02/01/2016 Match of the Day

Look at his face! Just look at his face!

Look at that. Oh, look at that!

What a goal. Oh, what a goal.

We're mid-way through an absorbing Barclays Premier League season.

Alan Shearer and Graeme Le Saux resolve to be resolute

It's six games without a win on the road for Manchester City.

Manuel Pellegrini's side were in action at Watford,

for whom striker Odion Ighalo was looking to equal the all-time

club record of scoring in seven successive games.

Jonathan Pearce was at Vicarage Road.

Reasons to be cheerful for Watford and bass Quique Flores, no Premier

League player has had more shots on target than Odion Ighalo this

season. Two changes, Nyom and Holebas come in. Reasons to be

fearful for Manor Pellegrini, City have dropped 15 away points from a

possible last 18 and Mandela again replaces the absent Vincent Kompany,

can he keep a second successive clean sheet?

The man who started the last five games, neat turn into Troy Deeney,

running away to the right and Almen Abdi arriving on the overlap as

Nyom... Almen Abdi goes the goal and a bright start by Watford. Good use

of the ball and the early pass and Almen Abdi had options but swung a

shot. Deeney, looking for his strike

partner, Ighalo. It is won by Almen Abdi who feeds Troy Deeney into the

penalty area and down he goes. The referee, I think was absolutely

right. The full-back just keeps his running line, Aleksandar Kolarov.

Yes, Deeney goes down but it was the wrong side of Kolarov to get a

penalty in that way. Almen Abdi pokes it in an Ighalo has spun his

man and he's in on goal, Ighalo! Hart comes and Deeney cannot follow

up. Cleared by Sagna. Big chance for Watford. On his current form, you

would have backed Ighalo to school, there, rolls his defender so well.

Fine goalkeeping by Joe Hart. -- to score. Fernandinho. Sagna is the man

over on the right. De Bruin has gone for goal, disguised the shot,

awkward for the goalkeeper who parried to get it away. Could have

played it wide, De Bruin. But he dipped it just in front of the

goalkeeper, making it very difficult for Gomes. De Bruyne. Not the best

of passes to Fernandinho, who made it a good ball, and now find Silva.

Manchester City, Silva into the box and Fernandinho continued his run

beyond the goalkeeper. Silva with a header and then the overhead.

Sterling over the bar! Silva with a good ball to Fernandinho and the

goalkeeper did well initially. Look at the yellow shirts. They should

have stopped it getting to Sterling. A very open first half an hour.

A lot of Watford's football has been in front of the Manchester City

defence. Can they get behind? Nyom could not but he might do now. He

went down in stages, there. He's going to get a yellow card for

diving. He can't complain, either. He went down belatedly and

dramatically. Fernandinho was taking his foot away. Sterling and

Manchester City need all three points, here. Kevin De Bruyne.

Aguero, ahead of him and Silva the edge of the box. He's going to go

for goal and deflected away off Cathcart. Just a lack of conviction

in the final third. It is Manchester City's first corner of the game.

Free header! Fernandinho should have put Manchester City ahead. He was an

marked -- not marked and given that opportunity, that space and freedom,

he should have hit the target. A big chance, that. Watford looking to

counter the stock Ighalo into the box and mangler with him. He got the

last touch for the corner. Very powerful, Ighalo. Watson will take

the Watford corner. Ighalo in the six yard area. Oh, it is an own

goal! Watford have the lead. Ben Watson takes the credit. He was so

unlucky not to score against Tottenham the other night. The

goal-line technology foxed him. It might have gone all the way in. It

went off the back of Kolarov. Just the back of his head. Ben Watson

deserved it but technically, it goes down as an own goal. He does not

care. Watford lead Manchester City. This is where I think a few

Manchester City players need to look at themselves. Have they been hungry

enough away from home this season? In every minute of every game?

Deflected through and Gomes comes and punches away. He did not know

that what is team-mate. -- was his team-mate. Kevin De Bruyne with a

corner kick, Sagna with a flick on and nearly came to Fernandinho!

Appeals for a penalty. Was he fouled? There was pressure on him

physically but his legs seemed to slip away from him. Still plenty of

time in this game, though, for Manchester City to come back into

it, over 20 minutes to go. Aguero. De Bruin. Silva with a touch back,

good understanding and Kevin De Bruyne with a shot and save. That

was going in, a lovely Manchester City pure quality. Look at the

understanding. Silva knows exactly where Kevin De Bruyne is going to

go. Good goalkeeping. Mangala is going off and Wilfried Bony is

coming on. A centre forward for a centre-half. Fernandinho will go in

alongside Otamendi. Almen Abdi into A. Manchester City switched off in a

midfield now that Fernandinho has moved back. -- into Etienne Capoue.

Nearly all the way through but it bounced kindly for him, over he

goes! He was caught. The substitution gamble nearly backfired

on Manchester City, there, no one in central midfield and Etienne Capoue

goes a long way before lifting it over. Silva. De Bruyne round the

corner. Kolarov with an early, good ball, met by Britos. Sound as they

pound all day long, Miguel Britos, the Uruguayan 30-year-old. -- a

pound. What an equaliser! Toure! Manchester City level. And for the

first time in the game, really, Watford have switched off. A belted

equaliser, into the near post, the corner curled back to him. The first

mistake that Watford have really made. Just got in front of Holebas.

Slams it in. Brilliant finish. Now, can they go on and win what is a

crucial game for them? 1-1. Yellow shirts streaming back, Sagna

with a cross and Aguero will challenge for it. Brilliant,

brilliant header! From behind, Manchester City have come back with

two late goals to surely win it? A classy finish from a class act. Look

at Aguero, rising between the defenders. He hangs in the air and

directs the perfect header home. His first goal in five games. Since he

scored against Liverpool back in November. Manchester City have

looked lacklustre but it is the mark of champions to get points when you

are playing badly. Guedioura with a cross, looking for Ighalo. Will it

come for him? It has but straight at Joe Hart. In recent weeks, they have

been going in. But fortune did not favour him, there, and he may well

have been offside. But he is so quick to react to the second ball.

What must he be thinking? Exotic oration. -- exasperation.

You can say a lot of things about this team but character, we always

have, in the last years. It was important to keep our calm mind and

trust in working, the way we play. I think we prepared the players and

finally, we scored those two beautiful goals. They are a very

good team, especially the strikers, in good moments, to score so many

goals this season. And we know to come here and win against Watford is

very, very hard but we did it. It is a difficult to accept the result. We

gave the opportunity to Manchester City to come back into the match.

But I'm really pleased and happy with the performance of the players.

But this is another lesson for the future. We are really competitive

but we have to take care of these things because the match lasts 90

minutes. Watford certainly made life difficult, didn't they, but where

there are superstars, there is hope. Two things constantly worrying that

you went -- with Manchester City. Firstly they still have not

addressed the issue of playing without Vincent Kompany despite

millions and millions being spent on defenders. I think they are poor at

the back. The second is, why does it take 70 minutes for them to kick

into action when they are one goal down? It's exciting! Why can't they

do it, have a bit of urgency from the start of the game from their

leaders in the team? But the goals they scored were absolutely superb.

