30/11/2013 Match of the Day

MUSIC COMMENTATOR:

It is a red card. Look at the emotion from the

Sunderland manager. But it's very high. Lukaku scores! And Liverpool,

with 90 seconds to go. Cardiff City level and it is Kim Bo-Kyung. Hello

there. We have all just about recovered from last weekend's

exceptional Premier League fare and we have six more games what you want

this week was Mac Match Of The Day, packed full of stories, good goals

and fine football. Not quite royalty but footballing

aristocracy in the studio. They are both probably quite relieved Spurs

are not planning until Sunday. Danny Murphy making his Match Of The Day

debut, Les Ferdinand. We start with table topping Arsenal in a league

fixture that has not taken place since 1962. The Gunners faced a

tricky trip to Cardiff City Stadium, a venue where Manchester

City lost earlier in the season and when Manchester United were helped

just six days ago. A win would take the Gunners seven points clear at

the top. Jonathan Pearce was in the Welsh capital.

Cardiff City should be proud of him says the manager of Aaron Ramsey, he

was the youngest player at 16 years and 124 days. Building 2009, he was

struggling and ruled off. Now more mature he returns as arguably the

Premier League's Player of the Season so far. Cardiff's fans will

try to stoke up a hostile atmosphere, just as they did taking

four points of the Manchester clubs. Last week's Kim Bo-Kyung put

replacing Peter Odemwingie and their only change. Arsenal, in their first

league visit to Cardiff in 52 years, make three changes from their

midweek win over Marseille. Gibbs, Arteta and Cazorla return.

They are side that dominates the ball in most games they play.

He goes for another early goal and was so unlucky not to get it. Cowie

charged down. It is a throw to Cardiff. It could have been, it

should have been, it was so nearly a goal for Arsenal. Wilshere had so

splendidly again. Drifted into space, got the shot away ending legs

-- bending deliciously. A great technique, the goalkeeper well

beaten. Wilshere so unfortunate. It was met by the dangerous

Campbell. A great attack by Cardiff. This is a team that can threaten the

very best on this ground and he knows, Campbell, he is back in the

reckoning for an England call-up. Played just 11 minutes for his

country in February 2012 against Holland, scored against Manchester

United last week. The flag has stayed down and he is

on side. He doesn't realise it. Djourou did not give a shout out

because he thought he was offside, the flag stayed down. Wash Giroud.

This is astonishing. As the ball is played there, he is on side but

watch from the second touch, he is offside by what, three yards? But

the flag stays down. He then realises, oh, goodness me, I am on

side and look, the exasperation from one or two team-mates. See if we can

see once again. A lovely ball by Wilshere, once again. Did Ozil touch

it? It is difficult to tell from there. From this angle it looks as

if he did get a touch because the ball beard. That is a big clue. The

ball veered. Another big crowd in this ground. They have broken the

attendance record four times here this season. Gives may think that

Wales are playing Australia down the road. A great goal! He scored the

goal that put Arsenal ahead, Aaron Ramsey, it had to be! No

celebration. The Cardiff fans, let me tell you, are giving him a

standing ovation. Jubilant Arsenal fans, you would expect, but Cardiff

fans are applauding Aaron Ramsey, who got into the gap and finished

brilliantly. He was respectful to his former

club, the club that gave him his chance. Cardiff City, to a man,

respond to do the same way that his Arsenal manager did. That is a

really lovely footballing moment. In these days of such football

cynicism. We are into stoppage time now and we

have four minutes of stoppage time to play.

That is a lovely ball, he has been all over the pitch, he has been

having a terrific game, so has Ozil. All the best teams play in little

triangles. It was a brilliant, brilliant

Arsenal move. Not his day so far. They mixed up a magical potion of

passes and movement and Ramsey pulled it back and Turner was

well-positioned. The Arsenal fans have been singing the name of Pat

Rice, the Cardiff fans applauded the name of Pat Rice. A lovely touch,

that, as the former assistant manager to Arsene Wenger fights his

own personal battle against illness, and we wish him well. Cardiff try to

fight their way back into the game. That is a sensational save! It is

not yet away. Szczesny is so improved this season,

mature, always a good shot stopper. It used to make crated -- he used to

make crazy decisions. That is a brilliant save. You would have

thought it was in. Szczesny has kept five clean sheets

in his last six games for Arsenal and Poland. The last man to score

against Szczesny, Robin Van Persie of Manchester United. With a manager

like this and home support like this, Cardiff have all the makings

of a team that can stay up. I good move for Arsenal, no finish

again. Chances are coming to seal the game and going. A lovely first

touch but he could not clear his feet properly. There is the Cardiff

City owner, Vincent Tan. A brilliant finish, Flamini settles

it! Arsenal going seven points clear at the top of the Premier League

tonight! A terrific move. They certainly decided to go up through

the gears and finished the game. It is his first goal in English

football since January 2008 for Arsenal against Newcastle. A

cracking finish. I good build-up. Another astute pass by Ozil, such a

talented creator of goals and a really sharp finish. He knows that

Szczesny saved when it was 1-0, was absolutely vital.

There was no question of a foul by Walcott for me and Arsenal breaking

out. A brilliant goal, it had to be Aaron

Ramsey. He started the goal-scoring. He has finished its full of respect

to the team that set him on his way to a football career. The Cardiff

City fans applaud him again. They have been brilliant throughout. But

Arsenal, this was some test for them, and Ramsey and the Gunners

have come through it with flying colours. The colours today, yellow

and blue. The Bluebirds beaten. Cardiff nil, Arsenal three.

