02/02/2016 Match of the Day

It's a goal. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. And Keegan... Look at his

face... Just look at his face! Look at that. Oh, look at that. What a

goal, oh what a goal. Shearer, yes! Oh my goodness me, what a goal.

Absolutely magnificent. The Barclay's Premier League took

a breather at the weekend as the FA Cup took centre stage,

but it's back with a bang and we have eight crucial

games for you. The January transfer

window might have shut, but after a late night fax

we managed to register Garry Monk in time for the show,

alongside stalwart Danny Murphy. The last 11 teams to be top

of the league at the beginning of February have all gone

on to win the title. Leicester City started the day three

points clear at the summit and looked to remain

there with victory over Liverpool. Your commentator at the King

Power, Jonathan Pearce. So is the unbelievable believable

for the table-toppers? The last team to lead the Premier League into

February, but fail to win the title was Arsenal in 2003. Is the possible

actually impossible for Liverpool. Only two sides have qualified from

the Champions League from 34 points of less. Their current tally at this

stage. Leicester are unchanged. Jamie Vardy is set to sign a new

contract within days. Liverpool have been involved in two

tough cup ties while Leicester have been rest bg. That could be key.

Mahrez goes left and comes so close. A bright and ineventive start from

Leicester. Why we should be surprised. It is the way they have

been playing all season. Oh, goodness me, it was close! Cut

inside, bent it. Just wide. Mahrez involved in 21 Premier League goals

this season. Just one league game this season,

Robert Huth missed through suspension. He has been a telling

factor in Leicester's improvement over the last year. But he seemed to

lead with an arm there against Lallana and the referee's having a

word. His arm came out and caught Lallana. Leicester, as

table-toppers, will now be under the spotlight like they never have been

before. The scrutiny will get closer and Cloeter. He will have to watch

that, Robert Huth. On to the bar and over. Mignolet

with the save. Leicester on the counterattack nearly ripped

Liverpool to shreds. Henderson caught high. Leicester doing their

own gegen press. Both managers missed out on deadline day target,

Leicester were after Remi from Chelsea. Liverpool were after

Teixeira. Lovren has given it away. He maybe clipped Vardy. He looked

towards the referee. He is fuming. Strong Leicester claims for a free

kick waved away. A cracking start to the game here. Milner with a lovely

ball in. Henderson is offside, it wouldn't have counted, but that is a

save by the way - what a save! Schmeichel will be Nashing his teeth

that that save won't go down in the record books. Because it is a

special one. I'm not too sure that is a foul you know? Roy Hodgson

looking at Vardy and one or two others. That is a terrible throw.

That is kid's stuff. Mahrez - brilliant save! Liverpool nearly

shot themselves in the foot. An elementary mistake by Moreno. One of

few games I have seen this season where I can honestly say I have no

idea who is going to win. That is a good Liverpool move. A

lovely move. Patience and precision. Henderson with a good run. Just

nicked away from Drinkwater. It was a vital nick too. At one moment you

think Leicester are rocking, but they answer the questions and come

back. Look at Can getting back there. He

measured him for pace. Moreno tried to catch Schmeichel

unawares, but the keeper got the punch away. Will Liverpool call on

Christian Benteke? They did on Boxing Day and his goal won the day

against Leicester. Here is Can on the counter. Dispossessed by

Drinkwater. What a game he has had. Mahrez felt he was pushed.

Lovren goes for it. Oh! What a screamer! What a goal that is!

Unbelievable! No wonder he is smiling! Sensational stuff. On the

hour, Mignolet, who has been very good for Liverpool, is beaten by a

stunner. Over the top, they love to play it. He didn't hesitate. He knew

exactly what he was going to do. That as players will tell you, is a

worldy - world class! Jamie Vardy could have scored the goal there

that finally convinces the doubters that Leicester City can go all the

way. Liverpool have played very well, but that is an extraordinary

goal to win any game. Oh, astounding. The goalkeeper

saves. Leicester think they should have had a penalty. But what a

breath-taking passage of play. Any team that plays football as

brilliantly as beautifully as this, deserves to win a title. Should they

have had the penalty? Oh, I don't think he helped himself by the way

he went down. There was contact in there.

Mahrez on the outside he has gone for goal and it will come to Vardy.

It is two! Leicester 2, Liverpool 0. An error of judgment here by Sakho.

Under pressure from Vardy, Liverpool never really got their shape back

and when it came to Vardy, Lovren had switched off. A bit fortunate

that the shot came across, but what a finish that is. The place is

absolutely rocking. The Leicester fans, if you're still not believing

- believe, this could happen. Jamie is very fast and create a lot of

dangerous ball for the defenders. But it was unbelievable how he found

him with the long ball Vardy and Vardy had the time to look the

keeper out of the goal and score a fantastic goal. I were looking all

game and he was quite far off his line and I just took me chance and

it has gone over the top of him. I think the prooepg is when you can --

Premier League is when you can win you should do it and we should do it

more often when we are in the game. I think today we were enough in the

game to win it. We had moments that could be more clear. That is what I

would have seen. We have to work. Every player in the team is working

their socks off. It is no coincidence that we are at the top

of the table, we are grafting and fighting for each other. Two big

away games, Manchester City and Arsenal. Yes, we are in good

condition, we are free of the pressure, we enjoy during the

training, the players have a very good feeling between them and that

is the result. The next two games are crucial? Of course. Ray another

sparkling performance from Leicester and the impossible dream, dare I say

it is becoming a possibility. I didn't agree with Mr Klopp there, I

thought Leicester were better in every department. We usually talk

about their work rate, but some of their play tonight was Sen Tacingal

and so many -- sensational and so many good performances. Mahrez again

is, his ability to get the team up the pitch, to create. His end

product is great. He makes the right decisions at the right time. He gets

in the inside right position and they allow him on his left foot. His

touch, his confidence. You can see it in him. He is flying. They didn't

sign any big names, but keeping him was as significant. A good save. And

he was the instigator of the move of the match. Barcelona. It is like

Barcelona. He was outstanding and he has remained so consistent this

season and he has been a good provider for Vardy. He was

instrumental in providing the chance for Vardy, that stunning goal, which

we should probably look at a few times. What did you make of that? It

has to be one of goals of season already. With Mahrez it is his

awareness, when to dribble and when to pass. Look at that for a pass.