A 1-0 down and it takes them 70 minutes to get a bit of football and

class going and it was a great move into Silva, beautiful touch and now

they are up and running, bit of confidence, decent ball in, Toure,

Ighalo should do better, Holebas is marking him. It is Abery and finish

and he is capable of that. We have seen that. But look at Ben Watson in

front of him, pointing, "Get in front of him, don't let him free",

but they do and they get punished. Confidence is flowing but this is a

truly outstanding goal. The cross is brilliant but the header is out of

this world. The way he times it, the direction, it is just perfection.

He's absolutely shattered because he is not match fit so he takes his

time to get back in. But the ball takes out three defenders but for

him to get in between the two defenders and get the direction and

the power, just absolutely superb. Yes, a fantastic finish and the

cross, it is just inviting Aguero to win it. But as Allen said about

Manchester City defensively, especially away from home, they have

got three losses and three draws away from home and this is their

first win in seven. But the fact that defensively, they seem to

switch off and give the opponent a chance, they have only just had one

clean sheet with Kompany out of the Dean but whoever is back there,

Mangala, Otamendi or Demichelis, they seem to invite teams onto them

because they are capable of making mistakes. Without the shield of

Toure in front of them, they struggled defensively to keep it

tight. As for Watford, very resilient, a tough side to beat,

doing excellently in the Premier League. A bit of bad luck of late

and funnily enough, the seven games they have lost our against top seven

teams. Watford have got an identity which I like and it is based on hard

work. They did everything Manchester City didn't in the first half,

worked hard, pressed City and unsettled them and created some

deserved chances. They will consider themselves unfortunate. They look

like they have a great team spirit and everyone gets on well. Etienne

Capoue is playing Greg Lobban them. -- very well for them.

The 2nd of January might be the earliest we've ever talked

about a relegation dogfight, but Sunderland versus Aston Villa

Alistair Mann was at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland will be hoping top-scorer, Jermain Defoe, can

maintain his excellent run against Villa having registered eight times

a career high against them. The hosts make two changes, including

John O'Shea, who has been passed fit to return today. Ayew's ill time

suspension allowed Gestede an opportunity to score for the first

time since September. He's the only Villa player to have netted a

winning goal this season. That was on the opening day. He's one of five

changes, including Jack Grealish for his first start since being

disciplined for his off-field conduct. Borini. Johnson,

Cattermole. Jones. Unlucky, Lescott got on in the way. Borini's

backheel. Watmore hits it. It was swinging away, off balance. A good

positive start from Sunderland. The noise that has been transmitted from

the Sunderland supporters reflects that they certainly believe that the

start that their side have embarked upon is exactly what they would have

demanded on such a vital game. Richards. Veretout. Grealish,

muscled out of it by M'Vila. Nice turn again by Bacuna. His cross is

over the hip. Goodness me, it was turned into a delicious ball in the

end. Veretout is very disappointed that he couldn't stroke it into the

corner of the net for what would have been his first goal in English

football. Watmore. Headed away by Cisse, nudged on by Cattermole,

Johnson. M'Vila. Now, van Aanholt. Decides to go for glory - and a

deflection off Richards. I think it's an own-goal off Richards. Van

Aanholt claims the celebration. . Looked to me as though Richards got

the telling touch and guided it beyond the reach of his own-goal

keeper. Well, that's a real killer blow for Remi Garde. Van Aanholt

hits it. Richards steers it beyond Guzan. The most unfortunate of ways

to concede. Veretout. Disowe cressed. A weighted ball to Defoe.

Richards comes across with him. Defoe has support. He's going it

alone. Guzan stops it. Well, Defoe has had so few opportunities today

that when he did have the ball in an attack situation, he takes on

Richards. Graham is free at the top of the picture, if he can slip him

in. He decides to go himself. Guzan was in the right position.

Dispossessed. Away comes Traore. Wonderful pace, away from M'Vila,

who tried to bring him down. Away from Wes Brown. The cross is not

bad. Heel on the volley. Oh, that is a stunner! Fantastic goal. Wow! It's

only the 16th goal they've scored all season but, I tell you what,

it's one of the best that any side has managed. Brilliant from Traore.

He eludes the tackle of M'Vila. Over the challenge of Wes Brown, his

cross is delightful, but there's a lot of work for Gil to do. The

technique is absolutely magnificent. What a finish. Terrific goal from

Aston Villa. They have certainly deserved to be level today, but

who'd have predicted that the Premier League's lowest scorers had

it in them to do that? Here's Johnson. Towards Defoe. Took it

well. Lescott in front of him - and scores! It's relief and joy all

mixed in for Sunderland. It's a fantastic finish from Jermain Defoe.

It's his ninth goal against Aston Villa, but in many, many ways it

might be the most precious. Super finish. He took it down

delightfully. He was faced by Lescott and there was just one

thought in his mind - work a little bit of space, and find the corner of

the net. And Jermain Defoe, with a goal, which means an awful lot to

Sam Allardyce, and might mean an even greater amount to Sunderland

football club. Up towards Gestede, Mannone did well, exceptionally so,

really. Good Parry from the keeper. Little touch from Defoe for Graham.

Aston Villa throw. Well, he's thrown it, Bacuna straight to Defoe.

Calamitous error. Of all players, he gave it to Defoe. Oh, they've given

it away again, Aston Villa. It's beyond sloppy, really. Cattermole's

taking it to the corner. In the circumstances, you can understand

why. In that 30 seconds, it kind of sums up Aston Villa this season.

Bacuna with the throw, gives it straight to Defoe, then Villa

managed to contrive to give the ball away again, just moments later. Got

the return. Now Defoe! Well, they can enjoy themselves now,

Sunderland. Aston Villa sunk, Sunderland Sunderland fighting.

Jermain Defoe, if any man can help Sunderland to that safety line, it's

surely him. Two really tidy finishes, the last one in

stoppage-time to cement the three points. Cattermole. Up towards

Defoe, offside it would have been a hat-trick. It isn't. It's a heck of

a tight call that. Benefit of the doubt, I think he was onside but

it's not going to affect the result. Sunderland's annual fight for

survival is up and running again. I have to say I was really pleased

about everybody holding their nerve today, fans included, when they

scored. You know, we could have gone under at that stage. We didn't. We

kept plugging away and we kept it nice and tight at the back and

finally got what we wanted. That was the 3-1 victory. I'm not here to

lose a game. I'm here to try to make the team win. Today we were just so

close. You have to look at the result, which is the main target for

every time in football, but then you have to look as well the way we

played. To be fair, we didn't play so badly. I can of course blame my

players, some of my players in certain situations, of course, when

you conceded goal it's always because you made a mistake. Then I

saw a team that wanted to fight, but then probably we missed some

quality. Tremendous record against Aston Villa were aware of how well

you have done against Villa, ten times you have scored against them?

