19/03/2016 Match of the Day

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

COMMENTATOR: Goals came and went. And, Keegan.

Look at his face! Just look at his face!

Look at that. Oh, look at that!

What a goal. Oh, what a goal.

Domestic football is about to take a break, so you'd better make

the most of your weekend football fix with the six games

MUSIC: "Make Me Like You" by Gwen Stefani.

Plenty for Jermaine Jenas and Danny Murphy to run

We start with the league leaders Leicester, who travelled

to Crystal Palace five points clear at the top of the table

after another nail-biting victory on Monday night.

Rafa Benitez' first game in Taj -- in charge of Newcastle. A tough

match, in charge of the players. Okazaki, what a goal. Shinji

Okazaki. Okazaki is a smart player, because when there is some ball

around the box, he arrives. They want to fight every much. I don't

want to risk, I want to fight. Leicester City move five points

clear of the Premier League. Now all the concentration is Crystal Palace,

another difficult match. We want the battle and we will go to battle.

Your commentator at Selhurst Park is Jonathan Pearce.

Football snakes and ladders. A year ago, Leicester were bottom,

relegation bound. In their last 38 games they've picked up 82 points,

eight tally high enough to win the title six times in Premier League

history, but Dubuisson performances cast doubt on the staying power? --

recent performances. Al-Assad eight points above the relegation, 30

behind Leicester -- Palace are eight points above the relegation.

Leicester are also unchanged as they look for a seventh win in nine games

and inflict a six home defeat on the win for Palace. Drinkwater is being

watched by Roy Hodgson. Here is Okazaki. A good run, a little step

over. In the air, Mahrez was coming in. Leicester, very confident. Their

warm up was intense focus. They have taken that intensity and focus into

the game, as they have done throughout the campaign. A cracking

atmosphere inside Selhurst Park. Drinkwater looks for Mahrez, it's a

beautiful move. Mahrez through on goal, denied by the goalkeeper's

touch. The way they simply shredded the Palace defence with tidy

passing, a lovely move. The keeper did well. Mahrez denied, his 17th of

the season. They have settled into an interesting phrase here,

Leicester started brightly. Crystal Palace have consolidated and are

enjoying a good spell of possession. Adebayor in the middle, Ledley as

well. On the half volley, wide, Simpson

midst judges in the end and Leicester think that was a foul by

Bolasie. He didn't connect properly. Should have hit the target from

there. Danny Drinkwater, made an appearance for Manchester United's

first six team. What a season they are having. Mahrez, 1-0 to the

league leaders. The Vardy Mahrez combination again. They have waited

patiently, while Crystal Palace have enjoyed a good spell of possession

and created a couple of chances of their own. And then suddenly,

Leicester came out. Sensible ball by Drinkwater. Vardy latched it through

the middle -- lashed it through the middle. Played for the percentages.

He knew in the back of his mind coming in off that far side would be

Riyad Mahrez, as he has done so often this season. That is 17 for

him this campaign. 36 for the pair of them. Our Leicester about to move

a yawning eight points clear at the top? Vardy scored that brilliant

goal at home to Liverpool and said to those Leicester fans that they

might not believe. Surely now, they believe. Here is Bolasie. An

exciting game to watch, Miss. Step over Simpson, a good save.

The goalkeeper did well, zipping through at him. 1-0.

Drinkwater rarely misplaces a pass. Albrighton still going. They can't

force him off it. Okazaki overturned. Nearly another superb

goal by the Japanese International. Strength and purpose from

Albrighton. Technique, skill, a dash of derring-do from Okazaki. No need

to panic just yet, says Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish in today's

match programme. Is that young George Lineker with him? I think it

is. How his dad has dreamt of Leicester winning the title. Just a

pipe dream, until this season! Heroes Sako Winterwatch Jedinak. A

lovely ball in again. -- Sako, in towards Jedinak. There was a

corridor of uncertainty for defenders and the goalkeeper all the

way through. He has made a real difference, since he came on.

Drinkwater steers it through. Mahrez to the dead-ball line. Good recovery

by Delaney. Robert Huth up, Morgan up, here come the big guys. In comes

the cross. Next away initially. Driven in by Christian Fuchs. Out by

cabaret. -- out by Cabaye. His shirt is off, claiming it was tugged off

him in the penalty area following the corner kick. Lost the shirt off

his back, having been at Cheltenham this week I know how he feels. Is

that not an offence then? Now, here comes Bolasie. Zaha, it turned into

a cross bizarrely. Jedinak. Sako comes in field, great delivery. A

stinging shot. He chose to punch it. In comes a Sako corner, flicked on

by Delaney. Cabaye Kit Robert Huth on the arm under way, wide. They are

appealing for a penalty here. His arm down by his side as he hits it

off his shoulder, hi. Sako has won it back. In towards Zaha, turning

away, and still going. A good decision by Mike Jones, pulls it

back. Picked up by Jedinak, Schmeichel

comes down. It bounced off the defender, Leonardo Ulloa I think it

was, and a corner. Leicester looked a little bit messy there. The

substitute just on, Amati, and Simpson couldn't win it. From then

on, Leicester were in trouble. This could be a big moment at both ends

of the table, but especially in the race for the Premier League crown.

Can Leicester hold on here? Cabaye with the high swirling cross,

Delaney, off the bar. Hearts in mouths, for Leicester fans.

