the

goal, you know, we have got caught, maybe getting a bit tired but the

reaction once the ball goes across the face of the goal, Dzeko should

have looked at. It is a harsh criticism. With the shot from

distance did you fancy sneaking in? We know what Joe Hart is capable of,

he is a top-class keeper and showed it today. I would love for it to

have crept in but it was not my day. 1-0, not the usual four or five you

get here? It is enough. That is what we needed. You keep the perfect home

run going. Can it continue? Everything is possible especially

when we know there are so many points away so we have to try to win

every game at home. You played an unchanged team, City made six

changes. Is that the difference you are up against? They have spent 350

million on our team -- on their team and their wages, hours are half,

that is what happens. It would be lovely to manage that team, I would

be sat on the side with a cigar in my mouth!

It was not the most convincing win we have seen all season and part of

that is credit to Crystal Palace. Bit credit to Crystal Palace, nearly

the result of the season. They sat at the back, narrow and

tight but the three in front of them stayed close. The distances were

close. They never got spread. City found it difficult to make inroads.

Here we see a really good line that they keep. The back four, tight,

much narrower than the 18-yard box and the three players in front of

them and they did it all afternoon. City were doing long-range shots.

They did not admire City, they made some tackles. Some teams go there,

put men behind the ball and admire their play. Jedinak was superb all

afternoon, winning tackles, setting them off on attacks. Here we see

Dzeko beating the defender and when you need some help Barry Bannan gets

backing, blocking, and this was the story of the match. In the second

half they had a go. They showed no fear. Nothing to lose. Puncheon,

great efforts, Joe Hart, man of the match for Man City which is saying

something at home to Crystal Palace. A wonderful save. The last chance,

Ward Mac pro -- award, he has got to score and put his name in

headlights. Pellegrini saying they were a bit tired but they have got a

huge role of talent. Of course they have.

They are favourites to win because they have the best players and have

tremendous strength and depth. You can can have the luxury of leaving

four, five or six players out. If you look at Zabaleta, Yaya Toure,

Nasri, these did not start, but you look at the five players there and

you would say Yaya Toure and Aguero, they would get in any team

in the country but the five players he has rested would play an integral

part of any success in the season and they are still fighting in front

so it is important. When you have a third choice striker in Edin Dzeko

who can step up and has put himself up there in the top ten. Minutes

played in goals scored. What I like about Dzeko, he does not mope about.

As soon as he is backing the team he is making runs, trying to get

headers in, he keeps going. He does not mind coming off the bench. He

does it for the squad and this movement here for the goal was

brilliant. He pulls off, a bit of lack of concentration, probably the

only minute of the game where Gabbidon switched off and what does

he do? There is his. This is the movement, pulls away here whether

spaces, a lovely, calm finish. You have to give him credit. The top ten

minutes per goal, Dzeko is in the top ten and he is third choice. That

is all-time Premier League history. All time and Manchester City are

favourites for the title, strength and depth. He's a brilliant

substitute, 20 minutes to go, he is strong, can score goals and is great

in the air with a bit of height. And with the cut on his face looking

like a brave warrior, they have Joe Hart back. He's good news for

England but since he has come back he has played really well and today

he was man of the match. he has played really well and today

The Christmas pantomime at Cardiff City ended yesterday with the

sacking of Malky Mackay, the six Premier League manager to depart the

season. In the midst of the chaos, bottom of the table Sunderland crept

into town, buoyed by their Boxing Day victory over Everton and the

run-off cream -- underrun of three clean sheets.

Vincent Tan is in recruitment mode. There are three changes.

Fraizer Campbell is the vocal point of the attack againsts his former

club. . Fletcher drops to the bench. John

O'Shea injured, Wes Brown suspended. Is Big match this one for both

teams. A defeat for Cardiff would really haul them into the mire with

Sunderland only a point behind them. Campbell up against one of his

former sides today. Here come Cardiff into the penalty area. An

early decision for the referee. It will be a yellow card. That goes to

Mutch for diving inside the penalty area. Roberge, coming across. Did he

catch much? The referee felt that was a dive by Mutch, who made the

most of any contact. Roberge under pressure from Campbell, who has done

well. Mutch can stretch his legs. A deflection carries it past Mannone.

