29/03/2014 Match of the Day

Wayne Rooney goes for the extraordinary, and unbelievable

goal. A hat-trick. What a beauty! Tettey, what a shot,

what a goal! Samuel Ito for Chelsea, he scores

brilliantly. -- Eto'o. What a goal from Ross Barkley.

Gerrard, brilliant. Hello. What a few days it's been in

the Barclays Premier League. And, don't think for a minute that things

are about to slow down. We've got a cracking Match Of The Day for you

this week. Alan Shearer joins me once again,

alongside Alan Hansen. Plenty for you to live up to, after Russell

Brand's debut last week. Don't let us down.

We start with the League leaders. Chelsea travelled to Crystal Palace,

unbeaten in nine London derbies this season. Palace went into the game

three points above the drop zone. Your commentator, Jonathan Pearce.

Joe Ledley was the last Crystal Palace they are to score from open

play. As their recovery in the rat race has been checked by a lack of

scoring. Chelsea anticipate a hard afternoon in a must win game for

them. Panellists are unchanged, looking

for a much-needed first ever Premier League victory over Chelsea. Only

eight goals conceded in their last ten games.

Lampard replaces scar -- Oscar. Ramires is suspended.

Bolasie taking on Ivanovic. That was a lovely ball. Bolasie. Ivanovic is

ahead of him. A lovely cross in. Terry put it away as he has done all

season. David Luiz looking away to the right-hand side, seeing and

Torres. Palace have plenty of players back,

they shouldn't concede here. They have switched off momentarily,

across the goal and just wide. Palace had so many players that bad,

then switched off, to the overlap. Couldn't touch it home.

Jerome is in the penalty area, Ledley as well, twisting and

turning. A chance. Finding Puncheon. To the far post, Bolasie.

Chelsea didn't defend it while initially. He couldn't finish from

there. He thought it was going in. Jerome on the edge of the penalty

area. He did well. Mariappa, tight to the line. Jerome.

Jerome has gone down, the Palace fans behind the goal want a

penalty. Is this a penalty, does he make contact on Jerome? I think his

momentum takes him into Cahill. Delaney has continued his run

forward. Bolasie. Trying to get back, and he has done really. Goes

to ground with a challenge. Appeals for a penalty. At normal speed, you

can think, you can understand why the referee thinks Cahill has pushed

the ball away from Bolasie. I think that is a good penalty shout for

Crystal Palace. Chelsea known Manchester City are breathing down

their neck. Liverpool keep picking up results. They have to go to

Anfield. This is huge. Near post, it is in, an own goal!

Crystal Palace are ahead against the League leaders through an own goal

by the Chelsea captain. You can't say they don't deserve it. It was a

good build-up. A decent ball in. It was unfortunate for Terry.

Matt H. -- Matic. Great teamwork. A dry eye Hazard. A terrific save, he

kept it down brilliantly. A first shot Speroni has had to save and

didn't he that while? He turns and stalks away and mutters. What does

he do now? They can afford no slip ups, they can't afford another Villa

Park. A poor ball away from Terry. Puncheon away to the right-hand. 30

yards, a quick shot. Oh! On close shaves like that, titles are won and

lost. Teams stay up or are plummeted down through the trapdoor. How

close. Palace have all 11 back inside their

penalty area. Oscar to deliver it in it came, just over the bar. He very

nearly redeemed himself. Palace had to defend better than that set

pieces. -- have. Tony Pulis with the instructions, batten down the

hatches. Join them on and making it tight in

the area. Oscar. A brilliant save, what a save. It could keep Crystal

Palace in the Premier League. An offside flag was raised against

Torres as he went to close. What a save. Flinging himself to the left.

One of the most important saves of the season. How much will that be

worth if it saves Crystal Palace. Jedinak, mound -- man mountain,

powering on. Cameron Jerome. It hits the post. Wait for the near side

when most would expect him to do across the goalkeeper. A team

battling against relegation. Coming so close. 2-0 almost.

The cross looking for Jerome. Ledley. Is there any League in the

world a prop from the Premier League which could offer this up? -- apart

from. Biting their fingernails, the

Chelsea fans. Giving it away to Oscar.

He is dancing. Taking on Cahill. For men against three. A really poor

ball. Puncheon did well. Petr Cech saves. This was the moment when Petr

Cech saved Chelsea. If ever a man could hurry up time, it is him.

Demba Ba was in there. With Delaney. A corner kick. It could be the most

important three and a half minutes of the season left. Cahill at the

near post, Ivanovic was behind him. He has locked it away. Ward got it

out. Six Chelsea players in the box.

Terry was in behind. Still it won't go in. That is a very poor

clearance. Hazard, great tackle on him. Going the other way. A terrible

ball. Torres. He has lifted it over. He had options to get it the way

down the field. The young man very nearly gave Torres an equaliser.