The script was written for Arsenal -- fourth Ramsey to come back and

score goals. We came back here to years ago and he had a nightmare in

the game and that shows you how much he has improved other player. I was

really pleased the fans reacted the way they did and I have a lot of

respect for them. This is where I started off my career. They realise

that I need to make the next step, I think, and they were really

respectful. I give them my respect as well by not celebrating. It was a

fantastic atmosphere here today, not just for myself but the support they

give their team and I am sure with that support and the players they

have there will be all right this season. We were playing a top team

and on the break they are dangerous. But I thought the second half

especially we were very brave, and if the header was in it was one

each, that is the difference, the fine lines in the game. Going seven

points clear, you must be delighted with that position? When you play,

you do your job and see what happens after but if you do your job well

you can relax. He will be relaxed this evening, that is the shore. The

Arsenal must -- machine motors on and it seems to stem from this

remarkable midfield and their flex ability. It does and they were a

pleasure to watch. The biggest compliment I can pay if I could not

pick one player out. They were also good, even though Ramsey scored two.

We see will shipping a centre forward position. You have Giroud on

the right, Ramsey is the supporting striker, look what Ozil are his, he

is covering for Sagna in the right back position. Wilshere unlucky, a

great effort not to go 1-0 up. Ozil was brilliant again. This time you

have got Giroud on the left wing, Wilshere again in the centre forward

position, Cazorla coming in off the right causing Cardiff all sorts of

problems. The tempo they passed with, the freedom they played with

which Arsene Wenger gives them, it is causing all sorts of problems.

Again Wilshere outside on the left, Giroud in the right wing coming off

the right position, gives this time just to confuse Cardiff even more

nearly getting in. Cardiff thinking, who is picking him up, arguing with

each other. It went on all afternoon, just brilliant rotation.

I have watched Arsenal three or four times this season and each player

has the capability of playing in different positions. Wilshere

picking out Cazorla, should do better. Then in the latter stages of

the game you have got Ozil on the right this time and just when you

need a holding midfielder to come on and shore up the game, where does

the pop-up, centre forward. Flamini comes on thinks there's a space,

Ozil picks him out. All afternoon, the performance. You need combined

intelligence. You need top-class players and that is what they have

got. People continue to tell me that in the game, you were one of them a

few weeks ago, completely rule out Arsenal. Not sure about your earlier

opinions, Les, this is your first time. Numerous people keep telling

me Arsenal can't win the league, why? Because of the opposition they

faced. They haven't played the big boys. Played a lot the games. Lost

at Manchester United. They haven't play Man City or Chelsea. That is

the real test. That is why there is a lack of conviction in saying they

will win the title. What is your view? When you are seven points

clear at the top you have to be taken as serious contenders. Going

forward, if Giroud gets injured for Arsenal, that would be my only

concern. I don't think they have a ready-made replacement for him.

Would that be an obvious thing he would address in the transfer

window? I think coming into January you have over a month to go, if

Arsenal are going to be serious title contenders that is the

position they have to address. They only have Bendtner he is not

producing. Walcott is back, but he is not an all out striker. Giroud,

you seldom see this, pretty much gave himself offside. It looks like

it has gone straight through here. The striker will hit it in the back

of the net and whatever the consequences are, sometimes they get

booked for doing it. He almost says to the lineman, catch me up. I'm

offside. The linesman can't see. Giroud knows he has touched it. He

goes - I will stop. He will learn his lesson. We won't see him do that

again. Good job they didn't draw 0-0. They may have conceded a late

equaliser in that epic Merseyside Derby last weekend, but Everton

still maintained their unbeaten home record for 2013. A win at Goodison

against Stoke City would catapult them into the Premier League's top

four. The Potters meanwhile were looking to build on last weekend's

first win since August. Guy Mowbray watched this one. It surely can't be

as good as a game as the one here last weekend, here's hoping. Whilst

Everton fans might expect a result today, it's more about hope for

Stoke supporters. Their side has only one twice here in 22 visits

since England won the World Cup. Everton have replaced one left back

with another, Leighton Baines' place taken by Bryan Oviedo. Osman and

Deulofeu are in the team. In come Assaldi and Muniesa for his

Premier League debut. Charlie Adam. Can only give the ball away to

Oviedo. He was signed from F cope Haguen, 16 months ago. Cameron's

foul, leaning into Steven Pienaar. -- Copenhagen. Everton get another

free-kick. This is more central central. You would think more

scorable. Gerard Deulofeu 19years old, he has scored for Everton

against Stevenage in the Capital One Cup. He has got it through the wall.

He couldn't beat Begovic. Confident start. Found the gap. Martinez has

been a dad for eight days. His daughter was born last Friday. He

doesn't look that tired. The ref are row is happy for Everton to press

on. How many step overs? The shot deflected. Muniesa clears. Pienaar

was struggling for breath. He has had the wind taken out of his sails.

That is why - oh, not surprised he can't breathe. Good save that from

Begovic. He was moving the other way andle managed to adjust the arms.

McCarthy. -- and managed to adjust the arms.

Good effort. Well in control there. So confident he tried to pass it

into the corner of the goal. Didn't curl enough. Begovic knew it was

just going to miss. Cameron. Crouch, with a knock down

for Walters. Another chance for Walters. Straight down the middle.

Straight at Howard. Stoke's best moment of the match so

far. A bit of good fortune for Walters there, he couldn't make the

most of it. There's Barry. The as we approach half-time, something is

starting to happen in the game. Pienaar, Deulofeu, Barry, Deulofeu -

scores! His first Premier League start, his first Premier League

goal. He has been the player, more than anybody else on the pitch so

far, that has caught the eye. Away from Whelan, Pienaar put the brakes

on, with the tap-back, Barry managed to squeeze squeeze it through to

Deulofeu, who did the same, beating the advancing Asmir Begovic. Everton

one, Stoke City nil. A brave called made by mart Martinez after last

week's display against Liverpool to make changes midfield. It's working.