Yes. One of those things over the year. Enjoy playing against Aston

Villa. Got a few braces, it's about the team at the end of the day. Nice

to score goals. I love scoring goals, everyone knows that. When you

win games it's nice to be on the scoresheet. We need the three points

today. The goals that bring the points. Defoe now 134 Premier League

goals. I doubt many of them would be as quite of that importance? No,

really significant. I mean, you you have to say Aston Villa as well,

Remi Garde saying that the team made mistakes. We will see some

horrendous mistakes. First of all you have Aston Villa actually

getting themselves back into the game. Traore here does everything

that he needs to, and more, he has strength, speed. He rides a tackle

there from van Aanholt. Goes past Brown like he is not there. He digs

this cross out. Excellent ball. The finish is exquisite. Fabulous. To

get it when it's almost behind you. You see it from this angle. It's

almost past him when he hits it. Tomorrow redirect is fabulous

technique. When Villa have something to hold on to they capitulate and

collapse. A decent line there. Defoe and Lescott. All of a sudden, you

see two Villa players dropping off and two players dropping back. You

can't do that when there is no pressure on the ball. Excellent

finish hem moves the ball quickly. You can see it from here. A decent

line. You have Berahino there, in all of that space -- Borini. It's

like Richards decides he has to go out and intercept that. If him and

Hutton had stayed with the backline and dropped in there, Defoe had

nowhere to gchl he wouldn't have been as dangerous as it became. Once

he gets in that space, Defoe, one step, opens it up and hits it it

into the corner. Then it's a catalogue of errors. This is

embarrassing. First of all Bacuna. There is no real opportunity here.

Ball back to Guzan. Embarrassing clearance. Cisse let's the ball run.

He is not aware he has Cattermole there. Then Cattermole goes to play

a bit of time. Unbeknown to both teams, this throw-in will result in

one of the calamitous goals I have seen this season. Six Aston Villa

players standing still. Defoe is you can with aing away he is thinking -

Danny Graham can't do anything with that. He makes a run inside. Beats

all of those players. Takes him out of the game. Decent ball in, quality

finish. If Aston Villa are going to defend like that as a team, once

they have worked hard to get back into it, they have no chance.

Richards was upset with Wright for criticising him and the back four

two or three days ago. They are making mistake after mistake every

single game. They have to accept criticism. As for Sunderland, well,

you know, gives them some kind of hope. I suppose there are must win

games and there are must win games. This was a must win game Definitely.

They held their nerve, as Sam said. Swansea away, not an end to their

problems. It gives them hope. They still have to buy in January. No

doubt about that. Certainly do. Arsenal began the day on top

of the table after four wins Opponents Newcastle arrived

at the Emirates in the bottom three Your commentator

was Simon Brotherton. Arsenal go into had the new year

having won more points and games than anyone else in 2015 the only to

thing up that counts happens in May and 2016 has golden opportunity rid

written all over it in terms of the title race. Fit again Flamini

returns to the Arsenal midfield after missing the Bournemouth game.

Koscielny and Monreal play at the back after being rested last time

out. Elliot had to pull out of the of the game on Monday against West

Brom with a stomach upset heaven is fit to return today. Tiote replace

ares the injured Anita in midfield. Both teams are wearing black

armbands today paying their respects to the late PavelSrnicek who 20

years ago today kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Arsenal that took

Newcastle seven points clear at the top of the table. Arsenal

predictably good at home for the most part. Lost that opening home

match of the season to West Ham by 2-0. They have taken 19 points from

a possible 21 since then in front of their own fans. Bellerin is away.

Arsenal threatening. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unable to turn it

home. Interestingly, Steve McClaren has changed things around today with

Wijnaldum playing in the centre and Perez starting on the Newcastle

left. Perez and Dummett finding it tough in the opening two minutes

already. That brings a save from Cech.

Lay-off to Colback. A straight-forward save for the

Arsenal goalkeeper in the end. The first threat, in an taking sense,

from Newcastle here. Trying to guide that header home. Colback not really

getting hold of it. The last three Premier League meetings between

these two sides here have including 18 goals. We are still awaiting our

first this time. Here comes Oxlade-Chamberlain. Away from Tiote.

In to Giroud. The deflection takes it behind. Fortunately for Newcastle

not into the back of his own net. Showed in matches against Liverpool

and Tottenham that Newcastle can raise their game against some of the

so-called bigger sides. The header from Bellerin. Mitrovic.

Attempted improvisation from the Serbian striker. Comfortable for

Cech. You have to say it's Newcastle who are finishing the first half the

stronger of the two here. Perez. Colback steaming forward. Wijnaldum.

Trying to tee it up. Cut out by Ramsey. Wijnaldum with a chance.

Saved by Cech. Ramsey slicing that one. It fell to the Dutch man who,

suddenly with a snapshot, brought a save from the Arsenal goalkeeper.

Here's Ramsey. Hurried into the path by Tiote. Now, here comes Perez for

Newcastle. Great move here by Wijnaldum. What a chance for 1-0.

Superb save by Petr Cech. My goodness me, it needed to be as

well. That was excellent play from Newcastle. Not for the first time

this season, Petr Cech showing just how valuable an acquisition he has

been for Arsenal. Early second-half save to deny Wijnaldum. It's really

opening up here at the start of this second-half. Sissoko with a chance

to run at Monreal. Now, Perez into Mitrovic. Really good chance, again.

Two in the space of a couple of minutes here. Right at the start of

the second-half. Newcastle posing a real threat. Mitrovic sending it

wide. Ramsey finding Mesut Ozil. Looking

for Ramsey again. Trying to squeeze it past Rob Elliot, the Newcastle

goalkeeper. He was able to get down quickly and get his hands on it. If

Arsenal are going to win this game they have two up it a little bit in

the second half. Ozil, away from Tiote this time. Now Bellerin. This

looks a little bit better. It will be a corner. The first five or ten

minutes promised so much from Arsenal's point of view but so far

in this game, it has been some way short of vintage. Ozil with the

kick. Coloccini up with Giroud. Koscielny is in! Almost from

nothing, Arsenal go ahead. Laurent Koscielny scores against Newcastle

as he has done into the previous three seasons. Coloccini beaten in

the air. -- in two of the previous three seasons. It dropped inside the

penalty area, Perez seemingly unaware that Koscielny was right

behind, beaten to the ball. Look at this as stretches. The feeling of

relief as much as excitement around the vast majority of the Emirates.

Laurent Koscielny with the goal. For the most part, Newcastle have looked

pretty comfortable in this game. Their red temps at frustrating the

home side were clearly working during the second half but they are

going to have to come out now. Thauvin. Waiting for Wijnaldum to

join him. Ayoze Perez into Mitrovic! A little

reminder, there, for Arsenal that the points are not in the bag yet.

Just under ten minutes to go. At this moment in time, Arsenal not

really enjoying themselves. Giroud. Campbell, hustling and bustling,

into Ramsey, finding the space but denied by Elliot. Good save by the

Newcastle keeper. Arsenal, looking for a late second. Eliot able to

make the save from Ramsey. Until that goal, his side were looking

decent for a point. Still time. Arsenal, a little anxious, you.

Wijnaldum waits for the return which does not reach him. Arsenal get it

clear to Aaron Ramsey. He looks for the run-off Ozil. Mbemba going

across with him. -- run of ozone. Ramsey, faced by Coloccini. Great

chance for two. Just wide of the post. It has not been vintage

Arsenal today. Frustration for Newcastle, who were really in this

game but Arsenal edging it. Three more points in their quest for the

title. We were not at our best day, we know

that and we had to be deep but we can dig deep when it is needed. On

top of that, I must say, we played against a good team. Newcastle is a

good side. You know with the kind of game that Newcastle today, because

they are right down there, the confidences may be missing a bit but

they will not stay down there. New played well today. I'm scratching my

head how we've come away with nothing. We did not just play well,

we played very well, not many teams can come here and control the game

and dominate possession at times as we did and still defended well and

still created chances. But you win and lose the game on what happens in

both boxes and at one end, we failed to score despite some great chances

and at the other, it was a soft goal. A good chance to say to the

forwards, "That is how to do it". You know, we need to stay focused.