Ivanovic with the diagonal. Hazard didn't keep it in. Is this a pivotal

Saturday in the title and relegation campaigns? There has been a

kerfuffle on the touchline, Jose Mourinho went back to his bench. He

is being critical of the time Palace are taking over the throw. The

referee told him to get back. He will be hurting inside desperately.

We have had four minutes of stoppage time. Married with the touch. Is

this a pivotal moment of the entire season? A huge win for Tony Pulis

and Crystal Palace. A wretched day for John Terry and Chelsea. It is

finished. Would you believe it? Mr Chelsea scored the decisive goal.

I think now we lose any chance of finishing first. We depend too much

on other results. The manager said your title hopes are river tonight,

would you like to prove him wrong? We have to keep going. -- are over.

All we can do is keep on pushing, that is all we can do. The opponents

fought for their lives in an aggressive way but in a fair way.

Again, it doesn't interfere with the result of the game. I don't like

that provocation of the players, that is what happened at Swansea

last year. The players loses his temper. It is not right to educate

kids to do that. All of these things outside the main game, because of

that desire, they deserve it. After the game I spoke to Tony

Pulis. A great win, that must rate up there with some of your best

victories? Yes, and at a very important time for us as a club

because the results have dropped off. Although our performances have

been OK and to beat a team like Chelsea, such great players, it will

give everybody hoped to push on for the last seven games. When you look

at your fixture list there are games you don't expect too much from, and

this is one of them? There is about seven left. It is a tough ask for a

group of players, most of them have not played in the Premiership. There

is great spirit in the team and there is good organisation. But

people have got to work as hard as what these lot worked since I came

in. They have done exceptionally well today. Quite nerve wracking

watching in those circumstances and your goalkeeper made that

spectacular save? He has done well, but he is one of about 16, 18

players who have been involved since I came to the club who have just

shown a great attitude. You are not happy with us last week, where you

Tony? Nope, I went home to watch Match Of The Day, I have been

watching it since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. I enjoy it and I

enjoy watching the football, but there was chances we created that

you never showed. You know what I am like, if I get a bee in my bonnet, I

am a nightmare. We will see plenty of your team's chances in tonight's

show. I will be rushing back, and if we don't, I will get your number and

I will be ringing. I have been warned.

He did e-mail the BBC to complain about the edit last week against

Newcastle. I hope he will not complain about this one. A huge blow

to Chelsea's title aspirations, but all credit must go to Tony Pulis and

Crystal Palace? They created more chances and worked harder and they

wanted it more than Chelsea did. What they did very well today was,

they got people behind the ball, but they broke quickly and made the

picture very narrow for Chelsea. Chelsea had no whip whatsoever.

picture very narrow for Chelsea. Chelsea had I will. It in a second,

ten players behind the ball, Chelsea could not get through. But watch the

way they broke, Delaney, Bolasie, Puncheon. The two guys have ran from

the edge of the box. Could have been a penalty but it wasn't. They did is

a very, very well. Right-hand side, screaming for somebody to pass it

to. They forced everything down the middle. They should have been a

player coming in here so Ivanovic can knock it to the right-hand side.

But, men in behind the ball again. Second half this time, straight down

the middle. They broke again and this time it is Cameron running with

the ball, Puncheon is breaking. It is a fantastic save from Petr Cech.

They are getting at the Chelsea back for. No whip, nothing on the left,

nothing on the right, straight down the middle. Last ten minutes or five

minutes, desperate, long ball up. Demba Ba is on now, Oscar is there,

nothing whatsoever. When they did get in behind them, and little bit

of luck, what a fantastic save. That is a brilliant save. Not only did he

save it, he pushed it far enough out of the way from Torres. This is Tony

Pulis's home game with them since he came in. The impressive thing for me

is they have only conceded 39 goals and there are only five teams in the

Premier League who better that. With that record, they have a great

chance of staying up. They are better with the ball since he came

in. What has gone wrong with Chelsea? When it comes to the

crunch, you find out about your players, but defensively they are

solid. Going forward, they have a few players, when it is going well

brilliant, but when it is not going well... Jose Mourinho hinted today

that some of them lack courage? I think today they did. They haven't

got an important goal-scorer. That is important when you consider what

Manchester City and Liverpool have got. You need someone who can

produce the goods. They were beaten away against Stoke, they should have

been four up in the first 20 minutes but they failed to score. Chelsea's

defeat meant that Manchester City went into their game at Arsenal

knowing a win would take them to the top following their resounding derby

victory in midweek. Manchester City lead, 40 seconds into the Derby.