When we watched it, we won't expecting h imto hit that ball. You

can have a go at the centre halves, but you can't take anything from

that. An unbelievable strike. It will be up there as goal of the

season. With Vardy in the side, you have the ability to play balls over

the top and they don't have to be perfect, because he can chase them

down. It was interesting to hear him say that he had been looking at

Mignolet off his line. There is intelligence to his game, not just

rushing at them. His Linda play was good, confidence was so high. It's a

big dilemma for Roy Hodgson, if he will play him, Harry Kane or maybe

both. -- linkup play. What you make of Liverpool's progress under Jurgen

Klopp? It is a bit staccato? He has brought a way of playing, we can see

the style he is going for. He seems a bit inconsistent. That cutting

edge, they haven't got. They definitely missed Sturridge. You can

see when they played Southampton, what he brings, the creativity. When

you coming to a club and try to change the whole style, it has to

take time? For sure, I think he will be looking at this season as getting

a look at the league, getting a deal, understanding what team he has

come players he has and what he might need in the summer. He put his

stamp on it, but we will probably see more towards the end of the

season and next season. The worst kept secret in football

was confirmed on Monday when Manchester City announced that

Pep Guardiola would be taking over Manuel Pellegrini may well

lead his side to four trophies before he arrives,

and that quest continued at the Stadium of Light watched

by Steve Wilson. This is Manuel Pellegrini's 100th

Premier League game in charge of Manchester City and there will be

only 14 more after tonight. With so much at stake, there should be no

pep talk required. Sam Allardyce has been busy in the transfer window.

Two of his new faces start City bringing Joe Hart, Silva and

Aguero, who sat out the comprehensive cup win at Aston

Villa. Iheanacho keeps his place. Iheanacho will be playing with huge

confidence after the impressive hat-trick he got at Villa Park.

Clichy got the cross in. The ball ended up safely enough in the gloves

of Mannone. It's been a big week for Lamine Kone. He was instrumental in

wanting to get the news out there yesterday about Pep Guardiola

replacing him at the end of the season. He will be asking his

players now to not let that become a distraction or an excuse to lose any

focus. Aguero's shot... Got some real power

behind it as well. Caught it well. It is off target, but sweetly timed

by Aguero. It came through to Aguero, who

scores! You cannot give Sergio Aguero chancers like that. He had

injured himself in the process of scoring. That will be a real worry

for Manuel Pellegrini. He would probably give the goal back if he

could prevent the injury. They are concerned about Aguero here. Yaya

Toure, to Navas, deflection on the cross, and it fell beautifully for

Sergio Aguero, who was simply never going to miss that. But it was a

little touch by Jones, as Aguero puts the foot out to sweep it into

the back of the net. Looks like his sock has been shredded by that

challenge. That goal means he is now the top scorer in the Premier League

in 2016. His sixth of the colours a year. At kick-off, he was joint top

with him, Jermain Defoe. -- calendar year.

Dipping, but not quite enough from Aguero. A lovely effort. Iheanacho

did ever so well. John O'Shea is trying to shove him over. Well,

until Manuel Pellegrini, in 2014, only one Manchester City manager had

ever won two trophies in the same season, Joe Mercer back in 1970.

Pellegrini did that and might do it again.

The ball was still in play and Manchester City might break.

Free kick. Just words for Jesus Navas, no more. Jeremain Lens will

take this. Kone, with a free header! He put it

wide, and he was onside. Chances do not come much more clear than that.

Borini, back to Kirchhoff, intelligently, but he seemed to be

overstretching as he tried to reach it. There is a whiff of a Sunderland

goal in the air. Defoe! Excellent save! Jones!

Brilliant! Great goalkeeping. Fantastic goalkeeping by Joe Hart.

Sunderland have finished in fine style at the end of the first half.

Brilliant save from Joe Hart. Defoe, and then Jones. Was it the post, or

Joe Hart the second time? It didn't go in, that is what really matters.

A brilliant save. Then it is the post, as Billy Jones followed up,

that denied Sunderland the equaliser.

Jones, with the shot! Excellent save by Joe Hart again. Billy Jones

thought he had done it, yeah. A really good strike.

'S with the corner, and Joe Hart. -- Khazri with the corner. Defoe,

chance, and over the top from O'Shea. Kone at the near post might

have got a little flick. John O'Shea, way over the top of the

crossbar. Blocked by Fernando, and it's a

corner. Looked so promising, he has been in the goals of late, Van

Aanholt. Again, going for the near post.

Fernando, with the header. It was a good delivery. It needed defending.

Really, really good ball, Joe Hart flying, and driven over by Yann

M'Vila. Great ball in by Van Aanholt. He had a lot of time to

think about this, and settle himself.

Van Aanholt delivered it and won A corner off Sagna.

Kirchhoff got a head on it, and it was out by Otamendi. Otamendi was

tallest and strongest. All hands to the pump.

