19/12/2015 Match of the Day

Football lost one of it's favourite faces today.

He was a player, a union leader, a manager, director,

chairman, TV presenter, executive, pundit, linesman

He did it all and he did it all so well.

Good evening and welcome to Match of the Day for the start of the 1973-4

season. Football is back on television at the start of a year of

renewed hope and determination on all sides. I've never seen a side

play with such delightful enthusiasm for the game.

COMMENTATOR: It's a goal! Nearly 30,000 people watched the

gameplaying ?69 now and what marvellous value-for-money it turned

out to be. Good afternoon to you, welcome to Match of the Day live

from Old Trafford. It's time in the game for change. It needed new

impetuous. Losing games in football is not something they wanted to do.

You don't want to do that. I've finally met someone of a like mind.

I'm not saying I think so, I'm trying to outline the possibilities.

Be quiet, will you. You won't get it better than that. Good evening and

welcome to Match of the Day on the last Saturday of the Football League

season. Our thoughts are

with Jimmy's family. Much of what we take for granted

in the modern game came from his drive to change

the sport he loved. He also was instrumental

in introducing the panel of pundits. On this edition of Match of the Day,

Martin Keown and Jermaine Jenas We start in Manchester

where Louis Van Gaal has faced Fans might remember that Norwich's

last three trips to Old Trafford resulted in a 4-0 defeat

on each occasion. Steve Wilson was there to see

the latest installment. COMMENTATOR: Fans of Manchester

United are desperate for a handbrake of thumping win. It's been a while

and with Mourinho now gone from Chelsea and linked this morning with

Old Trafford, the spotlight will turn firmly onto Louis van Gaal.

Tidings of Wayne Rooney's return for a 500th United appearance should

bring comfort and who knows some joy. As significantly, perhaps,

Smalling, Jones and Young come into an experienced back four. Norwich's

youthful boss was only 10 when Louis van Gaal won his first trophies as a

manager that the UEFA Cup with Ajaz. Wayne Rooney has started this game

as United's centre forward, not Martial. United's Number Ten is

playing as a traditional number nine while United's number nine, Martial

is tucked away on the right hand side. Here is Juan Mata on-the-run.

Mata still going. Was he fouled? Rooney's shot. A goal kick. Lovely

driving run from Juan Mata. He's being chased by Gary O'Neil all the

way. Well, that looked to me like it should have been a free-kick right

on the edge of the penalty area for the touch by Olsson on Mata. It

wasn't a penalty, it wasn't in the box, but I think it was a foul.

Norwich are looking comfortably second best. Alex Tettey, here.

Brady. Hoolahan. Tettey, nice turn, can get the shot away here. Wasted

the chance to do so. His turn was exquisite, his shot anything but. A

lovely touch away to set up the left-footed shot. What fold was

really disappointing. This time last year Alex Neil was preparing himself

to play for Hamilton abg demcle against Ross County. It's been quite

a rise. Now Juan Mata has it. Nice exchange with Rooney. And, again.

Rooney's shot took a deflection. It's a corner. Flicked off Gary

O'Neil on its way. Mata really is at the heart of absolutely everything

that Manchester United do well. Manchester United much the more

dangerous side, but it's goalless. That's a good ball. Now Nathan

Redmond, Jerome to his right hand side he found him. If he can find

Brady square he's in. Jerome might go alone. He scores. Cameron Jerome

has put Norwich City in front at Old Trafford. Only the second goal

Manchester United have conceded here in the Premier League this season.

It's completely against the run of play. Redmond into Cameron Jerome,

got through the challenge of Ashley Young, held off Carrick. David de

Gea won't be pleased. It was straight at him in the end. Cameron

Jerome has put Norwich City in front with seven-minutes of the first half

to play on adown in which they have been beaten 4-0 in their last three

visits, lost the last of their six visits they haven't won here since

1989. Well, they're winning now. Manchester United with the lion's

share of possession in the first half, but, again, failing to turn it

really into chances, let alone goals. Rooney. No, Tettey took it

away. Tettey continued his run, if Cameron can find him. He can. Alex

Tettey here. 2-0 to Norwich. Alex Tettey has doubled their lead.