Edin Dzeko has scored his second goal of the game. There is no

stopping Manchester City on Derby day. Toure! Manchester in as blue

again. Arsenal's title challenge seemed to be over after a

humiliating 6-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge but with Chelsea's defeat at

Palace, were they back in it? Guy Mowbray was at the Emirates.

If the door has creaked slightly open for Arsenal again, it has alone

write open the Manchester City. Manchester City are unchanged. It is

the first time they have been from one league game to the next all

season. Vincent Kompany has been in imperious form. Edin Dzeko was over

at the back post demanding the ball. It was curling all the way. Just not

enough. Since the Manchester City got out of their half for the first

time, they have not been back. What a feel we have got to the game. It

is open, the teams are hell-bent on attack. Thought he might have been

offside. Could not play a part in getting the return ball. The rapper

arrays said it is a goal kick. -- the referee.

They think that was a foul. It is not a foul, then he was basically

taking a dive will stop rose its ski claims Zabaleta nudged him. I wonder

why no yellow card for the Arsenal number seven.

Off the post. Silva has scored. Manchester City have the lead. It

came from Lukas Podolski being tackled and losing possession in the

city half of the field. Did not have the time to be extra touch with and

Navas coming in. There is the little Spaniard to get the final touch.

Blistering drive against the post. Silva started it. Silva finishes it.

Despite the goalkeeper's best efforts. Toure could not control it.

Even though the ball is in the nets, the goal will not stand. It is the

right decision. Arsene Wenger stressed the message in the

build-up, champions keep going. His side have not even nope. -- Given

up. The goalkeeper lost it but it is

rolled wide. It is going to be a goal kick. I don't think Arsenal

were expecting that. City wanted the corner. They were close to getting a

goal. Are they going to back? That was unorthodox from Joe Hart, but he

made the save and that is what counts.

-- Flamini. After an near miss at the other end, they got forward and

there was a determination in their play. Manchester City's defence did

not deal with that very well. Flamini moved in like a seasoned

striker. This is a test of Manchester City's resolve. They have

conceded a goal for the first time in half a dozen Premier League

games. Demichelis just pulled away from

it! Demichelis just pulled a leg back. I think he was 50% certain

there was no Arsenal player running in but he could not take the risk of

turning it into his own net. It is all Arsenal. Santi Cazorla!

Through to but dull ski! Blocked by Hart. Enough of his body onto the

ball. Which part of his body was it? It was his left boot. So close,

Lukas Podolski. With so many thousands inside the ground thinking

he had made it 2-1. Navas was too quick. Great power. Absolutely

ripped into this, Fernandinho. Can't blame the goalkeeper for feeling the

need to get the tips of his fingers to it.

Into the feet of Silva. Toure! Cannot get through. Nazarene and

Edin Dzeko. The blast was deflected wide. The

the picture at the moment is one that will be appealing to Liverpool

fans. We started nervy because of what we have gone through in our

last two games. Psychologically we came back into the game. Once we

were fully confident I think we controlled the game. Arsenal want to

win all The Games, but it is not possible. Also fighting for the

title. Maybe it was better to have three points today, but we have a

point more and we are still depend on what we do between now and the

end of the season. The crowd was fantastic today. I would like to

thank the team. They will probably be happy with

this. I thought they played well today.

They went 1-0 up, then in trouble again, but a good Arsenal side.

Arsenal, a better fighting performance against a big team. A

lot of commitment, passion and quality. They were set up better

than at Anfield and Stamford Bridge last week. I have to question why

you would set up a team like that. There is a difference between

leaving space behind. That is harder to do than pushing up and

withdrawing to the 18-yard line. If you have Mertesacker in there. If I

was picking someone to defend, to hold the line. Why would you try to

push up and hold the line. They had warning signals against Tottenham at

White Hart Lane. They have withdrawn to an extent but

left space behind. The two centre backs are square. At Anfield, I

can't believe what was going on. Last week, against Chelsea, same

thing. 30 yards of space. They take advantage. That was at Anfield.

And defending like you cannot believe, leaving so much space

behind. Today, what did they do? They don't go towards the ball.

Mertesacker and the Malin, as soon as City get in position, there is no

space because they have withdrawn -- Vermaelen. They keep withdrawing

until they get to the 18-yard line. Same again, second half. They are in

total control here. They did really well. If you look at the number of

says Szczesny had in the second half, they were minimal.

In possession. A free kick. They did it so well. The question would be,

if you know that is a way to play, why would you set up your team the

way they did? It has cost them dearly. Talking about the title

race, that is look at how things stand now.

It is fascinating. Obviously, I think City will rightly

be favourites now. Odds on favourites. There will be so many

twists and turns. They have two very tough away games where they can drop

games. Liverpool away. Everton as well. Still a long way to go. When

you are going on the stretch, there are no bankers. There are no easy

games. A great day for Liverpool. Whom do you think is going to win

the title race this year? Go to the BBC sport website and cast your

vote. We will give you the results at the end of the show.