They really good defensive header. Manchester City celebrate three of

the hardest earned points they will get all season. It has finished 0-

one. The performance is very, very good,

probably the best since I have been here. We haven't got any points out

of it, but it was something that we can hopefully build on. Next time,

converted the chances. If we can do that, we might start picking up

three points with those types of performances. Joe Hart was

exceptional today, two or three really terrific saves? Yes, yes,

important saves, that is why he is a very good goalkeeper. Normally, he

doesn't have too much work, so it is good for him to have some games, to

demonstrate why he is number one. You made this big announcement

yesterday about your future. You must be delighted, the way the

players have responded today? Yes, of course. Delighted not only for

this game, but what is important is it is my 100th game, to win it is

important, but I am very happy that we are still playing, every game we

have played the whole season. We are here to win titles, that is what we

are here to do. We back him all the way, we love him as our manager. We

appreciate that we have a job to do this season. Next season is next

season. Sunderland were fantastic. If they carry on like that, they

will have no problems. Tough game for Manchester City, it

came down to the finishing of Aguero. I never tire of seeing him,

it's funny with strikers, some you know they will score in certain

situations. Manchester City, with a player like that on the pitch, you

are always in with a chance of winning. It's his awareness, again.

Always on the move. Any time he is in those positions come you know

what the result is going to be. A fantastic finish. That was the

difference tonight. Danny, no question that large portions of the

game, Sunderland dominated and had bags of chances? They played well,

put City under a lot of pressure. Manchester City played 4-4-2, which

didn't really work for them. Kone is not going to get a better chance

than that. This is Jermain Defoe, probably his best chance of the

evening. Does well to get the turn, what a save from Joe Hart, his left

hand side. Jones should probably score from the rebound, that tight

angle. Joe Hart, showing why he is the number one at the moment. He is

getting some competition for that place as well. Jones, another good

save. Second half, Sunderland bombarded them. But so much pressure

on city, O'Shea, not known for his finishing, especially on his left

foot. A lot of this in a game, scrambles, balls into the box that

City struggled to deal with. On tonight's performance, you would

give Leicester every chance against Manchester City at the weekend. Calm

down! Lets not get carried away. Jermain Defoe is not necessarily a

player that we associate with the violent side of the game, but a

couple of incidents? The first one, there was nothing in it. He did

catch him, his eyes are completely on ball. His elbow was in his

face... It was in his face, but we talked about that before. This

second one, he has a look, a bit naughty. He hasn't hit him with any

power, more of a protective arm. They were not best pleased with him.

A little lad, big strong defenders? Exactly. Pep Guardiola, coming in, a

weird situation when a manager is in charge but he is not out, but he has

a few months to go, a strange situation for the man in charge? It

would be a difficult situation. I imagine he is extremely disappointed

with the decision, especially when you have been so successful and in

with a chance of being successful again this season. I have to say, I

think he handled the situation magnificently. How he spoke

yesterday, how humble he was. I think it is a touch of class. A real

gentleman, whatever happens, it has been a pleasure to have him in the

Premier League. Who is to say he will not be here next season? With

another club? Interesting to see. Back-to-back wins for Tottenham has

given them some breathing space in the race for Champions

League qualification. They went in search of a third

consecutive victory at Norwich, who last time out scored

four - but still lost. Norwich City have reinforced their

team in a bid to stay amongst the elite, but Tottenham are looking to

reinforce their position amongst the top four, having not lost on the

road in the Premier League since the opening weekend of the season. The

Norwich manager Alex Neill makes five changes following their

high-scoring defeat to Liverpool. Among them, a debut for Timm Klose

in central defence, recently arrived from Wolfsburg. Kevin Wimmer start

in midfield for the first time. Vertonghen suffered a knee injury in

the last league game at Crystal Palace.

Alex Neil will help his team can stop conceding goals at such an

alarming rate. This is nice from Tottenham and a

first touch from Klose and away by Howson. Tottenham win the first

corner of the match with exactly a minute played.

Eriksen with the kick and away off the head of Tettey. Tottenham

starting this match very brightly and Eriksen with a save and an easy

finish for Alli. 1 minute and 37 seconds on the watch and Tottenham

ahead already. Alli scored a spectacular goal against Crystal

Palace in their last Premier League match. This one was much more

straight forward. The ball fell nicely for Eriksen. Alli the first

to react. In the second minute of the game. So far so good. What a

start for Mauricio Pochettino's team.

Tettey is captaining Norwich today. The first effort on goal from the

home side in the game. Comfortable for the Tottenham goalkeeper. Alex

Neil's team do tend to get on the the score sheet. They're going to

have to tonight to get anything. Very nearly two. What a lovely goal

that nearly was. Away from the full-back and the fibbing from the

heel of Korean forward. Kane takes it beautifully. A good save and Alli

almost following up and we have a penalty kick here for Tottenham. As

the ball comes in, there was a lovely touch and turn from Kane.

After the initial save, a challenge on Ali from Bassong and Kevin Friend

points to the spot. Tottenham with the chance to take a two goal lead

inside the opening half an hour. Harry Kane with a chance to score

for the third league match in a row. Confidently dispatched. While

Norwich will argue the referee's decision, Tottenham have very much

worth the two goal lead in this opening half an hour. Alex Neil

looking to clear up and get some explanation about that penalty

decision I think. Very nearly squeezed it home. A

venomous shot from Kane. Harry Kane slamming the ball against the post

here. Took Pinto one way and then the other and the ball bouncing back

off the foot of the post. Straight down the throat of the defence from

Olsen. Naismith trying to find a way through. The challenge by Wimme

reshgs. It was a muscular challenge. Alli is feeling unwell. But it won't

get easier for Norwich fans, because Chadli has scored three goals in the

last four matches before today. In from Jarvis and a good header and

nearly a goal for Norwich City. A good ball in from Jarvis, flicked

off the head of Stephen Naismith and Norwich in danger of losing their

fourth league match in a row. Hovering just above the trap door at

the moment in the Premier League. Chadli going for the ball with up

Mbokani. Chadli looked as if he stepped into up Mbokani. I think up

Mbokani is fine. Bassong is there and the flag is up and Norwich don't

have the goal they thought they had scored. S up and Norwich don't have

the goal they thought they had scored. Norwich have been better in

this half. They thought they had got a foot hold in the game. There, he

is offside as Naismith pokes it forward. His team have been better

at the start of this second half. Mulumbu has given it away to Kane.