Another break away, another Norwich goal. And the boos ring around Old

Trafford now. Mixed with Norwich cheers. Rooney outmuscled by Tettey.

The Cameron Jerome back into the Norwegian midfielder. He's almost

toed it into the corner. This goal isn't going to win too many beauty

contests, but it's a crucial one for Norwich. Potentially, a telling one

for Louis van Gaal and Manchester United. Manchester United have it

all to do here. Why does it always rain on me, as the song goes! The

one thing van Gaal has been able to cling to has been that defensively

they've been sound - not today. Ashley Young, free-kick. Brady is

not at all sure that was the right decision. Not at all sure. 30

minutes to go. It's been taken. Martial clips it in. Rooney!

Memories of the overhead against Manchester City down at the other

end of Old Trafford. No glory. Not this time. Well, this would surely

be the greatest result of his fledgling managerial career, Alex

Neil. Just about kept in by Young. Decent cross. Too high for Rooney.

Martial, can he dig it out? He can. Manchester United are back in the

hunt. Anthony Martial, 24 minutes to play. Something to get them off

their seats. Something to cling to. Something to build on. Manchester

United on the scoresheet. Really good ball in. Just too high for

Rooney. Martial showed persistence and a rattling finish from

six-yards. Anthony Martial, having gone nine Premier League games

without a goal. Is this the platform for a comeback? Manchester United 1,

Norwich City 2. Ashley Young to Carrick. Into the feet of Martial.

He's got the free-kick. He's got the free-kick. Russell Martin, adjudged

to have foul Anthony Martial. Juan Mata, for Manchester United. Mata.

Well pushed out by Declan Rudd are youed. Went for precision rather

than pace, a bit more pace and it might not have been saveable.

Memphis. Showing it to Brady, taking it away from him. Drops onto the

head of Olsson, Young. Out by Mulumbu. Redmond here, it's a two

man counter-attack for Norwich. It's Nathan Redmond. Picks out Howson.

Mbokani Bezua ahead of him. Mulumbu, good save. A follow-up from Howson,

they made the challenge. Howson feeling that Blind found him.

Mulumbu shot, good save by David de Gea. When it ams could out, look at

this. Howson... Well I think his back lift, with his right foot, made

contact with Blind, rather than the other way round. He takes a note. He

is barking out instructions and encouragement. Mulumbu is down,

Carrick, forward. Juan Mata. Mata. Great ball. Smalling - wide! Maybe

the wrong man in the wrong place. But it fell to Chris Smalling

invitingly. Wonderful vision from Mata. Smalling trying to divert it

beyond Declan Rudd with Wayne Rooney hoping for a header in his

direction. The chance has gone. We've never lost this season at

home. And then we lose so you can see what confidence is doing to

players. We have lost, but now it is very important that everybody sticks

together. The fans, I have to say, that the fans were very good. They

were still supporting after the second goal of Norwich, I think. .

But it was not good enough today. Have you to win against Norwich. We

know that. Most people it will come as a shock. To us we had the belief

all season. You know, we had the determination and some great

performances away at some of the big earthquake sides. Magnificent result

for us. Something we can't rest on. We have to build on this and push on

over the busy Christmas period. Do you feel you will be given the

chance to come through this? Yeah. It's not to me, I think to say about

that question. But we shall see. Straight after the game we grabbed

a word with the Norwich manager, Congratulations. I'm sure you

enjoyed that today. How important is that victory for Norwich? Yeah, I

think it's really important. You know, I think some of the games

we've had this season so far have been, sort of, tightly contested.

You know we went to Chelsea 1-0, Manchester City 2-1, Liverpool 1-1.

We have been in the games. We have been playing reasonable football at

times and had good opportunities. Our problem has been the fact that

we've been the makers of our own downfall at times. Today, all the

errors we have been making is have been eradicated. The boys were

fantastic and deserve to win the game. We know how hard it is to be a

manager in the Premier League your methods have come into question.

It's vindication of what you're trying to do at Norwich? Yeah. You

will always be questioned as a manager. Everybody gets criticised.

Everybody has people who thinks their opinions are better than the

manager at the time. Which is fine. That's football at the top level you

know I think every manager goes in with their eyes open. There will be

focus on Manchester United after another home defeat. Do you care

about that at all? No. We need to take care of ourselves. It's never

easy when you are a manager on the end of a defeat or poor performance.

