09/04/2016 Match of the Day

On a heavyweight weekend of sporting action the finishing post is in

sight for the Barclays Premier League teams.

Danny Murphy and Martin Keown have made the cut.

West Ham's hopes of a top four finish faced a real test against an

Arsenal side who knew defeat would all but end their title chances.

Your commentator at Upton Park was Jonathan Pearce.

Like the Burling bubbles were Sam's dreams are floating by, but if

Arsenal are to catch Leicester, they have to puncture those Hammers'

ambitions. Coquelin returns after a calf injury. Arsene Wenger names an

unchanged team for the second game running and only for the 23rd time

in 406 games, even though Petr Cech and Aaron Ramsey are both fit and on

the bench. It was offside anyway. West Ham

United very nearly took the lead. It would not have counted. Let's see if

it was a correct decision. It certainly was. A wonderful

atmosphere, in a wonderful old ground. It will be so sad to see

West Ham United playing on another home ground. Many of us have made

many trips here. Andy Carroll gets a yellow card in just the third minute

for catching Koscielny. It caught him right on the back of the

Achilles. A really painful one. He is walking a tightrope for 87

minutes. Noble is the longest serving player of the club and had

his testimonial here recently, deservedly so.

That is offside again. Twice the Arsenal defence has been cut open.

He was judged to be offside. Hector Bellerin is playing him on. That

goal should have stood. Arsenal need to keep a tighter rein on Lanzini.

There were slightly too much pace on the ball.

Mesut Ozil! 17 minutes gone and it is 1-1. West Ham were a bit

befuddled from the previous attack when Monreal felt he was fouled.

West Ham were misshapen at the back. That is tight.

Stuck in by Mesut Ozil for his aides of the season and his first since

February. Flag stayed down for that one. West Ham will ruefully look at

the flag that was stuck up at the other end.

Sanchez! It is two for Arsenal and that is a sweet goal from their

point of view, really well worked and well finished. It was a lovely

move. At the At the heart of it all

was young Alex Iwobi. Sanchez is getting back to his best.

The frustrating thing for Sanchez is getting back to his best.

fans is this has all come late in the day.

Andy Carroll attacked it and West Ham are back in the game. It was a

lovely ball Ham are back in the game. It was a

It was a perfect cross for Andy Carroll to attack and, boy, did he

attack it. There is a pulsating, hectic pace to

the game. Who is going to

Andy Carroll here? Arsenal know if they do not get this right, it will

be 2-2. Carroll. It took a big deflection.

Stoppage time at the end of the first half. Two

Stoppage time at the end of the from Andy Carroll. It came in off

Gabriel. Arsenal's defence crumbled. West Ham have once again

Gabriel. Arsenal's defence crumbled. resilience, drive, purpose and

quality. Gabriel lost his bearings.

Celebrations for Slaven Bilic at the end up a tremendous first half of

football. A substitution for West Ham at half-time. It

looks like Arsenal have reverted to a flat back four. The referee has

given a free kick here. Andy Carroll is on the yellow card, but his left

hand came back and caught Gabriel. Is that a penalty? Hector Bellerin

seemed to get the wrong side to make the challenge and bundled into him.

Then he slipped and so did the West Ham player. I think the referee got

that just about right. That is rolled beyond the goalkeeper

and it is in! And the referee has blown for a foul. West Ham have had

another goal disallowed. West Ham United are fuming. In every game

they have played decisions seem to go against them. The goalkeeper

looked go against them. The goalkeeper

controversy at Upton Park. The foul has been given for Andy Carroll

pulling back, but that is a very contentious one.

Andy Carroll! Arsenal were rocking. Sensational. What a comeback. A

hat-trick for Andy Carroll. Three goals effectively in nine

minutes for Andy Carroll. Gabriel has completely gone to pieces. He

won't care to be honest. Look at that. Try taking a hat-trick away

from Andy Carroll. Of those Arsenal's seconds defensive

midfield player. On comes Olivier Giroud. 20 goals this season, but

only two in his last 14. Off the line! Monreal has another

go. Lanzini on the line got it away. It was absolutely fizzing at him.

In by Laurent Koscielny. 3-3. Slowly they were squeezing themselves back

into the game. A lovely touch and sensible play by Danny Welbeck. I

think he inadvertently touched it into Laurent Koscielny. But he made

sure. Pick a winner. Almost impossible.

He brought him down but the referee gives a free kick against Andy

Carroll and Gabriel got very lucky. He has had a nightmare. That was

retribution. That was a kick out at the West Ham man. I have a feeling

Lanzini could do something in the game.

That is the first ever West Ham United have had on target by any

other player than Andy Carroll. That was very awkward for David

Ospina. He saved it because it was bouncing in front of him. And that

is it. A wonderful game of football. What a London derby, stupendous

staff. The day belongs to Andy Carroll.

