02/03/2016 Match of the Day

Can Leicester complete mission impossible? That was not in the

script. A chance for Drinkwater to find a way in. And he has. And it is

beautifully laid off, fabulous. On target, it is in the net. Gardner

has done it again. Yet another twist in this fascinating tale.

Good evening, after Leicester City were held at home last night by West

Brom, could their title rivals take advantage this evening?

And as well as all of that, we will have other highlights and the other

four games played on Tuesday. Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy had plenty

to discuss. We start in the east and West birds travelled to West Ham,

knowing victory would put them in the top of the table. Your

commentator is Jonathan Pearce. This is one of the most anticipated

derbies in recent years. Tottenham have not lost away in the

league since the opening day. Spurs away from home as a unit have

been very consistent. Just that one away defeat at Manchester United.

West Ham United get their first corner kick of the game. And it is

in! That is five in his last seven home games. What a start for West

Ham United. Hugo Lloris got his hand to it, but could not keep it out. It

was poor defending. Nasser Chadli simply let it go.

That is a good save. Mark Noble needed no second asking. West Ham

goal in the last season at Upton Park against Tottenham would be a

special for Noble. That was whiskey and Hugo Lloris had to get there at

full stretch. In a big London derby it is the Championship contenders

who are on the ropes and who are wobbling a little bit. Spurs are not

at their best, far from it. Spurs were on the back foot and very

nearly back on the ropes. A golden moment for West Ham United. His team

has picked up more points from losing positions than any other team

in the top flight. What a difference he has made to Spurs.

He was very high up the pitch. The referee has reached for a yellow.

The ball was also bouncing very near the Spurs keeper. I am not sure

whether he would have got that anyway.

They have players who can unlock the defence in a blink of an eye.

Trippier got into a dangerous position unmarked. That was awkward

for him. Spurs have started the second half with a jaunty step.

Aaron Cresswell was arriving. A good run from the full-back, he came from

a deep position. That was Nathan Dyer. This is more promising from

Spurs. It is turned away as Harry Kane

tried to flick it into an empty net. All of a sudden Tottenham thunder

into action and are close to levelling. He scuffed it and it was

a bad miss. The keeper got lucky. He may be made his run too early.

Tottenham are getting closer. Suddenly West Ham looked to break.

He has pulled him down. It has gone the other way. He definitely pulled

him back. And he was pushed off it by Davies. Antonio was going

nowhere. He played very well for his team. It is a yellow card for the

full-back. It was a sensational delivery in. It

bent in deliciously, invitingly. He got a nudge on it and that was

enough to unbalanced Harry Kane who is not having a happy night. He

might have seen it late. But by his standards that had to hit the target

and did not. Aaron Cresswell has had a bit more

freedom tonight to get forward. And West Ham have done it! They are so

close to the top four. It is an away defeat for the first time since the

opening weekend and the biggest smile will be on the face of Claudio

Ranieri. It was maybe the best performance, it was a perfect game

from the first whistle. We were fantastic. We were dominating, we

were on the front foot straightaway. The goal helped of course. To be

fair it was great in every aspect. Technically we overran them and we

were better on the second ball and individuals and all that and

switching sides and everything. Tottenham come out and they pressure

you and they are right on top of you and we said we would do that to them

today and we managed to do it and we managed to keep a clean sheet. The

team do not feel free to play in the wake that we played at the beginning

of the season. The first half was difficult, but in the second half we

created some chances. We deserved in the second half a little bit more.

But it is difficult and West Ham is a physical team and it was difficult

conditions. It helped them more than us. Slaven Bilic is right to be

thrilled with the way they are playing, but for those who have

enjoyed as neutrals, we did not see the attacking of Spurs tonight. They

lacked energy, Harry Kane was isolated, there was no spark, their

passing was slow. Having said that, Slaven Bilic change the system and

played five at the back as he did at Southampton. He did it tonight and

it worked an absolute treat. It nullified the attack of the

full-backs of Tottenham, which is a feature of their play. This was the

theme of the game. The ball up to lamellar and the three centre-half

is dominated for a vast moments of the game. Harry Kane got no joy. He

lacked support. If Collins loses that, it does not matter because he

has support in behind him. But he does not, he wins the first and

second. They were dominant. In the second half there was no change.

They had numbers behind the ball when they had to defend because

Spurs came back into the game a little bit. Noble was brilliant

again this evening. Collins has gone off and Oxford comes on and he slots

into the back four. As I said, there is Harry Kane on his own, isolated

again. No joy whatsoever. West Ham thoroughly deserved the three

points. I thought they were fantastic.

Six in his last eight home games for Antonio. It was a decent ball in but

it was poor defending at the near post from Tottenham. Have a look at

Mason's position. There is no way you can have your back to goal

there. You have got to be on the half term. If anybody tries to get

in front of you, it is your job to stop them. But because of his body

position, he has not got a clue where he is. It is a very good

header but poor defensively from Tottenham. Spurs did have some key

men missing. We have spoken about their squad, but it does show there

are certain players they need. Especially on a night like tonight,

with West Ham full of energy and tenacity. They were missing Dembele,

and Dele Alli was on the bench. That lost them the legs and energy. Also

for me, personally, the two full-backs of Walker and Danny Rose

give them a bit more attacking threat down the two they had in

tonight. But it is only their first defeat on the road since the opening

day of the season. After Sunday's defeat at Manchester United, Arsenal

were hoping to get their challenge back on track against a Swansea side

who came in to the game just three points above the relegation zone.