Most important is the team win. I'm happy with the goal but we need to

stay in first position. A vital win for Arsenal, no question about it.

But Newcastle, your team, could have had something out of it and perhaps

should have had. They should have and it's widely recognised that to

win the Premier League you need the top-class goalkeeper and Arsenal

have without doubt got one of those now. We said at the beginning of the

season that he is worth 10-12 point at least. He played a massive part

in getting them three points today. A lot better from Newcastle today.

They played well and created chances and took the game to Arsenal and

should have got something out of it. A constant threat, particularly down

the right, causing problems all afternoon. Good ball in, good header

by Wijnaldum, good save by Petr Cech. Again, ball into the box. A

mistake but look how quick he is out there, closing down Wijnaldum.

Again, great pressing on the halfway line and they crafted the chance.

Superb, good ball in but look how quickly Petr Cech comes off his

line. Wijnaldum should do better, maybe should score, perhaps dink it

but give credit to a top-class goalkeeper, he was superb. Again,

the far post ball to Perez and Mitrovic cannot sort his feet out, a

massive jobs. We are sat in the office, thinking Newcastle are going

to get punished for the chances they missed and they did. Perez goes to

sleep on the set piece and they lose the first ball and he is quicker

than Perez to the ball. It is a good finish but it is a good sign for

Arsenal as well. They don't play well but they get three points. How

important as a defender is it, what kind of confidence does it give you

to have a great goalkeeper behind you? It makes a huge difference.

Looking back, David Seaman was the best goalkeeper I played with Andy

won many trophies. Petr Cech, going to Arsenal with the confidence and

present and being so calm, he reads the game very well, it allows

offenders to take a good position. On two occasions, he's come off his

line and close down space between defenders and himself and when you

have that reliability and faith in your goalkeeper, you can focus on

what is in front of you because you know years covering what is behind

you. That makes all the difference and could be, as Alan says, the

difference between winning the league and in other years maybe not.

While on the subject of goalkeepers, the sad news, the passing of

powerful Srna check. You played with him at Newcastle. -- powerful Srna

check. I played with him and he was a great professional, worked ever so

hard and loved the people of Newcastle without doubt and they

loved him. A terribly sad loss. It was six league games

without a win for Manchester United going into today's game

against Swansea, who arrived at Old Trafford having not conceded

in their last three matches. Louis van Gaal has admitted he may

look for a fresh striking option this month but put his faith in top

scorer Anthony Martial again and Wayne Rooney, who only has two goals

in his last 21 Premier League matches the two of them have just

six league goals between them this season. Ki has scored in Swansea's

last two victories over Manchester United and he is one of seven

changes from the team that drew with Crystal Palace.

Can Manchester United start as they did against Chelsea? Martial. Early

from Rooney, looking for Mata, cleared by Williams. Ashley Young

assesses the situation, straight back in and it comes through to

Rooney. Martial wants it in but Rooney went alone and only found the

side netting. It came through to Rooney and look at Martial, opening

his arms, demanding it, totally a marked. Fabianski had it covered. --

unmarked. Louis van Gaal's team have gone eight games without a win in

all competitions. The last time Manchester United went nine without

a win was very early in that man's career, back in 1988.

Rooney, trying to find Young. Succeeding. Early cross from Young.

Rooney! A little unlucky. Mooring courage in from Manchester United's

point of view. -- more encouraging. He has certainly steadied the

Swansea ship since stepping into the breach. Five points from 12. The

final few seconds of stoppage time at the end of the first half. It

would be a perfect time for Manchester United to school. Young

with the delivery and ready's had about to close to Fabianski. Yet

again, it is a goalless half from Manchester United's point of view.

Schweinsteiger. Young. Just to stronger Schweinsteiger but he still

recover the situation. Young, just over Rooney. Martial! Less than two

minutes into the second half, Anthony Martial with the

breakthrough. It is a most welcome one around Old Trafford. No surprise

that Ashley Young was involved, too strong for Rooney but it did not put

off the Frenchman. He watched it and headed it into the ground and passed

Fabianski. There is the reaction. Swansea will have to change their

attitude now. A team that have scored only two goals in their last

six games. Sigurdsson. Trying to curl it into Ayew! Against the post.

Rangel. He goes down. He is going to be shown the yellow card for diving.

What a 20 seconds that was full Swansea. He got in between the two

defenders and David de Gea was beaten. Rangel, going down to

easily. He was shown the yellow card.

Routledge. Rangel. Promising full Swansea. Barrow, taking on Darmian.

-- for Swansea. Get the cross in as well, there is the header! And there

is the equaliser! Gylfi Sigurdsson at Old Trafford again, the man who

got the winning goal in this fixture last season. It was well worked as

well. A lot of credit to Modou Barrow, the substitute, did really

well to get this across. A little cushion header from Sigurdsson did

the rest. Another shock to the system. There's been plenty of those

in the last few weeks. Barrow. Darmian will have to be

quick to keep up with him. Cut out by Blind but a poor clearance.

Sigurdsson again and still. Terrific block from Smalling. Ayew.

Sigurdsson can't get it under control. Ki. We are in for some last

18 minutes, now. Darmian's header. Schweinsteiger. Little bit of space

for Martial. He is around Fernandez. Can he pull it back? Rooney! The

captain on the scoresheet, to restore Manchester United's lead.

And in doing so, he scores his 188th Premier League goal, outright second

now behind Alan Shearer, and is 238th Manchester United goal,

outright second, all-time behind Sir Bobby Charlton. But more importantly

from a team perspective, Manchester United in front again. Martial

scored the first and has provided the second and what a finish from

Rooney, just when it was required. Martial has a look and look at that

from Rooney. He has had his critics but that is a genius moment and one

that Manchester United needed, as he edges closer to that man's record

for the club, now. Manchester United, sitting that little bit

deeper. Swansea can send this in and they will with Fernandez. Williams.

Shooting opportunity! Terrific save from de Gea. Ashley Williams, of all

people. Yet again, Manchester United have de Gea to thank. Jon Moss has a

look at his watch. This has got to go straight back in from Fabianski.

Fernandez did not get there. It is a corner. There might just be one more

piece of defending for Manchester United to do. Fabianski is forward.

The last kick of the game, in from Sigurdsson. Fabianski with the

header! And he was not too far-away, either. He could not find the

target. Relief all around Old Trafford, because Manchester United

have new fortune in the New Year. Louis van Gaal said he wanted the

smiles back on faces. Wayne Rooney, his captain, has provided those

smiles. For the first time since the 21st of November, Manchester United

have won in the Premier League. We played with a lot of space in the

back but I think we did it very well. We created a lot of chances in

the first half but we did not score. That is our problem. When we scored,

it was in the second half, and there was no problem any more. That was

the difference today, two beautiful goals. I think we were a bit

disappointed in the first half, we did not capable, especially the

shape of the team, you expect to keep the ball bit better. But I

thought in the second half especially, we grew into the game

and in the end, we were probably a bit unlucky to lose. I think we have

shown in the last couple of weeks how we are attacking, going forward,

creating chances, especially today, we created many chances that on

another day, we would have scored more but important to get the three

points today and we did it. We have got the cup next week and then a

massive game against Sunderland. I could be in charge or someone could

come in. As I said, someone could come in in the next couple of days.