What a start for Cardiff City. They have been all over Sunderland since

the very first whistle. Now, they lead inside six minutes. Noone with

a little flick on. Roberge looked to have it covered. Fraizer Campbell

winning it back. The deflection lifted it up over the left hand of

Mannone. Letting fly! Corner. First of the

match, Mannone couldn't take any chances with that one. Just getting

a finger tip to it. Campbell chasing against Roberge. Cardiff will get a

free-kick for that. This is why Roberge, clearly bringing down the

Cardiff City forward. Whittingham with the kick. Oh, he tried to sneak

it in at the near-post. Mannone Had to get across pretty sharpish. He

might like what he is seeing from his team. He may not like everything

he is hearing from sections of the crowd. Theophile-Catherine wins it

back. No foul there. The referee was well placed. Bardsley adjudge not

have committed a foul. Larsson, wide off Altidore. Saved initially by

Marshall. As it spung out to Altidore it ricocheted off him away.

Rare threat from Sunderland in this first half. Marshall initially

making the save. Off the deflection. It all just happened a little too

quickly there for Altidore. What an opportunity.

Saved by Marshall. Berahino, from Sunderland, bringing the save from

David Marshall with this effort. Bardsley making the run there for

Larsson. In towards Berahino. Oh, good save by Marshall. Sunderland so

close to an equaliser. Bardsley's ball in. Berahino, bringing the save

from David Marshall. Jordon Mutch much. Surrounded, but

still going. Great chance. 2-0. Fraizer Campbell, againsts his

former club. Cardiff City give themselves a little bit of elbow

room with that goal. In the end, they made it look easy, but it was

Jordon Mutch much, the score of the first, who set up the second. With

Sunderland's defenders standing looking at each other, Fraizer

Campbell just waltzed in between them. If it stays like this,

Sunderland are staying rock bottom of the Premier League table tonight.

Giaccherini. In towards Fletcher. Sunderland are back in it. With

eight minutes to go. That changes the complexion slightly here now.

Giaccherini, on that far side, managed to find Fletcher, who

escaped the clutches of the Cardiff City backline to stretch and poke it

home. He got away from Ben Turner. Suddenly, there might just be hope

for Sunderland here. Beaten away by Marshall. Sunderland

really pushing hard now. It was Roberge with the effort. Sunderland

have got to come up with something good, they've got to do it now

otherwise they're going to lose the match. Giaccherini is standing his

ground well here. Not the best of clearances. Young, chance of a

delivery. Roberge. Colback. Oh, it's in! I don't believe it, 10 seconds

remaining in added time. At the end of the game, and Sunderland snatch a

point. There will barely be time for Cardiff City to kick-off again.

The home crowd are standing to silence. They're standing to silence

because of this. It's Colback's shot, it's the deflection of culler.

What an extraordinary finish to the match. -- Caulker. It isn't over

until the final whistle goes. That final whistle is about to go any

second now. There it is. What a comeback from Sunderland. Cardiff

were cruising. Sunderland fought to the last. With almost the last kick

of the game, snatched a point. Cardiff City 2, Sunderland 2. My

goodness me, what a finish. Talk about playing until the final

whistle? It's the only way. You know, my team need to fight for

everything. They need to fight to the end. The character was there all

the time am we did a few bad things in the beginning, but the last 20

minutes. We deserve the draw. The quantity of the opportunities in the

game. Does it feel like someone punched you in the stomach there at

the end of that match? Absolutely. Knocked me around the head a couple

of times. 2-0 lead with eight minutes to go. We were trying to get

the lads up the pitch, but it's a little bit easier said than done.

The we've concede a poor goal, which we need to eradicate. The lads are

gutted in there today. For 80 minutes of the game we looked

comfortable. Looked like the team that would get all three points. We

let our focus slip a bit towards the end much they got back in the game.