John Motson was watching this one. Mesut Ozil has got 18 persists this

season. Arsene Wenger makes three changes since the Manchester United

match, after which there have been lots of inquests. Arsenal's former

cup final goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski starred at Tottenham on

Sunday. But Francesco Guidolin is in hospital with an infection. Alan

Curtis takes charge. They have made six changes. Stephen Kingsley makes

his league debut. Bafetimbi Gomis starts up front on the ground where

he scored the winner last season. Snow falling at this stage of the

evening. The empty seats suggest some rupees might have found it hard

to get here. Here he is, Joel Campbell. Campbell again.

Having seen Arsenal here at home to Leicester and Hull, I have to say,

they just need to be a bit quicker around the penalty box. You could

understand it if there was some nervousness about Arsenal and their

supporters after Sunday. This is Joel Campbell trying to put that to

rest. Sanchez! It will not go for him at the moment. All will it?! He

has hit the post! Alexis Sanchez, still looking for his first Premier

League goal since October. This is Campbell. Aiming for the far post.

Here comes Coquelin. Campbell! He sneaked in on the other

side! Joel Campbell, just short of 15 minutes and Arsenal are in the

lead! Well, Joel Campbell scored three very useful goals when he had

that run in the first team. He started this attack on the right and

then somehow manoeuvred himself into a position where he could beat

Fabianski. Good running by him and a good finish with his left foot.

Campbell was preferred tonight to Theo Walcott in the starting

line-up. Bear in mind that Oxlade-Chamberlain is now out for

what is expected to be eight weeks. Routledge, now on the left. Leroy

Fer! Well, that is something we saw when he was playing in fits and

starts for Queens Park Rangers. He has a fierce shot.

A little bit of wrestling there. Play goes on. Routledge! And he has

equalised! Wayne Routledge for Swansea! Arsenal were just standing

around thinking something might have been given earlier. Was there a foul

on the halfway line? It was Amat wrestling with Ozil. Neither

defender was quick enough to catch him. Maybe they thought he was

offside, but Wayne Routledge has scored.

Mertesacker! And Giroud hits the bar! This is Ozil. Ramsey!

Mertesacker headed the ball back beautifully. It was the right thing

to do. Still no luck for Sanchez or

Arsenal. Gylfi Sigurdsson! And the chip

across was too strong for Bafetimbi Gomis. But that was an opportunity

for Swansea City to take the lead. On this form, Arsenal do not look

like champions. Nevertheless, here is Ramsey.

Oh, there is a free kick given. Right on the edge of the area.

Swansea are clearly unhappy with the award of that free kick. Williams

has charged Ozil in the back. Oh, he has hit the bar, as Giroud

did in the first half! Oh, it is a foul. Ayew was brought

down. Free kick to Swansea in a dangerous position. Gylfi Sigurdsson

putting the ball down. Petr Cech did not make it! Ashley Williams has run

across to the Swansea supporters, and they have taken the lead! What

on earth happened in the Arsenal defence?! Arsene Wenger is

complaining, but Swansea have gone ahead at the Emirates.

It was a bit of a mess in the area. Petr Cech did not make it.

Williams is after Walcott. It is a free kick. It is almost a repeat of

Leicester, this. They conceded a's free kick on that side of the pitch.

Ozil, as he did against Leicester. Well, Bobby Madeleine must be

checking his watch, surely. The goalkeeper is not going to come!

Corner to Arsenal. Surely this is the last chance. And Petr Cech is up

for Arsenal! Gomis needs to run this down to the

corner flag if he can. What a waste. But is it! Swansea have done it! But

now the inquests will start all over again regarding Arsene Wenger and

Arsenal. We stopped playing, and they took the ball and scored the

goal. I believe it was just under the referee's eyes, and we were

caught by surprise because he did not give the foul. He had two hands

around his neck and pulled him down. We had a difficult start to the

game. We changed the shape of the team a little bit of and second

half, we were excellent. We will try and build on this. It is not enough.

We need to get a run going up to the end of the season. It has been a

difficult preparation period for the game with the manager in hospital -

do you think the players did a bit extra for him? I am sure they did.

He is obviously delighted. Hopefully this will raise his spirits about.

Three defeats in a row - can you believe that? No, but I have to.

Thank you for your time. It was not a great start to the evening for

Swansea. We understand that Francesco Guidolin is comfortable in

hospital but he will be there for the next few days. To lose your head

coach before the match, having picked his starting XI, as we

understand it, but you want to give credit to Alan Curtis? Yes, he

recognised after 20 minutes that they were getting dominated by

Arsenal, who could have been three or four up. They tweaked it. They

started with a diamond, then he went to a 4-3-3, which stemmed the flow.

The other thing to give him credit for, at half-time, he was not happy

with that, he threw Sigurdsson on and went even more attacking and

went for the win. You would not expect that from Swansea in their

situation. That was a 50-50, for me. You can see the tactical change,

Routledge on the left, Ayew on the right. Running in behind

Mertesacker. That got them back in the game. Confidence grew.