Supporters of Tottenham and Arsenal and Manchester City were praying

there. Their prayers weren't answered. Big Delaney, terrific

technique for the centre-back. Boom, Shake, Rattle and roll on, Leicester

City. He is signalling, this is it, it's finished. All they can do is

take each step along the way as it comes. People keep putting hurdles

in the way of Leicester City. They keep clearing the hurdles. This is

another one. This was a tricky one. Crystal Palace's home run of misery

continues but Leicester City, another win, another 1-0 success,

another clean sheet, three more points. They are believing the title

is coming closer and closer, and history will be made in one of the

most remarkable football fairy stories of recent generations.

Crystal Palace nil, Leicester one. He and Leicester believe. Our fans

are singing a very good song about we had to stay calm, because this

Premier League is as well the match, every much, you don't know what

happens. We can win, we can draw, we can lose and then for us it's

important now to continue, to push a lot because the Champions League is

very close to us and it would be a fantastic achievement. There's a lot

of good performances, particularly second half to lean on. We know we

got some big games coming up. We can deliver the results we need. We just

need to make sure we matched that second half. Seven games to go. We

need to keep going and keep focused on our team and we will see what we

can do. They play with confidence, they have momentum, they have good

energy and they defend well, and they don't give you many chances.

They just have a lovely balance to the team. They are going to be

difficult to catch. From what I've seen today, they would be worthy

champions. After the game, I spoke to the Leicester captain, Wes

Morgan. Another victory, eight points clear, the dream is becoming

a distinct possibility? We aren't ticking off the games, one

game at a time. Today we had to dig deep, it was tense at the end as

they had chances. We had to show some resilience in order to keep the

clean sheet and get the win. Leicester have played the two halves

of the season in a different manner, in the first half, gung ho,

conceding a few but scoring lots of goals. In recent weeks you have been

good defensively, four of the last five have been 1-0, that must

satisfy you as a defender? Absolutely, as a defender, keeping

clean sheets is my pride and joy. It is different from the start of the

season where we were conceding but scoring loads of goals. Teams

approach as a bit differently now. Our threat is on the counterattack

and maybe we sit a bit deeper, we have not scored as freely but we are

keeping clean sheets which is fantastic. Is it difficult to avoid

thinking about the possibility of lifting that trophy at the end of

the season? Yes, you can sense the end is near but there will be twists

and turns Gumby end of the season. We want to remain focused and not

get carried away with all of the hype and the pundits are saying we

have done it when we know we have not done it yet. It is about

remaining focused on trying not to get carried away. The games are

getting ticked off. Thanks for talking to us, keep it going. Doing

and saying all the right things, it is getting closer and closer. The

defensive stability has become vital in recent weeks? It has, your smile

is getting bigger by the week by the way. I could be here talking about

can take against because he was fantastic, Danny Drinkwater, Riyad

Mahrez was a matchwinner but the back four defended resolutely, they

were superb, especially in the second half. Their distances and

communication, they are drilled, you can see it. They had to defend 31

crosses that Crystal Palace put in today. They were much better

changing to a 4-5- one, a full-back out trying to block the cross and

the other full-back is in with the centre-half, and you have the

midfielders, Drinkwater is back there helping them out. It has to be

a perfect cross, they condense the space. The is nowhere for the

forwards to run into. You throw a blanket over them, Wes Morgan gets a

header which he seemed to do all afternoon. Palace were better in the

second half with the 4-5- one but they just could not find an opening

because of the organisation of Leicester. It is an old-fashioned

back four, together rather than full-backs marauding. It is not

rocket science, so many players don't do it. This was one of the

best crosses but they still can't get to it. One of the only headers

they didn't win on the afternoon fell to Scott Dann and they had a

chance and that bit of luck they get, maybe it is their season.

Another winner for Riyad Mahrez, staggering statistics, not just

goals but assists in well, the most in the league combined. He is

getting better and better, his value to the team is so important. Today

was another start performance. He had a chance after 18 minutes and

what really impressed me was as a midfielder, the ball from Danny

Drinkwater. Set up by Jamie Vardy but on the left foot, could not be

any better. You are expecting the net to bulge at that point with the

form he has been in all season. You expect him to slot it into the

bottom corner. He kept his spirits up and he knew he would get another

opportunity, even though the goals have dried up a bit book Jamie

Vardy, he is provider this time and the ball comes across the box, his

17th goal in all competitions and this goal was a big winner for

Leicester City. We saw something quite unusual, we talked about

penalty appeals for shirt pulling but taking the play of the size of

Robert Huth, the shirt off his back is remarkable. Might be worth

another look. He is fortunate he did not give a penalty away. Physically

removing the whole shirt. Prematurely swapping shirts.

Leicester do not carry anyone defensively, they are all working,

it is fantastic to watch. For my own insecurities, do you think they will

do it? I think they will do it. I don't know why I would say no.

Crystal Palace, a tough run for them in the league, still have the

semifinal in the cup but have not won a game in the league this year,

they are getting a bit close. The second half they played 4-3- three,

got the ball in the box, if they play like that again, they will pick

up points. After being knocked out of two cup competitions in a week,

it is no time for Arsenal to take things easily, defeat against

Everton would surely end any lingering hopes of the title. Arsene

Wenger admits he is looking over his shoulder as well, never has he

failed to finish in the top four but that record could well be in

jeopardy in the last nine games. Everton are disappointed themselves

not to be closer to a European spot. Romelu Lukaku has six goals in his

last six games. Arsenal take to the pitch just 62 hours having left the

Nou Camp, one change from the defeat at Barcelona, Cocker Lynn comes in

to replace Mathieu Flamini. -- coca linen.