Shawcross. Chased by Deulofeu, and to good effect. McCarthy. Deulofeu.

Barry is arriving. Osman too. Coleman! That is a remarkable goal.

It's not one that Mark Hughes will be happy about one little bit. All

the players lined up in the middle for Deulofeu. None of them could

profit. Too much for Osman. Miscontroled by Barry. I'm pretty

sure it miss-hit by Coleman into the net. It goes down as Seamus

Coleman's second goal of the season, however it goes in. Everton are

fully in control of this now. Whelan jumped a little too early. It might

have gone the other way. He seemed to land on Pienaar. He has judged

the South African of leaning evening. Could have given Stoke a

way back into the game. Adam to chip it in. It's behind for

a corner. Off the head of Distin. Stoke City's first corner of the

match. Crouch beaten by Distin. Walters with the hook. Howard with

the easy claim and quick distribution. Deulofeu is running

away. Lukaku is charging down the middle with Coleman. Deulofeu. Can

he do it by himself? Lukaku. Begovic with two important blocks. A bit of

an argument between Deulofeu and Lukaku who wanted it given to him

sooner. Begovic's block. Lukaku was screaming for the ball at that

stage. He did get the ball, then Begovic was in his way too. Barry.

Oaf to Barry. Defended by Shawcross. Everton are seeking a third to well

and truly kill the game off. He's going to shoot. And shoots

brilliantly! A right foot smasher. From Bryan Oviedo, three goals,

three points surely for Martinez' men. Oviedo's first goal for Everton

is one to remember. Left-footed, didn't mind. He was happy to take it

on. Nearly take the net off. In off the post. Stoke City won't be coming

back from this. Everton three, Stoke City, nil. Kenwyne Jones, found

Crouch. A chance for Stoke here. Howard save. Hasn't had many to make

today. He keeps his cleansheet intact by keeping out Peter Crouch.

Oviedo, smart work, Lukaku! He gets his goal. Oviedo the provider this

time. Lukaku, who was about to be replace. I was about to say - well,

you can't score every game. Lukaku is doing that at the moment. His

eighth goal of the season. He has had to be patient to wait for that

chance. Tap the ball in. Go for a rest.

Jelavic, he's in. He can't score. He can't get a goal at the moment. He

won't get a better chance than that, for a few games, I should think. You

maded a few changes, a couple from the game last week against

Liverpool. Oviedo was terrific? He is growing, getting stronger. He is

an enormous talent. We knew he would take time to get used to the

physicality of the British league. He showed in the last two

performances he is getting ready and wants to help the team. I'm pleased

with the manner he did that, not just the quality he brings, the

discipline and the aspects that apply he needs to bring in the game.

He has the excitement every time he gets on the ball. The crowd gets

excited and something can happen. You are looking at Gerrard coming in

and making a big impact. Oviedo had to bide his time and work in a

professional manner to take his opportunity and probably that was

the most satisfying individual performance that we had. Conceding

either side of half-time knocked the stuffing out of us. The last two

goals really was a case of us trying to get back in the game and chasing

it and left ourselves open. The two goals either side of half-time took

the game away from us. Great performance from Everton. They

continue to impress. Level on points with Chelsea and Liverpool.

Impressive start? You look at the fact that Martinez was at Wigan and

the way he got them playing nice football, he has gone to Everton,

with all due respect to Wigan players, he has better players,

applied the great system, they are on the front footing all the time.

It's producing good stuff for him. Talked about the star man of the

day, not a man, a boy, Gerard Deulofeu. He is on-loan from

Barcelona? Exceptional. You are talking about home debut in front of

the Everton fans. We know how passionate they are. He showed

calmness, pace, skill. I mean, here on the right he pops up on the

right. He thinks - I will show them what I have, attack the full-back.

Gets the shot away. Good end product. Good save from the

goalkeeper. I will take the free-kick, no problem. Good

technique, zips it over the wall. Good save from the goalkeeper. Tries

to stay on his feet. Who says all foreigners are divers? This was

typical of him all day. This was the best run of the day. He looks, sees

open space, he runs into it. Tight control. Tries to stay on his feet

again. Last-ditch tackle, good defending from Stoke. We see his

confidence, look at him, he reminds me of a little Giniho. He is 19years

of age. They think a lot of him at Barcelona? No wonder. This I really

like. He is willing to run off the ball without the ball. He shows

calmness, doesn't panic. In the box, picks his man. Luck off Barry there.

That was the killer goal, in my opinion. To round off his

performance. Give and go with Pienaar. Clever football, like with

Barcelona, if you like, the icing on the cake from him. There is a lot to

come from him this season. Barkley was on the bench today after a

performance against Liverpool last week that I thought was exceptional.

Stoke are trying to slightly change their style over time. They are

going to need patience there, aren't they? They are. They found it

difficult today. Difficult to get into the game. A good chance early

doors. The they played it into the goalkeeper's hands. Never got into

the game once Everton got into their side. -- stride. The auspices

weren't good ahead of the London Derby at Upton Park. West Ham have

made their second worst start to a Premier League season and had

registered the lowest percentage of shots on target in the division.

Fulham have endured their worst-ever start to a Premier League season and

mustered the fewest attempts on goal in the division. Hoping to see at

least one shot on goal was Steve Wilson.