Sigurdsson comes on, gets in early in the second-half. This takes a

tiny bubble. I will give him the benefit of the doubt. He gave them a

couple extra creative force. Yes, he is yard offside. When you are down

the autumn, you need a bit of luck. The goalkeeper does not cover

himself in glory. Not the bravest. But second-half performance from

Swansea was not that other side in trouble at the bottom. Petr Cech

will miss the north London derby with a muscular injury, and the next

few games. Swansea have an incredible record against Arsenal.

They have taken more points off them at Arsenal against any other team

since they came into the Premier League, Swansea. It is funny, you do

have some teams you have good luck against. They did ride their luck at

times today. Alexis Sanchez was again very unlucky with so many of

his efforts today. He has been a big favourite of mine for a long time,

but things are not going for him at the moment. He was trying, he was

always in the right place, kept trying to demand the ball. But when

things are not going for you... This was a hell of a strike. Here, good

feet again. Here, he should do better. And then, the courage to

take the free kick. Allan, as a goal-scorer, you kept going, didn't

he? That is the important thing. The time to worry is when you are not

getting the chances. Eventually they have to start going in. Arsenal's

issues have been repeated over and over again, season after season,

with the question marks hanging over them - lack of leadership, lack of

fight. And it will continue, because you think, after the results last

night with Leicester, and after Old Trafford, you would think they would

come out tonight and try and make a statement. It just was not there -

again. Manchester City faced Liverpool.

Comedy comes from Guy Mowbray. There are five changes to the

line-up. Three changes for city. They would always put Joe Hart in

gold. But he has a big path to follow after the Wembley heroics.

It is straight down the barrel for Joe Hart.

Sergio Aguero could not anticipate and get the slide in.

He has to keep doing that and showed that he has got the confidence to do

it. He has got to ignore the noise from the crowd every time anything

he tries does not work perfectly. Lallana found himself a bit up room

in the centre of the field and he scores! Adam Lallana beats Joe Hart

from some distance. He is surrounded by his team-mates. It seemed almost

surprised when he turned to find that he was as free as a bird. Quite

a few in the crowd were surprised when that went all the way in. It

must have bounced three or four times on its way in. Jurgen Klopp

was surprised. How did that coping? Adam Lallana bought a ticket and

Liverpool have got the best price. He has scored three goals in his

last four Premier League games. He could not be beaten from 12 yards by

three Liverpool players and then Adam Lallana pops up from 25 yards

or so. That was brilliantly taken and so was the goal. James Milner

against his old team. His oldest team in a whole lot of trouble. It

is a very good team tonight. Look at the touch to control it from James

Milner. Adam Lallana has been pretty good as well. The pass was played in

with pace and malware was good enough to deal with it and beats Joe

Hart with precision. The first goal caught Jurgen Klopp on the hop, but

we have got the fist pump for goal number two.

Manchester City get a first kick as we move into first half additional

time. Milner belted it away and Liverpool

get a free kick as well. Sergio Aguero was left alone. Liverpool

cannot afford to do that again. Milner craned his body forward. He

kept his arms out wide and away. It was poked clear of Adam Lallana

by Fernandinho. It will be a throw for Liverpool.

There is something about this ground. It is the only ground that

city have managed to win at since Sheikh Mansour took over in 2008.

And Liverpool are running away with it! It is hard to see a way back for

Manchester City now. What a blow to their hopes of winning the title bid

is. They are getting a pasting at Anfield. Gael Clichy could not keep

it Lallana threads it through at the right time. Since goals in his last

seven Premier League appearances. Liverpool have put three in

Manchester City's net tonight. Another brilliantly taken goal.

Barring an amazing comeback it will mean all three points for Jurgen

Klopp's team. That was a big hand from Joe Hart to

prevent further damage because that was rocketing in. Another defensive

error. Milner did not have to crack that. City took 21 points from their

first nine Premier League games of the season. Assuming they get

nothing tonight, it will be 26 from the 18 that have followed. It is a

free kick to Liverpool. Vincent Kompany is an angry captain. He will

be a brother in arms with Benteke and a summer with Belgium.

I think even Joe Hart thought that was in. He was rooted to the spot.

He gets it through the wall. Joe Hart barely moved.

Oh, my word! That would have crowned it. Out of nowhere. One long ball

out from neglect. Then Benteke and Joe Allen just had a go. It came

down beautifully for him and he struck it sweetly. What a sweet

night this has been for Liverpool. Sunday just about forgotten. It was

really good, it was like it should be. I told them before the game to

show that we wanted it more. From the first second on that was the

attitude. That was the best performance we have done until now.