We are trying to show everyone we are not giving up. We will hopefully

get out of the trouble that we are in. That performance today showed

the fans we are fighting away. I was asked by the Chairman to take the

team on a temporary basis. As far as no-one has told me I won't be in

charge for the Arsenal games. Will discuss the shenanigans in the way

that Malky Mackay was see ventionly sacked in a moment. Let us talk

about that fightback. They were buoyed by that victory over Everton.

There is a lot of fight in this team? Great spirit, fans will be

pleased with what they have seen. When things are going badly it's

easy to give in and throw the towel in. They didn't do. That at 1-0 down

they kept trying to play. Didn't drop their heads. Berahino, good

save from the keeper Marshall. Berahino, again. Another good

finish. Another good save. Kept their heads up. Second-half, go 2-0

down. Don't give up. Keep pushing. Keep taking risks. Being brave.

Getting on the ball. Flefrp came on and made a real difference. Good

finish from him. Nice to see him scoring again. Colback pushing for

the equaliser. When you are down there, it's tough to keep on going.

I have been there. The most pleasing aspect of it is the type of football

they got back in the game with. They didn't lump it forward. They played.

Passing the ball around and causing problems. Colback gets luck with the

deflection. Overall they deserved it. When you consider where the

teams started the day. The way they played that game if you didn't know

where they were, you wouldn't say they were at the bottom fighting for

their lives, would you? No, I have seen Sunderland in the last couple

of weeks they have played good stuff. The consensus was that like

six or eight weeks ago they were goners. They have a great chance of

staying up. The smart money will say they will stay up. Where will people

put their money on the Cardiff successor? You tell me. A sacking we

saw coming. These are the contenders. Solskjaer still in it,

despite some saying they are ruling himself out. Eriksson as well and

Vincent Tan. Who would have to work with Tan? Because there was a defeat

you knew the next bad defeat they had he was a goner. Two-days ago, he

did a magnificent job there, whoever takes the job I think would look and

stipulate that he will come in after the next four matches. In the next

four matches they have Arsenal away, Manchester United away and

Manchester City away. Not easy for who comes in. If they do that they

can't bring anyone in on the transfer window? It will be

interesting to see how it pans out. Bizarre from start to finish. I

imagine there is more to come. Takes the job has to work with Vincent

Tan? All the very best. Something to be considered. . We've reached the

half-way point in the season and this is the half-way point in the

show, three games still to come. Time for a stat. 10 different

managers have been in charge in the five previous Premier League

meetings at Upton Park between West Ham and West Brom. Sam Allardyce is

the sole survivor, but the Hammers have picked up just two points in

December. West Brom one more. Commentary by Nigel Adderley.

Arsenal were allowed back into the game on Boxing Day. Rat returns.

McCartney will move into the heart of the back four. #9 Anelka is back.

He is one of six changes from a draw at Tottenham. Caretaker-manager row

Tats his resources during the festive period. -- rotates.

COMMENTATOR: Noble, now Rat. Noble has his pocket picked there by

Berahino. Morrison not picked up inside the penalty area. West Ham

have numbers back now. Here is Morrison again. All Brunt can do is

find the sidenetting. He know that ises with a good opportunity. Not

picked up at the far post. Will be disappointed not to hit the target.

Carlton Cole, finding Joe Cole. Joe Cole found again by Nolan. It's a

dream start for West Ham. Just what they needed. As the pressure begins

to build at the wrong end of the Premier League table, it starts as

route one, enter play on the edge of the area between Nolan and Joe Cole,

who produced a very short finish. Within five minutes the mood has

lifted all around Upton Park. Keith Downing downing has seen his team

fall behind in all three of his games in temporary charge so far.

The man in the centre is the technical director of West Brommish

Albion, who is currently leading the search for a new manager. Jarvis.

That is smart play to trick his way beyond McAuley. Cole waits in the

centre. Here is Diame. Nolan square of him. Now Joe Cole. Charlton Cole,

heads it behind Diame. There is still a chance for the defender. In

the end it's behind for a goal kick. A teasing ball in nor Joe Cole.

Diame clipping the the outside of the woodwork there.