Your defence was very wobbly and you are powerless to stop that, it is up

to the players themselves. Look, I am not here after the game to blame

the players. Especially when you are 2-0 up it is 2-1 that is important

to stop. It is a shame because it was a good football game, but not

the result we wanted. Did you target Gabriel? Did you think you could

physically impose yourself on him? Obviously they conceded from crosses

and that was the target, get it up wide and get the crosses in and it

worked. There were contentious issues, do you think Andy Carroll

should have been sent off for the elbow? Yes. Let's talk about Andy

Carroll. Strong, powerful, took his goals. Yes, he is the best of all.

But he has got to stay away from those injuries. He is professional,

but he has got to be totally dedicated to his career and

football. Are you ruling yourself out of the

European Championships? Definitely not ruling myself out. And that kind

of form will help. Interesting, from Bilic, a mix of compliments and

criticisms, possibly. That he is a handful when informed? He is immense

in the air, no doubt. It is a throwback to years ago, when every

team almost had a player was outstanding in the air. The

challenge today was, could they repel those balls that they were

putting into the box? And the Arsenal defence today could not

cope. When you wake up on the day of a game against Andy Carroll, you

have to be completely fired up for the challenge. And they did not do

it. Andy Carroll here has got far too much space. , which of these two

central defenders has got him? I don't know. I need to get tight. I

cannot allow him to have that much run at the ball. It is a great ball

in. He is an awful long way run at the ball. It is a great ball

it is so easy for him. Unchallenged, puts it into

it is so easy for him. Unchallenged, This is the second goal. The Arsenal

two central defenders. The ball is cleared. Which one of them is

picking up Carroll? Neither of them. He wants the ball into this area. He

is in charge. Work that ball in and I am going to do damage again. You

have got to take it personally. You have got to get tight to him. It is

far too easy. This one, the ball comes out wide. Here, Bellerin and

Koscielny. In the past, Aly Dixon and myself might have rotated, let

me take a big man, I am go to take responsibility. -- Leigh Dixon.

Because he was bullying people today, and they did not do it. Just

swap them over. It is not easy to do that in a game, though only until it

is exceptional circumstances, but a he is an exceptional player.

Bellerin has got absolutely no chance here. He is flying through

the air and he hits the back of the net again.

the air and he hits the back of the easy for him. Arsene Wenger, he was

pretty adamant that Andy Carroll should not have been on the field

pretty adamant that Andy Carroll that point. I have to disagree with

him, I'm afraid. The way Andy Carroll plays, he does get involved

in skirmishes. This was silly early in the game, it is a London derby,

granted. It looks more lusty from the slow-mo. Yellow card was

appropriate. -- more nasty. Arsene Wenger was talking about this next

one coming up. He is not looking Wenger was talking about this next

the man, just looking at the ball. You have to use your arms for

elevation. He has not swung it into his face, he is using

elevation. He has not swung it into I don't think that is a yellow card.

Just about got away with that, Gary. Orderline. Does he go to the Euros?

Every time Carroll has a good game before a major tournament, this

crops up. I think he has to play that well every week. I do not mean

a hat-trick every week, that play in the team for 90 minutes every week.

West Ham, two disallowed goals, your view? This is

West Ham, two disallowed goals, your The assistants have got it wrong.

West Ham are having no luck at the moment, that is for sure. This

should not be a difficult one. Bellerin is moving out as Lanzini is

moving in. So I can understand why he has put the flag up, but he has

made the wrong decision. I think this one is the right decision. He

is all over him there, Andy Carroll. It was a great run from Carroll in

the first place buddy went over the top. Is the title race all up for

Arsenal? It certainly is now, ten points behind.

With Arsenal and West Ham both dropping points, Manchester City

were looking to consolidate their place in the top four against West

Brom who arrived at the Etihad having won just one of their last

De Bruyne and Fernandinho are among those rested. Got the manager and

never contemplated resting Sergio Aguero. He plays his 200th game for

Manchester City, looking to add to his total of 129 goals, including 80

in 99 here at the Etihad. West Ham captain Darren Fletcher has started

every league game this season. Never before in his career has he started

more than 30. He scored three times against City for Manchester United.

Delph, only the sixth time since he signed that he has started a league

game for City. Chance for West signed that he has started a league

to break, with Fletcher. He has clipped it out to McLean Gough West

Brom have got numbers forward here. Including Sessegnon. What a strike!

Stephane Sessegnon! To give West Brom a shock lead! It came after

they had lost possession with the referee playing a part there. Just

watch Sessegnon at the top of your picture. Nobody picks him up.

Joe Hart, rooted to the spot. Only his second league goal all season.

Gives West Brom an unlikely lead. Eerily quiet around the Etihad

Stadium. Aguero coming deeper to get involved. Kolarov. The referee happy

Stadium. Aguero coming deeper to get for play to continue. Kolarov was

caught - penalty. You have to give credit to Mike Jones. He waited for

an advantage. And Sessegnon committed the foul. Sergio Aguero

has the opportunity from the spot. 16 goals in his last 17 Premier

League games. He scores again. Manchester City are back on terms.

His 18th Premier League goal of the season.

That might be the flick of the switch which Manchester City

required. West Brom have got bodies back quickly. Kolarov, worth a try!