There was a lot of frustration out there and you could see that how we

played today. We try to bounce back. When you lose a file it lasts for a

long time. It is difficult to have an excuse, but if you ask me the

team did not recover from last week and it was an intensive week with

the Champions League in Ukraine and coming back on Thursday and 120

minutes in the final of the capital cup, said the team today was not

fresh and we could not have a high pace. With results tonight it is

tightening up at the top. What have you got your site on? We do not know

at the moment, but I heard Bayern Munich loss. He is a character and

he wants a reaction and he wants to see character from his team and we

saw that tonight. There is one player in particular on who you know

very well. James Milner worked hard, that is what he does. I am reluctant

to praise anyone who works hard because working hard should be the

norm for any footballer, but he puts the shift in. If you have five or

six of him in a team, you could not go far wrong. You know what you will

get from him, whatever position you put him in, he will do a very good

job for you. The way he takes the ball and the touch with his right

foot and puts it in with his left foot. Defensively he hit the near

post, stepping back, covering on the line and doing a good job in there

and he can play very well all over the park. In midfield, picking the

pieces up. He is quicker than the Manchester City midfield. Loitering

on the edge of the box. He is very good at most things. He got the

reception he deserved and he played a big part in it tonight. After the

disappointment at the weekend he is one of the guys you can say, I can

rely on him. He has been playing in 41 and matches. Will he

significantly add to the squad? He will be a big part of Jurgen Klopp's

plans going forward. Because of his age he will not demand that he will

play in every game, but he will not be moaning at the manager. You see

it on the training ground and that is how good he is. City looked like

they had nothing to prove and it was a very lacklustre performance. Yes,

they were sloppy and they looked tired. This piece is sloppy from

them in every aspect, but it is also wonderful pressing from Liverpool

and a brilliant reaction to the disappointment at the weekend.

City's players are technically gifted and they play better than

this. Whether it is tiredness or attitude, I think it is a mixture of

both. Not too many of them were up for it tonight. I am not sure

tiredness is an excuse. They never got going. Liverpool swarmed all

over them. Normally Manchester City with that quality can play through.

They gave the ball away, there was a lack of concentration and Liverpool

were swarming all over them. Fernando probably was the only

player who I can give real credit to and he kept going when they were

losing. The rest gave it up far too easily. Look at them in the wall.

They move out of the way of the wall, which is an embarrassment. I

know they are 3-0 down, but they have to defend properly. Pellegrini

said they showed signs of tiredness. Liverpool played extra time on

Sunday as well, so that is not an excuse. Man of the moment Marcus

Rashford was looking to add to his four goals against Watford side

whose only victory at Old Trafford came in 1978.

Steve Wilson watched this one. 25 years to the day since Ryan Giggs

made his Manchester United debut, and another precocious teenager has

caught the imagination. Marcus Rashford is one of six United

debutants. Troy Deeney was unlucky to score a last minute own goal

which gave United a win at Vicarage Road, but he has had an outstanding

campaign which might end with Watford finishing in their highest

position since 1983. Ighalo found room brilliantly and he

did very well. This is great movement by Ighalo. He had three

redshirts around him and look how he made room. Terrific stuff. A lively

start from the team who have not won on this ground since 1978. Ighalo

did not make the most of that mistake. That was a mistake by daily

blind. He hit it very early, but he hit it very tamely. That will be a

free kick. Tremendous technique from Morgan

Schneiderlin. He had a long time to look at that and he hit it

brilliantly. Just wide! He wants a corner,

Ighalo. Lovely interchange. Now, Ighalo has got away. Deeney

cannot believe that his strike partner did not set him up in front

of an open goal. De Gea makes the save. De Gea has not got there.

Well, Manchester United have got away with it again. Here is away.

Blind stuck his foot out and away went over. The referee had a good

view of that. Ighalo has had as many chances in this first half at Old

Trafford as many an opposition striker gets in a whole career.

Watford have only lost one of their last seven in league and cup. To win

at Old Trafford would be a real landmark for them in what has been a

season of men rouble days. Well hit! Really well hit! -- season of

memorable days. That was not far off target.

Free kick to Manchester United. That was the toughest thing goalkeeper

Gomes has had to do all night. Memphis, into the wall. Pressure now

from Manchester United, maybe their best of the game. Rashford gliding

past Holebas. Oh, any touch and surely it would have been a goal!

Herrera has gone past Abdi. Mata! They are definitely getting closer

now. Good play, good fresher from Manchester United. Herrera getting

the better of Abdi. Manchester United have certainly benefited. He

is now playing on the right of the three.

Blocked by Blind, and it is a corner. Looked certain to score.

Suddenly, Daley Blind's left foot comes out to block it. Oh, he has

missed it from two yards out! He is being pulled by Darmian. Lucky he

did not concede a penalty. You still feel with nine minutes to go that

there may well be a winner in this. Martial, taken out a free kick.

Britos is protesting his innocence. Mike Jones is having none of it.

Yellow card. Eight minutes to play. Mata! That

was in from the moment it left his boot. The deadlock is broken. Not

even a flicker from the manager. Perfect execution. The game has

deserved a goal. It has got a really good one. Great night for me. So

honoured to be the captain today. Obviously, very happy for the goal

and for the victory. It was not a very good game but we have to win

this kind of game and we did it today. We need to be happy because

finally, the performance was amazing. We played with a Hyde

personality. We tried to control the match. Can you believe all three

teams above you lost tonight? Yes, that is the Premier League. We have

lost also matches. The difference between clubs is so small. What do

you say to those people who wrote off Manchester United and work of

Louis van Gaal? Maybe you were also one of them. Never!