Maiga's last goal for West Ham was a year ago tomorrow. Their entire

starting 11 have just two league goals between them this season.

Scott Parker served West Ham with enormous distinction and was voted

football writers' Player of the Year in their relegation season of 2011.

Today, he finds himself captaining Fulham in a similarly precarious

position. A yellow card for Kieran Richardson.

A free kick for West Ham. A lovely ball from Noble. Good pace from

Downing, got there first, Richardson took him out. Off the woodwork, I

think it was Maiga macro -- I think it was Maiga's head. Driven in by

Noble and Maiga's head rattles back off the post. Just two points from

their last five elite games, Sam Allardyce has described this and

their game at Crystal Palace on Tuesday as make or break games.

The header is just wide of the post. West Ham will be looking back now on

the chances they have missed. Maiga of the post, Collins just wide of

the post. 20 minutes have been played and Fulham will be quite

relieved it is still 0-0. It is nearly ten years since Fulham want

on this ground. That was an FA Cup tie. -- since Fulham won on this

ground. An excellent save. Richardson a little slow to get

across and it is a good drive from Downing, well dealt with by

Stekelenburg. Straight into the gloves of

Stekelenburg. Certainly West Ham have posed questions of Stekelenburg

and Fulham have of Jaaskelainen. Parker is down and hurt but West Ham

will not worry about that. Diame's shot deflected in. West Ham have the

lead! Diame, just 75 seconds into the second half of the game, but

West Ham in front. Parker was hurt here and Fulham wanted the game to

stop. Sidwell was then caught in possession by Diame and Diame simply

accelerated away into the gap. A big deflection of Amorebieta beat

Stekelenburg and West Ham one, Fulham nil and full are behind again

looking at maybe a sixth consecutive defeat in league and cup macro.

Kassam could not control it. That was one of Fulham's most threatening

moments. -- Kasami. The best you can say about full as they have

threatened to threaten, but they haven't really. -- the best you can

say about full as they have threatened to threaten, but they

haven't really. Downing has beaten his man but

missed the target. There could easily have been a second for West

Ham. . It is a good save to start with but Stewart Downing leaves

Zverotic with a lovely turn. He really should hit the target and he

knows it. Under new ownership, all with the alarm bells will ring for a

manager when the man who owns the club is not the man who appointed

him. Kasami's shot was not far wide. That

was not far wide at all. Fulham need to use this as a platform to kick on

because it is the closest they have come to scoring all afternoon.

It comes back of the bar. Stewart Downing almost got his first goal

for the club here. Ten minutes to go. This is a crucial ten minutes

for Fulham and Martin Jol. They don't look like they have any belief

left in the tank. Here is Morrison, will he finished them off? It is a

clumsy challenge, they have got away with it. Diame and put wide by

Morrison. Fulham unbelievably still in this game. Was this a penalty?

Morrison has only just come on. I think the referee has called that

right, actually. The legs came together of Kasami and Morrison.

Diame tries to skip through and Morrison really should score. All

you can say is he has only just come on.

Goal! And Cole scores! And that will surely finish Fulham. You would not

find a more popular goal-scorer amongst the West Ham fans. Released

in the summer, Carlton Cole, brought back by the manager as striker after

striker ended up on the injury table. Carlton Cole slides in to the

second. The Fulham supporters who have

headed from west to east have seen a pretty poor display from their side

today. Joe Cole, it is three. Well,

tremendous stuff from Morrison. Well, I hope Martin Jol has some

friends of the Fulham board room because God knows, he doesn't seem

to matter of many on the pitch. Fulham have simply crumbled here.

Morrison skips through and sets up Joe Cole and Cole rattles home the

third. Fulham were anonymous at the start,

invisible by the end. West Ham United have their first home victory

since the opening day of the season. It was comfortable.

We have a great belief that if we keep creating chances they will

score goals, and that was in abundance today. Three very good

goals scored. Today was an away game, so not easy. The first goal

really killed us. On the other hand I think we showed some mentality in

other games before but we certainly have to be strong because otherwise

we end up with a problem. When you look around the dressing room are

there enough people willing to be standing up and getting counted when

it gets tough? It got tough today and there was not much of a response

in all honesty. I think there is. At the end of the day the manager takes

all the flak, really. But ultimately us as players need to take massive

response ability. He is the one who picks us and we go out there,

really, so it is not nice being down and confidence is low. I don't think

it is a fact that players are not willing to put in the hard work

because we are. You made -- you made substitutions in quick succession

and all three players had a big part in revitalising things and scoring

goals. Before that it should have been comfortable anyway. Before

those substitutions that should have been comfortable. It wasn't. We made

it comfortable at the endodontic -- added to the relief at West Ham. It

is a 14 player game, the managers think about putting players on and

it can change the game, things like that. You have to be ready. It was

nice to get on and have an impact. It was a good performance all round.

It was good to see him coming on. An important win for West Ham, your

former club, and great to see them playing with a striker as well? Yes,

it was. Five Premier League games without playing with a striker and

today Maiga played up front for West Ham.

He was involved in the play all the time. What he did to the full back

for what he stretched them and they haven't had that in recent weeks --

the Fulham back four. He was unlucky and hits the post. All around he

just stretched Fulham the whole time and allowed West Ham to get on the

foot. He flicks things on and no one is running behind. This is what he

did, just created space. What that allowed was for the West Ham team to

get up the field. Eventually it caused that much havoc. We see him

backing into people, the ball comes back and gets a great striking. A

good save from the goalkeeper. He was unlucky not to score, does well,

checks back on his left side and it was a real form in Fulham's side.