Looking to add to his three goals this season.

McLean tried to get his head to it. Navas has only given it to

Sessegnon. Gardner! That was half a chance. Snapshot from the West Brom

substitute. Fabian Delph trying to seize his

rare start. Look how deep Aguero is just to get on the ball. And that is

what he can do when he does. Foster, equal to it. He is the one player

that looks like opening West Brom up, Sergio Aguero.

Sessegnon was fouled. West Brom free kick. Only once have West Brom had

this many points at this stage of a Premier League season. That was back

in West Brom appeal. Mike Jones,

unmoved. Well, it was a little clumsy from Mangala. Went into the

back of him, actually. De Bruyne trying to add some spark to City's

play. Aguero, second time, and then Nasri! That is the goal that

Manchester City really needed. Samir Nasri, starting a league game for

the first time since March of last year, has a goal. De Bruyne, not

surprisingly involved in it, injecting some urgency into City's

play. Samir Nasri gets his second league

goal of the season. And for the first time today, Manchester City

are in front. Berahino, challenged by Zabaleta.

Berahino is onside! And the chance has not been taken. Never scored

against Manchester City, Saido Berahino.

Taken quickly, into Aguero! Denied by the likes of Foster. Ben Foster

got his angles correct. Is there one last opportunity for West Brom?

Gardner, blocked by Fernando. Last minute of stoppage time. West Brom

corner. Foster is forward for it. This will be the last action of the

game. Is there a telling contribution in West Brom corner

locker? contribution in West Brom corner

McLean! Goodness me, that was close! He thought it was in! James McClean

with the opportunity right at the death. Agonisingly wide. And

Manchester City have recorded back-to-back victories for the first

time since the middle of October, to keep that Champions League charge in

check. How important was that? Very important, because we cannot lose

these three points here at home if you want to be involved in the fight

for the Champions League next you want to be involved in the fight

So in this moment I think that we are just two points behind Arsenal.

We will see what happens tomorrow with Tottenham and United. And we

will have a championship with four or five teams from now until the end

of the year. I'm not sure it was a penalty. I think Sessegnon's foot is

placed next to Kolarov's foot, but when you make a challenge like that,

you have got clever players today, if they go down, Mike has given a

penalty - we should have had one second half. Mangala on Sandro is a

penalty. That would have given us a 2-1 lead. We saw the Arsenal-West

Ham result so it was important for us to win to close the gap to

Arsenal and increase the gap with West Ham. And now we have our

destiny in our own hands. Because we have to play Arsenal. There was not

destiny in our own hands. Because we much in it, really. West Brom played

very well. I suppose a couple of useful substitutions clinched it for

City? When you are not playing well and you have got this kind of

quality on the bench, it makes a hell of a difference.

quality on the bench, it makes a flat. They were struggling to break

West Brom down. De Bruyne since he has come back has given them energy

and creativity and the willingness has come back has given them energy

to make forward runs. It does not always, for him

to make forward runs. It does not willing to try. Always on that nice

little half-tone. This is willing to try. Always on that nice

gets a bit of luck. willing to try. Always on that nice

This leads to the winning goal. He really has been a big mess for them

for the couple of months he was out. Tony Pulis thought his team should

have had a penalty. Tony Pulis thought his team should

think, Martin? I have some sympathy, Tony Pulis thought his team should

central defender, I would say, you're trying to get to a ball,

which or another, get to. It is a foul, should have been a penalty.

Lucky to get away with it. I think it is a penalty as well, it

is bad decision-making which we have seen too many times from him. I

understand Tony Pulis' frustration. Arguably the best player on the

pitch in Darren Fletcher. He was absolutely tremendous. The whole

performance from West Brom were superb. They did not deserve to lose

the game, but he epitomised everything good about them.

the game, but he epitomised liked about him was the fact he was

always trying to play forward. He liked about him was the fact he was

took the ball in difficult liked about him was the fact he was

is under pressure. And he buried his passing. Look at that for a

long-range pass. Playing with passing. Look at that for a

confidence, he is leading that team. He is the one who is saying, give me

the ball. That was another clever little pass. He has grown

the ball. That was another clever Brom with the responsibility he has

got. He rarely gave the ball away today. He was involved in everything

good that West Brom did. Very clever with good awareness. In the second

half they had terrific chances and all their good moves were started by

this man. I think West Brom played more good football than I have seen

for a long time. Consecutive victories for Manchester City for

the first time since October. It shows how inconsistent they have

been. Too many have been in their comfort zones plus now Samir Nasri

Time to focus on the relegation battle.

It is just one point from three games for Rafa Benitez at

Newcastle who began the day six points from safety.

Opponents Southampton still harboured hopes of

Guy Mowbray was at Saint Mary's Stadium.