I am sure he has got a little notebook and he knows exactly who

those people are! Obviously, we will have a look at the table in a

moment. They are moving up. What is amazing is, considering the

negativity surrounding Manchester United, they are now level on points

with Man City. Watford were really good tonight and gave them a scare,

especially this man, Ighalo. If he had been playing with the same

confidence that he was ten - 15 games ago, they could have been in

trouble, because he kept giving them problems with his pace. De Gea is

one of the best in one-to-ones. Again, here, he does not come

rushing out and do anything stupid. But I do think a confident striker

would have put that away. Again here, he does not get it under

control quickly enough. It was not just him. Watford created a hell of

a lot of good opportunities on the evening. But he played well. Watford

will be really disappointed coming away from there with nothing. Man

United are a team, under Sir Alex Ferguson, you never wrote them off

until the whistle. Getting the winner again tonight. They have

still got that resolve. We have seen this position before. Memphis runs

over the ball. The goalkeeper should not get hit. It is his side. You can

just see him stepping to his left. Gomes should just keep picking it up

and throwing it out and putting his side on the attack. So many 'keepers

do that. They do not learn their lessons. If you put it over the wall

and it goes in the top corner, you say, you cannot do anything about

it. But that was the goalkeeper's side. Now, level with Man City. It

is incredible and that's why we love it so much because none of us can

predict what is going to happen! We try! Newcastle's away form gave

little cause for optimism ahead of their trip to Stoke. Only Aston

Villa had kicked up fewer points on the road. Stoke search for their

third win in a row. Arnautovic looks to continue his best hole scoring

season yet. He has got six in his last eight Premier League James at

the Britannia Stadium. Steve McClaren makes four changes to the

side which was thrashed at Chelsea. Jonjo Shelvey captains Newcastle for

the first time. Fellow gender re-signing Andros Townsend is ruled

out with a hamstring injury. -- fellow January signing. Wednesday

night in the Potteries, driving wind and rain, perhaps Newcastle's not

their most favourite destination. That could easily have deceived Rob

Elliot. But he was alive to the situation. He is looking for his

team to win three league games in a row for the second time this season.

So important Newcastle can stay in the game here. Arnautovic... He

finds Shaqiri. Up against Dummett. Well held by Elliott. You can see

the confidence coming back to Stoke. He says his team needs to be much

stronger away from home. Newcastle have lost 16 of their last 20 Franny

Lee away games. Cleared by Pieters, picked up by

Shelvey. Passing opportunity for Janmaat. Taylor theatrically went to

ground there. Stoke, who are unbeaten in their

last four Premier League matches against Newcastle.

They got a 0-0 draw at St James' Park back in October. That was the

first goal the straw in the league between these two teams since 1977.

Shelvey looks for the early ball to Riviera.

Approaching the last ten minutes. It comes to Diouf. Shaqiri... Onto his

left! Finally! It is a first goal at the Britannia Stadium for Xherdan

Shaqiri. At last the home supporters have seen a moment of quality and

the deadlock is broken. And it is the Swiss international with his

third Premier League goal. He has had his moments throughout

the evening. That is the finest one. And Newcastle's resistance is

broken. You have to say, the way this game was going, it was going to

take a strike like that. Lovely, from Shaqiri. Imbula! He was

trying to guide it into the bottom corner.

Riviera... He has only ever scored one Premier League goal. That would

have been a perfect time to double his tally. There is the cross from

Sissoko. Almost reached Perez. Won back by Shelvey. There is the

effort! What a save from Butland! That is a match-winning save. This

is what will keep his 10th clean sheet of the season and deny Doumbia

his first goal in English football. The Ivory Coast international for it

was in. -- thought it was in. Arnautovic! What a strike! That is

the last action of the game. One goal was enough for Stoke to win

three games in a row for just the second time this season and

condemned Newcastle to a 15th league defeat. Games like that you have

just got to stick at it and keep on knocking on the door, which is what

we did. We got our rewards in the end. Glad we do not have to play

against Jack Butland every week. He denied us a victory at St James, and

what a magnificent save at the end to deny as a point which I thought

we deserve. This game is cruel. Thankfully managed to get a good

hand on it. It was at a nice height. It took for ever to land and me for

ever to get up so I am glad somebody else cleared it. Newcastle have been

horrendous away from home. But this 18 days they have just had without a

game, Steve McClaren spoke about trying to change the attitude - and

you did sequences of it today. There did not seem to be that much between

the two teams? Jack Butland had one very good save

at the end, but other than that I cannot remember when he was

troubled. Seven goals away from home this season. They conceded 32. But

it was a good strike. It was a good strike from Shaqiri. It is in the

middle of the goal and the ball goes in, it is a very good strike.

Shaqiri has a bit of luck, but it goes in the middle of the goal and

with his hand on his head, that is what he thinks about it. This is the

save that Steve McClaren was talking about. That was a terrific save.

That was one of a few best chances. Jack Butland did have a Man of the

Match performance up at Newcastle this season, but not good enough

again. They have to win their home game on Saturday against

Bournemouth. Before we get into last night's action, you have got a big

game coming up, a mammoth five-a-side challenge against none

other than Robbie Savage. That is media city and that is the pitch and

they are getting it ready for you tomorrow. How long will you be

playing? Just three days. It is for a fantastic cause and it will be

very difficult and we hope to raise a few quid. We had the Wembley

challenge a couple of years ago and raised nearly half ?1 million. If we

can do the same, we will be delighted. You have roped in some of

your mates to play. There are a few coming in over the next few days.

Danny, you have had your call. At the King Power Stadium Leicester

faced a West Brom side looking to win three games in a row for the

first time since 2012. Nobody knows the Leicester fairy

tale better than Andy King. Seven years ago this week he was in a side

held to a 1-1 draw by Stockport County. Tonight he deputises. Danny

Simpson returns from suspension. Saido Berahino keeps his place in a

Baggies side showing just one change as Chester replaces Chris Brunt.