It comes round much we will have it at some stage. I'm pleased with my

lads today, they deserved the victory. Thank you very much. Well

done, first vebth are you in 26 years, no win in six now for

Manchester Martin?

It was a fantastic all-round display from Alex Neill and his players,

very well thought out. They seem to be in full control from the first

minute, it was quick thinking from Russell Martin, picking out Nathan

Redmond. Not just happy to pop it off, he is thinking of finding

another pocket of space. He clears the Manchester United team out.

Finds Cameron Jerome, and even Brady. And he finds the back of the

net. An easy throw in. No one taking

charge. He goes through midfield, lays it off. Now, look at the side

line, Smalling. Jerome scores from there. Smalling is quick, allows him

to get the wrong side of him. Ashley Young should get across and deal

with it. Kamikaze defending. They have been decent at the back but you

cannot give goals of a Socheat Be. What I like about Norwich, Bassong

could drop off but he wins it. Tutte backs him up and he is on his way.

The goal-scorer becomes the provider.

When this goes into Rooney, he has two secure it. It goes beyond.

Ashley Young, for me, he is not sprinting.

He needs to get back quickly. It is so simple.

Running through, a toe poke. Punished again. At this point,

Manchester United had been on the attack. They have pace in attacking

areas, they have brought in players. It was a well thought out plan. To

execute it at old Trafford when it matters is what is important. That

is what Norwich did. He is laughing there. Do you think

he got away with a dodgy finish? I think he did. This is slow motion

which makes it look worse. A fantastic run to the edge of the

box. As he strikes it. I'm not sure he knows where it is going which

makes it harder for the De Gea. A power poke. He has bamboozled the

goal keeper. Well done to Norwich. For Manchester

United, Ryan Giggs on the touch line, in the second half, how

perilous a position is the current manager?

In a very tough position, his job is under serious threat and it would

not surprise me if he lost his job. Since he went out of the Champions

League, it has cranked up the pressure. Was Ryan Giggs auditioning

for the job? In the technical area, it was

worrying. The fact Jose Mourinho is available,

people are adding things up, the next home game against Chelsea, the

rumour mill is in full business. You can understand why it puts more

pressure on Louis Van Gaal. Yes, pressure, but they should stick

with Louis Van Gaal. If they did with another three trophies --

another trophy, that is pressure. MUSIC: Winter Wonderland

by The Courteeners. Last Christmas, Leicester

were bottom of the Premier League. This time around they went

to Everton knowing they could open There is no stopping Lukaku right

now, a scorer in seven successive games, on 15 goals for the season,

the same total Jamie Vardy has in the League alone. No stopping him

all season. With Mahrez creating scoring in

every game, we have the Premiership's three hottest players

all on the same field. The early tempo and the way the ball

is being knocked around, you can seek confidence in both sets of

players. He got himself set, Barkley. You

could almost see the mind ticking as he waited for the cross.

The referee thinks the Japanese player has been brought down.

Leicester have a penalty. Not too many Everton complaints about it,

Oscar Zaki macro in front. Funes Mori was holding on. Now, the chance

to give Leicester the lead and continue their record of having

scored in every Premiership game this season.

Mahrez beats Howard. Tucked as far into the corner as it would go.

Leicester City lead again. The party continues.

In four Lukaku! One, two, three goes at it. It is Lukaku who bites back

for Everton. In bold there, a port touch in fairness from Cleverley.

Patients displayed by Barkley. Everton's persistence paid off.

A bump from King and barred from Kante. Turning out to be a good

effort on goal which Schmeichel had to say. A positive drive from Ross

Barkley, strong as well. The England manager here, not

shopping on the last day of Christmas. In a steamed company with

Amanda Holden by his side. Makes a change to Gary Neville I suppose.

He wouldn't have bet him finding the corner, either. Trying to dig it out

of his feet and catch out Tim Howard.