Standing in Newcastle's Way today is Fraser Forster. He plays his 15th

game. He did not get a game when at Newcastle coming he came through the

ranks. They would love to have him now. Peres scored Newcastle's

winning goals in their only two away wins all season. If they have any

chance of being in the top flight next season they have to get wins in

their final seven games. Jonjo Shelvey will be the deepest of the

Newcastle midfielder is today. And Shane Long scores for

Southampton. He walked through the Newcastle midfield and defence, less

than three and a half minutes in. Rafa Benitez takes a note and then

blinked his eyes in disbelief. It was too easy for Southampton. Shane

Long had a bit of fortune, but it was easy to get past them.

It was a very cool finish from Shane Long. Yes, all of that, all of that.

Newcastle enjoyed a lengthy spell of possession without making progress

with it. Steven Taylor caused his goalkeeper

a major problem. I don't think he wanted the ball in the first place.

I think he made a fair challenge in the end, just about. Newcastle

equalised twice at Norwich last weekend and they will take heart

from The Saints defenders were in one

another's way. Daryl Janmaat had an unfortunate

stumble. Graziano Pelle. They had as much time as they wanted. Rafa

Benitez is running out of games and time to save Newcastle from what we

have seen so far today. That is unlucky for Daryl Janmaat. He was

off balance and he has hurt himself as he tried to get back to the ball.

It seemed when Southampton got it in the box as though Shane Long had

taken the wrong option with that touch. But Graziano Pelle with one

turn later found the corner of the net.

Newcastle are needing to show a lot of fight. They need to show there is

life. Applause for Ryan Bertrand as he comes across to take it for

Southampton. It was a good save, but the

follow-up was in. Victor Wanyama scores. No way back for Newcastle

today and maybe not this season. Rafa Benitez notes the third goal

against his team. The first this season for Victor Wanyama. It was a

good save in the first place. But you could almost bet your bottom

dollar that the follow-up would go to a Southampton player. Victor

Wanyama was allowed to take two touches.

That is the way it is going for Newcastle. Just as it seemed they

were getting a bit of passing going. It has all gone now, surely?

That was a good save by Ben Forster. He has had nothing to do all day.

Southampton just a little casual defensively. Newcastle were always

set up to try and attack today, but they have not had the chance to do

that. But they might as well keep pushing. That was really well

struck. Again it was routine enough for Ben Forster. But he needed to

react, it came at him quickly. Newcastle are showing a bit of game.

Andros Townsend, a great goal. He has deserved that. He has been

Newcastle's brightest spark and he scored the best goal of the game yet

to give them a bit of hope. Allowed to go diagonally towards the box.

Just allowed to touch it and give himself the space from which to

shoot and the shot was an excellent one. Andros Townsend scores his

second Newcastle goal. That did not curl enough. He had the

chance to tee up others Southampton are back on track in

their bid to try and qualify for a place in Europe next season. For

Newcastle I am afraid it is seven games without a win. Four of their

remaining half a dozen games will be on Tyneside. They might have to win

the lot. Did you get everything you wanted to date? Not everything

because I think in the second wanted to date? Not everything

we had to score more goals. We created good chances. But of course

the key to win today was created good chances. But of course

started the game. It was very offensively, good spirit, a high

tempo, and that created a lot of problems for Newcastle. In the

second half we did much better and we showed

second half we did much better and commitment. But we have to start

from the beginning. I am really disappointed with the first half and

the start of the disappointed with the first half and

an early goal and it was a disappointing performance in

an early goal and it was a first half. We have got four games

at home and the team is reacting late. We have to start the games in

the same way we finished the games and we will have more chances to win

the next one. In the absence of Alan Shearer and his weekly rant about

Newcastle, it falls to you Martin on this occasion to assess their

defending in this occasion to assess their

Benitez was right. They did not have a shot on goal for 60 minutes. But

they have to defend far better than this. This is shocking defence. It

is embarrassing. He does not even have to do anything to get away from

him, it is so simple. Played the way you are facing, played the ball down

the channel. There was not enough pace on that and he put his keeper

in all sorts of trouble, Taylor. Just clear it. It is

in all sorts of trouble, Taylor. That is the lack of focus. Daryl

in all sorts of trouble, Taylor. Janmaat, just drop off, he is in too

much of a hurry and it goes inside. It was embarrassing. Shane Long will

punish you. Graziano Pelle loves having that ball teed up for him.

This is like a committee having that ball teed up for him.

the near post. Everybody switches off. Good reaction from Southampton

with their initiative. It was a good save from the keeper and Victor

Wanyama punishes them. That so easily could have been avoided and

he has a massive job on his hands. They need something approaching a

miracle. They have got to win their home games, but they are tough games

and they are not defending were home games, but they are tough games

that. As for Southampton, another terrific performance, they went for

the jugular. It is another good season playing good football with

new players again and Ronald Combe and deserves great credit for that.

The slight worry is can they keep hold of their manager? He will be

sought after. A couple of points behind West Ham and West Ham have

had a good season. Back-to-back wins had moved

Norwich four points clear The Canaries faced a Crystal Palace

side who had lost their last Martin Olsen's winner

Newcastle last week gave Norwich hope. Dwight Gayle has a starting

place today. Norwich keep the side that beat Newcastle. Steven Naismith

figures prominently. If Palace get anything out of this game, they have

got another home match against Everton on Wednesday, so maybe the

onus is more on Norwich to get something today.