Kane could finish it off. And its off the post and away and Harry Kane

hits the post for the second time in the game. Well, Mulumbu there caught

in possession and Kane so close to scoring Tottenham's third. He has

scored from the penalty spot in the first half, but he has hit the post

once in each half. So far a job well done by Mauricio Pochettino's side.

They're heading for a 12th league win of season. A season that is

starting to shape up nicely for Tottenham. Being chased by Eriksen

and it is Kane and another chance to make it three and he doesn't miss

this time. In the last minute of the match Harry Kane's second of the

night, Tottenham's third, three goal, three points, Norwich 0,

Tottenham 3. Olsen hassled, dispossessed, claiming he was

fouled. No offside against Kane and from the Tottenham striker a trade

mark finish. Most of the damage done in this game early in the match and

despite an improved Norwich City performance in the second half,

Tottenham comfortable winners. I think it help us scoring early in

the game. I think after we dominated the game and in the second half we

showed a lot of maturity and I'm pleased. It is just poor defending.

We play the first phase of the corner and we don't pick up well

enough in the box and the lad gets a free shot and he makes a great save

and they're following it and we are not. And from then it is tough. It

is probably the softest penalty I have seen all season. I have seen it

back numerous time and I still think it is the softest penalty I have

seen. How is Ali? He is OK. At half-time he felt unwell and a bit

dizzy. On the advice of the doctor we tried to not take a risk and that

was it. When you have conceded five in in your previous game, the last

thing you want to do is concede early in the game. That is what

happened to Norwich. Ridiculous. He must be furious. They did clear the

first phase F you watch as the ball goes back n every single player is

looking at the ball. Nobody apart from one there just sees him and

doesn't do anything. Too late. It is like being in a playground. It is

two minutes into the game. It is not when you're tired. They have given

themselves a mountain to climb against a hell of a good side and

from that minute Tottenham were dominant. Alli is good at that. It

was a really good performance from Tottenham. Two more goals for Kane,

14 in his last 15. Soft penalty? Softish. But his all round game,

Kane is phenomenal. Outside the box, his strength and power. But that

there, I can see how it's been given. From a different angle, maybe

it is soft. But a great, well taken penalty. Keeper no chance. He could

have had more. It is his power and pace and aggression and that is what

I like, his aggression to want to create something for himself or the

team. That pure energy he has. And when he is in the positions he tries

to work the keeper or the target. That what is good strikers do. And

again good pressing. Either foot, right or left. This is a very cool

finish. Executed it really well. It was good that I think that he

shifted it. He didn't shift it I should say on his right foot. He is

so confident and so two-footed, you don't see that with many strikers.

Although he had missed a couple, it didn't affect his confidence. That

is important. His level of performance has been good I even

when he wasn't scoring at the start of season. His performances were

there. He is a player that is for sure.

FA Cup progress over the weekend might have eased the pressure

on Louis van Gaal, but another anodyne performance at home

and all eyes will once again be on the Dutchman.

They faced a Stoke side who have never won at Old Trafford

Carrick returns for Manchester United. His last start was on Boxing

Day against Stoke. Yesterday ?18.3 club record signing was not

registered in time to play tonight. Manchester United will be sick of

hearing the figure that only three of the first goals have been scored

in the Premier League all season. Rooney went for goal. With six goals

in your last six games, confidence is back in the vains of Wayne

Rooney. This was a comfortable one for Jack Butland in the end.

It is a terrific delivery and Lingard finishes it off. It is his

third of the season and Manchester United lead inside 14 minutes and

Borthwick Jackson on his birthday with the ball in. It was well read

and well watched by Lindegaard, who gave Butland no chance. A great

finish from Lindegaard and for once the perfect start at Old Trafford

for Manchester United. We haven't seen too many of those during the

campaign. That is just the 13th league goal that Manchester United

have scored at Old Trafford this season. Incredibly they're the

second lowest scorers at home in the league. Will that settle them down?

Here they come again. Martial might go alone. Side netting. He will be

disappointed with that. He had done all the work himself. Step past

Johnson as if he wasn't there and went for the narrow angle. Tried to

catch Butland out and nearly succeeded.

Bags of space. Oh, what a finish! Tot drawer Manchester United goal.

That was almost rolling back the seasons. Finished brilliantly by

Martial. It started from their own penalty area with Carrick and from

then on each touch was perfection. Awareness here from Rooney. Terrible

marking from Stoke's point of view. But what about that for a finish?

From Martial. His sixth Premier League goal. Swept past Jack

Butland. No chance for the Stoke keeper. Nothing boring about that

whatsoever. Manchester United have scored twice inside ten minutes and

lead 2-0. That took a slight deflection on the

way. This was certainly travelling. Just clipped off Smalling. A Stoke

corner. Looking for Crouch. Fellaini there first.

It came to Walters. He cowln't quite keep it down. Walters has never

scored against Manchester United. At the end of the head tennis it

dropped to him and he just got under neath it. Warm applause from the

black arm bands being worn by Manchester United in marking the

58th anniversary of the Munich air disaster when 23 people lost their

lives. Just needed a touch! Mata might well

smile. That was a big chance to make it three. When this comes back in

from Darmian, Mata timed his run and miscued the header. He doesn't look

satisfied, but he will be inside. Good strength from Rooney. And he

finishes at off. Roger East has given the free kick. It wasn't clear

in the first instance what the referee had done. Rooney is furious.

Louis van Gaal is dismayed. Was it a push? Or was it an old-fashioned

shoulder barge? I don't think there is a lot in that.