Nice touch from Lennon, into Coleman, a good burst of pace, Tom

Cleverley coming in. In with the clearance for Arsenal. Koscielny

with the interception, the first corner for Everton inside the first

minute. Everybody back to defend this for Arsenal, towards the near

post. Seamus Coleman, a nervous moment for David Ospina. Flicked on

by Monreal, breaking to Welbeck. Two up against him including McCarthy,

Welbeck has done well. Goal kick at the end of that. Really positive

play from Danny Welbeck. Back after a long absence to injury. The

clearance may have hit Welbeck. Sanchez trying to feed Danny

Welbeck, 1-0 Arsenal. Danny Welbeck gets his fourth goal in nine games

since his return from his long absence. Perfect start at the end of

a troublesome week. Sanchez at the heart of it, a beautifully weighted

pass, definitely an side and Welbeck kept his composure and finished

calmly. His return has been a boost for Arsenal. It is Everton 0- one

Arsenal. Arsenal much sharper than Everton at the moment. Caught in

possession by Sanchez and here they come again. The goalkeeper got hold

of it the second time from Alex Iwobi. He was lackadaisical here,

caught by Sanchez. They were fortunate that the effort was not

more problematic. Finally Lennon brings it clear, chased by Welbeck.

It is a sprint, Lennon has done really well, looking for Lukaku.

Again, the quality missing from the delivery. Monreal stayed down. Mark

Clattenburg happy for play to continue. This is promising, it is

back towards Sanchez. He went tumbling, he thinks he was caught

but Mark Clattenburg doesn't. That is the first touch from Sanchez.

Every Arsenal player back inside their own half. McCarthy to drive

forward, stopped by Koscielny. Could be a ball on here for Alex Iwobi, he

has been brilliantly found, Alex Iwobi for Arsenal, 2-0. It is a big

moment for the teenager, his first Arsenal goal, it was a devastating

break and it has doubled the Gunners advantage. Credit Hector Bellerin as

well for the beautifully flighted pass and the 19-year-old did the

rest. Took it in his stride, kept his composure and put it past the

goalkeeper. It has been a big week, he started in the Nou Camp, full

Premier League debut given to him by Arsene Wenger and the marks it with

his first Arsenal goal, Everton 0- two Arsenal. Lovely linkup between

the two. It comes Alex Iwobi again. Such confidence for Amman who is

only playing his 14th game in all competitions for the club. They will

be praising him today. Immediate action being taken by Roberto

Martinez at the break. Lennon understandably keen to get on with

things, a good ball, Coleman in towards Lukaku too close to the

goalkeeper who was very brave and is hurt. The cross was there for Lukaku

to attack but the goalkeeper always the favourite, David Ospina hurting

himself in the challenge. Can Everton test David Ospina

straightaway? Good defending by Monreal, and Everton corner. The

Colombian will be tested, still doesn't look entirely convinced he

is OK to continue. Everton asking the question, they can. Phil

Jagielka came in but could not get the final touch, the Everton

captain. The goalkeeper was not coming for that one. It looked to me

like Phil Jagielka got the final touch. The talent by Francis

Coquelin, Olivier Giroud, he went the goal. His effort is deflected,

Arsenal corner. It is heading towards a sixth home league defeat

in their last nine games, not home sweet home for Everton. The whistle

had already gone against Olivier Giroud. Mark Clattenburg had an

excellent position here. Yet the elk went tumbling. Not a great deal in

it. Plenty to ponder for Roberto Martinez today. Chambers riding the

challenge of Phil Jagielka, into the side netting from Olivier Giroud.

Just one win in eight games in all competitions, Arsenal certainly

needed this. They have deserved it. Today was not anywhere near

ourselves. We were second best in every action, we looked confused,

too many doubts. All in all, we were missing a player like Gareth Barry,

we know how influential he is, he gives you that know-how and being

able to reset and start the play and find what unique to do on the pitch.

That is not an excuse. All in all, very disappointing to see the

contrast in performance to seven days ago. I like this group, I like

their attitude. They have been questioned on that front and it

hurts me to see. When you work every day with the players, you know how

much they put in. I am pleased that we responded well today. Your goal

gave you a good start, you have got a real freshness about you? Reid it

might feel a bit different at times, it is difficult, some good days,

some bad days. I am pleased to be back on the pitch. Everyone things

it is a two horse race, are your hopes alive? Why would it be a two

horse race with a team three points in front of us. We will focus on our

performances and afterwards we will see where we finish.

Watching Arsenal today was a pleasure. They had creativity, pace,

skill, good finishing. But they haven't done it often enough

recently, and... Why? I'm not sure whether the team changes too much.

The two midfield players who are sitting, they look better balanced.

He has only played two holding midfielders in the last couple of

weeks, people have been saying he should do it all season. Have they

given themselves too much of a mountain to climb? Today was

terrific, after losing to Watford and Barcelona. The emergence of

Iwobi, a 19-year-old, very promising? 19 years old, played me

-- in midweek against Barcelona, very impressive, he has an

intelligence has an awareness, find space in the right areas that the

right times. Today, he was just brilliant, a real bright spot for

Arsenal. I loved this little movement here, pulls into a pocket

of space, finds his partner Danny Welbeck, who was very sharp today by

the way. Not just happy to pass it, wants to influence the game even

more odd press and make sure his team gets the ball back. Didn't

amount to anything but that was because of his high press. A lovely

pocket of space in front of Everton's back four, he is showing

he wants the ball, painting pictures, looking around. He's

thinking, what do I do with this? And, on the turn. Unfortunate not to

get that one in the back of the net but doesn't shirk his defensive

responsibilities either. Seamus Coleman, who is very good going

forward, he helped out Monreal at the back a lot of the time, and this

is his goal. Once he wins that ball, he is off. He knows he's in the

space, he knows he is quick enough, good first touch, he's strong and

confident and sticks it away. He thoroughly deserves that goal and

Arsenal fans will be absolutely delighted to see one of their

youngsters perform. One for the future. As for Everton, a real off

day. The comparison between their performance last week and this is

quite stark? Incredible. I've seen a lot of Everton and today, attacking

wise, they were really poor. Defensively they've been open all

season but today, they did struggle in every department and he was

honest there to say they were second best in every department, but if you

watch simple, basic defending, here Besic, ball watching, gets done on

Manici give and go, basic midfield play. We see this so often.