A real chance and Nicolas Anelka scores his first goal for West

Bromwich Albion and he joins a select band of players who have now

scored for six different clubs in the Premier League. Such a simple

goal when it came. It is his first goal in English

football since he scored against West Brom for Chelsea, way back in

August 2011. He needs to deliver a decent cross

and all he gets is the corner. Brunt with the header away. West

Brom here have a number of players charging forward, if Morrison can

find them. All he gets is the corner. I think Cole was arguing

that Morrison got the final touch. Brunt with the corner.

It is Nicolas Anelka again! Two goals in five minutes for the

veteran. Nicolas Anelka has turned this game on its head.

For the second time in three days, West Ham have thrown away a leader

home. The next goal in this game really pivotal. If West Brom score

it, you cannot see West Ham getting anything from this. Anelka, he was

not too far away from the hat-trick. A relatively routine save

for Jaaskelainen in the end. Berahino, he wasn't too far away

from the third. Here is the danger for West Ham, when West Brom do

break with numbers. Maiga goes for goal and it is a

brilliant save by Foster. It is a rare moment in the second half to

lift the West Ham crowd. Foster has had very little to do but showed

there he has remained alert. Maiga again! And this time Ben

Foster is involved and West Ham have a lifeline. Maiga, with his first

Premier League goal for a year and how important could this be in the

context of West Ham's season? And this time the curling shot skipped

away from the goalkeeper, who excelled one moment but should have

done better there. That is what that goal means for

West Ham. A great chance and the goal is

scored! It is Kevin Nolan and in the space of two minutes West Ham have

breezed new life into their season. No one was there to poach a goal

which West Ham may consider to be beyond priceless and that is what

two goals in two minutes means when you are at the wrong end of the

table. One minute 55 seconds between the goals and in that time the whole

outlook of a football club has changed.

Berahino scores the equaliser! What an astonishing passage of play.

Three goals in four minutes and just when West Ham were celebrating going

ahead again, Berahino has punctured their celebrations.

The pendulum swings towards West Bromwich Albion in what has been a

remarkable second-half. Now Mulumbu was the player hitting

the deck. It was Maiga there was a very naughty challenge on Mulumbu.

The studs were raked down the side of Mulumbu's leg. The final touch

from Rat, it is a corner. They will be grateful the Romanian made the

challenge. Almost a rugby scrum under the ball. Here is Brunt. That

is a foul right on the edge of the penalty area by Diame. Very, very

close to the line and again that is a shocking challenge from Diame.

Real tension among the home supporters now. Berahino, off the

frame of the goal which is still shaking and Jaaskelainen would have

had no chance at all. Look at the whip and bend on that. When you lead

twice in a game at home you expect to win it but there is a reason why

aren't the big reason why unfortunately for us is no central

defenders fit and James Tomkins was a big blow to us. Our only central

defenders fit today, so our coping mechanism is playing three fullbacks

across the back four and in the end we had to play four fullbacks

against the back four. Anelka showed his quality? He's a good player,

that is why he -- this is why we got him in the summer. He has not

figured of late but we brought him back, we have had a good chat with

him and he is keen to play and showed his quality today not just

with his goals but his link play and helped Berahino. A decent

combination. Nicholas is a great player, he gives me advice. Today it

was easy for both of us to jail because we got back connection and

talk to each other all the time. Rate. Why bobbin it was a cracking

game to watch as a neutral and you want your substitutions to make a

difference but it was visible today. The two managers did really well.