Jason Puncheon has not scored yet this season. He was hoping it would

be today. It was not far away. But lassi is operating on the right this

week. Dwight Gayle was in there, but so as well was Punshon.

It was Yohan Cabaye and it got deflected. This is in the Norwich

danger area. In two weeks' time and FA Cup semifinal against Watford at

Wembley, but I do not think Alan Pardew wants to talk about that

until they are safe in the Premier League. Was there a foul? Jarvis

thinks there was. I suppose you would call it a shelf.

Whether or not it is sufficient for a penalty, Michael Oliver decided

not. It is 20 years since Norwich won at Selhurst Park. Sako, into

Puncheon. Gayle at the near post! And Bolasie! That has to count as a

chance. Jason Puncheon did well to get this across. It was a swing by

Bolasie with the left foot. There is Delia Smith and Michael Wynne Jones.

My goodness, they have seen some Delia Smith and Michael Wynne Jones.

and downs over the last few years with Norwich. Jason Puncheon! And he

has done it! First goal of the season! Huge ovation rings around

Selhurst Park! It was typical Puncheon. It came out of absolutely

nothing. There was a bit of loitering by the Norwich defence.

But it absolutely flew in! Halfway through the second half, it is 1-0.

That has really changed the temperature of the afternoon, and it

has left Norwich City changing it. If it stays like this, Crystal

Palace would go six points clear of Norwich with a game in hand. They

can smell survival here. Which he has always been fairly confident

about. Gary O'Neil to take this free kick. Bennett! Almost equalising

immediately! That was close, and one of Norwich's best efforts of the

afternoon. Good save, Hennessey. Alan Pardew could be looking here at

his first win Alan Pardew could be looking here at

19th. I thought this might happen. Goals are more likely to come on the

counterattack in this game. And here is Zaha. Well, there was drama at

the end in Norwich's last match. Will there be again? Cabaye is going

to catch this for Palace. Zaha is through! Wilfried Zaha! There was

nobody far enough forward for him to pull it back to. I thought he was

right to shoot. Palace have a corner, and they are going to bring

on another substitute, Connor Wickham, back from injury. Off the

line by Jonny Howson! It was a decent close range chance. This, by

far the most exciting phase of the game. Nathan Redmond, always capable

of something on the ball. He has found Mbokani. And it has come of

Souare for a corner. So there may be some anxious moments for Crystal

Palace to survive before they can start celebrating this long-awaited

win, because John Ruddy, the Norwich goalkeeper, has come right up into

the Palace penalty area. Stranger things have happened. Oh, and no

contact there from Bennett. It looked ready-made. Alan Pardew is

making gestures on the touchline to raise the volume of the crowd, as

well is giving one or two players a piece of his mind. Norwich have got

to launch this - and the goalkeeper will come out again. Everybody in

green, plus the goalkeeper, is inside the Palacepenalty area. Here

is Wilfried inside the Palacepenalty area. Here

got to get back! Bolasie was waiting unmarked, and Zaha did not find him.

And there it is, Crystal Palace's first league win since December the

19th. Their first in 15 games. And you would now think that if they get

anything out of the Everton game on Wednesday, they will be safe. Not

so, Norwich City, who go on struggling in the relegation area.

As the manager, I was tense today, and I do not usually get tense. I

have been in this game a long time. Sometimes the media can keep

reminding you, drilling it into you the in the end, you're going to

carry it. We were better second half. I don't think there was much

in the game. I thought it was edgy. You could see what was at stake for

both teams. I don't think there was a lot of clear-cut chances.

Unfortunately they have managed to get a goal from a good bit of play

on the edge of the box. We have had half opportunities button not taken

them. Your first goal of the season and you were pretty emotional

afterwards? It meant a lot, because it has been difficult for me.

Normally I chipped in with a few goals that I have not done it this

season. Today was important for us to get through it and now we can

kick on. Norwich wanted a penalty in the first half - your thoughts on

that? Well, it was robust to say the least, but we got the best referee

in the league referee in this game. He did not think it was a penalty,

so I would go along with that. Sunderland next week, is that the

ideal match for you after this? I think it is. Depending on what

happens tomorrow, we might have a really good opportunity next week to

go and get ourselves further away from the relegation zone.

go and get ourselves further away Jason Puncheon, great goal? It was,

go and get ourselves further away and they have missed him. He came to

life in the second half when they needed him. The crowd had gone a bit

flat. He needed him. The crowd had gone a bit

making things happen. This was a Supercross. They have missed that

bit of creativity and pace and he provides. The intensity is better

with him. Unfortunately this time, it lands on his swinger and he

messes it up. Bat he has got good feet and confidence on the ball,

especially when no-one else is looking for it. People spoke about

missing Bolasie, but they missed him a lot as well. Just when you needed

someone to step up and make something happen, he does not admire

his pass here, he gets on the born-again, and this time on his

stronger left foot. The only shock is that that is his first goal in 27

games, which incredible for a lad of his quality. A local lad, it means a

lot to him. Norwich, what was missing They did give it everything

and actually they played good football up to

and actually they played good were just missing that

and actually they played good quality. They have had some good

and actually they played good results recently. This was

and actually they played good the first half. This was a sign of

things to come. Good numbers in the box - they were not negative.