Denied his seventh goal in seven games.

Look at the space down the middle for Manchester United.

Martial looking for Rooney. Clinical. 3-0 Manchester United.

Seven goals in seven games for Wayne Rooney. Three points, surely, on

their way now. Where the Stoke defence was, only they will know

will stop Mata waited, Martial knew exactly where Rooney was. And he was

not going to miss that. Manchester United had only scored 12 goals at

home in the Premier League all season before tonight. Now they have

three inside 53 minutes. The smiles are there for all to see.

A little bit more like the football he used to watch from the technical

area. Early cross from the Italian, and a

good cross as well. Rooney was trying to arrow that

towards the top corner. Time to himself. The initial delivery from

Darmian. All too comfortable for Manchester United in this kind of

area. With the form that Wayne Rooney is in, why not? No problem

with the connection. 3-0. How pleasing was that today? Yes, I'm a

very happy coach. I have seen fantastic goals, team goals, I

think. Building up from the back, finishing like that, and also

controlling the game in the second half. So, I was very pleased with

the performance of my players. We were expected to do well here, we

went to Liverpool and won for the first time in 30 odd years. We had a

similar record here, to be honest, but never really looked like getting

a positive result, which is a shame. In possession, we had a number of

chances. A little bit more quality, and we could have converted some of

them. From the first whistle, we were on top. As soon as the first

goal went in, we knew we were going to get the second and third. Does

that show you, when you get an early goal, what a difference it can make?

Yes, it settle the nerves of the fans, the players, the coach, even.

We always believe in ourselves, we have a great team, a young team. We

believe, that is important, we need to keep this level and try to win as

many games as we can. The first goals they have scored a

home game in the first half since September, an extraordinary

statistic. When you are looking at a side having a tough season, you

don't expect one of their young signings, even with a heavy price

tag, to be the shining star, and he has been, Anthony Martial? I've been

really impressed, Friday night, Derby County in the cup, he was

exceptional. He was the one spark. He is creating chances, providing

for Rooney, going past players so easily. He's getting the ball in

much more dangerous areas. You can see, he's getting closer to the box

a lot more. I'd like to see him more central,

but for now, he does find it easy to go past players with pace and power.

The question with young players is always about their end product, do

they make the right decisions? More often than not, he is. He knows when

to pass, to shoot, to dribble. Nobody could handle him, one-on-one.

Stoke tried to double up. He doesn't mind going on his left foot, a big

plus, when you play that side, it becomes very unpredictable. This is

what we are used to seeing United do, breaking on teams, playing with

pace and precision. Rooney looks sharp again. He spots the runner,

Martial. Fabulous finish? Similar to Rooney's goal on Friday night. Real

quality, and carried on in the second half. That is the end product

I am talking about, on his so-called weaker foot. A really brilliant

signing, he could turn out to be. He could be there for years and become

a legend. As for Louis van Gaal, good week, turned a corner? Bit more

belief, hope, confidence? He will be happy with the performance, that is

the main thing. He said it there, they were dynamic, they played with

pace, they broke with pace when they counted and that is the Manchester

United we all know. He will be pleased with the week. Bad week for

Stoke? Really disappointing, out of both cups, big defeat tonight. I

still think, overall, the progression is positive, for

marquees on the job he has done. -- Mark Hughes.

When Arsenal and Southampton last met in December,

the Saints won 4-0 and it featured one of the goals of the season.

That game put a dent in Arsenal's title ambitions

and they were looking to avoid a repeat at the Emirates.

Arsenal have gone three Premier League games without a win, but

their chances of putting that right are surely improved by the return of

Alexis Sanchez. He is fresh from scoring the winner in the cup at

Burnley as well. Charlie Austin does not play tonight for Southampton,

nursing a minor injury. They did fine without him against the Gunners

on Boxing Day, when Shane Long got two of their four goals.

Last time out, Southampton won 1-0 away to Manchester United. Tonight,

they are looking to win away to Arsenal for the first time in the

Premier League era. Ozil was onside, and a brilliant

take. Locked by the big book of Forster.

-- blocked by the big boot. It was so nearly an Arsenal goal. Ozil is

on the run. How about that? Sanchez and Ozil back together, in an

Arsenal starting line-up. Ready to shine. Arsenal will need them too,

to come away with all three points. Monreal, half scampering back to

retrieve the ball, half asking for a penalty. Giroud's header, turned

wide. Mesut Ozil was in, with the goal at his mercy. Here is the

header from Giroud. Ozil thought he had scored. Most inside the ground

thought he had scored. I have a feeling Arsenal supporters will have

to be patient tonight. A little bit of frustration bubbling around the

ground. Sadio Mane found Ward-Prowse. A

great effort, dipping all the time. Only just over Petr Cech buzz

crossbar. Ozil could not turn and fire. This

is wonderful from Alexis Sanchez, in combination with Campbell. A clumsy

end to one of the best movies of the night.

Giroud, denied by Forster. Another big save from the big man in

Southampton's goal. A really nice attempt from Olivier Giroud. The

chants of come on, Arsenal, just carrying an extra note of

desperation. How on earth did Ozil not go to

ground? Another chance, maybe? Another save

from Forster. He has been superb for Southampton. Spread his big frame to

keep them out twice. Sanchez with the jump, and Forster

tips behind. Van Dijk puts it further out. Arsenal stepping up a

gear. So is Fraser Forster. Save after save. Southampton are having a

spell where they just cannot get out. A wonderful cross and Koscielny

put it over. What a ball, and he could not get himself over the top

of the ball to keep it down. Over the bar it went.

Turned behind by a Wanyama, with Ramsay threatening to pounce. They

are getting closer to it, you sense. That was met strongly by Giroud,

with some evidence, that his shirt is being pulled and he is being

unfairly challenged. It was nearly off his shoulder.