Last -- West Ham were twice in front and some will be disappointed they

only got a draw but his substitution at half-time, Maiga, the Carlton

Cole, was excellent. Maiga came on and he brings a great save first of

all on Forster. He picks it up here, cuts in his left foot. It is a great

hit, a good safe by Foster. Then in the space of four minutes what we

get is the goal. Foster makes a mistake there but the leap for the

Nolan goal is absolutely terrific. We have him circled their,

brilliant. West Ham go in front, goes from three centre backs to a

flat back four, more offensive. That position there, then the back of the

net and it was a great substitution and full marks to both managers. It

is nice to see it when it works. It is also nice to see the older chaps

on the pitch. You cannot beat experience! The golden oldies,

Anelka and Nolan. Anelka has been around the block so many times but

if you put it on a plate for him, his movement for his opening goal is

terrific. He waits with O'Brien and then moves and moves and when the

ball is played he is in quick, and it quick and he thinks it over the

top of the keeper. The reaction here, here is the first to react

here and that is a great finish. It is a poacher's goal. Kevin Nolan,

when you talk about playing between the lines, he has always been adept

with back to goal and this is fantastic with the way he picks up

with consummate ease. It is a great ball into Carlton Cole. A free kick

there, brilliant, pick him up in this position. It is a great touch

and a good ball into Maiga. Then the goal. Again, we mentioned it was a

great header but his reaction is absolutely fantastic, and a nice bit

at the end where they congratulate each other. They say experience is

everything. Let's look at how the odds have changed for the next West

Brom head coach with the introduction right at the top there

is Malky Mackay. It makes sense. He has done a terrific job at Cardiff,

been harshly treated and West Brom are in need of a good manager,

young, up and coming. A good choice? I think so, perfect. He will not be

out of work long. It is where your tenner is going? I am not a betting

man. One of the talking point, much controversy about a gesture Nicolas

Anelka made after scoring his first goal. That hand signal has been

linked to anti-Semitism in France but Anelka has defended his action,

saying it was a special dedication to Mike French comedian, Dieudonne.

West Brom has defended the player with them saying it is absolute

rubbish. The FA has said it will work with Kick It Out to see what

action to take. Look out for any further developments on that story

in a bumper four game Match Of The Day 2 tomorrow night.

A good effort, Seamus Coleman. Lambert!

He picks his spot. A wicked ball, it is in.

Oh, excellent. Assaidi, a brilliant goal.

The Football League Show has also moved to Sunday, BBC One, 11:50pm

and keep up-to-date with all the sport throughout the day on the BBC

Sport app. If you like your football, the BBC Sport app is the

place to fall your team. You can follow the action through the live

text commentary is. You can see the latest news and gossip plus

post-match interviews and features. In addition to all that you can

listen to Radio Five Live's match coverage and watch your favourite

football programmes while on the move. Download the BBC Sport app for

your smartphone and tablet. And Match Of The Day 2 Extra will tee up

all the action with Mark Chapman, 12:15pm, BBC One and Radio Five

Live. Three straight wins have calmed the nerves at Norwich -- at

Manchester United. Norwich City were beaten by full on Boxing Day. Your

commentator is Steve Wilson. beaten by full on Boxing Day. Your

commentator is Gary Hooper's ISA goal has brought him five strikes in

the last few games, much needed for Norwich, who lost to Fulham on

Boxing Day. The return of Michael Carrick and Vidic represents very

good news for Manchester United but that is as good as it gets. Still no

Van Persie and today no Rooney. Their undoubted inspiration is out

with a groin injury. Manchester United seem to be on their knees

only about three weeks ago but five consecutive victories in league and

cup macro and they are looking up again. Olsson rather sold himself

there. That could have gone anywhere, it

has gone to Kagawa. Ruddy with the safe, decent too. Ashley Young was

flying here. Not good defending by Martin Olsson. Young was in behind

in a way, the cross just evaded Hernandez. Then Kagawa here had the

option to pull it back to Giggs, tried to curl it in towards goal or

towards Hernandez but that was a poor piece of judgement from Martin

Olsson. Manchester United have had possession but just Kagawa's shot so

far. That is a good ball, Hoolahan can

put it in. -- can't put it in. A great ball from Snodgrass to Martin,

a great run, a good safe by De Gea. Hoolahan could not stretch to get it

under control. Could reach it but could not control it. A let off for

Manchester United. Lots of talent amongst the United

substitute, despite they are a bit short handed, Januzaj, Welbeck,

Saha, could all be called on. Snodgrass outside him. Here is

Snodgrass. Saved. Johnson went down for Norwich claiming a foul, which

no-one else seemed to think. Driven back by Snodgrass to Hooper. Stung

the palms of De Gea bought for his goals. He has done well, seven this

season. They thought he was going to add to it there. They have lost only

four of 18 home games in 2013, Norwich, that is not a bad record at

all. Looked like they are beginning to believe they can win this game,

Norwich. Snodgrass, hit it well enough, blocked by Jonny Evans. Fer

to Johnson, Hoolahan. Johnson. Hoolahan. Chance here. Hoolahan!