You can see the way the game is evolving, Everton feel as if they

are on top, more attack wise, Leicester picking them up on the

counter. He is down, it will be a penalty. Tim Howard didn't get there

in time. The second Leicester penalty of the game, a yellow card

for the Everton keeper. Mahrez and Vardy double at once more

and as soon as Vardy gets to the ball first, Howard is in a spot of

bother. From the spot for the second time

today it will be Mahrez. He scores again. Same result. Other

side. Two more in the bag for Mahrez who

has gone to 14 for the season, only one behind Jamie Vardy.

Three for Leicester! Vardy makes the goal and a grinning Okazaki scores

it to put the Foxes in control. It came from an Everton throw, this is

classic Leicester City, closing down, parrying, Albrighton got in

the way, Vardy finds his strike partner for the day and gives Ake

did really well to finish it off. It might have finished the game off --

-- Okazaki. He used to be known as the Tinker

man, he's said it should be changed to the thinker man. All of festival

because him super man. -- all of Leicester will be calling

him. That is in. There is hope for

Everton. Into the corner from Morales and

Everton have two minutes to find an equaliser.

Great defending again. Look at that for a shot, first time, no messing,

Morales. -- Mirallas. He was impeded, a foul

just outside the area. Schmeichel is down to save and hold

on. The inevitable handball shouts as the ball bounced around.

Just over two minutes of injury time played.

This is the Leicester break. De Laet getting there. And still... Howard

keeps Everton in with a glimmer of hope. The chance had gone there but

a stroke of luck got it back in. Out of time, it is time for

Leicester City fans to cheer Christmas with their side on top of

the Barkley Premier League. Very, very happy with our

performance. We worked so hard over because untreated during the whole

match. Maybe in the first half we were nervous, we didn't start very

well. In the second half it was much better.

We have a sense of getting control and being comfortable and that

allowed Leicester to get three goals from disappointing positions from

us. We have to be a lot better in order to allow the away team to see

our way of playing. It was difficult but I stay focused

in my game, stay focused in my mind. And I scored the penalty. I did my

maximum and I scored. Our target is 40 points. After, I

want to speak to my players. It is important to understand what they

believe they can achieve. I speak and I say my ideas.

Every week, they keep doing the business. We have talked about Vardy

and Mahrez, match winners again. So many players who provided the

platform for those stars to shine. We haven't got enough time to show

the players. It is a shame. So many good performances. No fluke. They

are turning into a top team. Wes Morgan is a player a lot of teams

looked at but nobody wanted to take him. He is thereby right. And, my

thing, like Abel, he dealt easily with the players. Kante, he is a joy

to watch, she sees danger, he floats around midfield. Very nimble, full

of pace. He homes in on Lukaku. Couldn't get there but the first,

gets them with a second. So many good players. Fuchs at the

back, left back, very difficult down that bright side today with Everton

very strong. He is very patient. No one is going past him. Late in

the game, still with energy, battling. Kante offering help on the

left-hand side. Fuchs makes the challenge,

outstanding. Roberto Martinez had a moan about

some of the big decisions, let us run through them.

This is the first goal, the penalty. Vardy I like in this, he is the

provider. This is about endeavour, gets the

other side of his opponent. Look at this for confident. -- confidence.

Of the Everton defence. Boy, does he punish them. He runs free with the

ball the weight of pass. That is where he wants to get to, Vardy.

Stone is apparently the best defender in Europe. Think again much

he gets in so easily. Howard comes flying out. 100%, penalty. This is

where you see it here. I like this, this reminds me of playing again.

Almost at match speed. Weight of pass. Beautiful. Perfection. So full

of confidence. Mahrez making better decisions. Vardy being collective.

This fella, puts it in the other corner to wind up the goalkeeper.

First-class. This one here, two players again who don't get credit.

Albrighton and King doing the grafting. Win it back. Pass it

there. Straight line. Make it is look easy. Okazaki. Good first

touch, puts it away. Were Everton out played do they lack

ruthlessness? I can understand why you ask me. That I have been happy

with Everton. They made major steps in comparison with last year. First

time they were beaten in six games. Martinez will be happy with their

process so far. I think they are under achieving Everton. Too many

teams doing better than them thechl have to punish teams. Last week they

let Norwich back in. More to come. Martinez will test his patience.

When will you say that Leicester can win the tie 8, by the way? Well... I

think they prefer it when people say they don't win it it will take the

pressure off them. As they go through these stages - You have to

take them seriously, it's as simple as that.