A good, old-fashioned relegation six-pointer next. West Brom began

the day three points above second-from-bottom Cardiff, who

pitched up at the Hawthorns with the worst away record in the division.

Steve Bower is your commentator. Attempting to win another game at

the Hawthorns. And he recalls Amalfitano. But there are injuries.

Craig Bellamy's experience is used again. He was relegated three years

ago with commentary. He looks to avoid an unwanted repeat with his

hometown club. Theophile-Catherine with the ball

forward. Ushering that out of play. Both managers have had a challenge

since coming to the Premier League, seven points from 27. And seven

points from 33 for his opposite number. Amalfitano. The goalkeeper

off his line. And Marshall is beaten inside two minutes. Amalfitano, with

a moment of improvisation, and sheer genius on his return to the starting

line-up, to give West Bromwich Albion the lead. The awareness of

where Marshall was, it was inch perfect. The Cardiff goalkeeper was

stunned. What about that? Game plan out of the window inside two

minutes. Blocked by Gunnerson for a West Brom

throw. If he scored a better goal in his career, it would be a

spectacular one, that is for sure. Has Morrison stayed onside?

He has. A vital stop from Marshall. He was caught out with the goal but

he wasn't here, David Marshall. Static defending again from Cardiff

and a lovely touch from Morrison. Marshall was at full stretch.

Mulumbu. Morrison. So many cod bodies are back back, the flag is

down again. Dorrans, 2-0 West Brom, inside nine minutes. With his first

goal in over a year. What a start from the home team. This was

beautifully crafted. Really good run from Vydra. Theophile-Catherine

couldn't get there. An intelligent square ball and Dorrans timed his

run and wasn't going to miss that. Nine minutes in. The stadium are

applauding for the campaign raising awareness for head injuries in

football, the banner is raised in the Smethwick end -- End.

Sessegnon has had an important return for West Brom in recent

weeks. Taylor for Cardiff, it has opened up.

Cardiff are searching for the lift they so badly need. Is Foster caught

out, he is! Jordon Mutch. And Cardiff have one back. In very

bizarre and extraordinary circumstances, but they won't worry

about that. That is exactly what they needed. Marshall was caught out

at one end. Now, Foster, at the other.

Sessegnon. Shrugging off Medel, and succeeding. Vydra on the move, here

he is. And Morrison, with the follow up, puts it over. That was a big

moment for West Brom to restore their 2-goal cushion full -- and

full credit to Sessegnon. Vydra was denied by Marshall. It came back to

Marshall. Cardiff beat West Brom earlier in the season in December.

That was Steve Clarke's last game, believed by the chairman, Jeremy

peace -- Peace. The referee waited for an advantage, a foul by Mulumbu.

Free kick to Cardiff. Medel with a free kick in towards Caulker who got

his head to it. And he had equalised. Caulker, the captain,

stepped up to the plate again. From two goals down, Cardiff are level at

two - two, with 70 minutes to go. He knows they are right back in it now.

A burst of pace. To the near post, and Foster. Trying to square that

for Campbell. You always think you can store until

the full-time whistle is blown. -- score.

A deflected cross. Bifouma Koulossa. West Brom have won it, right at the

death. A golden goal. The man brought in on loan. Just his second

for West Brom. They got a deflection. Into the path of Bifouma

Koulossa, and he kept his cool, to roll it home. It is a big goal for

West Brom. That is a very hard one for Cardiff and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

to take. Here comes Caulker. Surely there is another twist in the very

last minute of stoppage time? West Brom break again. Trying to stay

onside, they have done. Sessegnon and Bifouma Koulossa are in the

centre. A disappointing ball from Berahino. The final few seconds. An

extraordinary game. It has gone right to the death. Zaha. All the

way through. It is Turner. It is Daehli. Would you believe it? With

the last kick of the match. The Norwegian youngster has equalised

for Cardiff. Absolutely extraordinary. The two managers

smile and embrace. It has been one of those days. Daehli with his first

goal in the Premier League. Zaha's cross. A touch from Turner. And

Daehli shooting on the turn. The 95th minute. Cardiff didn't give

up. They have managed somehow to rescue a point.

I thought the two goals, you think it is not going to be our day. Poor

defending, poor clearances. That is football. The character in these

lads, I know they will get back again. TRANSLATION: We needed the

boys and we had the opportunity to achieve these points.

I believe we played well, we were 2-0 up. The draw is down to our own

errors. I thought they deserved the goal and

I thought we played really well in the second half. I kept thinking I

have one more chance. If you lose this game, they are

away, you cannot claw back anything. So, being able to get that point, at

the end, they know how important that was. And how important it will

be. Only one word, he said to me, and I said to him, unbelievable.