Blocked by Evans. Great stuff here from Hoolahan. He's had to wait for

his chance in this team, with Elmander playing in that role. Good

block by Jonny Evans, you've got to give him credit. I imagine he will

be pretty pleased with what he is seeing, Chris Hughton. United

started OK. Norwich have certainly had a spell since that first 10/15

minutes where they have caused United problems. Promise for this

run for Ashley Young. Looking forroff side. It wasn't. Norwich

looking across to the linesman far side. Bassong is complaining. No

doubt about it, he was onside. There is no question that the bulk of the

chances and the better chances have gone to Norwich. The last 30 seconds

or so of added time at the end of the half. Martin. Nicely done,

Martin away from Evra. Just about timed in this half. A lovely ball

too. Snodgrass! Well, it was always heading wide. Hooper knew it. He

tried to get a foot on it. Lovely play by Russell Martin. Really well

played. Hit by Snodgrass. There was Hooper trying to get a touch on it.

Manchester United, fortunate that they are not behind. Change of

formation for Manchester United. Ashley Young, attacking the area

now, Young. Young! Oh, really well hit. That is really good play. That

is what he is capable of. Good control, good turn, good pace. Real

power on the shot. Only lacked the direction. Manchester United are

actually unbeat none their last 10 away games since they lost at

Manchester City. Johnson with purpose, to Hooper. Nicely worked to

Hoolahan. Hoolahan, managed to stay on his feet. Right across the face

of goal. Hoolahan at the heart of it again. Redmond put it into a great

area. Nearly crept in itself. They will be pleased they will be a

little bit frustrated. Hernandez, looking for Welbeck, he has

momentarily gone away. Now they are through. The ricochet favoured them.

Manchester United have scored. A huge slice of luck. Danny Welbeck

makes the most of. It against the run of play, Manchester United lead

at Carrow Road. Danny Welbeck. Well, he finished it well. But there's the

luck. As Bennett's clearance ricocheted through that Norwich

defence, smashed into Welbeck, rebounded off Hernandez, back in to

Welbeck. From then on he did exactly what you'd expect him to, round the

keeper, back of the net. Really unfortunate, Norwich City. Norwich

nil, Manchester United one. He made the change, brought on Welbeck.

Changed the formation and Manchester United now lead. Another little

lucky break, Evra charging forward. A lovely ball to Hernandez. Ruddy

stopped it and gathered it. Lovely ball. Hernandez allowed to turn.

Their New Year's Day match at Crystal Palace was always going to

be huge for Norwich. All the more so if they go into it off the back of

another home defeat though. Redmond, skipping inside of one. That was

Carrick. Left him. Needs someone to take over. Hoolahan does. He steps

inside of Cleverley, Hoolahan, now Fer. Good momentum. Josh Murphy! A

good attack. His shot was maybe a little bit optimistic from the

youngster. Enthusiasm of youth. Norwich City will count themselves

unlucky, but it has finished Norwich nil, Manchester United one. I

thought we were magnificent. Our organisation of the team was

excellent today. I thought we certainly had good chances in that

first half period. On the balance of play, you know it's a tough one to

take. We started the game well, but didn't create many chances. In the

end the change at half-time made a difference. Danny Welbeck played

really well and made the difference to our team. He took his goal very

well. Everyone is behind the regardless of the results recently.