And Rondon scores. That was not in the script. Fletcher's through ball

and he had the physical strength to hold off Huth. That is the first

that Leicester City have conceded at home in the Premier League in 2016.

The header from Jamie Vardy was a bit too straight. Foster very safely

gathering it. Another decent opportunity for Leicester.

Leicester win a free kick. Saeed Berahino on Drinkwater. It is

another corner. Drinkwater finds the way in. A

deflection takes it into the net. That kind of good fortune is just

what you need is a title winning season. It did not look like it was

going to get anywhere near into the back of the goal, but it takes a

deflection and loops over the top of Foster. When goals like that go in

you just think it is going to be Leicester's year.

The energy and the momentum and the drive of Leicester is evident as

Jamie Vardy slams a header against the bar. It was straight off his

forehead and against the frame of the goal.

Oh, fabulous! Out of all the players it is Andy King who put Leicester in

front. The lay-off from Mahrez was irresistible, the finish from King

exceptional. This side never ever give up. They are relentless in

pursuit of victory. They have the lead again.

That was a handball by Mahrez. It is a free kick in a very promising

position. It was a good decision from Mark Clattenburg. Gardner has a

good record from this kind of position. It is in the net and

Gardner has done it again. Schmeichel was absolutely stranded.

Gardner putting it in an area where no goalkeeper can get anywhere near.

Early in the second half there is another twist in this fascinating

tale. That was another good delivery, but

this time it was against the top of the bar.

That was a good save. It took a significant deflection on the way

through. Foster just about prevents it going in. Rondon has won a

corner. They tried to catch Leicester

unawares with an early delivery. Rondon is mightily frustrated that

he could not get it under the crossbar. A real scare for

Leicester. Jamie Vardy is in pursuit. And he

has got to the ball as well. Typical Jamie Vardy. A good save by Foster.

Most players would have given this one up, but not Jamie Vardy. He

thought, that is mine. He got there, he was on target, but Foster was to

the rescue. A great block by Foster. It just broke for Morgan and he

batted it goal bound, but it is a terrific stop from Foster. Listen to

the Leicester City supporters. The last few seconds could be so

significant. They are well aware of it. Mahrez across the face of the

goal, but agonisingly just beyond it.

Despite Leicester's relentless pursuit they will not extend their

lead at the top. We played much better than Norwich. In Norwich we

won and today we drew. I am not happy, but I am satisfied. We played

very well. Sometimes you can do everything, but the ball does not

want to go inside. We created a lot of chances and probably should have

won the game, but they scored. It is disappointing, but there are plenty

of positives. We created a lot of chances and we have to pick

ourselves up again for Saturday. We should have kept the ball better

tonight. We played really well against Palace on Saturday. There

were probably more opportunities tonight to have done the same. I am

pleased with the players, they showed a lot of character and

commitment. From now on in I hope Leicester actually do it. It is a

mark of where Leicester have come that they are 2-1 up and they

concede a goal and people are disappointed the league leaders have

not held onto their lead. Yes, it is. They should not be disappointed

because the level of their performance has remained so

consistent. Nothing has changed. Talk about confidence to go and win

the game, that was 2-2. Jamie Vardy was causing all sorts of problems

for the West Brom back four. They kept throwing men forward. The

substitutions were positive. Everything they tried was to win the

game. This is Jamie Vardy again. Look at the work ethic. It was a

good save from the goalkeeper. I do not think they will be worried about

the result at all. Even last night when they did not note the night's

results. They will look at their performance and be happy with it. If

you look at the pattern of the game, you think they will start to tighten

and think about it too much. This is not getting too tight. This is a

team that is nice and confidence and trying to make things happen and

playing with the real freedom that you would not expect that this state

of the season. I do not believe they are going to get nervous, they are

playing with confidence. It is a case of whether their quality comes

through in the next ten games. Their next five games look winnable. The

teams they are up against in the relegation battle, you might expect

them to sit deeper, so they will have to find ways around that. After

what has happened tonight, they will be more than happy. A great week for

them, no problem. First, Sunderland were looking to climb out of the

bottom three against Crystal Palace who had not won in ten. John Murray

was at the Stadium Of Light. Sam Allardyce has set the target of

winning four points from their matches this week. Jack Rodwell

comes in this evening. He is preferred to Lee Cattermole. Yannick

Bolasie is back in the team. The last time he started was the last

time they won in the Premier League, over ten weeks ago. Added by your is

on the bench. Sunderland have not won at home in successive matches

since the latter end of the last season. That might have been on

target. That could have been a crucial deflection.

What is saved! That is a great piece of goalkeeping work. Scott Dann must

have thought that was goal bound. That was not the contact that he

wanted with the chest down. And it is in! It has taken a clear

deflection. That is the little break that Sunderland really wanted. Scott

Dann is shaking his head. That tells us that he got the touch. Certainly

Hennessey had this covered. But no chance after that touch from Scott

Dann. That is a foul. Scott Dann, having deflected the goal past is

goalkeeper, now picks up a yellow card.

And it is in from Connor Wickham. Connor Wickham has scored on his

return to Sunderland. That is three goals in two games for

Connor Wickham. 1-1, just past the hour. Here is one for Connor Wickham

to chase. I think that is what you would call

an exaggerated reaction. And it has not been bought by the officials.