Unbelievable. After an all. From Cardiff. It is a game West Brom

should have one. Cardiff have lost eight games before

this. They never got near the ball at all. So many Cardiff players

behind the ball but nobody goes. Five or six go for the second one. A

great save by Marshall. Then, 2-0 up. The same thing. Lots of red

shirts. But nowhere near the ball. A simple ball over the top. A good

run. You think there was no way back. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brings

Zaha on and it changes. All of a sudden, Cardiff start having a go.

Bellamy nearly gets Campbell in there. Men forward. Campbell gets in

a good position. He probably should have done better. Then the

equaliser. From the 95th minute in that position. A big deflection. I

suppose, because he made the change in the way they played, you could

say they deserve a point. It was a bonkers finale. Yes, the

managers having a little bit of a cuddle verve. This is incredible.

The golden rule, run it into the corner, do anything you want but

don't do that. It was amateur. Comedy Central. You have got to head

for the corner and keep the ball. There was no betting they were going

to go up the pitch and score. If you have got yourself into a great

position a couple of times and then see that, it can affect you going

forward. position a couple of times and then

see that, it can affect The Cardiff, it will give them a boost.

Outstanding goals? One but two people have asked whether he meant

this. It is a brilliant piece of skill. Sensational goal. Allen

thinks it is across. I don't. You don't think this is a cross? Get it

in the box, get it in the goal. 98% of people thought it was across.

Here's what's coming up in tomorrow's Match Of The Day 2.

The Football League Show follows us on BBC One or the iPlayer and on

Sunday night there's highlights of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy between

Chesterfield and Peterborough. 11.25pm on BBC One and the action

just keeps on coming. Another two sides now still involved

in the relegation battle. Swansea are without a win in six but

welcomed a Norwich side to the Liberty Stadium who have lost their

last five on the road. Alistair Mann was watching.

He may have scored three times, but he has been without a Premier League

goal since the 22nd of September. Leon Britton makes his 400th of

appearance for the Swans. Robert Snodgrass netted his goal. He was on

target home and away against Swansea last season.

We should expect an entertaining contest with both clubs still

uncertain of their futures. You get the feeling had this been this time

last season he would have smashed batter into the net. Following his

dream start with the victory against Cardiff in his first game in charge,

he has not won a game in six. Norwich manage to shovel it away as

Jonathan de Guzman was looking to put in the rebound. It did need to

be saved and Jonathan de Guzman looked like he was going to get it

in but then Hoolahan made the tackle.

Jonathan de Guzman hit it! 1-0 Swansea. 30th minute. Swansea have

been asking all of the questions and it is not a surprise to see John

Rooney having to pick the ball out of his net. Jonathan de Guzman with

his third Premier League goal of the campaign. He scored in a 4-3 defeat

to Norwich. We expect drama today. Miquel Michu making a nuisance of

himself. That is what it means to the gaffer. Has not tasted victory

since his first match in charge. Norwich aren't safe yet.

Brilliant, absolutely tremendous goal. You have two sits back and

admire batter. Swansea are beginning to say to everybody in the Premier

League, we are staying among the elite for another season. Look at

this. It is an absolute perfect example. Jonathan de Guzman sets it

into the path of Wilfred Bony. Clipped over the legs of the

goalkeeper. It is just there to be add my head. You would feel Swansea

are heading for the three points that would make them safe. Norwich

have to get the next goal or they could be in big trouble here. That

is the first time the Swansea goalkeeper has had anything to do.

Norwich have never lost a Premier League game to Swansea City, so

maybe we should not discount a Norwich comeback this afternoon.

They have started the second half with two changes having been made by

Chris Hughton. Not a bad cross in. It did reach vandals, and what a

start to the second half by Norwich. Chris Hughton probably couldn't wait

to get his team into the dressing room at half-time and they have

react positively. Almost got themselves back into the game. That

finishes it off, Jonjo Shelvey. Another well worked goal. Wayne

Routledge ensures Norwich are beaten and Swansea will go above them in

the table. Jonjo Shelvey and Wayne Routledge. What a good finish beyond

John Ruddy. Into the corner of his goal. For the first time in the

Premier League, Swansea will get three points against today's

opponents. It was important we got the points which were crucial. I

don't think that was us at our best. We can improve in certain areas. But

to come away with three goals and the three points in that

performance, I cannot complain. Credit to Swansea, they were better

than us. We had a decent spell at the beginning of the second half

were Robert Snodgrass had a good chance and it was a terrific save

but they always threatened. I am finding it difficult to get the

formula away from home. The Canaries rarely sing out of their own cage,

but the Swans were good? They were very good. I'd prefer to concentrate

on their good forward play. But Hanson's BP was rising rapidly at

the defending. Lots of mistakes. Two mistakes, three mistakes. How many

mistakes do you want? This is great though, Wilfired Bony is a handful.