We want to put it right. That is why we were disappointed today much

which deserved more. We didn't get. It we have to go Wednesday, another

big game at Palace away. We have to get points. Are not in a bad

position in the league. We are there and there abouts. We believe we can

get closer. We keep doing the things we know best. I'm sure it will work

for us. I think Manchester United are used to the pressure and are

used to winning games in the second-half of the season. I think

it's maybe the other teams that aren't used to that. Well Chris

Hughton said they didn't deserve to lose. You agrie with them I think

the first half Manchester United were awful, abysmal. Norwich took

the game to Manchester United. Four great chances. But Moyes did

exceptionally well in the second-half. He changed the

formation. Changed the way Manchester United played. They

played better in the second-half. Let us look at the chances for

Norwich in a moment they had plenty of chances in the first half. They

were battering Manchester United, weren't they? Major disappointment

on Boxing Day against Fulham at home. This is a big game for them.

They came out fighting. They played exceptionally well. Got it

downplayed it. Played it on the ground. They force two or three

great saves. If you can't put the ball in the back of the net, playing

against Manchester United, you will eventual play for. It they will rue

the chances they missed. As promised there they are. Martin comes in

here. Hoolahan, it was such a great chance. Snodgrass. Great chance

again, good save by the keeper. Bassong, on another day, when he

gets up here maybe puts that in the top corner. Hoolahan, fantastic

play. Cuts inside. On his right foot. Puts it in the bottom corner.

And, Manchester United were so lucky to be 0-0 at half-time. Even David

Moyes would admit that. He singling -- singled out Welbeck. It changed

the way Manchester United played? Hernandez played up top on his own.

He looks for the ball over the top or down the channels or inside. If

you look at him here. If Rooney is playing there he is coming back to

that stage. At no stage does he look for the ball. What it Cos does, it

forces Evra, he hasn't got anything on, comes to Giggs, allows Norwich

time to settle. Evra here, back to the ball. Does not want it. Then

again, he doesn't want to come into that space. He wants it behind

Bassong. Such a hardball to hit in. Eventually they are coming back

again. This one here. I mean you have five midfield players. Then a

massive gap to Hernandez. He has to come in there and link up the play.

He is looking for the ball over the top. This is easy to defend against.

Time after time what was happening. It was coming back to them. They

bring on Welbeck, he plays off Hernandez. He plays between the

lines. Not only does he score the goal, his contribution to the game

was immense. Here's a multi-talented player. What he has done there, a

bit of movement to give Young the space. Again, picks up between the

lines. What happened here now is the ball doesn't come straight back to

you. Manchester United in possession have lots and lots of the play.

Again, it shows tremendous strength there. He issen the -- he is on the

attack. Support for Hernandez. Just the complete play. Movement, in

away. That was the difference. It has been a great day for managers

with substitutions. Is won four games on the bounce, first time as

Manchester United manager. He has Gunn to talk about Manchester

United, he doesn't say quite "we" Manchester United do better in the

second-half of the season. They are two points off the top four now.

They are coming, aren't they, you can feel it? They are getting

better. The games they won recently they are hanging on a little bit. A

soft belly. Teams are getting chances, they are not dominating

teams and killing them off as they used to. That can be a worry. When

Rooney doesn't play, Welbeck did it well in the second-half, when Rooney

doesn't play they are not the second team. Rooney and van Persie come

back fit they will get back into the top four. Thank you. Aston Villa

went into today's game against Swansea on a run of four defeats and

with the worst home record in the Premier League. The Swans are also

struggling for form with just two points from their last four games.

Steve Bower was at Villa Park. Aston Villa are the lowest goalscorers at

home in the 92 league clubs. With Kozak o the bench and Benteke the

responsibility falling on Agbonlahor and Weimann who have both only

scored once this season. Swansea continue without Michu. Bony is

recalled. He has three goals in his last three Premier League starts. He

is one of seven changes. Aston Villa have just 11 wins in their last 47

league games at Villa Park. It has been far from home sweet home. Now

space for Weimann. In to Agbonlahor. Real opportunity for Aston Villa.

The captain has taken it. On a day where you sense they needed to go in

front. They have done exactly that, through Gabriel Agbonlahor. The

whole team, collectively, run towards the bench to show their

togetherness. It's Agbonlahor's second goal in 16 Premier League

games. It's a huge one for Paul Lambert and Aston Villa. He pair

Weimann and Agbonlahor today. They linked up for the ball. He timed his

run to perfection. What about that for a cool and clinical finish? His

65th Premier League goal for Aston Villa. It has been a while since,

perhaps, there has been quite one as important. Aston Villa one, Swansea

nil. Aston Villa have only taken the lead three times this season in the

Premier League. The omens are good, they have gone on to win all three.