things to come. Good numbers in the Again,. Brady coming in

things to come. Good numbers in the foot. Three men in the box. 22

crosses they had today. They got foot. Three men in the box. 22

this position so easily in the game button they could not put any decent

balls in the box. It was so easy for Palace to defend against them. And

it was that bit of quality which won the game for

it was that bit of quality which won Norwich felt they should of had a

penalty - what do you think, Martin? Being consistent, if we are going to

say that Mangala was Being consistent, if we are going to

really this should have been as well. You rarely see them given. But

it is robust, over the top and unnecessary and I would not have

been surprised if the referee had given it. It is a Martin Keown

challenge, isn't it? You are forgetting that my pace would have

dealt with it! What are you laughing at?! I would like to think I would

have got across bit earlier. You were quicker than Gary, you were

telling me earlier. Right at the end of his career!

Aston Villa faced a Bournemouth side who they beat on the opening

Villa were 15 points from safety with just six games

20-year-old Australian Jordan Lyden makes his full Premier League debut

today. Some of the fans have shown their displeasure by not taking

their seats until the seventh minute, a reference to the seven

league titles this club has won. Tommy Elphick comes in for

Bournemouth, his first Premier League start since September, which

was also when Callum Wilson injured his knee. He is back on the bench

today after seven months of gruelling rehab.

Slip from Jordan Ayew. Lewis Grabban gets the shot away. Decent save. Got

quickly down to his right-hand side. Lovely little dragged back from Max

Gradel into the path of Lewis Grabban. People are now coming in,

as the seventh minute of the game has arrived. It is more of a trickle

than a flood. Jordan Ayew here, back to Idrissa Gueye. Nicely done.

Opportunity wasted really by Richardson. Hit it first time on the

half-volley from the edge of the box. But there were three players

inside the area, hoping for a pass. The fourth official is Mike Dean,

adding on one-minute. We would have had few complaints if he had taken

one of for good behaviour. It is a corner to Bournemouth right at the

end of this first half. Francis, dangerous... And into the back of

the net! And they have fallen behind to Steve Cook in stoppage time at

the end of the first half! Aston Villa 0-1 Bournemouth, cleverly

worked corner. And Aston Villa are behind again. Mostly worked.

Francois Trinh-Duc it in and the little backheel from Steve Cook for

Bournemouth put them in front. -- Francis trills it in. Steve Cook

with the only goal of the half, right at the end of the half. And

tempers are fraying. The whole tend showing a good deal more defiance

than their team has this season. -- the Holt End. Jordan Ayew! How did

it not go in?! Right through Kieran Richardson! How Richardson did not

get a touch on it, I do not know. And I'm not sure he does love only

required a touch. And the news from Selhurst Park is that Crystal Palace

have taken the lead against Norwich City. The mathematics would mean

that Villa will not be relegated today. Clark in trouble. And King

stabs it into the back of the Aston Villa net. And that's just about

sums up the season. Aston Villa have gifted Bournemouth Arrow second.

Taken by Josh King. Josh King with the goal. Poor touch from Clark.

Aston Villa, heading to another dismal, depressing defeat. It will

be their eighth on the spin. The goal coming in the 74th minute, the

minute in which supporters were saying they would protest and

Hadaway. And some are doing precisely that. You cannot blame

them for having had enough. Surrender. And they have.

Cissokho, Jordan Ayew scores! They have something to lift their

spirits. There are still about six and a half minutes to play. That is

the first shot on target Aston Villa have had all day. It is the first

goal Aston Villa have scored since the first day of March when they

were beaten by Everton 3-1. Aston Villa's season has been a death by a

thousand cuts. They will travel to Old Trafford in a week were surely

the death will come. Bournemouth are back to winning ways. Norwich have

lost at Crystal Palace. What about the finish for the first goal from

Steve Cook? Lovely. A well worked corner routine. We played several

short and that was our game plan to unsettle the organisation and its

paid off for us. The second goal was a great finish from Joshua King as

well. It was a difficult game to play in the toxic atmosphere. We

made the game that way because we started well and then we fell off

and the atmosphere affected us as well. A great win for us. There have

only been two or three victories here all season. I will not be

criticising the players. They turn out again today. There were 30,000

last week, which is remarkable. This is nothing to do with the

supporters. The club have got to find a way of getting back to the

supporters. There will be a cheer for this man, Callum Wilson. You

play for 90 seconds, but that must be like one of the high point of

your career is to mark it is always good to put your injury behind you

and getting on the pitch today was a bonus for me. I got the nod, so I

was delighted to get on and that the team got three points. The win was

the most important for them, we just got over the line. We made it hard

for ourselves. We have got 41 points and we are thrilled. Everybody wrote

us off before we even kicked a ball, so it is a credit to everyone in the

dressing room. We have worked so hard and we are getting our rewards

now. Well-paid, Bournemouth. hard and we are getting our rewards

Howe talked about his corner kick routine and his thinking behind it.