And this coming up. I am not saying anything, you can have it all. Jonjo

Shelvey gets onto the ball. Great feet from Wilfred Bony again. Wayne

Routledge, very good finishing. I will say something about the Swansea

manager, he has done a great job. Only their second win under him.

Yes, but I think they will avoid relegation. We've seen four great

games and we've still got three smashing fixtures to come.

Manchester United have already lost six times at Old Trafford this

season - that's more than the previous three years combined. Today

they faced an Aston Villa side who've only beaten the Champions

once in their last 36 meetings. Commentary by Simon Brotherton.

Another bigwig looms the David Moyes with Bayern Munich in town.

Christian Benteke a Leeds the Aston Villa attack as they look for what

would be only their second win in the last 37 league matches between

the two clubs. Great reception at the David Moyes as he came out of a

minute or two before the players. We knew it was coming, and there it

is. Not particularly well received by the crowd inside the stadium.

Aston Villa with the free kick right on the edge of the penalty area.

There it is again. First real opportunity to test the goalkeeper.

Everybody in red back inside the Manchester United penalty area. It

is Westwood. 1-0 Aston Villa. It is a beautiful free kick. Aston Villa

lead inside 13 minutes and it is their first shot on goal in the

match. Westwood, with a brilliant free kick that only David Daguerre

could only -- David de Gea. They are going to have to come from behind

this afternoon. Martin Atkins and calling Leandro Bacuna over. Only a

quarter of an hour into this match. It looked to me as if Mark

Albrighton jumped straight over him. That was a free header for Kieran

Clark. A free header for the Aston Villa defender. Eyes firmly on the

job at hand for David Moyes. Rafael has popped up at centre forward

alongside Rooney. Rooney! 1-1! They are back in the game inside 20

minutes. It is the talismanic figure of Wayne Rooney again who delivers

for Manchester United. And it is Manchester United one, Aston Villa

one. Agbonlahor was looking for a free kick. Here comes Shinji Kagawa.

The timing of the movement is key. And it is a penalty. And a yellow

card for the Aston Villa defender. Let's have a look again as Leandro

Bacuna makes a challenge on Juan Mata as he is about to shoot. And it

is a chance for Wayne Rooney to score his second goal of the match.

And it is a double at Old Trafford. This week, to give Manchester United

the lead, with half-time about a minute away. Wayne Rooney slams the

penalty home. No chance the Brad Guzan. 2-1, Manchester United. -- no

chance for Brad Guzan. Can Aston Villa get back into this

one? They did enough in the first half to suggest there might be the

odd opportunity in this second period. In towards Christian

Benteke, that was a great chance. And Manchester United survive. That

was a lucky escape. He swings at fresh air. Aston Villa have shown

resilience this season in various matches. Can they do so again? Marc

Albrighton quipping that one in towards Christian Benteke. So close

to an equaliser, twice in the opening eight minutes of the second

half, Aston Villa, close to draw level, met by the head of Christian

Benteke. Just over the top of the bar. Paul Lambert, yet to secure a

point against Manchester United in the Premier League.

Westwood, swinging his leg. This could be a chance, Juan Mata, 3-1!

And that gives Manchester United a little bit of breathing space, 12

minutes into the second half, two chances at the other end early in

the second period, not taken by Aston Villa, and now they have been

made to pay for it. Just as they did 12 months ago, Manchester United pot

three into the Aston Villa net. -- put three. Suddenly, the mood is

buoyant inside Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney wanted, beautifully

controlled, could be a chance with the hat-trick, could say by Brad

Guzan. If that had gone in, there would be no way back. -- good save

by Brad Guzan. In towards Christian Benteke. The

flag stayed down again. It is just not his day. Aston Villa have had a

few chances in this game. That was a lovely touch. Fabian Delph driving

in. Adnan Januzaj was locked, and have a Fernandez completes the job.