Pulled down from the sky by Sanchez and off the line by Ward-Prowse. It

just will not go in for Arsenal. They seem to be trying a lot harder

than they were for large parts of the first half. But spirited stuff

from the Saints. Ozil, to Sanchez, and swatted clear

by Forster. What a challenge that was from van Dijk. Risky, maybe, but

not when you get it just right. You can sense every bit of the

frustration Arsene Wenger is feeling. We created the chances, I

cannot fault on that front. We created quality chances and it is

difficult to find somebody in our team who had no chances. One point

away against Arsenal, it's a good result. Of course, to get a good

result against them, against a very good quality team, you need to be

lucky. We have that on our side, we had good defending and a great

goalkeeper today. We know that he is back, the fourth clean sheet in a

row. You know when you come places like this, you will be worked. It is

about doing your job for the team. I thought we defended really well. We

were really compact at times and I think everybody put in a good shift.

With the current run of results, people will say it is the same old

Arsenal, it is slipping away, what would be your answer? Luck, I don't

know why you say same old Arsenal. For 20 years, we are at the top of

the Premiership. In recent years, we have not been in the position, this

period of time, certainly not last year, to win the Championship. At

the moment, you have to say, yes, we dropped points and our opponents

don't. But we have to keep fighting, keep believing.

Not sure he enjoined that question! It is hard to see how Arsenal didn't

manage to win. The main reason was the Fraser Forster. He was

magnificent. Yes. There is always a danger when you have been out for a

long time, there is a bit of rustiness or nervousness, but to

play four games and four clean sheets and the way he kept his team

in the game, a lot of them reaction saves, but such a big fella and he

has been magnificent. A lot of them reaction where wruf to spread --

where you have to spread yourself. And you can see the agility. It is

the sheer size of him, he fills the goal and when you're bearing down as

a striker, it is intimidating the way he commands the box. You can see

he is always alert and on his toes. This is a great save. Spreads

himself, stays high and a good tackle. But to move his body that

quick. Good news for England. People were saying there is just Hart a if

he gets hurt, there is Butland and Forster. As for the title race, no

wins in four for Arsenal and they have dropped below Spurs, which nay

won't be happy about. No of course. The continual form and terrific

performances from Leicester means the gap is got bigger again. It is

becoming a fantastic race for the title and I can't wait for the

weekend. It is an extraordinary season.

Football Focus kicks it all off on Saturday at 12.10.

Final Score will bring you all the goals as they happen.

Match of the Day will have the best of the action from the day's eight

games And away from the football, the Six Nations starts this weekend

and BBC One has France-Italy followed by Scotland-England

In the context of Aston Villa's season, three games unbeaten

is a purple patch and they will have to continue that form at West Ham.

Slaven Bilic's side started the day 6th and are chasing

After drawing with Liverpool in the cup, sla even Bilic reverts to the

same teem that started the last league game with one exception,

Tompkins starts, despite receiving 13 stitches on the weekend.

Agbonlahor plays his first Premier League game in two months. Aston

Villa looking to remain unbeaten for a fourth game in a row. By their own

standards, it is a run they won't want to allow to slip. Agbonlahor,

it may have struck an arm, but the referee said play on. The referee

happy that was not intentional hand ball. That is the debate that has

been had. Dom nanls of territory and -- dominance of territory and

possession continuing, but can Aston Villa make this pressure count? West

Ham under pressure as Bilic and most of crowd scream for the players to

come out. What has happened to Cresswell, a straight red card. Ayew

is sent straight to the dressing room. Jonathan Moss is take nothing

nonsense. Elbow to the face from Ayew to Cresswell and that is the

reaction of his manager. Doesn't even look at the player as he

departs the field. Plenty to aim for in the middle.

Antonio is at the back post and Tompkins and over the top by

Valencia. I don't think it was going in from Tom kinls. So have a lens --

Tompkins, but Valencia couldn't keep it down. Payet, many of his starting

positions have been like this, from deep positions. That is good vision

to pick out Tompkins. Kouyate was at the back post and it was alert

defending by Richards to put it out for the corner.

Collins is at the back post. What a chance and hooked off the line by

Richards. A goal-saving interception from the captain. Well, West Ham

have turned it up a notch and Richards with a crucial touch. It

will fall for Noble. What a save! Mark Noble could not have wished to

hit that any sweeter. Now Remi Garde's team are hanging on. West

Ham trying to up the tempo again. Gueye is slightly built, but he

knows how to get stuck in. That was just outside the penalty area and a

free kick to West Ham. Payet - woodwork! As well as the ball

hitting the post, I think the goalkeeper may have rattled his

hands off the woodwork as well. Because of the nature of the game

and the early red card, if Aston Villa can get a draw, it will feel

like a win. Of course they would like a win proper. Antonio, what a

brilliant ball from Mark Noble and what a slick finish from Antonio!

They have played against ten men for a long, long time. Look at the

vision and most important think execution and Antonio with a

purposeful, direct header, that is a really good finish as well. Three

goals in six weeks from Antonio. It could be a goal that keeps Slaven

Bilic's men in touch with the race for a European place. What does Remi

Garde do? He has ten men on the field and at the moment West Ham are

not giving his team a sniff. Cresswell - what a goal that would

have been. How many passes in the build up to that? West Ham denied

the second goal that would surely secure the three points.