Centre-half, comes out, doesn't commit and win the tackle, gets

there too late. Wonderful intricate play from Arsenal, yes, but it's

basic mistakes, leaving it open. What's odd about it is the second

goal was almost identical, just further up the pitch, Besic again

getting sucked in with the 1-2. If that comes back to Iwobi, he's gone.

Funes Mori is sucked in. Jagielka is left one on one with the's pace and

the brilliant ball from Bellerin, he has no chance. Jagielka doesn't know

whether to come or stay with Ozil, too late. You talk about give and

gos being simple, he is to do attend military livery Friday morning on

how to stop it with the midfielders and defenders, it's the only time

I've ever been coached. He should know that, but players don't. It's

amazing. Well, they should, but... What about Everton? Why have they

been so erratic? A lot of their football has been really a joy to

watch this season. They play very open, what's happened at Goodison,

why they have been so poor, it's such a demanding crowd and there are

a lot of players playing with nerves. Against Chelsea last week

the freedom of playing in the Cup, they expressed themselves and played

really well. Are Arsenal still in the title race? No. 11 points off

Leicester, I don't think Leicester will drop that many points. Fair

enough. Of the two teams that

met at Stamford Bridge, just one of them has genuine

hopes of Champions League West Ham started the day just two

points off fourth place. They met Chelsea under the watchful

gaze of Simon Brotherton. John Terry became one of the players

to Comfortably dealt with, only as far

as John Obi Mikel. Trying to find some space. Now it is with Willian.

Shot blocked by Aaron Cresswell for a corner. Ivanovic. Stretching for

it, K Hill. Enner Valencia clears it away. No interest from the

officials. Gary Cahill lifted the ball into the penalty area again, a

close call for Enner Valencia. On the shoulder. He was talking about

his team needing to summon fresh ambition between now and the rest of

the season. Playing for pride and all that. A real threat about West

Ham, Sakho, Lanzini, Creswell. It was a good chance for two, claiming

a touch for a corner. Lanzini with the flick, Creswell racing forward

and the deflection, Ivanovic throwing himself at the ball.

He's playing some really good football along the way. Fabregas, in

towards Kenedy. Breaks loose off Reid, who clearly bolts. Oscar, he

will get booked for that. A yellow card for the New Zealand

International, and a free kick in an excellent position for Chelsea here.

Almost on the stroke of half-time. West Ham are arguing about whether

liners. Saying it's too far back. Fabregas and Oscar, the two players

nearest the ball. The wall is where it is. Fabregas strikes it

beautifully. It's a wonderful free kick. Virtually the last kick of the

first half brings Chelsea level. Beautifully struck. Up and over the

wall and beyond in the diving Adrian. Chelsea one, West Ham one.

Fabregas dispossessed. West Ham are keen and hungry here at the start of

this second half. It is with Dimitri Payet, and it's a by John Terry.

Payet, striking the ball across the goal. Cleared away by the Chelsea

captain. Here is Willian now. A dangerous looking ball, and Oscar

coming in, beyond the far post. Ivanovic sending this one bouncing

across the box and Oscar unable to turn it in beyond that far post.

Whatever was said at half-time in the dressing room seems to have

worked. The intensity of this game certainly going up in this

second-half. Both teams fully committed here. This is Sakho, a

long run from Cresswell, as he smacked the ball against the bar and

having been denied by a deflection off Ivanovic in the first half,

Cresswell beating Courtois, but seeing the ball bounce off the bar.

Andy Carroll prepares to come on for West Ham. Sakho, the man replaced.

Pedro still going here, Remy holding out well. A good shot on the turn

brings the slave from Adrian. Chelsea pushing, looking for that

second goal. Oscar trying to get away from Reid and Noble runs into

Kouyate. A bit of space in midfield for LANs Lanzini. The flag stays

down, Carroll's first touch, it is 2-1 West Ham. What an introduction

to the game! The man who scored the winner in the reverse fixture makes

it 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. Carroll played just onside by Gary Cahill,

gobbled up the chance, and West Ham United lead for the second time

today and Andy Carroll has his fourth goal of the season. West Ham

United lead Chelsea by 2-1, with just under half an hour to play.

Gives the ball away. Mikel has space to run into here. A deflection off

di -- Kouyate. Top of the crossbar from Fabregas.

Wasn't far away from a second goal of the game there. I chance for

Chelsea. Here is Oscar. Might fancy a cracking self here,

Willian. Now it's Pedro. Two in the six yard box. Oscar just outside it.