When Fabianski came up for the final corner, what did you think? It is

not usual that goalkeepers ask roaring but he headed it very well.

It was merely a goal. -- ask roaring. I hope this is a fantastic

starting point for us in the New Year. -- goalkeepers are scoring. I

hope we can continue against Sheffield United. Good analysis from

Louis Van Gaal, not usual that goalkeepers score! A win and two

goals on the scoresheet for more than the year. Things are looking

positive for Manchester United. Martial and Rooney spending more

time in box as you have to do to score goals. That was them against

Leicester, not good enough. Will you not score a lot of goals if that

continues. I thought the linkup play, as I said, was a lot better.

He took it off Rooney. It was positive. Martial, in particular,

was prepared to pick up the ball and run at defenders. Both of them,

again, in the box there. If it didn't fall to Martial, it falls to

Rooney. He is positive. An effort at goal. This is brilliant. I think a

few weeks ago he goes side ways here, but, no, he's prepared to run

at the defence. Give and go, linkup. Should hit that with his left foot

across the goalkeeper. Superb ball into the box. Look at both of them.

Doesn't fall to Rooney. It falls to Martial. It's a superb header. A

goal. They are back in the goalscoring charts, where they

should be. Again, positive. Linkup well. That is sublime from Wayne

Rooney. Left foot, sublime it really is. Helps when the team attacks Yes

it is. Everyone picks up off that. Martial is more positive. Rooney is

more positive instead of passing balls square they are running at

defenders and asking questions of the defenders. We see the graphic,

which you insisted on! We will be glad when Rooney gets ahead now. We

won't show that again for ever, hopefully. Didn't have three serious

injuries! I wish I got credits for the assists. You got a few. Thanks.

Swansea have steadied the ship under Curtice, haven't they? Do you think

he will get the job Does he have a chance, should he have a chance?

Three unbeaten ahead of today. It's important that they make a

commitment to him, at least until the end of the season, for the

players to buy into what he is trying to do. The thing with

Swansea, they play very well. They have excellent creative players.

Obviously, they are being looking vulnerable. If Fabianski could only

work on his heading more in training they could have equalised with the

last touch of the game. Sunderland next for them as well. A big game.

Big game. We have to move on or we will show that graphic one more time

- but we won't. Match of the Day 2 will

feature December's Goal Some crackerses in there! --

crackers. It's the FA Cup

third-round next weekend. Our coverage kicks off on Friday

night with Exeter versus Liverpool, Football Focus will be live

from Eastleigh ahead Catch all the goals

on Match of the Day, Spurs versus Leicester, BBC One

3.35pm. Looking forward to that one. West Ham were unbeaten in seven

at home going into their game against a Liverpool side one point

and one place above them Your commentator at Upton

Park was Steve Wilson. Andy Carroll who is Liverpool's

mosts expensive ever player returns for West Ham to face his former

club. 11 goals in 58 games was not a great return on the ?35 million it

took to get him to Anfield, Liverpool know him well enough to be

weary. Liverpool's current number 9, Christian Benteke, has scored in

successive Premier League games for the club, something Carroll never

did. The Belgian has also toasted a couple of contenders are for miss of

the season in those games. Is Ibe. -- Ibe. He has the shot away. Only a

whisker away. Plenty of claret and blue shirts around Jordan Ibe here -

he didn't miss it by much. Mistake by Tomkins. Moreno tonne it quickly.

Tsh Moreno on to it quickly. Good recovery from Antonio. Tomkins with

good reason to be grateful to him. Kouyate. Valencia. Decent cross.

Antonio - 1-0! Great ball in. Tenth minute of the game. Michail Antonio

with the header. Great ball in here. It's a really good header. Brilliant

ball in from Valencia. Michail Antonio, who second earlier snuffed

out Liverpool's attack with a terrific challenge on Moreno. He

heads West Ham in front. Well, this was the challenge by Antonio, which

won the ball back from Moreno. He felt he was fouled here. Did he get

the ball or was it onto Moreno's foot onto the ball, possibly the

later. Play went on. Moreno never recovered. They haven't lost here

since way back in August when they were on the wrong end of a seven

goal thriller against Bournemouth. Lanzini. Oh, right back off the

post. The movement on the shot from Lanzini was fantastic. It left

Mignolet completely non-plussed. So unlucky. Cresswell into the bobbing.

That's dangerous, too. Just over the top of the bar from the flying

Antonio. Liverpool are very lucky they're not 2-0 down here. Look at

this from Lanzini. Hit it beautifully. Mignolet, moving in

completely the wrong direction. Clyne. Liverpool's corner.

Ibe's delivery. Too long for Sakho. Moreno's there. Lots of white shirts

in the middle. Bent befrnt. Blocked by Carroll. And, oh, Firmino had it

taken off his toe by Adrian. This was one of Liverpool's most

dangerous moments. Header from Benteke. Then it just fell towards

Firmino. Adrian was there. Might of been off a Liverpool head.

Cresswell! Clyne with the block. Really well-struck by Cresswell.

Forward from Coutinho, nicely to Firmino. Firmino, inside Noble,

outside Noble. Ibe with Cresswell to try and get through. Firmino. Can.

Oh, well hit. Off the woodwork. A little bit of a let-off for West

Ham. This is better from Liverpool. Firmino, to Can. A good effort that.

A good effort. Nice disguise. Guise Noble.

Dangerous. Carroll. 2-0. Classic Andy Carroll. Great header from the

big man. Liverpool have no answer. West Ham have put two quality balls

into the Liverpool box in this game and they've both resulted in goals.

Great header from Carroll. The man at the back post, beaten in the air.

Simply steers it into the back of the Liverpool net. The explosion of

celebration begins. Here's Aaron Cresswell, Payet outside him. Here

he is. Nicely done. Cresswell, Payet wants the return. He won't get it -

Carroll will. Off the line. Oh, and into the gloves of Mignolet. What a

let-off for Liverpool. Twice could so easily have been a third.

Terrific stuff. Under pressure, Noble, Tomkins

helping him out. Free-kick goes Liverpool's way.

It's Lallana's ball in. That was dangerous. Good delivery. Collins

getting it behind for the corner. Whipped in with pace, bending in

towards goal. Corner kick is floated in. A free header, off the line,

Lucas denied. Smith then hits it. Mark Noble, on the line, Lucas

denied. Goal saving stop here from Mark Noble. Flicked on by Can.

Lucas. Thinking he got his name on the scoresheet here, but Mark Noble

was there. Lovren trying to take it from Payet. Might be a break on

here. Payet, if he had gets this right, he can open Liverpool up.

Kouyate, off down the middle. Saved by Mignolet. Lifted away by Clyne.

Good break by West Ham. There has been more fizz, energy, pace and

invention about them all afternoon. Can finding Coutinho. A free header

for Joe Allen, which is just wide. Just wide. A real chance this for

Joe Allen. Couldn't steer it into the back of the net. We could have

scored more. We kept a clean sheet against Liverpool at home. It's

brilliant for fans and it's brilliant start to the new year. Of

course, we are happy today. It's not a day for being disappointed. It's a

day of being angry with ourselves. We had first situation I don't know.