-- Javier Hernandez. Adnan Januzaj away from the challenge of Fabian

Delph, and Hernandez scores for the first time since the Capital one Cup

semifinal against Sunderland. There goes the final whistle. Just what

David Moyes and Manchester United needed. The talk head of the match

was about the plane but by the end it was more about Wayne. He scored

twice, and Juan Mata got his first in Manchester United colours, and

Hernandez finished the job at the end, and this is a happier all

traffic, Manchester United watch, Aston Villa, one. A good win in the

end. We played well after the opener, we got to grips with the

game. We wanted to try and avoid giving opportunities to the

opposition. We have been punished this season for similar chances. We

had opportunities to score more than four goals. We started the game

well, with a good goal, and were looking pretty good. The penalty I

think was a penalty, no arguments on that. They had incredible chances to

peg it back. You have got to take chances like this. We were not in a

good moment, we needed the three points, we needed to show the fans

what they deserve to see. And I think we did it today, after that

goal, we showed character and we came back. The crowd responded very

well to you when you came out ahead of the team at the start. And there

was the much talked about plane. I have found that the majority of

people are very supportive, and understand the job we are doing, we

know that we have got a big job to do, and we are determined to put it

right. Lots of speculation and debate about the position of Juan

Mata since he went to Manchester United.

He often has to play in that white position, and is back in that more

customary number ten role. He's more comfortable up there. The

linkup play, he supported Wayne Rooney. He does not touch this ball,

but he plays a huge part in the goal. Watch the run from Mata, he

leaves Wayne Rooney free. Good ball in from Shinji Kagawa, and what a

great run from Mata. Getting beyond Rooney, making the difference, it is

much easier for a fourth player when he is prepared to do that, and he

draws the rash tackle, and it is a great, calm penalty. The second half

again, they linked up very well. Passing and moving. He does not come

this time, but persistence is key. And when he eventually scores, Van

Persie and Rooney are playing, if they both are, he would not get in

this position, because he might tend to hang out here, but he gets a

little bit of luck as the ball falls to him, but that is a very good

finish. He deserved that today. Probably his West performance for

Manchester United. He looks far more comfortable in that number ten role.

That is the graphic instigated by Alan Shearer about the top Premier

League goal-scorers. Aston Villa had their chances. But they missed them

all. Our next game pits the Saints against a sinner. Newcastle boss

Alan Pardew was back in the stands for the trip to Southampton after

three games of his ban for headbutting Hull's David Meyler.

Your commentator at St Mary's stadium, John Roder.

Jay Rodriguez looking to earn an England World Cup place for

Southampton. Hatem Ben Arfa has failed to score in nine of the last

13 games. Rob Elliott replaces the injured Tim Krul in goal. Andrey

Wariner will be hoping for a quiet afternoon -- Andre Marriner will be

hoping for a quite afternoon after his mistake in the Chelsea-Arsenal

game last week. Alan Pardew starts a four -match ban today. Rodriguez

away from van den Heever, Rodriguez, just wide. -- away from Yanga-Mbiwa.

What a chance that would have been, early on in this match. Rodriguez,

just onside, unable to get -- and able to get away from the Newcastle

defender with relative ease. Adam Lallana, lovely run from him. It

might drop for Rickie Lambert, who has got support from Stephen Davis

and from Alan Chambers. Rodriguez with the header, just tipped away by

Rob Elliott. James Ward-Prowse being told to shoot. Another chance for

Jay Rodriguez. The header had Rob Elliott at full stretch. Huge

concerns for Alan Pardew after his side 's start to proceedings this

afternoon. They simply have to try and get Newcastle firing. In towards

Lambert, and Rob Elliott was there to make another save. Rickie Lambert

looking for his 11th goal of the season, and Rob Elliott just able to

get a fist to it to push the ball to safety. Southampton will be hoping

that they do not rue these chances. Into the middle, Rodriguez, and

Elliott able to block again. Rob Elliott has made plenty of good

saves this afternoon, this, the best of them. Terrific stop to deny

Southampton the opener. Jay Rodriguez, foiled again. The fourth

official about the show how much additional time is to be played, the

flag stays down, it must be, Jay Rodriguez! Set up by Rickie

Lambert. Southampton finally find a way past Rob Elliott. And that all

stemmed from that throw out from the goalkeeper, Artur Boruc. Clearly

both on site, the Southampton striker 's. -- onside. Rodriguez

just has the top it past Rob Elliott, which he does, in style. It

is a goal that has been coming for most of the match. They have utterly

dominated the first half, and now, they get their reward. Taking down

by Jack Cork. -- Taken down. Adam Lallana with a little ball forward.

It is a chance for number two, and it is taken by Southampton. Rickie

Lambert with goal number 11 of the season for him. Two in the middle to

aim for, but plenty of work to be done. Clearly onside, Rickie

Lambert. As the ball is played across. And a comfortable finish for

the England striker. If there -- is there any way back for Newcastle?

They have not threatened the goal of Artur Boruc, at all.