Just over the top, from Fabregas. Good play by Pedro, fine volley from

Oscar, what a goal that nearly was from Fabregas. Antonio and Carol,

that's a lovely ball. -- Carroll. Emenike trying to get past

Azpilicueta, it nearly fell to Carroll again, put behind by

Ivanovic. Good play by Emenike. Ivanovic in ahead of Carroll. Payet

across. Carroll with the header, off the line by Traore. Andy Carroll,

getting his head to it here and off the line by Traore, no doubt about

that. Still time for a chance two here. Willian could be the man to

create one, are indeed finish it off. It's going to be a penalty, I

think. The referee blows the whistle and gives the penalty kick. Against

Michail Antonio, who gets the yellow card. Loftus-Cheek racing into the

box, was he just caught thereby Michail Antonio as he ran into the

penalty area? If you just caught the back of his legs. -- he just caught

the back of his leg. Just Fabregas, for the second time today, has the

chance to draw Chelsea level, two minutes in time. It is 2-2, Fabregas

to the rescue for Chelsea. Frustration for West Ham. But just

Fabregas, who scored late in the first half, scored late in the

second, a cool head and a fine finish. 2-2, no doubt about it. I

think we started well the first ten minutes, then we got some very

sloppy moments, where we lost very easily the possession. Our players

can normally do well, they lost, the other team reacted perfectly to get

the draw. We deserved to win this game, definitely we were basically a

better team. They had their moments, they help them, the second half we

were better and the players who came from the bench made an impact. It's

upsetting to play like we did, obviously go 1-0 up and 2- up and

for them to score late on in the second is disappointing for us, it

kind of feels like a defeat. The penalty is way out of the box. I

don't want excuses, it is more than a first time, talk about the last

couple of games, it's like the major decisions were against us. I was

happy with the penalty, of course, it's difficult to make a judgment

because I think he was tripped when he was on the line, and when it's on

the line then regarding the rules, it's part of the box.

The West Ham midfield were impressive again. They were, West

Ham should have won this game. If I was a West Ham player, I would be

devastated. They completely dominated. It was Lanzini in the

midfield that was at the forefront of that. He was brilliant, set the

tone early doors, this was early in the game, you look at the numbers

they appeared to commit forward. Causing Chelsea so many problems. It

was the midfield, so fluid, they all know where each other are, they all

try and get on it, it makes life so difficult for Chelsea. Throughout

the game, Lanzini is so clever, he knows what is around him, at this

point he has not even looked at Creswell. Unbelievable goal. I was

willing it in because of how beautiful the move was. Not a great

move but he is deadly in these areas. If you give him the space and

time, he will punish you. He seems to be back to his best now and that

finish here, nothing Thibaut Courtois can do about that, a

brilliant finish from Lanzini. Chelsea are unbeaten in the league

for 14 games but by contrast, the midfield is not looking as fluent as

West Ham. That is because a lot of them have nothing to play for apart

from their future. Some of them might be out of the door if a new

manager comes in. I expected more from them, West Ham will have felt

they deserved to win that game. Particular the penalty, what do we

think. Jermaine Jenas was willing Willian to take it. What the replay

shows here is that even if they were ten yards, we think the ball would

still end up in the net because it was brilliant. If the wall is

further away, you have the confidence. It makes you think you

can get it up and down a little quicker. This is where I feel they

have been done, it is outside the box, not a penalty, it is a and it

has cost them and they did deserve that at all. You can say he didn't

mean it but it was a bit clumsy from Antonio, you can see the contact was

outside the box, a poor decision. A huge decision in the Champions

League race. Chelsea, a bit weird, it is not season is over, who would

have thought that with macro at times they were a bit lost, they

will relied on set pieces and luck, that is not like Chelsea to be

honest with you but they did get themselves back in the game. I would

like to see a few of their younger lads, give them a bit of experience.

A win for Norwich against West Brom would lift them out of the bottom

three until Sunday at least, to do that would require a victory that

had eluded them in the previous ten games. COMMENTATOR: Salomon Rondon's

five goals has coincided with a West Brom's upturn in form, putting a

spring back in their step. Alex Neill forges a new partnership in

his search for goals, Patrick Bamford will be alongside after

impressing last weekend against Manchester City. West Brom wearing a

black armband to remember one of their great strikers, Dave Walsh,

who passed away last week at the age of 92. Dawson for West Bromwich

Albion, a good-looking ball, using the pace of Berahino. A test for

Sebastien Bassong, he cuts inside, on target but just laying down a

marker to Sebastien Bassong. Making it clear that he is quicker than

him. They have not won a game since the 2nd of January, Norwich City,

against Southampton. They have not won away since their victory at Old

Trafford of all places. Gardner to Salomon Rondon again. A bit of room

for Gardner, pulled back intelligently, Berahino to Rondon,

back to Berahino. The block leads to a corner. He is probably their

biggest threat from set pieces, Craig Dawson. He will be looking for

this as it comes in from Gartner. John Ruddy got a hand on it, back to

Claudio Yacob, well hit. Really well hit by Claudio Yacob, you would not

know he had only ever scored once for the club, would you? Leathered

it, good contact from the Argentine. West Brom's highest finish since

1981 was eighth in 2013, they are 11th at the moment, it is not

entirely beyond the rounds of possibility they could match that.

Missed by Olsen, finding Brady, Brady going for gold. -- goal. There

were other options ahead of Robbie Brady but he decided to go for it.

That is a poor ball and Sessegnon is onto it, has Rondon in support but

he cannot finish. Sebastien Bassong made it difficult for Sessegnon and

Gary O'Neil is off the hook. It was a rotten ball but Sessegnon was off

target and should have done better with that. It would have been

entirely appropriate for the half of football we have had if an awful

mistake had led to a goal. Bamford back to Houston, held up

well. And it has fallen nicely and it has gone in, Robbie Brady fires

Norwich in front. How big a goal could that be for Norwich City?