Kept on the move, stretching them back all the time. Perhaps because

he hasn't played for while his finishing was perhaps not up to the

standard it should be at the moment but he got himself into positions

and I am sure West Ham supporters were happy to see a centre forward

playing up front today. It makes defences thing when they have to go

both ways. Exactly, Carlton Cole came on. That is sods law, Maiga

does the ground work and he gets the goal. Arthur Fulham's woes, where do

you start? What you want to do is you want to give a good account of

yourself but I found Fulham doing this all day long, just giving the

ball away. You see Taarabt, picks the ball up, tries to do too much,

loses it. All into Bent, kicks it out of play. One thing you do know

in the Premier League, you keep giving the ball away, Sidwell kicks

the ball out of play. You keep giving the ball away the Premier

League, you will be punished. Just continually gave the ball away and

in the end it culminated in West Ham scoring their first goal. They had

no threat, Fulham. That was the problem. Scott Parker come loses the

ball, Amorebieta should come up and, I have lost his name now...

Carlton Cole under pressure, but it doesn't. Diame, sorry, the ball is

in the back of the net. He's under the cosh now? In contrast you have

Darren Bent on the opposition side, one of the best strikers there is

around and he has one touch in the whole of the 90 minutes in the

opposition's penalty area and that is in stark contrast to what West

Ham did today. Martin Jol? Where is his position at the moment? He's

under pressure and it is not about the losing of games it is the manner

in which they have to lose -- that the manner in which they have lost

them. They have conceded 14 goals and scored two. There is a problem.

Scott Parker was talking about a lack of confidence. You can see that

in the play. I fear for them, they have tough games coming up. We have

a bonus Match Of The Day for you this Wednesday night with highlights

from all ten midweek Premier League matches, 10:35pm on BBC One. On

Friday we will have the World Cup draw live from Brazil at 4:30pm on

BBC Two. Before all that Match Of The Day 2 Extra is back at 12:15pm

this Sunday lunchtime followed on Sunday evening by a quadruple

helping of match highlights. There is the Football League show

tonight. In a week dominated by managerial casualties a four has

gone this evening with David Flickcroft sacked by Barnsley. Our

feature is a contest between Huddersfield and Burnley and the

best from the early kick-off with Bournemouth and Brighton. See you

after the Match of the Day. Early season talk of a crisis at Newcastle

United seems a distant memory. Having won four of their last six

matches, another three points in the day's late game against West Brom

would take them into the top five. The Baggies though have only lost

once on the road this season. Steve Bower was at St James' Park. Remy

has scored in his last three matches, newicals have won them all,

. For Newcastle Debuchy returns. Shane Long looks to continue his run

of three goals in two games against the club and manager who twice tried

to sign him record just a fourth West Brom win so far this season.

11 minutes into the game, the Newcastle supporters remembering

their former Number Eleven, Gary Speed. , Mulumbu, won back by

Cabaye. Ameobi. Back to Cabaye. He will be encouraged to shoot. He

didn't catch it. Alan Pardew is nine days away from celebrating three

years in charge at Newcastle. It makes him the second longest-serving

manager in the Premier League, behind one Arsene Wenger. Will West

Brom be punished. Cabaye, into the path of Remy. You can tell what is

in his mind. West Brom were able to get numbers behind the ball.

Sissoko. Ridgewell, good strength from Sissoko. Tremendous upper body

strength from Sissoko, Debuchy's delivery, Remy's header

off-the-shoulder of Billy Jones. Steve Clarke is back on familiar

territory where he began his coaching career as an assistant.

Well defended by McAuley. Won by Santon. He tried his luck, deflected

for a Newcastle corner. All back to defend this for West Brom. Delivered

by Cabaye. Punch by Myhill. It wasn't a great connection. In by

Gouffran. He scores for the third home game running for Newcastle.

They are in front, nine minutes before half-time. An un goal to

concede, as far as West Brom are concerned. Myhill misjudged the

punch. Gouffran got up higher than Mulumbu and headed it into the back

of the net. The simple lest of goals really, one that West Brom will feel

they could have avoided. Fifth goal of the season for Gouffran. The

ninth time that Alan Pardew's team have taken the lead in the Premier

League this season. Now Santon. Important moments these for West

Brom, in stoppage-time at the end of the first half. Olsson away.

Sissoko. Cabaye. Brilliant turn from Remy. There wasn't any contact.

Brilliant vision from Cabaye. The slightest of contact, in fair...

Well, he did have hold of his shirt, from that angle. He clearly thought

it was. Touch from Ameobi, Ridgewell ahead of Remy. It's back with

Ameobi. That is a lovely ball to Remy, who is still going. Myhill

stops it. Nervous moments for West Brom, but they survive. Steve Clarke

in his first season as manager won eight of his first 13 games. If they

were to win today it would be their fourth win in this season's first

13. Still in play, Sessegnon. Stopped by Coloccini. Up towards

Long. It might come to Brunt, 1-1. Chris Brunt for West Bromwich

Albion, his first goal in 11 months. It brings his team level, just eight

minutes into the second-half. Newcastle initially thought this had

gone out of play. West Brom kept it alive. Long couldn't get there.

Brunt could. That the was an infatic finish to drive it past Tim Krul. A

goal from nowhere. It has West Bromwich Albion level through their

skipper, Chris Brunt. Newcastle one, West Brom, one. They probably knew

they had to score next, and they have done. All square again. No

cleansheet for Newcastle today, former assistant manager, his team

have got him an equaliser. Jones with the throw. Gouffran.