Next up, Sunderland who made the trip to Stamford Bridge to face

The champions started the day just one point outside the bottom three

COMMENTATOR: economy sea are champions. -- Chelsea are champions.

Their troubles have increased. The misery goes on. Another dagger to

the heart of Jose Mourinho. Another miserable episode in Chelsea's

dreadful defensive of the title. Jose Mourinho has now been sacked.

Jonathan Pearce was at Stamford Bridge.

COMMENTATOR: Guus Hiddink bass as interim manager says he's delighted

to reknew his special relationship with the Chelsea fans who clearly

don't want to forget the Special One. They have talked of a toxic air

here. Captain John Terry has denied player power had any part in

Mourinho's down haul. Eddie Newton in charge today, they will remain as

assistant managers under Hiddink. They make two changes. Fabregas

won't be a popular replacement. His name and that of Diego Costa were

booed when the teams were read out. Kaboul has recovered from sickness

to return for Sunderland. They can play the same back five so effective

at winning at Palace last months. Chltth Chelsea fans at kick-off are

singing the name, Jose Mourinho. Didier Drogba. Had he been here this

season, would the trouble behind-the-scenes have occurred? The

fans at Stamford Bridge stand up for the Special One, that is the chant.

He will forever be be in their hearts. The message is clear - they

are unhappy at this week's decision. Terry goes for the near-post.

Ivanovic 1-0. Maybe that will stop them thinking about The Special One.

It was a special header. Ivanovic's name, when it was read out pre-match

was booed am now they are cheering him. Courtois beaten too easily

there. Good leap, but the Sunderland defender was poor. I wonder if he's

really well. Ivanovic puts Chelsea ahead. Sunderland, 31 goals conceded

now this season. They have only won three, they are in desperate peril.

Ivanovic into the box. Put away by Pedro. Chelsea are 2-0 up against

Sunderland in 12 minutes. Sam Allardyce feared a reaction from the

Chelsea players and fans. They've given Guus Hiddink, the new

interimle manager, just what he wanted to see. They're playing good

football, football they've been capable of all season. They haven't

performed. They are today. A slice of luck about it. There is the

ricochet. Pedro first to react. Still the fans are singing the name

Jose Mourinho. A feeling here that Sunderland are a bit part players in

a soap opera. Throughout it all, Sam Allardyce has a job to do. Oscar is

available. One more pass would send it out to Azpilicueta on the left.

Oscar all the way through. Denied by pant pan. Chelsea are quite

literally walking through Sunderland's defence.

Matic, lovely, well done, Fabregas, really good football by Chelsea.

Willian, Pedro. Fabregas, again Pedro, chip to the far-post, looking

for Costa. It would have been a beauty. It would have been a very

fine team goal. They are playing with a sense of freedom and relief.

As if a huge weight has been lifted from their shoulders.

Perhaps Sunderland have lost the momentum. No idea to break Chelsea

down. Beats Willian. Touch heavy. In there. Went down quite early. Wins

the penalty. Seemed to me to be going down as the goalkeeper made

the challenge. A yellow card for Pantilimon. There's a nudge. There

was the nudge from the goalkeeper's arm, up-and-over and into the mid

drift. Oscar with the penalty. That's three. It is a perfect way

for Chelsea to bounce back after this week's events. Sunderland have

started the second-half brightly. But within five minuteses of the

resumption, they are out of the game. The fans aren't singing his

name though. They have been singing one name throughout.

Borini goes down, that's a free-kick. If they are booing at 3

had-0 up. What would it be like if Sunderland get back into the game?

Johnson floats it in. Around the corner was Kaboul. It's in. They

have one back. Borini as a substitute. Sunderland provided a

response. His first goal since returning to the club.

Well-rehearsed routine. Keeper couldn't keep it out. Borini

bundling it in, off his knee. It doesn't matter how they go in. 3-1.

First time Chelsea have scored three in the league since they won up at

West Brom in a curious game back in August. Kaboul. High through the

middle. Towards Defoe. That's a big chance. For a man with 243 career

goals, and so much composure normally in that position, he lacked

any. Diego Costa, saw the run of Pedro.