Imagine the impact that will have on Tyneside and Wearside if Norwich go

on to win this game. It was held up really well, it fell to Jarvis who

missed his kick but knocked it into the path of Brady and the tucked it

away. It has been a poor game and perhaps appropriately, the flick

from Jarvis to Brady was entirely unintentional but Brady finished

nicely and Norwich City have an important lead here.

Now, Russell Martin, Jarvis ahead of him. Bamford in the middle but

caught in two minds, Russell Martin. Faint across but almost sold himself

a dummy. The ball into the box. Might fall for Bamford on the turn,

never had the angle. The header at the back post was the better chance

when this came in to Robbie Brady, head down, took his eye off the ball

and it came off the top of his head. A slender lead, they know they

haven't kept a clean sheet away from Carrow Road this whole Premier

League season but, if they could do it today... Up towards Rondon, using

his strength to test the defence. He had his shirt pulled by Tim Crozier

here. There it is. That is what it is given for. Gardner standing over

the set piece, a big moment, the ball in, with right across and no

one got a touch. Great ball in from Gartner. If anyone in blue and White

had holed themselves at that, you never know. Naismith with a clever

header. In the middle, there he is, could have finished it there, clever

stuff, there would have been no coming back from this for West Brom.

A bit high for him, off his midriff in the end. Showing six minutes.

That is the final whistle. Forget the quality, feel those points,

three of them for Alex Neill and Norwich. News which will go down

like a lead balloon in Newcastle and Sunderland. I thought we were the

better side today and deserved the win and we kept a clean sheet. A bit

of a break on the goal, Matt Jarvis will get the assist. I think if you

play well enough, you will get a break sometimes and we got a break

with that in that instance. A massive win for us on the back of a

good performance last week and another clean sheet, first time we

have had back-to-back clean sheets for a while. We are not good enough

to be anything but 11 players playing to their maximum and that is

what we have done of late. 11 players running around doing their

best and I don't think there was a player today who didn't do that.

Today was a big result for us, we have another batch of four games

coming up, we need to take that momentum into the next four. A huge

win for Norwich, two games, four points, two clean sheets. As Russell

Martin said, the result against Manchester City and keeping a clean

sheet gave them confidence today. They showed resilience and they were

strong. All in the right positions at the right time, the amount of

bodies they have around the box makes it difficult for West Brom to

break them down. This is a team that a lot of team have -- people have

written off. After what I have seen, they definitely still believe in

themselves. Again, the back four in, the midfield all in an area to make

an impact on the game. Making life very hard for West Bromwich Albion

and they did this on even when giving the ball away. They will make

a tackle and make sure they get the win. Alex Prichard picks this up

late on, trying to be tricky, Sebastien Bassong, last-ditch

tackle, this is Matt Jarvis, his first assist since 2014, not sure he

meant it. I think that is safe to say. Ended up being the winner for

Robbie Brady and a huge three points for Norwich. Their next three games

are quite something, Newcastle, Palace and Sunderland. They will be

going into that with great belief. West Brom were a bit flat but they

are safe. For Norwich, it gives them hope. How is it a team that has been

conceding suddenly get it tight after playing Manchester City? Work

on the training ground? The one thing he noticed is that goals are

not coming freely so works on what to do to give them a fighting chance

and shore up defensively. A bad day for West Brom and Tony Pulis will

not allow them to rest on their laurels now they are safe. , they

have been really good of late, they had a bad day at the office today

but the last thing they want is to take their foot off the gas. A

couple more wins will be a positive season for West Brom. A packed Match

of the Day 2 on Sunday with four top-quality games. B tell you a

story about a battle in the north-east, survival to the victor,

meanwhile, Manchester, a city United in unease, the hunt is on at White

Hart Lane but not all Cherries are palatable and Liverpool march on the

south coast with a saintly welcome on hold. How will this tale unfold?

Five live has full commentary of the Manchester derby.

Be super sub has done it. He is onside, the flag has stayed down.

3-1. He has only been on for 20 minutes. Rob Earnshaw has the oldest

smile in London. the line then regarding the rules,

it's part of the box. Didn't he score a hat-trick in every

division? It says something about the season

that both Watford and Stoke are having that their game

was about the continuing pursuit of the highest-placed finish -

top ten for both teams This is what the's best ever

performance in the Premier League. Watford's vital defence has been a

huge factor this season. Heurelho Gomes has kept ten clean sheets

including one in their win in October. Glenn Whelan was in the

side at Vicarage Road eight years ago this week, they went on to

clinch promotion from the Championship.

Onto Ighalo, he has the pace to get away from Wollscheid, the angle is

not favourable but still forced a save out of Jack Butland. The first

test of the day for the Stoke City goalkeeper.

Imbula, running away from two. He has to pick the pass. It's come

inside, Bardsley to the right-hand side. Stoke with plenty forward. Not

a bad ball in and Walters scores. Walters, back in the starting

line-up this afternoon, gets his eighth goal of the season. It's a

smashing move by Stoke City. Imbula was heavily involved. Look how deep

he is here inside his own half, as he breezes away from two a flimsy

challenges from Watford players. Bardsley available to the right,

it's a magnificent cross, just begs a touch and Walters provides it.

It's the first Stoke goal against Watford since 2004, when Williams

scored in a 1-0 success here. Today, it's Jonathan Walters. Watford nil,

Stoke one. Stoke have won five games away from home so far this season,

against teams from the bottom half of the table.

Bardsley, a great buccaneering run. He is offside. Bardsley it was, who

crossed for Walters to score Stoke's opener. He thought he had done it

again here. A fantastic run. Arnautovic just offside, maybe his

head is just beyond Britos on the edge of the six yard line. A tight

call, but correct. Stoke City starting the day in ninth position,

that's where they've finished in the last two seasons in Mark Hughes.