Remy into Sissoko, shooting opportunity. Oh! What a strike from

Sissoko! Four minutes after West Brom had drawn level, Newcastle are

back in front with an absolute stunner from the French

international. Little cushion header from Remy. Look at that, no chance

at all for Myhill. Outside of the right foot. That flew into the top

corner. He scored three goals in fuss first four games for Newcastle.

Hadn't scored since until today. He will not tire watching this over and

over again. That is a special strike. Newcastle two, West Brom,

one. His team have only lost once in the last nine games. They need a

goal now as we tick into the last quarter of an hour. Remy.

Ameobi trying to win the corner. In the end, very nearly caught Myhill

out. A terrible throw. It's Cabaye, it's straight at Myhill. The West

Bromwich Albion goalkeeper will be hugely relieved that that was

straight at him. Look at that throw. Put his team-mate in all kinds of

trouble. He has drawn his last two matches in the Premier League 2-2.

He will take a repeat of that now. Jones for West Brom. He has found

Long. Was he caught by Santon? He was. West Bromwich Albion have a

free with little over a minute in normal timing remaining. He caught

Long. Concentrations time for Newcastle United. Up towards Olsson.

Morrison got his head to it. It is still alive with McAuley. A packed

penalty area to aim for. Up go the heads. It was wide. Just pulls away

here, the substitute. Slightly behind him. He couldn't direct it on

target. Is that the last chance for a West Bromwich Albion equaliser?

There is no flag. It is Sissoko. Cabaye waiting in the middle. Now

Cabaye. Appeals for handball. They still don't get their penalty, they

get a corner. They haven't had a penalty all season, Newcastle. He

shouts "handball." I thought West Bromwich Albion were terrific today.

They have only lost one away from home. There was a resilience about

them. We wouldn't be denied. We have a strong spirit. They scored, they

equalised, we had our best spell after that. Was the timing of that

second goal crucial for you, you were level for four minutes The

timing was everything. At that stage we were on the front foot. We were

the team with the momentum and could win it. It rocked us. It was a great

strike. He doesn't score many, when he does they seem to be spectacular.

Sissoko has been terrific for us. At the has been at the heart of

everything good we have done in the last month. He deserves it. As a

team, you know, after the game there we knew how hard we had to work

today. Who would have thought a month or so ago that Newcastle would

be up to fifth at this stage? They were excellent today, powerful, well

balanced. You know they must have been playing well with Ben Arfa

sitting oen the bench, strength and breadth. French players have scored

more goals this season for Newcastle than any French club other than

Leon. It's working. If you are a Geordie fan you are not bothered

about that. Ameobi has been playing Remy by himself. Ameobi makes a run

across the front-line. Gouffran making the goal. Here, Sissoko. What

is great about this strike. As it comes across he pauses. Looked like

he was going to hit it first time, just pauses and catches it right

and, bang, straight into the back of the net. This is in contrast to

Giroud. Strikers try to put it in the back of the net and take the

yellow card afterwards. The Baggies made a decent fist of it? Once they

scored their goal they got back into it and had a couple of chance where

is they could have gone 2-1 up. Missed those chances. Newcastle

looked strong today. Are solid, well-organised and tough to beat?

Considering that is only their second defeat on the road he has

done a great job Steve Clarke, they have played well this season.

Crystal Palace had a new permanent manager in place. Tony Pulis' first

game at the helm was away to fellow strugglers Norwich City. The

Canaries versus the Eagles, with Simon Brotherton perched on the

gantry. Among the changes today for injure-hit Norwich City Bassong

captains the side and plays for the first time since the 7-0 defeat at

Manchester City. Cameron Jerome comes into the Palace team. He was

openingly critical of Tony Pulis's management following their time

today. The other change sees Puncheon start in place of Bolasie.

That was comfortable for Ruddy. The baseball cap is back in the

technical areas of the Premier League. A few months on from his

time at the Britannia Stadium. Redmond for Norwich City. Picking

out Hoolahan. A combination with Hooper. The now Martin on the

overlap. He had to get that right. Joey Francis among the interested

spectators here. This is Hoolahan once more for Norwich. Chamakh

nudged out of the way. Hoolahan looking to cause mayhem. Hauled down

by Bannan. The Scot disagreeing with the decision given by the referee.

Had a little pull of the shirt. Redmond with the delivery. Oh, off

the bar and headed away! Jedinak got his head in there. Norwich City so,

so close to taking the lead here, inside the first 10 minutes. As the

ball bounced down it looked so inviting for Fer, he didn't get

there first, Jedinak was able to clear. It was Elmander's effort

coming down off the crossbar. Crystal Palace managing to survive.

Hoolahan, popped over to the left hand side. They have swapped wings a

few minutes in. Redmond causing real problems. Beaten away. Norwich City

tails are up here. Redmond. Constantly swapping wings. Moxey

tried to get hold of him there. Hoolahan into the centre. A chance

for Hooper. 1-0 for Norwich. Beautifully worked. The game has its

first goal, after half an hour. Norwich City score a first half goal

for only the second time all season. At the end, it was very neatly

worked. Redmond had got away from Moxey, who tried to get hold of him

on the touchline. Hooper almost got it caught underneath his feet. He

kept a cool head and managed to just guide it into the bottom corner and

Chris Hughton's team break the deadlock at Carrow Road.

Jason Puncheon once more, saved by Ruddy. Jerome nearby. Here's Bannan.

So close to an equaliser for Palace. Somehow the ball stays out.