Noble! And so close to the top corner. You have got to admire the

persistence of Valencia there. So close to just spinning into the top

corner from Mark Noble. Sinclair has done well. And Tompkins

puts it out for a corner. This is a rare opportunity for Aston Villa and

with the score at 1-0, it gives the travelling fans something to cling

to. Villa have committed many of their

ten men forward. Kouyate is there and this could seal the deal. Three

points surely for West Ham United. They have played against ten men for

a long, long time. Just as Aston Villa win a corner and feel they

might be able to nick something, they get caught out, committing too

many forward - as they had to do of course. But West Ham were quick and

efficient and Kouyate with his fourth of the season. The first for

him since September. No coming back for the ten men of Aston Villa now

surely. Especially in the second half we played the way we... The way

a team should play against ten men. We scored a great goal, a great

cross and a great header and then when we scored the second one it was

game over. There was one talking point, the red card. Oh I would like

to mention the first big point in the game before the red card, this

is a clear penalty that we should have been awarded. It was a clear

hand ball and it was before the red card. Everything is against us. In

the three games we play we have been denied three clear penalties in a

row and I feel it is a lot of things. Remi Garde is unhappy with

that decision and the sending off. Garry, what did you think. Didn't

you have something similar at Swansea? We had if same situation at

Liverpool and it was given. I don't think it is a personality. I think

the player has no idea where the ball is. It is definitely not

intentional. He is not looking. This is madness. This is crazy. This is

what when you're at the bottom of league and every point is vital. It

must be exasperating. There is nothing to trigger it. There no

reaction. That is deliberate. West Ham dominated, as you would expect

against a ten man side at the bottom and got their reward. Yes, they have

got some creative and pacy players and Aston Villa did fight all the

way to the end, but this was a super ball from Noble and Antonio who

scored a good header against Liverpool, shows his willingness to

get in the box and it is a clifr header. Outside the back post. This

was a great breakaway, Aston Villa putting men forward. And it is

Valencia who plays the right pass at the right time and Kouyate with a

decent finish. The keeper goes down a bit early and makes it easy. With

his feet strangely. West Ham sitting behind that top four and can be

pleased with themselves. 1989 was the last time Bournemouth

made the trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace

and they won that game 3-2. Eddie Howe's side will be looking

for a repeat of that victory A Crystal Palace player hasn't

scored in the Premier League for over nine hours. The Palace captain

returns and Adebayor is on the bench. Alan Pardew said it is almost

certain the striker will play a part. Afobe has four goals already.

Ritchies replaces Stanislas. Ritchie drives it across. Did that

hit the arm of Soares? Hennessey should tip this one over. It is a

corner kick. There was an inquiry there from Bournemouth as to whether

they might get a penalty here. As the ball is driven in by Ritchie, it

would seem to strike the arm of Soares.

Towards Afobe. What a chance for Bournemouth. But it was straight

back across goal from the striker. A wonderful ball into the area. And

Afobe unable to turn it towards goal.

They get a corner. Comes of Arter. Puncheon with the signal.

Plenty of heads go up and Lee will get there first. Lovely touch.

Zaha drives it across and turned in for the opening goal of the night.

Scott Dann puts Crystal Palace in front. Nine hours and 27 minutes

since the Palace player last scored in the Premier League. That was Lee

and he played a part in the movement there, a great backheel and how

about this for a ball in, Zaha drives it across hard, fast and firm

and Dann is on the end of it. It is his fourth goal of season and the

first time he has scored four goals in the Premier League in a season.

Crystal Palace's new American investors in attendance. Joshua

Harris. Each owning an 18% stake in Crystal Palace.

Getting away from Dann and finding the corner, a brilliant goal from

Pugh. It brings Bournemouth level. Eddie Howe's team back on level

terms. Mark Pugh, who scored the winner in the FA Cup tie at

Portsmouth at the weekend and he has got his team back at 1-1. Didn't

look to be too much on there, but he turned Dann one way and then the

other. It is a precise finish. Marc Pugh gets his fourth of the season

and it is all square at Selhurst Park.

Jedinak looking for somebody, there is nobody there a minute.

Appeals from the penalty, only really from Mile Jedinak and the

Palace supporters, no other players joining in the appeals.

Harry Arter tried to set up Matt Ritchie, Benik Afobe! He heads in

the rebound. Bournemouth, from 1-0 down, lead 2-1. Arter with the ball

infield. A fantastic save from Hennessy. Benik Afobe following up.

His header, just able to triple over the goal line. A despairing dive

from Hennessy, to try to get it. But he couldn't do so. This is wonderful

from the goalkeeper. Afobe at full stretch. And it just goes in.

Emanuel Adebayor is on for Crystal Palace.

That was a collision off the ball. Simon Francis, the Bournemouth

captain, involved, with Chung-Yong Lee. There is the look from Frances.

There is the touch. He can consider himself a touch fortunate, I think.

Boruc. Able to make the stop and maintain Bournemouth's lead.

Options in the middle, if he can drive it across, Adebayor! Goalkick.

I think there were a fair few inside Selhurst Park who thought that was

the equaliser. Determined run from Wilfried Zaha. Kept going. As

Adebayor turns it towards goal, it is only just the wrong side of the

post. When we went a goal down, we had to show real resilience and stay

in the game. We were not very good first half. We came back, and I felt

we deserved it in the end. They are a team that worked very hard, they

worked extremely hard tonight. Two big chances, they have scored them.

We had two or three of them ourselves. Really and truly, it's

hard to take that we have lost, but, as I say, it is for us to rebound

and that is what we have to do. I've never played in the Premier League

before, I've played four games and got three. I know it is early days,

there are still 14 of 15 to go, I just want to keep doing well and

take it game. Not only scoring, supplying all of

the stats as well! The first time this season they have come from

behind to win a game in the league, they are going well? Era excellent,

he's done a great job, Eddie. A new team, just promoted, most important

is to set milestones, your first win, first away win, try to get

back-to-back wins, which is very difficult. But you said, coming from

behind, that is another one that will give them confidence for the

rest of the season. Crystal Palace, no question what

their problem is, they haven't got a striker that can score goals. One

between their strikers in the league, quite a statistic in itself.