Great work from Stoke here but Imbula can't get away from the Rami

for the first time today. It will come left-hand side, a great chance.

Never looked like he was confident of hitting the target. Jurado

finished like a man who is still looking for his first goal in

Watford collars. -- colours. Bardsley with a chance to cross

again. We learn gets their ahead of Deeney, Walters offside. -- Greg

Whelan gets their ahead of Deeney. Walters forward, Joselu is after it

and takes it on and finishes beautifully. What a superb finish by

Joselu. What a dreadful goal for Watford to concede, and Stoke City

might well have wrapped this game up already. A free kick from Gomes was

a shocker and hopelessly out of position, Joselu took it early and

executed it to perfection. Embarrassment for Gomes, and it's

difficult to see a way back for Watford from this.

Headed from Capoue, Gomes keeps it out. Such shoddy defending from

Watford again, produces a save at full stretch. At the start of play

today, only the bottom two sides in the Premier League had scored fewer

goals than Watford's tally of 29. Away from Karen. Needs to pick a

decent pass here -- Cameron. Ighalo was stopped by Muniesa. Not his day.

Not Watford's day. Cathcart loose, Arnautovic surely.

Of all people, for that to fall to, those Stoke fans in the ground would

say yes, give it to Arnautovic, he has scored some belts of this season

and this would have been a tap in. -- he has scored some belters this

season. Amrabat, surely being fouled. Stoke City have dealt with

every set piece that Watford have put into their box so far today.

Here's the latest. Butland came and didn't get it, it will drop for

Deeney. He will be disappointed with this initial attempt here, Jack

Butland, to deal with the free kick into his penalty area. Joselu got on

his way, but in the right position to deal with Deeney's hopeful ball

back towards goal. Britos. That's a bit short. Coming away from

Imbula. He has done well to get to the

byline and Deeney gets Watford back in the game. Time is on their side,

just five minutes to go, but Troy Deeney has his tens of the season

and it might be a lifeline here for Watford. Excellent approach work by

Anya, the sub. He had Bardsley backpedalling, backed himself to get

to the byline and cuts itself back superbly for Deeney, who is left

unmarked on the six yard line and Stoke City will be disappointed, the

way they defended this situation. If finishes Watford one, Stoke City

two. In the first half I thought we were excellent, we had good

opportunities in the first half period and got one goal, had one

chalked off, a bit of a debate whether he was on or offside. You

can argue both ways, I suppose. We were good value, only got the one

goal, which was the least we deserved, to be perfectly honest.

Came out second half, got an early second one and good value, it could

have been had more chances as well, could have taken the game and put it

to bed really. We played bad, we don't have good relations with the

ball. Stoke City was playing really fast, very well, very physical, and

high-speed full stop for us it was very difficult because we focused on

the plan. We showed two sides of our played today, first off good

control, good possession, good creation of chances, the second half

we had to dig in towards the end, to clear our lines and relieve pressure

but we did both sides of that of the play to good effect, so really

delighted with the performance. Obviously you have that massive data

at Wembley in five weeks' time. How difficult is it going to be for the

players to stay focused on Premier League games in the interim? We need

spirit, ambition, passion, because we need to respect the fans, we need

to respect this club. I think both managers were in agreement that

Stoke were worthy of that victory and they profited, particularly down

the right-hand side, you felt? They did, they had real joy down there

especially in the first half where they were dominant, they had good

possession and just found big holes continually down the right-hand

side. This man, Imbula, had a terrific afternoon as well. Walters

started out on the right side and he is a powerful boy. This particular

one didn't come off, but he kept finding himself in a think it's

Afellay this time, didn't come to anything, but they did get their

rewards from that part of the pitch. This is Bardsley. Brilliant cross.

Easy finish. Then this one, a little bit contentious. Bardsley again, for

Arnautovic and when you see it on the replay, well... I think he's

onside. Just on, yes. It didn't matter with the result, Watford had

a fightback on the end but a really good performance from Stoke. It's

been a good season for Mark Hughes Stoke generally. Another one. A bit

of a giveaway wasn't it, for the second goal in some ways? Having

said that, a spectacular ball in and finish. Danny didn't seem to think

that he was touching his locker. If he has, it's one of the passes of

the season. I disagree, I think he's been Joselu and as it comes into him

it's a beautiful, beautifully weighted little touch from him into

his strike partner's Path, a lovely finish. I don't know what Danny is

on about to be honest! It's called revenge! It's a lovely finish, like

you said. Stoke were worthy winners today. I'm surprised he hasn't

scored more goals, Joselu, because he has great attributes. He hasn't

started as much as I thought he would. We have seen three teams

today that have got through to the semifinals of the FA Cup, Crystal

Palace word bad against Leicester, Everton were flat and Watford who

were flat. Is there anything in that post big game? I think the emotion

of the day, when you are playing in those quarterfinals, the opportunity

to get to Wembley can get to you and I think you can spend a lot of

energy in those games. I think we've seen that today, not so much for

West Ham. They are not through. It's a weird coincidence. I think the

celebration a day or two after can also get a bit out of hand because

you are euphoric at achieving something. How was it for a manager?

How do you keep the team focused after a big event like that? How do

you do that? Long-term, it shouldn't be a problem because otherwise

playing for their places to get in the semifinal. Watford can try to

enjoy the games coming up and try to compete.