I don't know if it was a you will for not. I couldn't see. We have to

react differently iechl' really, really angry today because which

could have got so much more today. You got your first goal against

Southampton. You didn't know an awful lot about that. You knew about

this one? Definitely. First goal was a bit of a, I say, a bit of luck.

Got the back post and headed it in. Got the first goal. Hopefully I can

keep the run going. It seems like one week you are very good and the

neck week you are really quite poor? I don't think so, but in a situation

like this in your job you can say what you want. We have to accept it.

Gracefully as well, may I say. Brilliant performance from West Ham.

Played great football to boot, didn't they? I thought they battered

Liverpool, to be honest. Thoroughly deserved the point. Should have

scored more points. The fist goal, yes, was a free-kick, but there was

still a hell of a lot of work to be done This is the first goal. Just

watch Moreno and Benteke. The theme is about getting the ball into the

box and Benteke getting in there. If Benteke is in there, he will cross

that. He stays short for some reason. Moreno doesn't. As I said,

it is a foul, but Antonio makes the challenge. The way he gets up, it

shows great attitude to get into the box. They hit them on the

counter-attack. 50 yards already. They have now got five v four. They

work it down that right hand side superbly well. We spoke about the

cross in the Manchester City game. This is equally good. Mentioned

Antonio. Look where he is now. Hit the far-post, made the tackle, ran

the full length of the pitch. Brilliant ball. Superb header.

Moreno gets his right foot down there, in between Antonio. You can

see the reaction. The work that West Ham did to get that goal summed

their afternoon up. They were They certainly were fantastic. .

Christian Benteke, it chateau start to his career at Liverpool snfrnl I

mentioned him a few days ago. Getting into the box his main

strength, a great strength it is. It heading the ball. I fancied him

against most defenders. I don't why he goes short and hanging out. Get

into the box and be a menace and be a threat and cause problems instead

of hanging on the edge of the box. You will get more goals by getting

in there. In his defence, this time, if Can hangs that ball up there I

would fancy him against anyone, against Collins. It doesn't have to

go in every time. They lose the ball. The forward is frustrated.

Stops making his runs. This is the same move. Goes out to the left hand

side. Look at him. Because the cross didn't come in, he goes short again.

The defender is now looking to put the ball in, Benteke is not in the

box there. If he hangs that up. In contrast, West Ham got someone who

is superb in the air, Andy Carroll, and Antonio. What do they do,

Cresswell, hang it up, put it into the ball. Good ball in and header.

Andy Carroll, the right hand side much he can attack the near-post or

go out and hang it at the far-post. He does just that. Superb ball in,

again. What a header that is. Similar to Aguero's header? Doesn't

have to go in every time. When it does, he is a hes pest and a

nuisance that is what Benteke has to do if he is to be a success at

Liverpool. They have to understand that also as Liverpool players and

staff. To get the best out of him they have to put balls in the box. I

hope they are watching. West Brom picked up

a first win in six games They faced a Stoke side who took

maximum points over Christmas with victories against

Manchester United and Everton. The first and arrest obtain Pulis's

appointments eating up against its former club. Lambert starts. It's

been a good season for Darren Fletcher, you got the winner against

Newcastle. Xherdan Shaqiri, fresh from scoring two in the victory of

Everton. Ibrahim Affellay was sent off in the Debaty West Brom in

August, as was Charlie Adam. The Baggies, looking for their third

consecutive win over Stoke but goals might be few and far between. Just

eight goals in the last seven Premier League matches between these

two teams, though. Morrison has made the move forward. Fletcher has

Sessegnon wide. Sessegnon thought about the first-time ball in but

when the corner. It comes off Pieters. Plenty of confrontations,

here, and challenges already Mason to try to keep an eye on. Driven

indie and turned across! Almost turned in at the near post. What a

chance for West Brom to take the lead. Evans with the final touch. He

could not quite turn it in. They're ready no once again on the bench for

Brom. -- Berahino once again. Affellay. Johnson. Looking to take

on Chris Brunt. Glen Johnson with the shot! Pushed away by Boaz Myhill

and Fletcher scrambles it clear. That shot from Glen Johnson had

plenty of swerve on it. But away by Boaz Myhill. Kept in by Xherdan

Shaqiri. Towards Arnautovic, who is onside. Arnautovic! Myhill with the

save. Seven goals for Arnautovic so far this season but not eight on

that occasion. Sessegnon, advancing forward. And brought down.

Arnautovic with the foul on the West Brom man. Approaching half-time at

the Hawthorns, then. Gardner with the free kick. Too high for Lambert

but it might drop for setting on. Looking to set up a team-mate in the

middle. Fletcher! What a chance for Darren Fletcher to score the two

matches in succession. Look at how much room he has, aiming for the top

corner but well off target. Cameron. Finding Johnson on the far

side. In towards Arnautovic. Lovely flick. Shaqiri could not provide the

finish. Terrific move from Stoke. What a great touch that is to set up

Shaqiri. Mark Hughes' side have a pretty decent away record so far

this season in the perennially, four wins, four draw than two defeats on

their travels. Arnautovic. Dispossessed by McAuley. Pieters

picks up for the visitors. Here comes Fletcher, now. Morrison.

Sessegnon, great chance and a great goal! What a finish from Stephane

Houdet Sessegnon. And West Brom, in this match that has been played very

much on an attritional basis so far, get the opening goal. Fletcher

charging forward, here. Keep your eyes on Sessegnon at the bottom of

the picture, with defenders sucked in field, he had room to control and

pick his spot and he chose to at salute perfection. -- absolute

perfection. Evans. Morrison leaving it. Gardner. In towards Lambert, who

has Wollscheid the company. Lambert able to hold up, driven across. Half

away by Pieters. Fletcher into the Stoke fans behind the goal. Much

better from West Brom. Just sat up a little too high for Darren Fletcher.

Tony Pulis has never lost in this fixture. Is that one going to

continue today? Morrison, in towards Rickie Lambert. He was onside. The

flag stayed down but Lambert could not control the ball and advance.

That was definitely a chance for West Brom to get a second. He is

just onside, Lambert but Stoke manage to recover the scenario.

Turning into one of those afternoons for Mark Hughes and Stoke. As West

Brom edge closer to doing the double this season over the Potters.

Joselu. The keeper shouted for it but did not get it and Jonathan

Walters did! It was a really clear shout from Boaz Myhill. It was left

by the defenders and Jonathan Walters pops up to get the

equaliser. Just moments after Rickie Lambert had a chance at one end,

Stoke take the opportunity at the other. Joselu with the ball in. Look

at the run that Jonathan Walters makes, in between the defenders,

nobody goes with him and in the end, it is a relatively simple header.

Stoke with three in a line in a central striking trio. Cameron with

a coming together, there. This is going to be a red card for Geoff

Cameron, for the foul on Claudio Yacob! Stoke City, having just got

back on level terms, are a man down. The USA international become the

third Stoke player to be sent off against West Brom this season. That

is the reason, Yacob goes down. There's a bit of wrestling, there.

But the referee saw it as a red card offence by Geoff Cameron. Can his

side take advantage of their man advantage in the little time that is

left? Morrison. Steps away from Adam. Can't get the shot away first

time but does for the second time. Fletcher. Bodies just throwing

themselves in the way of the ball and in the end, it is a corner.