Adam Lallana. He will go for goal. What a goal! Adam Lallana. First

Rodriguez, then Rickie Lambert, then Adam Lallana, all three of them

hoping to go to the World Cup in the summer, and they have all scored. Is

there anything on? Suddenly, there is. Beautiful shot from Adam

Lallana. Takes him into double figures for the season. And is that

victory secured now for the Saints? Papiss Cisse can run to the left of

Vurnon Anita. He gets away. Southampton have not kept a clean

sheet in the last four Premier League matches. Artur Boruc, doing

his well -- doing his best to stop that run. 72 minutes before

Newcastle get their first attempt on target. Terrific ball over the top

towards Jay Rodriguez, the angle is tight, nobody in support, but he

does not need anybody! His second of the afternoon. And Southampton's

four. -- fourth. As comprehensive victory as you're likely to see.

Have been outplayed. Jay Rodriguez, timing his run to perfection. It

looked like it might be a little too much. But the little cut back

inside, passed Williamson and Elliott. It has been an excellent

performance from Southampton, beating Newcastle 4-0. It was a

fantastic performance from the team, should it have been a more

comprehensive big three? Yes, you look at the amount of chances we

created, it could have been a lot more, the result, we are happy for

the players and we want to congratulate them. We want to give

this amazing victory to the supporters. The energy of our team

was very low compared to theirs. We did not really have a player that

excelled above any Southampton player and in almost every area,

they wanted it more. It is just not good enough for us. I have made it

clear to the players that I want to see a reaction against Manchester

United. We keep seeing England players and

remarkable form. I will go first. It is the worst goal ever conceived. He

didn't half put it on a plate for his mate, . Adam Lallana is a class

player. Lovely little ball in. Good touch from Lamberts. Adam Lallana

surely should be in the starting 11 for England? The question was Will

he be in the England squad, now is the question who will be left out of

the team for him to play. Lovely ball into Rodriguez again, who is

having a great season. The three of them could go. Luke Shaw as well.

They have some great players, Southampton. Not hard statistics at

all. 34 goals between them, not bad. Sticking with Newcastle, Football

Focus will be live from Wallsend Boy's club next Saturday, 12:10 on

BBC One. There been a few greats come through there... Peter

Beardsley, Steve Bruce, Michael Carrick. Stoke would be sixth in the

table based on home form alone and have lost just once in 12 games at

the Britannia Stadium. Hull City were the visitors today. Victory

would give Steve Bruce's side their best ever Premier League points

tally. Steve Wilson was watching. Yesterday Peter Crouch was credited

with one of Stoke's goals by the dubious goals panel. Takes him into

double figures for the season for the last time -- ninth time in ten

years. Allan McGregor is still in hospital

with kids the damage and cracked ribs. Hull can counter. Good save by

the goalkeeper. It was a good hit by Huddleston.

They could not get the shot away but it has gone behind for a corner

which Hull feel is a bad decision. Taken by Stephen Ireland. David

Miler goes down but the play goes on. That is a good try and well

taken by Harper. Came onto his left foot and hit it well. That was

Stoke's first shot on target in the game.

Great save will stop tremendous save. There is a huge deflection. As

mere bag a bitch. Jelly could not react good enough. He scores. The

deadlock is broken. Huge delight around the Britannia Stadium. Steve

Roos will be furious. Given no way. It is a sloppy goal from Hull's

point of view. Stephen Ireland! Great save by

Harper. Stephen Ireland is complaining the pass was not what he

was looking for. He was right, he had to wait for it. He could not

stride onto this from the Austrian. Tried to find a substitute. He could

have played it in a lot earlier. Had a couple of opportunities to do so.

When he decided he could not score himself the opportunity to lay in

the measured ball had gone. We have gifted Stoke the victory. I could

not see them breaking us down. As we know at that level, it changes

things dramatically. Unfortunately it was a frustrating day. Another

win. Three games in a row. I think it is for games in five we have one.

At Premier League level, it is good work. We knew it would be a

difficult game and it shows how much character we have. We have been

drained emotionally, winning is going to be hard but I am pleased

with the three points. That Young man has found a bit of form like

this or at worst wrong? In the last three games. Very good goal. Starts

from deep with Stephen Ireland. Fantastic finish with the right

boot. Great desire to get there. This one last week against Aston

Villa. Picks the ball up of Peter Crouch. Reads it well. And then the

mistake today of Al-Muhammadi. Runs at them, is direct. His record is

not bad, 34 goals in 86 Premier League starts. They did not play as

well today as when they had a bad run before Christmas. Once you start

playing well, the results come for you. Hull need one more win and I

think there will be safe. Earlier we asked you who you thought would win

the title this year. Let's see what you've come up with. 57% on

Liverpool. Still 9% of Arsenal fans still think they can do it. Let's

look at the actual table. The morning papers are reporting Sir

Alex Ferguson will have say in deciding the future of David Moyes,

the man he chose as his successor. The Sunday express lead on the

assertion that Mourinho thinks his team are out of the title race. So

who do we finish tonight with? Tony? OK Palace it is!