Didn't release. Here's Willian. Good ball. Oscar. Tried to tee it

up. Gets the shot away. Ripples the side-netting. Much more like the

Chelsea of old. Oscar gliding into space. Bent the ball, but not quite

enough. Willian, Pedro is in a good position, wide, Terry is up in

support. Here is Pedro. Punched and over. Good build-up. His touch was

far too heavy. He was always stretching to get the shot away.

Pedro nearly came out of it. With the ball. So the Mourinho after show

party ends with celebrations if muted. The man with the most

satisfied smile tonight will be Jose Mourinho. There was a lot of

pressure on us before the game. Listen, we brought that on ourself-.

Before the game we are big enough to stand up be counted for. Today we

needed everyone and everyone is sue peesh. You have to accept equal

responsibility if your' involved. I was involved. As fa far as I'm

concerned it's a collective responsibility issue. All of us are

in this position not one or two individuals. That is me speaking

individually. One or two performed, the rest haven't. That is behind us

now. That is in the past. We have to move on and start winning football

matches. Chelsea need to be higher in the league than we are. Were you

disappointed with the reaction of some sections of the crowd today to

certain players? Honestly I think we have to understand the crowds and

understand the emotion they have very good and massive support for

Jose Mourinho. Which he deserves in anyway. Because what he done for

this club, what he done for us as a team, is massive. Obviously a

traumatic week for them. We have to play them and be professional about

what we try to do. We haven't been, in terms of how we played in the

first half. Certainly, as a manager, fellow manager to another, you know,

it was always great. We always, we were great to see him come back.

What he achieved. What he succeeded as a manager we strive to be the

best we can. What he achieved over the last 10-15 years is

phenomenonal. Guus Hiddink what did he say to you? He said hello to

everyone. He was watching the game from upstairs. We will start to work

from tomorrow together. Looking forward to him coming in. The guys

have done a great job in a short space of time over the weekend.

Credit to all the players and the team today. Our thoughts are with

the manager we are disappointed it falls on his head unfortunately.

Strong words particularly from John Terry there. Hard to judge that

performance without comparing it to what happened under Mourinho. Did

you see something today, that you haven't seen at other points in the

season? Well, look Steve Hollands has taken over. Mourinho sacked a

couple of days ago. Not a huge amount that can happen in that

amount of time. Today I did see a vibrant, confident Chelsea team.

There was a lot of confidence within those players. The one of those

players was Oscar. He was really outstanding throughout the game. He

was the catalyst for Chelsea today. He really had a swagger about his

game. Not only that, there was a tenacity about his game. Anything

that was good that came from Chelsea, it came through him. When

you are hitting diagonals like that, without even thinking about it, you

know you're Haying a good day. I like that word He has a real kind of

confidence and swagger about his play. He wants the ball constantly.

Don't get me wrong, Sunderland wasn't great. Loved this. Complete

awareness of what is around him. Casual. It is. Every time he got the

ball he is in 10-15 yards of space. Sam Allardyce won't want to see this

again. Not sure what the Sunderland players were doing, after you, after

you, I will go and try and score. It was brilliant from Oscar, not great

from Sunderland. This is another mark of his confidence in dangerous

areas. Dinking it over strikers who are closing him down. When you you

are in that mood as a midfield player you just want to get on the

ball. He finds himself in goalscoring areas. Doesn't get them

on that occasion. His penalty stuck away coolly. It was a standing

ovation which he thoroughly, thoroughly deserved. I mean, he came

off on the 82nd minute there is an indication of how influential he was

on this Chelsea team, 108 touches all over the pitch. Absolutely

everything was going through him today. It was a good performance

from Chelsea. John Terry spoke well, saying it's not about one

individual. That performance was not there last week against Leicester

from Oscar. That would worry. Mourinho had obviously lost the

players. That is the biggest thing. What happened to Sunderland? Three

defeats. Next up Manchester City, Liverpool. They didn't get off the

bus today. They were really embarrassing for them. We saw shots

of Guus Hiddink, players said they met him, he said hello. Was there

six years ago, successful in their time there. Didier Drogba involved

as well. How will his role play out at Stamford Bridge? From what I

understand he is likely to pop-up on the bench again for Chelsea, kind of

in an adviser kind of role. Maybe for Diego Costa. He will be around.