So, Palace with the corner. It has been caught in the wind again.

Wickham has scored again! Crystal Palace, from 1-0 down, lead by 2-1.

Sunderland are shattered by this, not least the fact that it is the

returning Connor Wickham who has scored both of the goals. And that

is two in the space of seven minutes.

What a goal from Fabio Borini! How important for Sunderland?! He has

picked out that far post. And it is 2-2. I have been frustrated because

I did not play much. When I got the ball in the box I only thought about

one thing, to score a goal. I work hard every day to get the chance. It

was very important we did not lose this game. I wanted to shake them up

in the media yesterday, my guys, just get them into gear.

I am slightly relieved to be honest that we got a point out of this one.

Norwich City are boosted by the return from injury of their talisman

Wes Hoolahan. Sebastien Bassong is still ruled out. Alex Neil will go

with three at the back again. It is a formation which nearly claimed a

point at Leicester City on Saturday. Bertrand Traore makes his first ever

start for Chelsea. Fellow 20-year-old Kenedy will play at left

back. Norwich have been sinking like a stone down the Premier League

table. They now face a team who they have not beaten in their last 12

meetings. Norwich on the front foot briefly.

Now, it is Hazard. He has got Kenedy to his left. Chelsea attacking with

purpose. What a goal! 41 seconds on the clock! And 20-year-old Kenedy

scores his first ever Franny Lee goal. What a start for Chelsea. What

a nightmare start for Norwich. He has scored this season in the League

Cup. His only previous start in the Premier League was the home game

against Norwich in November. Cracking finish. Take nothing away

from the quality of the strike. Chelsea, who were unbeaten away in

the Premier League since Guus Hiddink came in, are off to a flyer.

It's going to be a yellow card for the Norwich City defender. He was

not quick enough or clever enough to stop Hazard. Fabregas over it. Well

stopped by Ruddy. If there was a touch from Ivanovic, it was a small

one. That is a good save. It could prove to be very important. Diego

Costa onside! Beautiful finished! His first sight of goal brings a

goal. Norwich ask the linesman how on earth the flag was not raised. He

does look offside. That does not take anything away from the quality

of the finish. You saw Costa glancing towards the assistant as

though he expect to do flag to be raised. It wasn't. -- expected the

flag. Jerome! Off the bar! If this goes

in, the complexion of the game-changers. Hoolahan does well to

get any kind of cross in. Jerome gets too much on it. Easily the

worst run of results next Neil has suffered since coming to Norwich

just over a year ago. That is a good ball for Redmond! Norwich are back

in it! Nathan Redmond's first goal since the middle of October.

Good run from Redmond and a splendid finish. Beating Courtois at the near

post. Norwich will feel that they might be back in business yet. It is

a fantastic strike. Redmond, on another mazy dribble.

What a difference a goal makes. Great noise around Carrow Road now.

As they go in search of what would be a massive equaliser. Their

second-half efforts have brought no reward. Chelsea go home with another

three points from their travels. We were a little bit of complacent in

the first half already. Also second-half, in not killing the game

off. We had options to do so but we didn't. And then they pushed us

rather far. Second goal, hugely controversial. It was not

controversial, it was offside. I think we had enough chances in the

game to get something from it. Second-half, the lads gave

everything they have got. You cannot really ask any more. The start is

the frustration for me. When you are fighting a relegation battle, it was

not a good first minute of the match. It is not, it is naive. It is

people trying hard but not organised. You can see six Norwich

players in one quarter of the pitch. You need one or two screening the

back four. Then the mistakes continue. Back four dropping off.

The central midfielder has got to get closer. It is too passive. And

then they get some bad luck. This is offside. I think the linesman is too

far ahead of play. Changes his angle. When you are down there

sometimes, everything goes against you. 2-0, the game was over. They

did show some spirit in the second half. But Norwich are going to be

down there. Crystal Palace have gone right off the boil. Sunderland will

be relieved to get a point from that. One or two people today have

said to me that they think it was a fluke. Being from Newcastle, I am

going to disagree and say it was a fantastic strike! If he hits it with

the inside of his foot, I will say, yes, it is across, but because he

hits it with that part of his foot, I would say he is going to goal. It

could be a massive point for Sunderland. I think it was a great

strike, not across. Our final two games feature bottom of the table

Aston Villa at home to Everton. Before that, it is the south coast

derby. One change to the side which drew at Watford. Max Gradel makes

his first start since August. Josh King plays after becoming a father

to a baby boy earlier today. Southampton make three changes. Jose

Fonte is the only remaining player from the side which won here five

years ago in League One. We expected a cracking atmosphere inside this

tight little ground and we have got one, for such an eagerly anticipated

fixture in these parts. There was a good effort from Matt Ritchie!

Bournemouth have gone close inside 60 seconds. Fraser Forster, called

into action. Ward-Prowse - Mane has made the run.

Austin! Charlie Austin, the former Poole town striker, gets a great

chance just five minutes in, to silence the home fans. Ronald Koeman

was told yesterday there were some similarities between him and Eddie

Howe. Both defenders, both blonde. Koeman then asked, did Eddie Howe

ever play for Barcelona? Fonte wants to shadow it. And King has done

really well... He has won a free kick. Some physical football going

on between the two at the moment. What a chase from King. Fonte

commits the foul. And it is turned back in! Steve

Cook! Bournemouth lead after half an hour in the south coast derby!