Swansea started the day with an eight-point cushion over

the bottom three, and it would take a dramatic turnaround to get caught

Unfortunately, for their opponents Aston Villa, their survival

At the Liberty Stadium, Alistair Mann.

Gylfi Sigurdsson's 2016 tally has only been bettered by Harry Kane and

Sergio Aguero. His team show three changes as income Kingsley, Ki

Sung-Yueng and Gomis. Gestede is the only player to have secured Villa an

away win this campaign and that was on the opening day of the season. He

himself hasn't been on the winning side in some 25 games since. Villa's

only change sees Ciaran Clark replace another player. It might not

be one of the biggest capacity is by any stretch in the Premier League

but they do always generate a good atmosphere. There is certainly a

belief among the supporters that if they can record victory today, they

will have another season among the game's elite.

Up towards Gestede, his lay off is good.

Veretout, to outswing it. The header is not far-off micro-target. Clark

made the run, got reasonable contact on it and will be disappointed he's

geared it over and not under the bar. Away by Fernandez, up towards

Gomis. His lay-off is good. He has been caught by Cissokho, the yellow

card is coming out. Cissokho becomes the first man books by Mike Dean.

Gets it back again, Swansea again guilty of gifting possession to

Aston Villa. Guided in towards Gestede, away by

Kingsley. Not far though. Gestede's header was on target.

Fabianski with a simple enough saving the end, but Swansea City

have been awful in this first half, and Aston Villa really ought to be

in front. Looked away towards Veretout. A free kick to Aston

Villa. Court, penalised, I think it was a horse -- I think it was a hand

ball. Normally noisy stadium has been silenced by Aston Villa. For

all their positives, they don't have a yet. That's a great cross,

Gestede. Off the line by Williams, with Fabianski right behind him. The

Swansea skipper I think apologises to his goalkeeper, because I don't

think he realised that Fabianski would have gathered that simply

enough. A good turn, Sissoko has already

been booked. Mike Dean, what is your thought on that one? Yellow card in

the first half for a challenge of similar nature, might he get a

second yellow here? He is thinking about it, Mike Dean. He has only had

to brandish one card so he will be aware that it was to Sissoko. I

think he is going to get the benefit of the doubt. I get the impression

that that is a bookable offence almost every single time but Mike

Dean feels he is just going to give the benefit of the doubt and Villa

stay at 11 and he is a lucky boy. Free kick to Swansea and they will

score from it. Brad Guzan misses it and Fernandez can't believe his

luck. Typical Aston Villa. The better side and all of a sudden a

misjudgement, a lack of concentration and they are behind.

It was hardly the greatest of contacts, off the shoulder of

Fernandez in the end but they all count. And yet again, Aston Villa go

behind and on this occasion they haven't is urged to do so. He will

know what a bonus that is. Clark continued his run. He is in

the middle, made a terrific burst if he can be found, the deflection on

the cross takes it out for a corner. They have not had any opportunity is

really in the second half, Aston Villa. They do have a corner here

come won by the teenager, green. Had a couple of good headers but not

steered them on target and this one is won by Lescott and straight at

the goalkeeper. Clark could have done better in the first half from a

set piece, maybe Lescott should have done better with that one.

Sigurdsson wins it back, Leroy Fer, Bafetimbi Gomis want it and he gets

it. Still, just by the post. That was nearly one of their best

passages of play in the match but it will only be a 1-0 victory, not that

Swansea care and Villa stay rooted to the bottom. We are all frustrated

with how we played in the first half, we deserved a bit more from

this game. When we controlled the game, we were not incisive enough to

score goals. We had some chances, especially in the first half and

when you don't score with your good opportunities, you have to expect

the opponents to get opportunities. It is an important result, our

season was not a good season. I went two months ago, we had only two

points out of the relegation zone, now we are better but our season is

down and up and I hope to finish the season and way. I am sure he does,

another Saturday and another Villa defeat and another clanger. No one

will be the moaning of Villa and Swansea being the last game on Match

of the Day, it wasn't great. A horrible error by two people, he

lets his mango and the keeper is completely at fault. I don't know if

he is scared, a lack of judgment but poor play all round. It sums up

their season in a moment. Played well in the first half, no threat,

toothless, Swansea want great but they are safe now I would imagine.

What about Aston Villa? It was an unbelievable escape from Leicester

last year but where do you see them going, the club is a mess? It is a

mess from top to bottom, problems at the top are filtering down onto the

pitch. What worries me most is what happens next year in the

championship because it is a tough league. That team right there I

think will struggle in that league as well. Three wins in four games

for Swansea, getting close to safety. Very close. I think they

have really picked up in the last few weeks. I think in the summer

they will have do spend a bit of money. The squad lacks depth and a

goal-scorer which they have been crying out for for a long time. Just

about out of time, ranks to both of you, before we leave, let us look at

the Premier League table. Leicester are a scarcely believable eight

points clear at the top with Tottenham looking to reduce that gap

when they play their game in hand at home to Bournemouth. The Manchester

derby will have a significant bearing on the race for Champions

League qualification. Aston Villa are marooned at the bottom, 12

points from safety, Norwich move out of the relegation zone ahead of one

of the most important Tyne Tees derby is in memory. C what the

Sunday morning papers have to say, Jurgen Klopp is prepared to sell

Jordan Henderson as part of his Summer Rae building. That is in the

Sunday Times. According to the Sunday express, incoming Manchester

City manager Pep Guardiola wants to sign a Robert Lewandowski. And ahead

of the Manchester derby, Louis van Gaal wants a director of football to

help him out. Leicester go eight points clear with their fourth 1-0

victory in their last five games, cloudy has gone all Italian on us,