Lamah. It's Hernandez. Well held from Guzan. Nathan Baker blocked his

view there, as the Spaniard had the shot. Just watch Nathan Baker here,

put out a leg. That is why Guzan saw it very late and was able to gather

it at the second attempt. Shelvey, he has Davies to his left.

He tried to go around Luna. Behind by Nathan Baker. Villa weren't close

enough. They needed Baker to cover. Deep again from De Guzman. Free

header. Goodness me. Ben Davies can't believe it. It should have

been 1-1. Nobody anywhere near him. Four yards out, he headed it into

the ground. Golden chance for the young Welsh international. He knows

it. He wouldn't have missed it in his playing days.

Plenty of white shirts forward. That cross nowhere near any of them.

Villa give it straight back to Swansea. Hernandez. Looking for the

run of Shelvey, cut out by Luna, de-Guzman. Mightily close. From the

Dutchman. Some of the travelling supporters thought that had gone in.

Poor clear angst from Luna. Oh... That's how close it was. Davies.

Swansea beginning to turn the screw, they can't yet find the equaliser.

Hernandez. Good run from Davies. Now Shelvey. Hernandez is onside. It

Lamah. His first Premier League goal to level it up. It had been coming.

Just the third goal of the season. Aston Villa have been pegged back.

Another patient build-up. Really clever ball from Shelvey. A precise

one from Hernandez. Despite the efforts of Brad Guzan, he couldn't

keep it out. It was a simple header from Lamah. It's nothing more than

Swansea's play in the last 15 minutes has deserved. Aston Villa

one, Swansea one. Shelvey was caught by Westwood,

free-kick to Swansea. Just too quick for Ashley Westwood. De Guzman would

be the favourite from this kind of range. Shelvey is poised too. De

Guzman, up-and-over. A save you would expect him to make. He did.

There's Shelvey. Lamah. Now Hernandez. Good movement from

Shelvey. Jonjo Shelvey. That was blocked. It was travelling. Blocked

blie Luna, deflected in, probably going on target too. -- by. It

hasn't been pretty, it hasn't been comfortable. It will stop the rot

for Pam Lambert. They had a lot of possession. You can understand the

fans continuing to find it hard to watch? I it is hard to say. It's

hard with the size of the squad that we've got. I can't but praise the

lads for their effort. We gave away a goal early on. We came back and,

once again, that's important for me. We didn't win, of course one point

here, one point there, we... This was the first half of the season. 21

points, I think we are a couple short what I had planned. No place

to hide much we know that as a squad. We've got a squad of players

that will fight to the end, you know. It might be tough. We might

have tough games, but if we use today's spirit, we will be fine.

A good start for them, Agbonlahor took it well. They have been missing

Agbonlahor and Benteke. He makes a good run here. The two full-backs

either side play him on. On to it quick. Des spachs it with ease - Wes

patches it with ease -- despatches it with ease. Really good finish.

They couldn't hold on to that lead. First time they have scored in the

first half for the season? Amazing start. Spell for Swansea? It is.

They have the quality. I think they should have won today. No worries

for them at all. Worries. You heard it here. Points from five games.

They have to improve soon. Thank you very much guys for your company this

evening. Let us look at the table: Chelsea and Liverpool meet at

Stamford Bridge in one of four Sunday fixtures. No change in the

bottom four. Sunderland and West Ham have inched closer to Fulham and

Crystal Palace. Tomorrow's papers: Anelka is headline news in the

Sunday Times who carry a picture of Joe Hart sporting his injury. Ashley

Cole is poised to be reunited with Real Madrid. That is it tonight. On

a day when hair-raising Huddlestone of Hull brushed Fulham aside. He

might want to think twice about that getting those locks cut, remember

what happened to Sampson. Goodbye.