Here's the effort of the game. Ruddy making the save. Bannan saying,

leave it to me. Firing the shot in. Up onto the crossbar, the ball

bouncing away to safety. Agony for Tony Pulis and everybody else on the

Crystal Palace bench. Now, it's Bannan. Moxey runs outside

him. Puncheon wants it in. Oh, it could so easily have been sliced

into the back of his own net by Bassong. Have Palace applying some

pressure. Norwich happy to see it go behind for a corner as this one went

whistling into the six-yard box. It was a lucky escape. Palace's first

corner of the second-half, their fourth of the match. Bannan in. Just

over the top at the far-post. It was Delaney as Crystal Palace push and

probe and get closer and closer to an equaliser. Cheers in from the

home crowd as Becchio prepares to come on for his first Premier League

appearance of the season. He has only played 14 minutes in the first

team this season. A player who went public inside the last week with his

frustrations that didn't go down well with his manager, Chris

Hughton. It is quite a nervy Carrow Road.

There is going to be a card from Chris Foy for Russell Martin. Here

is the challenge. A decent effort. Skimming wide of

the post from the substitute. It is almost a year since Norwich City

last won back-to-back home games in the league. It is the year that --

it is win that Chris Hughton could really do with. Three minutes

remain. Jerome did not get hold of the ball

at all. Kebe and Jerome and Ruddy relieved to flop down on top of the

ball. He knows there will not be many more chances in this game.

Palace working hard, but they just can't get up to the Norwich City

penalty area. A free kick. The game still balanced

on a knife edge. If Palace are going to score, you get the feeling it is

going to have to be now. How about this for a scramble as

Gayle goes down. He was not fouled by Bassong and that should be enough

for Norwich City. I thought we defended very well and we restricted

them to minimal chances. But these are the defining moments in the

game. We scored a very good goal and I hope they are going to show that

and possibly it might even be one of those contenders, you never know,

for goal of the month. But we needed Martin Olsson to clear one of the

line, which was fabulous shot. We had to battle and dig deep for the

second half but we were worthy winners. You took the ball -- you

took the goal well. It surprised me, I did not expect it, but I put

it in the back of the net. There is a better feel going into

Wednesday's game at Anfield than they would have been if we had not

got the result. Right at this moment it feels like a big win. We just

need to make sure that we have more of them.

A valiant effort by Crystal Palace and I spoke to Tony Pulis. Thank you

for talking to us. Obviously not the ideal result to start your tenure,

but you must have been encouraged by certain aspects of the performance?

I thought we did really well. The first 20 minutes you have to give

Norwich credit, there was a better team. After that we gradually got

ourselves in that game and did exceptionally well in the second

half. I am disappointed we did not get the breaks. You have not been

there long and you have to assess all your players. What sort of

position do you feel you are in at the moment in terms of the quality

that you have? It is very difficult, obviously I have only had a week

there but the lads have been fantastic. They have really worked

hard and bought into everything we are trying to do. They have shown

bits and pieces today but you need a bit of quality and Premier League

experience to win these types of games, especially when you are on

top for so long in the second half. I think certain aspects of your game

that you are known for, particularly during your time at Stoke, do you

intend to use similar sort of tactics for Crystal Palace? If those

tactics keepers in the league for six years running and get to a cup

final and get to the last 13 in Europe, yes! You have two home games

against West Ham and Cardiff, they are vital, the home games? Every

game you go into is vital. There are about seven sides in this league

that we cannot compete against. The rest, other good day, you can pick

up points and that is what we have to do. We have to try to play these

and pick points up on these games. It is a massive asked to keep

Crystal Palace up from where they are now. The biggest challenge of

your career? Yes, very much so. When the season finishes, close season is

the time when you spend your time and energy preparing for the next

season -- the closed season. People think you have six or eight weeks

off, I always done it the other way, trying to get players who will

push the team on. That is not happened because there has been a

change of manager here. The window is important for us. It is important

in respect that if we can make one or two results up to it and keep as

close and get one or two players in, I can remember signing James Beattie

and he did fantastic for us, people like that who could turn the tide.

But I know as well as everybody else this is going to be a real tough

job. Thank you for talking to us, I know you are supposed to be with us

on Match Of The Day last week but you took the Crystal Palace job

instead. I hope it was nothing against us! Of course not! We wish

you well. Thank you very much, thank you. A big ask for Tony Pulis. Let's

start with Norwich because it is an important win for them, two

consecutive home wins for Chris Hughton. very important. Most of the

teams have struggled at home so he will be pleased to get two

back-to-back wins. He said you need a bit of quality and Norwich had

that day. Hoolahan, who hasn't played, this is only his second game

of the season, he came into the side today and he was the difference.

Everything he did today warranted him being at the side. He is a

Number ten and perhaps that is why Chris has not played him because he

plays in that role just behind the front man and is always looking to

probe. He gets on the ball, he is a very clever player, looking to get

people in, get himself in and what I like about him as well, if he is not

probing he is trying to get into the box himself. We see him laid the

ball off here, getting in the right place, but this is what he does.

Good feet, goes around people, get fat people, and the shot is a bit

weak but you see his intention. This sums up his quality. An excellent

goal. An excellent goal, good build-up from Norwich. Redmond does

well here as well. Took the fullback on all afternoon, plays into

Elmander. Amanda was so that was a cross shot -- Elmander will fete was

a cross shot. He gets the goal that every cent of Ford wants to score.

He is brave. As the Crystal Palace, signs of encouragement in the last

couple of weeks with some reasonable results and performances but it is a

monumental task ahead. It is a big one but if you could choose one man,

it would be him. I know from Stoke that his players give him everything

and if you can get the Palace players playing with the same tempo

and desire, they have half a chance. Aston Villa have amassed most of

their points on their travels this season, having lost four out of six

at Villa Park. They had an opportunity to improve the home

record against Sunderland side who have suffered five away defeats in a

row. Failing to score in the last four of those. Martin Fisher was our

in the West Midlands. Without a goal in his last six

games, Christian Benteke will welcome the visit of Sunderland, as

he scored a hat-trick in April. Luna included after a hamstring injury.