Delight for the home fans. A second goal of the season for Steve Cook.

Ritchie's delivery. Real pace on it. His first goal since September the

12th, and it comes on a big stage. There is an incident in the dugout

area at the moment. Way has been stopped. Mike Dean has called a halt

to proceedings just moments before half-time due to an incident on the

touchline, we think involving the fourth official Kevin Friend. It

seems that he may have fallen over. We have a new fourth official for

the second half. He is a National League referee from West Sussex. He

replaces Kevin Friend, who suffered a head injury and has been taken to

hospital as a precaution. Fonte away, but only into the stands.

Southampton still searching for some inspiration. Foul by Virgil van

Dijk. They can sense it, what a great night this would be for AFC

Bournemouth if they were to hold on. Ritchie's free kick. Afobe! 2-0! And

that could be game over! Four goals in seven games. As with

the first goal it was Richie's delivery. He gets the necessary

result. It is Bournemouth's first league victory over Southampton 458

years and it is a convincing one for Eddie Howemen. We had problems

because they dig tactics with the left full-back in Bournemouth and he

played very offensively and that made a lot of problems on the right

side and that is why we changed the system. But the difference was they

were more hungry than we were today. It is one of those night we will

remember in the future. We have had a few of them and this is one that

will be right up there. It is a game we have not won for a long time. I

have always said that I do not think Southampton considered as a rival,

so it is nice to be on top tonight. Villa look for a miracle from their

remaining fixtures having won just three Premier League games this

season. Rab Suzanne is back in goal having been on the bench for the

last seven. Romelu Lukaku will fancy his chances of being the league's

highest scorer. Kevin Mirallas is on.

That was almost a tourist it turned from Romelu Lukaku. It is the first

corner of the night. It is their first attack of the night and Aston

Villa are trailing. He was pretty much unchallenged. He gets away from

his marker, Micah Richards. The Argentine international gets his

fourth goal for Everton six months to the day since he joined them.

It was a low cross from Cissokho and Villa are still pressing. It is much

better from Aston Villa as they search for an equaliser. It sat up

nicely for Ashley Westwood. Looking for his first goal in almost two

years. Last scored in May 20 14. It was so easy for Everton. Look at

the room that Berkeley has. It was a terrific ball that Kevin Mirallas

ran onto. All Lennon has to do is to side foot it in for his fifth goal

of the season for Everton. Half an hour played and it is 2-0. Everton

are unbeaten in 19 matches in the Premier League this season when

scoring first. They are looking good for many more tonight.

It fell two be a joke and it was cleared away by Joleon Lescott.

That was a terrific save. Brad Guzan denied Romelu Lukaku 's 22nd goal of

the season. Romelu Lukaku with goal number three

for Everton and a piece of Everton history as well. He becomes the

first Everton player to score 17 goals in the Premier League in one

season. Tony Cottee and Koscielny both got 16 goals in one campaign.

He is onside and in space and he turned it in. There is no way he was

going to miss from there. The third goal for Everton.

That was blocked by Jagielka and it is behind for a corner.

Two chances in quick succession for Ashley Westwood. There were plans

for a mass walk-out by Villa supporters at this time. Certainly

looking around there are people who are making their way towards the

exit. I wonder what the reaction of the Villa hierarchy will be to this.

Aston Villa have a goal back. Rudy Gestede. The deficit is reduced.

Delighted with the performance and the result. Disappointed we did not

keep a clean sheet because it was a soft moment and we had a man off the

pitch and we conceded. Apart from that I could not be happier. We

upped the performance that was needed. This is our job and we have

to be adults and professional until the end and we have to play with

passion and desire and dedication to win the game because this is

football. Sometimes it is difficult for us, it is very difficult, but I

try to make sure everybody believes it is possible. They are anchored to

the bottom of the table and it is desperate times and the fans have

given up all hope, walking out after 74 minutes. I am surprised they

lasted 74 minutes. They have been supportive all season and now they

are venting their frustration. Aston Villa has been flirting with danger

all season and they inevitable will happen. They have been in the

bargain basement for too long now. There is always hope when a new

owner comes in, are they going to inject that cash? Everton have got

that hope at the moment. They will get lotss of cash to come. It seems

promising and there is a good nucleus and the potential in that

squad. If they keep those players, things are looking more promising

for the team. Enrique phobic, his ?10 million price tag has already

off. All his goals are in similar positions. They are in the danger

area. These are his four goals. He is first to react in the six yard

box. That is exactly what Bournemouth needed with the injuries

they have two Callum Wilson, etc. ?10 million, very good. I do not

think Bournemouth will go down. They go to Newcastle over the weekend.

Let's not speak about that. Kevin friend, the fourth match official

was released following his fall which was very dramatic. He was

concussed, but he has been released from hospital. Thank you very much.

Let's have a look at the table this evening. Leicester's advantage at

the top remains three points. Sunderland are out of the bottom

three for the first time since November. All the papers are leading

with Leicester and their growing title claims. The Times says it is

now for them to lose. A similar story in the mirror. They suggest

the Foxes will be laughing whilst watching their three main title

rivals falter. On a night where perhaps the biggest winners of all

did not even play this evening, they will sleep well in Leicester

tonight. Good night.