Stoke won with a late goal at Everton on Monday, desperate not to

concede a late goal on Saturday. McManaman. Turned on into the six

yard area and turned in for the winner! Jonny Evans! So many bodies

in the penalty area but it fell nicely for the West Brom defender

and Jonny Evans gets his first goal for The Baggies. Easy onside? Oh,

most definitely. West Brom restore their one goal advantage. Tony Pulis

keeps up his unbeaten record in this fixture. West Brom do the double

over Stoke. We thought we played all right first

half and we were pleased with the lads. It is a hard Christmas. The

result against a Stoke side that have been flying, with real quality

in their team, yes, we are very pleased. You have just equalised and

then Geoff Cameron is sent off, what is your view on the decision? He got

caught late by the lad, Yacob, and he has basically the guy. I'm not

too pleased with the reaction of the player himself, to be honest. I

think he overreacted and tried to get our players sent off which he

succeeded in doing which made it more difficult for us. But we should

have seen the game out, even with a man less. Mark Hughes was not happy

so let's look at the sending off. What is your view? As soon as you

raise your hand towards someone's head, you give the referee and easy

decision. There is contact there in terms of Yacob colliding with

Cameron but it is that reaction. I'm guilty of doing it myself a couple

of times, just frustrated. It is easy for the referee but I have to

say, Yacob makes the most of it as well. You can see it from this

angle, he treads on his foot and goes down very easily but then as a

sly look from underneath his elbow which suggests he knows exact you

what he's doing. It's pathetic, going down holding your head like

that as though you been poleaxed. Not a lot of contact at all. But it

gives the referee the excuse and he walks into the trap. Tony Pulis, 12

months and West Brom, 38 games, 52 points, you would take that.

Absolutely, and he is on course, 26 after 20 games this season so he is

on course to get 52 for the season. The goals were contrasting,

Sessegnon with the first, excellent strike a well worked by West Brom.

Stoke were quite deep but this finish is hit hard, the ball sits up

nicely for him, and into the roof of the net. In contrast, this one is

ricocheting around. By this stage, Stoke are camping in there, so many

bodies. Jonny Evans Mr chance half but was the first react, there, to

get his team the vital points. -- Jonny Evans missed a chance.

Two wins in three had moved Norwich out of the relegation zone.

Opponents Southampton failed to build on their 4-0 Boxing Day

victory over Arsenal by losing at West Ham.

As Norwich look for consecutive Premier League victories for the

first time since May, 2013, Gary O'Neil is recalled for Graham

Dorrans. As a former Pompey favourite, he can expect a warm

reception from the Southampton fans. I wonder what their reaction will be

to Sadio Mane being dropped to the bench after being late for a team

meeting? He is replaced by James Ward-Prowse, with Jordy Clasie in

for the suspended Oriol Romeu. Norwich City starting the day three

points clear of the relegation zone. Bertrand. Dusan Tadic in behind

Martin. As he got something on it? In those Long! A brave header from

Long under severe pressure from Declan Rudd. He might have taken a

fist to the head, the Irish international but his bravery and

courage almost brought the opening goal. Mbokani, beginning to get the

measure of the defence. Jonny Howson might profit from the struggle. It

would not quite sit for him. Jose Fonte what himself in an almighty

tangle, and Houston knew he had to take it early, under pressure. A

difficult half volley situation. He could not quite steer it beyond

Stekelenburg into the far corner. Bertrand went in sharply but it ran

invitingly for Norwich. We have not seen much of Nathan Redmond so far

today. Checking inside Steven Davis. It is a lovely ball, and Russell

Martin, Mbokani in the middle! But he steers it wide. It is a lovely

run and movement from Norwich. Redmond's ball for Martin is

delicious and the deflection off Bertrand took it towards Mbokani and

he did not miss by much. Martina. Looking for Long and he has

found him. Shane Long is in! Vital save from Declan Rudd. What an

opportunity for Shane Long. Lovely ball in from Martina. Bassong was

stretching but could not clear. Long, maybe one touch too many,

perhaps. Ronald Koeman thought that was the opening goal.

Bertrand's ball in and the goalkeeper stayed at home. He knew

what he was doing. Terrific reflex save, to deny Shane Long again. A

bit of a tete-a-tete between those two at the minute.

That is a poor challenge coming in from Wanyama. That will bring the

first yellow card of the afternoon. Redmond, left in a crumpled heap.

Tettey. Ploughing forward. Real menace. Howson across. Mbokani! He

was wide earlier, and this time, he steers it over the bar. There have

been chances at both ends in the first half but neither side as yet

has been able to find the killer finish. We had chances aplenty in

the first half but nothing to speak of yet in the second. Missed by Long

and Bennett and Tadic might be in! Well, the pressure from Russell

Martin was sufficient to put the Serbian off. It would not quite sit

for him and by the time it did, the angle was not favourable. The longer

the game goes on, the more convinced you are that just one goal will

decide the game. Oh, that is naughty from one yammer. That will be the

end of his afternoon. -- from Victor Wanyama. Odjidja-Ofoe sent sprawling

and Victor Wanyama knows what is coming. It is a second yellow card

for him. And for the second time this season, Victor Wanyama sees

red. Well, that was foolish in the extreme. Now Norwich have an extra

man. Can they make it count? He added something since he came on.

Stopped inside Klasnic. -- Clasie. Scuffed it. Opportunity really

knocks now for Norwich. Howson. Away from Cliasie. He set up Tettey

again. Tettey scores. Jubilation all around Carrow Road. The Norwich fans

know the significance of that goal. Well, once the red card came for

Victor Wanyama, Norwich sensed their chance. They get the better of

Clasie. Tettey slides it into the top corner. Scored a lovely goal at

Old Trafford before Christmas, Tettey. This one just as

significant. Every bit as important. Norwich City closing in on a second

success in a matter of days in front of their adoring supporters. Getting

points close together and back-to-back wins is really

important. I felt today we had the best opportunities in the game. You

know the longer the game goes on, you worry you will not convert. Then

we managed to score a fantastic goal for Tettey with his wrong foot.

Yeah, really pleased. Obviously, a good pass. I just tried to do a Yaya

Toure. It went in. Good goal, good win and good start of the new year.

How significant was the red card for Victor Wanyama in that, do you feel?

It's stupid action. Because you have to know it's not a young player.

It's an experienced player. You know you have a yellow. You can't do that

tackle in that position on the pitch ichlt. I'm very angry about the

disciplinary reason that he was not starting. It's a shame for a

football player. If you come late on a meeting, you know the rules, there

is no focus and concentration and respect to the club. Strong words

from Kew man there. That's right. He has a point you rarely see that in

public from a manager? He is absolutely right. He must be livid

for him also to come out and criticise like that. Wanyama's

already had a red card this season at Bournemouth. Again, two silly

bookable offences. That is, without doubt, a yellow card. The referee

gets that right now. You know in your mind, you can't go into another

stupid challenge like that. Going nowhere. In no trouble whatsoever.

It is just stupid. 0-0 at the time. That is six defeats in eight. Mane

problem as well. He has - Disciplinary problems. Transfer

speculation with the two of them, Mane and Wanyama. You can't keep on

selling your best players and recruiting well. It's a difficult

job to keep recruiting. Certainly is. Three wins in four for Norwich.

A cracking goal to boot. Wasn't it. He did a Yaya, in his own words? He

did. A lovely bit of skill. Through Davis' legs. Has the presence to cut

it back. Let's it run across his body. His weaker left foot as well.