Wes Brown is OK to play. His red card at Stoke last weekend

overturned by the FA on Tuesday. Gardner and Borini ARPA recalled as

well. Gus Poyet still looking for his first points and goal on the

road with Sunderland. It is a good stop from Mannone.

Villa are looking bright. Villa are looking positive. Weimann feeding

Agbonlahor, plenty of time to size up what was on offer and a

comfortable save in the end by Mannone. Surely Aston Villa's most

famous supporter, hoping to bring them a bit of luck as they try to

get their third home win of the season.

This looks encouraging for Aston Villa. Benteke, it is over! His goal

drought continues, his first real chance of the afternoon. Lovely

football from Villa, good work initially by Weimann. Supported by

El Ahmadi. I thought for a moment as it reached the feet of Westwood we

were on for two goals in two games from the former Crewe player.

Instead he picked out Benteke and Benteke just leaning back slightly.

Fires it over. Paul Lambert racked up his 50th Premier League game for

Aston Villa on Monday. 14 of those have ended in victory.

It might reach Gardner, he's offside, it went down -- it won't

count. He thought for a second he had put Sunderland ahead on his

former stomping ground but the flag was quickly raised. A very good

decision but it did come off the last but when the pass was made,

Gardner was offside. Sunderland coming into this game on the back of

five consecutive away defeats. A foul by Clark on Fletcher. From up

here that looked six and two threes. The arm is certainly raised

and made contact with Fletcher, a good decision from Nielsen Wash from

Neil Swarbrick. Villa are holding a high line here.

Did that strike the hand of Clark? A corner has been given but the

Sunderland players convinced that as that was knocked across by O shape

it struck the hand of Ciaran Clark. There is the header. Brown could not

get to it and it definitely catches the hand of Clark and he did seem to

move his arm across to knock it away. Sunderland will feel that at

the moment they are not getting the rub of the green. A lucky escape for

Ciaran Clark. That is a corner. It took a huge

deflection off Delph. Sunderland can try again to break the deadlock with

a set piece. Instead of loss and this time it is Borini. -- instead

of loss. Borini has put it over. How has he missed that? ! Giaccherini

missing an open goal. Villa's defence caught cold again, Bardsley

finding Giaccherini. It looks harder to miss than score. Giaccherini, who

last season helped Juventus to the Syria a title cannot find a goal to

help Sunderland move off the bottom of the Premier League there.

Sunderland in all kinds of trouble here. The shot from Agbonlahor

produces a smart save by Mannone. The first real linkup play between

Benteke and Agbonlahor in this second half. Agbonlahor was in

behind. Kept out by Mannone. Dossena on the overlap. The cross

cut out by Ron Vlaar. Dossena on the overlap. The cross

cut Sunderland's turned to have a little spell of their own.

Giaccherini... Borini's header, and I think Brad

Guzan got a fingertip to turn it over the bar. The first time the

Villa goalkeeper has been called into action. Excellent work by

Giaccherini, and Borini gets a fabulous touch. Does Brad Guzan get

a touch? If he does, it is a fabulous save. You started off

particularly brightly, with Agbonlahor having a couple of

chances. That is the pleasing thing, a few lads have come back and got

some game time under their belt, as well as a clean sheet, which is more

than we have done recently. That it was not a classic. We never deserved

to win the game. It is a good point because we performed we made it

difficult for Villa, we kept a clean sheet. It is a good point. Now, you

will ask, for three points, we were the ones creating the better

chances. But sometimes when you are down at the bottom, nothing goes for

you. The crossbar and a miss from two yards, but I am really pleased

with the point. Off to Southampton now? Yes, as I said before, there

are positive things, for games unbeaten. Things are OK. No goals,

not that much excitement, but a first away point for Gus Poyet since

he took charge at Sunderland, and you can see signs of improvement?

Definitely. They played good football, they had the better

chances. I do not know what to say about this. I have missed some

chances in my time, but I do not know if I ever missed one as easy as

this. But they played with confidence. They had spells in the

game when they were in control. They looked more like the home team. I

have seen that look a few times. And then they had a few good chances in

the second half. This was a good header. And overall, he is pleased,

but in their predicament at the moment, he knows that those

performances are going to be turned into victories, if they are going to

do anything. Aston Villa, struggling at home, 11 wins out of 45 at home.

It can only be that, they are set up as a counterattacking side. It is

probably better to win away from home, goes you can counterattack

better. At home, the emphasis is on you to attack. But yes, they are

struggling at home. There must be something in between. But it is a

big hitch, big teams go there and quite enjoyed playing football

there. I have always thought that. Before we leave you, let's take a

look at the Barclays Premier League table.

Crystal Palace replace Sunderland at the bottom. Norwich move four points

clear of the relegation zone. The Sunday Telegraph claims Tottenham

have drawn up a list of candidates in case they decided to sack Andre

Villas-Boas. It also says Martin Jol's for future will be decided in

the next 24 hours. The Sunday Times says Martin Jol is clinging to his

job. The Independent on Sunday reports that Hull's owners may sell

up because of opposition to the idea of renaming the club. That is it

from us, on the day that Aaron Ramsey returned home as the Premier

League's rising star. You can take the boy out of Cardiff, but you

cannot take Cardiff out of the boy.