You saw that as well. The routine and his thinking behind it.

saw it I love it. When I was younger routine and his thinking behind it.

we worked on this type of thing a lot when I was at Crewe. It shows

how much he works with the team. It is invented. The run from Cook is

perfectly worked. It has been done however many times on the training

pitch and it shows they on things and trying to get better.

No better team to play when you are a bit low, Aston Villa. But these

lads have played well all season. Steve Cook was right, we did write

them off. Steve Cook was right, we did write

brilliant, he is a breath Steve Cook was right, we did write

air, learning all the time. I don't know why the big clubs don't look at

our own cultures. Bournemouth will not want me to say this, but what

about a club like Chelsea having a look at him? They should also be

looking at the players. None of these players were playing in League

1 a few years ago. They have been outstanding. I also wrote them off,

but we should have to give them more respect. Where do you start with

Aston Villa. The second goal sums up this season. What a shambles. They

are so negative, they want this season. What a shambles. They

back all the time. Aston Villa make so many mistakes. It is 14 times

they have had a so many mistakes. It is 14 times

They bring all the problems upon themselves and that is the toxic

atmosphere to play in at Villa Park now. The fans are angry. I was there

last week. It is a very difficult audience to play in front of and

that club is on a slippery slide and then need to be big changes.

Another massive day in the title race tomorrow.

You can stop the dreams of the people. This is the best period in

my career. This is our chance in life.

Matt Le Tissier got a flick on. He makes it level at 3-3. Matt Le

Tissier complete a hat-trick in 15 minutes. He was a talent.

It is 15 games without defeat for Chelsea, the longest unbeaten run

They faced a Swansea side who themselves have been in good

form, losing just once in their last six.

John Roder was at the Liberty Stadium.

Francesco Guidolin says there are six cup finals for Swansea, starting

today. Jefferson Monteiro makes his first league start. Asmir Begovic

replaces Thibault Courtois in goal amid speculation over his future at

Stamford Bridge. It was Poloschi's persistence that

led to that. Right across the face of the Chelsea

goal and still Swansea come forward. Sigurdsson was denied by Begovic. It

turned into more of a pass across the penalty area and there was

nobody in a white shirt to apply the finishing touch. An encouraging

start for Swansea. They have been in short supply in the last recent

weeks. In the last five Premier League matches there have only been

six goals. There are appeals for handball,

largely from the Swansea supporters. It drops for Gylphi Sigurdsson!

Swansea make the breakthrough. Gylphi Sigurdsson with his 11th goal

of the season. Having started last week and's comeback at Stoke, Gylphi

Sigurdsson has put Swansea ahead against the champions. Montero is

causing Chelsea all sorts of problems. And he wins the corner.

Jefferson Monteiro came on as a substitute last weekend. It was his

first Premier League It was almost turned towards his own

goal by Azpilicueta. Asmir Begovic made the save. Intelligent play from

Sigurdsson to drive the ball at pace to see what would occur.

Pato got the final touch, but his for the goalkick.

Pato got the final touch, but his shot was dragged wide.

Swansea fans are applauding their team's efforts and quite rightly so.

It was just wide from Pato. Terrific movement from Chelsea. Pedro put the

ball across. Pato try to turn it in with an unconventional movement.

Was it perhaps a little too elaborate from Pato?

What a save from Asmir Begovic. Cleared to safety by Azpilicueta.

Cork was so close to getting his first goal of the season and against

the club where he started his career. It was an outstanding stop

from Asmir Begovic. Chelsea's blast away defeat in the Premier League

game before his arrival at the club. It was at Leicester back in

December. Montero misses the opportunity to

wrap up victory for Swansea. It was a lovely run from Sigurdsson.

Montero was always stretching for that. Had he been a taller man, it

would have been heading downwards. This is the first victory of Swansea

in the Premier League against Chelsea and I am very happy and very

proud of my players because we played the first half very well.

Everyone knows the situation we are in and that is why it is positive to

bring in youngsters to see what they can do in a tough game and that is

what we have to look at. I said before that I want my unbeaten

record, but I think it is good to give chances to players who do not

frequently play. This victory is very important for our table and for

our fans. It is a good afternoon for me, for my players, for my club and

our fans. Swansea are going very well. Gylphi Sigurdsson, and only

Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero have scored more goals. He is a great

player, he is so intelligent. He likes that pockets of space behind

the front player. He was getting a lot of joy today with early shots at

goal. This one reminded me of Frank Lampard. He knocked it out wide.

Montero took an age to get the ball in. That he had a good game today.

When it is not down to him he will punish you because he has got good

feet. He likes to lay with his players, he is intelligent.

feet. He likes to lay with his give and go. Good awareness and he

finds it for his team-mate. Look at the imagination. How many players

are doing that with that kind of vision?

are doing that with that kind of season with the goals he has scored.

are doing that with that kind of Once he makes his mind up, he can go

through the gears. Montero should have put that away. He has got

everything in his game and Swansea have relied upon him this season.