A side-foot. He gets underneath it. He gets a lovely clean strike on it.

Plants his foot well. Fantastic strike. Unbeaten in five as well.

They are playing well. Another important win for them. It certainly

is. They have momentum. at Arsenal on Monday

was their first in seven games. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have

had the headlines this season the contribution of Kasper Schmeichel

can't be under estimated excellent on Tuesday. He is in The Foxes goal

for the 200th time. Stanislas comes back in for Bournemouth after being

rested are for the game at Arsenal last Monday. Five goals this season,

the Cherries joint top-scorer. Pressure to keep netting comes from

his young children. They correspondent him to score three or

four a game. Bournemouth start 2016 with a three point cushion above the

bottom three. In the sort of form that should take them clear of the

drop-zone. Albrighton looking for Mahrez here. He went for something

spectacular. Mahrez was being fold by Daniels. That is the confidence

he has displayed in pretty much every game this season. Wonderful

Italian accent makes things sound better. He has a lovely way with

words, Claudio Ranieri. Over to Stanislas. Schmeichel will not get

that. He's missed. An accusing look from the Leicester keeper to the

defenders in front of him. Simpson leaves it. Josh King really ought to

have scored. Eddie Howe described 2015 as one of the great mile stones

for Bournemouth. No resting for one of English football's brightest

young coaches. The ball fell for him again. A mis-kick it found Vardy. He

can't find the net. This was a shot from Ulloa. Vardy onside. Just that

last touch that wasn't accurate. Surman, the route back to Boruc cut

off by Vardy. Ritchie. King. Away from Robert Huth. King can, can he

tee up Gosling? He did. It was teed up a little too high. Gosling, right

underneath it. Josh King is putting in a really good shift up front. He

did brilliantly to create the chance here. Dan Gosling really should have

done better with the finish. I think it hit above the boot, came off the

shin and above the bar. So far, so pretty good for Eddie Howe's team

though. Will not be beaten that easily.

Wonderfully head lined in the match day programme, the fanstic Mr Fuchs.

The ball is played over the top from Albrighton to Vardy. Threatened to

leave it behind. Still the chance is on. Brilliantly saved by Boruc.

Typically well timed runned by Vardy he couldn't get the ball down on his

boots. When he finally did, Bournemouth defenders not close

enough to prevent the shot. There was a little nick, I think, off

Cook, which took it a bit further away from Boruc, and made it an even

better save. Josh King off, Glenn Murray on. Fuchs with the corner.

Over the top from Wes Morgan - who wonders how he has missed. Free of

his marker. Left Francis behind. He didn't quite get his timing correct,

in terms of when he met the ball. It has the King power crowd going. --

King Power. Won back by Drinkwater. Through to Vardy. Onside. Inside of

Francis. Brought down. It will be a penalty for Leicester. Will it be a

red card, too? It is. Simon Francis, the Bournemouth skipper, is going.

Brilliantly weighted pass. Bournemouth are in bother the minute

that Vardy wins the race. Francis has a hold there. His claim is that

he wrapped his leg round and wins the ball fairly and doesn't

particularly impede Vardy. The referee is of a different mind and

wants to give the decision hechl has to give the next one, too.

Bournemouth down to ten-men. Are they about to be a goal down?

Mahrez, on-the-spot again. Mahrez' efforts, saved. It wasn't a good

penalty. It was a lovely height for Boruc, who gets right, beats it

away. Artur Boruc, the Bournemouth hero. Goodness me, haven't we got a

game on now? Still 0-0. Leicester with the extra man. Will the

deadlock be broken? Mahrez. He's found a gap. There haven't been many

for him today. He nearly found a gap at Artur Boruc's near-post. Comes

off Distin's knee. Sharp reactions from Boruc. Corner helped on. Nearly

helped in by Vardy. I think if Claudio Ranieri had a kitchen sink

on the bench, he'd put it on. Everything being chucked at

Bournemouth now. Deep breathes, full effort is the request from Eddie

Howe to his players. Gosling is with him. Vardy. Swivel of the hips. Is

he caught again? The referee doesn't think so this time. Goal kick,

Bournemouth. Leicester fans are howling. Jamie Vardy astonished away

from Cook. Gosling in behind him. It is a tangle. A tangle of legs, no

more than that. Leicester City failed to score for a third Premier

League game in a row. From Bournemouth's point of view, they

have played a terrific game in difficult circumstances. They've got

a precious point. Leicester City 0, AFV Bournemouth 0. We felt we were

in the game at 0-0, there for the taking. We were pleased with our

first-half performance, the second-half was totally different.

With the sending off we had to change. I think at the end of the

match we deserve to win, but the draw is not OK because only one

point. It's OK our first goal was 40 point. Today is 40 point. Champagne

for my players. The sending offed and penalty went hand in hand. I

have to ask you about the decision? Disappointed with it at the time. A

great angle. The referee came from the other side. No criticism of

himmism saw the player fall over. Simon takes the ball. Good touch on

the ball. For me one of the best tackles on of the reason season for

a centre-half against Jamie Vardy. The referee didn't feel that. Best

tackle? I didn't think it was a red card. I thought it was a very good

tackle. He gets the ball. He gets the ball. Am I think the distance

that Vardy is away from him suggests that tackle is from behind from the

referee's point of view much he take that is right leg as he takes the

ball. You differ you two. This one is more of a penalty. This is

definitely a penalty. Got his arm on him. Gets his legs caught up with

Vardy also. That one should have been a penalty. Last-minute. Graham

it didn't quite happen for Leicester in front of goal, certainly, a lot

of the credit has to go to bourne you -- Bournemouth for effort? They

have lost one in eight. With 10 men they out ran Leicester. It's such a

part of their play. You see them doubling up down the sides.

Stanislas on one side, Ritchie. Surman, down to 10 men. Surman

making the extra defender. Ritchie, towards the end of the game, Ritchie

working so hard to get back. They slip. They protect the space. Look

how many bodies in good positions behind the ball. Leicester, to their

credit, they tried hard to break them down. Down the sides they

tried. There is an opportunity here. To get that ball through to that -

hit Mahrez on-the-run is virtually impossible. Bournemouth just were

relentless in the way they defended. Again, have you two v one situation.

Invite Kante inside. Side, blocking that. Bournemouth were able to

resist it. Leicester did create good chances I felt Bournemouth were

worth the point. Leicester not scoring over Christmas to bridge all

the other teams, give them a chance. According to you anyway. We are just

about out of time. Thank you very much indeed. Let us look at the

Barclays Premier League table. Arsenal move two points clear of

Leicester. Manchester City won to stay within striking distance.

Manchester United rise a place to fifth, West Ham up to sixth.

Sunderland move to within four points of safety after winning the

battle of the bottom two. Aston Villa seven points adrift of the

black cats and 11 from survival. Newcastle occupy the final

relegation place. Let us see what the papers have to say. The Sunday

Times report that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal Louis van

Gaal was assured earlier this week his job at Old Trafford is safe. The

Mail on Sunday claim United are targeting Mane in the transfer

window. The Sunday Express carry quotes from Alan Pardew who has

written off Chelsea's opens of a top six finish ahead of Sunday's meeting

with the fallen champions. They've scored more

goals than anyone else. What a 2016 it's turning out

to be for Sunderland.