Adebayor, worth a punt? Era definitely, he has proven that lots

of clubs that when he first goes there he tends to do well. This is

the first time he has not scored on his debut. He did come close and

made an impact. A shot from Puncheon, didn't quite get the

impact on that one. The next chance... Most of the crowd thought

it was in. That would have been a story. He doesn't quite manage to

work his foot around. Definitely worth a point in the 14 or 15 games

remaining. He has great ability. The question is whether he is able to

keep up the levels of fitness and my training on his own. Will take a few

weeks, no doubt. Swansea City have put a small

gap between themselves and the relegation zone

following a couple of straight wins. They travelled to West Brom looking

for a third straight victory against a side whose home form has

dipped in recent weeks. Signed from Queens Park Rangers,

Sandro is the only change to the West Brom 11 that drew a blank

against Aston Villa in the last outing in the Premier League.

Despite scoring two against Pete Brown Saturday, Saido Berahino is on

the bench. Still a West Brom player, despite Spec elation about his

future. Reward for the stunning victory at Goodison Park in his

first game at the helm. Sigurdsson was on target, as was Ayew.

He has done well to keep it alive. A terrific save already from

Fabianski, to deny Fletcher. That is a really fine stop. The chairman is

believed to be setting up talks with Saido Berahino to try to talk about

his future, come up with some kind of compromise that is suitable for

both parties. Sigurdsson, going for something very

special. Foster managed to get it away. Out of absolutely nothing,

West Brom hesitancy, he got his foot in the way and smacked it goal

bound. Foster readjusts his position and clause eight inches beyond the

post. Was fouled? Yes. Williams protests

his innocence. Tried to get his arms out of the way, but I think he had

done enough to pull Fletcher down. Interesting. I don't think that is

part of the rehearsed move! After all of that, it is now a different

player taking the cake. Now Sessegnon will deliver.

Good ball, and they should have scored. Well, it may have been

ridiculous at first, but it was nearly sublime. The delivery from

Sessegnon, helped on by Dawson, should have been helped into the

net. Routledge, onside. Good block by

Foster. Almost made the impact he made on his AC Milan debut as a

teenager, back in 2008. He scored within 20 seconds. He has almost

scored within a couple of minutes of his Swansea debut.

Ayew is onside. The shot on the turn lacked the power. Sigurdsson could

not get to it. The game is really stretching out. Chances are starting

to be created at both ends, with regularity.

Paloschi target well, first try, Sigurdsson, 1-0. There have been so

many chances for both sides. It was who is going to be the most accurate

when it counted. Sigurdsson is that man. West Brom, just torn asunder

after Paloschi had turned into trouble. Sigurdsson cast it beyond

Foster. In a 64th minute, Swansea in front.

Vinnytsia be, good at effort. -- Anichebe. That was arrowing into the

roof of the net. That is a terrific attempt. Well saved. The little

flick was delightful. Delivery terrific, Paloschi, almost a debut

goal. Cork then puts it wide of the frame of the goal. He has looked a

terrific player today, and almost capped a really encouraging debut

with a goal. The base of the post denies him. The West Bromwich Albion

fans believe that their side have suffered a sixth home reverse. What

a transfer Dawson! It's gone wired. His hands on his head.

After West Brom Corner, off the line, twice! And then in! Right at

the end, by Rondon. They almost scored moments earlier from Dawson.

They have done now, from Rondon. Brave was Anichebe. Off the line,

somehow, by Sigurdsson. Turned in by Rondon. It looks like the chance had

gone. 8.4 West Brom, much to Tony Pulis's delight. Some great saves

tonight. We had some wonderful, wonderful opportunities. We were

relieved we got something out of it, but we should have won. At the

beginning, and 1-1, it could be a good result. At the end, now I am

disappointed. My team played very well. I am an optimist, I am

positive. But disappointed at the moment, in this moment. Here's a

good kid, hopefully gets his head down and we're getting back to full

fitness. I'm pleased the window is over again. Speculation after

speculation. This season we have not had him fully on board at all.

Fingers crossed we get him right for the next 15 games.

A player with bags of potential, he has to apply himself? If Tony Pulis

says he's not fit enough, that is the last's vault, he has had plenty

of time to do that. -- the lad's vault. Your former club, a kick in

the teeth at the end? They will be disappointed to go away at West

Brom, in the past, they have not particularly played well there, to

be 1-0 up and concede a goal, there will be disappointed. It must be

mixed emotions, a manager who has left a club when you had a good

spell, you lose your job, and you don't really know what you want? You

want to be part of it and see them doing well? Of course, but a

fantastic opportunity for me at Swansea. I've been there for 12

years, I have nothing but good feelings for them. I said at the

time, only a matter of time before the players start to perform again

and move up the league. That is what you will see them doing. Still work

to be done, but you will see them moving up the league with the

confidence they have. Would you like to get back into the management

game? For sure. Loved it? Loved every moment of it. Its hardware,

difficult, I had a break, but watched a lot of football. Just

looking forward to being refreshed and going back into it. It's only a

matter of time, I'm sure, you did a good job at Swansea and we hope you

get back in as soon as possible. Thank you very much, and Danny as

well. Let's have a look at the Barclays Premier League table.

Defeats for the bottom two mean no change to the relegation places.

Newcastle play tomorrow and we'll get out of the bottom three if they

win at Everton. Let's see what the morning papers say. Unsurprisingly,

one man splashed across the back pages. The Daily Mail calls Jamie

Vardy's wonder strike one of the goals of the season. The Telegraph

also has a picture of that strike and says Leicester are on course for

the title. The Daily Star says German whizz kid LeRoy will be a

target for Pep Guardiola. We will leave you with a goal from Vardy,

another Leicester party. Come on, it's tardy.