Two sides who now could yet face each other at Wembley in May.

FA Cup semifinalists Watford and Everton

have struggled for form in recent weeks.

Everton have lost their last three, Watford their last four.

Simon Brotherton was at Vicarage Road.

Ighalo scored against Everton on the opening day of the season, the first

of 14 goals this season. But he has scored only once since the turn of

the year. Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku shows no sign of slowing down, with

six in his last eight appearances. Everton boosted also today by the

return from suspension of Gareth Barry, whom

return from suspension of Gareth Arsenal and Manchester United.

return from suspension of Gareth sides building up towards their FA

return from suspension of Gareth Cup semifinals with less

return from suspension of Gareth stellar form. Intercepted by

return from suspension of Gareth Paredes. Deeney and Ighalo waiting

on the edge of the area. Paredes. Deeney and Ighalo waiting

nice turn. Taking him clear of James McArthur! That had Robles scrambling

nice turn. Taking him clear of James across his goal. First effort on

goal from Watford in across his goal. First effort on

really good one, too. Paredes is finding some room on the far side

for Watford. McCarthy quickly snuffs finding some room on the far side

it out. It will be a throw to the home side. Watford looking to get

back to winning ways. Away, Everton. --

Beaten away by Gomes. The crowd are unhappy about that incident at the

other end of the field. Still we await our first goal of the

afternoon. We are into added time at the end of

afternoon. We are into added time at match is meandering a bit at the

moment. That was Cathcart getting up high. Britos in a spot of bother!

1-0 to Everton on the stroke of half-time! James McCarthy scores his

first goal of the season. Britos got caught out and McCarthy found the

bottom corner. In added time at the end of the first half, Everton have

the lead. Only just about time to end of the first half, Everton have

kick off. Just a few seconds remaining in the first half. Ighalo

trying to put John Stones under pressure. Watford have the corner.

With the half-time whistle almost in the referee's mouth. It is in! And

Watford are level! Holebas at the far post! As the ball comes over,

you can see Holebas gets up really well. His header goes in off Seamus

Coleman, but Holebas is claiming it. It would be his first goal in a

Watford shirt. The real activity of that first half was concert in aid

into that single minute beyond the 45. Lennon gaining ground, and still

going... Fingertip save, twice, by Gomes. Gomes just able to get there

ahead of the Belgian centre forward. Only two defeats on the road so far

in the Premier League this Lukaku leaves it for Lennon. Pushed

wide by Gomes. Everton have won nine of their last

ten games in all Everton have won nine of their last

against today's opponents. Mirallas still going here for Everton.

Challenged on the edge of the box by Ben Watson. Still time for a chance

or two here before the final whistle. Lukaku! Off the bar! What a

chance to have potentially won the game for Everton!

Still a minimum of four minutes to go. Watford now on the front foot.

End-to-end here in the closing stages. He has done well, into

Watson... Good save by Robles in the last minute of the game, just as the

clock struck 90. Late drama at the end of both halves in this match at

vicarage Road today. Do you feel a point was a fair result today? I

think so. We played well, we had legs, we had power. We created some

chances. Everton also created chances. I think it was a really

good game, two teams with a lot of energy, playing on the front foot.

We know why Watford have been so successful. They were at their very

best today. The fans are very excited about the FA Cup in two

weeks' time - do you think psychologically it is in the minds

of the players at this point? Yes, of course. We forget a little bit to

be competitive. It is time to focus. This team played really well during

the season. We have got a really intense period now, probably the

most significant period of the season, five games within two weeks.

It is what we want to. I don't think anyone can have any kind distraction

of thinking any further than the next game. It was a decent game,

both sides will be pleased they have stopped the what. Fuck the pressure

seems to be mounting on Roberto Martinez. Fifth in his first season,

11th last season, one or two teams are getting restless? First and

foremost, I enjoy watching Everton play. But every member of the back

four has been out at some stage this season. They have reached two cup

semifinals and they have got a lot of young players who are

inconsistent. I don't think it is all bad, not enough to have his job

threatened. I think he will be safe. You can write, with that family

feeling they have at the club, I know there has been the sale of some

shares, but this team is underachieving. They are so

inconsistent. It is only Aston Villa's home for much is worse. That

is quite shocking. Both of you, thank you very much indeed. Before

we leave you, let's have a look at the Barclays Premier League table.

The top two are both in action on Sunday. A win for Leicester would

put them ten points clear before Tottenham host a Manchester United

side pushing for a Champions League spot. Aston Villa are all but

relegated after 28 years in the top division. Newcastle are six points

from safety. Sunderland host Leicester on Sunday. Let's see what

the Sunday papers have to say. The Males pretty late as to whether Andy

Carroll could be getting a place for the England squad for the summer. --

the Sunday mail speculates. Andy Carroll certainly had a ball. At

least two Geordies are smiling tonight. Goodbye.