He can obviously be the link between Guus Hiddink and the players given

the history he has with the players and the club. Where can they get

this season under Hiddink? They won the FA Cup, got into the Champions

League. They will not do that this season. There is plenty to play for.

They know him, he has that advantage being of course. Great record at the

club last time out in the Premier League.

Tottenham were hoping for a quick response to their home defeat

Their manager Mauricio Pochettino faced a familiar trip back

His successor Ronald Koeman reverts to his normal formation today. There

Reid calls Clasie, Tadic. After that defeat by Newcastle, Spurs have

Dembele back row back from injury. Both clubs in their different ways

want to get back on track. A good run for Southampton. It was a very

good run and could easily have led to the first goal. A lovely ball

chipped in. Alderweireld who played for Southampton for one season moved

across just in time to block that from Mane. A busy period coming up

for all the Premiership clubs, football on Boxing Day, two days

later, first weekend in January. Tadic, and Mane was there again,

it's a good save by Lloris, headed away by Toby Alderweireld,

Southampton feel they should be ahead largely through Vinay. --

Mane. King tried to shoot across the

goalkeeper, one of the best moves by Tottenham in the first half. Aiming

for the far side. A little flick by a Southampton foot which makes it a

better save. A dull December day down south. There hasn't been much

about this match in the first half yet to get the crowd off their

seats. Savagely dealt with there, Harry

Kane for Spurs scores against the club where he was once on loan.

Harry Kane is on a roll here. Ten in the last ten games for Harry Kane.

There was a bad foul. Look at that. But Harry Kane, it was an advantage

beautifully played by referee Kevin Friend. Look at Harry Kane. He

doesn't miss from there, or very rarely. Tottenham Hotspur take the

lead five minutes before half time. And he is delighted. He is one of

our own, that is the chance which we hear now from the Tottenham

supporters. Dele Alli came in from the far side,

and Southampton had nobody there. Dele Alli enhances his growing

reputation. But, goodness, where was the marking from Southampton, a

question Ronald Koeman may well ask in the dressing room at half-time.

They had players forward, Spurs, but was he looking for offside? He

certainly let Dele Alli go. Southampton zero, Tottenham two.

Picked out off the air by Lloris, there were blue shirts all around.

At least they got a strike in. No festive cheer for Southampton at

this stage. This won't be the best of weekends for Ronald Koeman.

Southampton slipping at the moment to their fifth consecutive

Premiership match without a win. Tottenham are still putting them in

trouble. It should have been three, surely? Carroll getting forward.

There were any number of them. Lamela got to the goal line and Tom

Carroll with the shot, not enough power to beat Gazzaniga. If you are

a Spurs fan and maybe even the boss, why would you let Newcastle back

into the game last Sunday? What a good save. Lloris makes a

very good save to keep it at 2-0. The Southampton captain. Nearly a

dilemma for Gazzaniga. Oh, dear. A very unhappy note on which to end

a very unhappy afternoon. If you analyse the game and you

watch the first goal, then I am very worried because that is defending at

the turn of and not the level you need to win the game against teams

like Tottenham. So naive that situation. That tells everything on

the pitch. A very difficult game, very tough.

Southampton are a very good team. It was difficult from the beginning,

the first 20 minutes were difficult. But it is true after 20 minutes we

settled our bases on the pitch and managed the game.

A great ball. After last week when we got the first goal, he was saying

after the game, keep punting. After the first one, we kept going and got

the second and looking for the third.

Another good game for Dele Alli. You had a good look at your old team

and wanted to pick someone else from midfield.

Dembele, it was good to have him back, he was a thorn in

Southampton's side. I was looking at the battle between himself and

Wanyama. He came out on top. Things like this, winning tackles,

constantly putting Spurs in a good position. He has this awareness. He

Ralls away. They are trying their hardest. He is so strong. I have

trained with this guy and you can't get the ball from him. That is the

beauty of Mousa Dembele, he goes by people whenever he wants. Things

like that incident. He want to try to take the ball but he is so

comfortable under pressure. Give him the ball, and this is the second

half, 2-0 up, you need someone strong in midfield. Up against

Wanyama, he is too strong. Brilliant. Get off me. A beautiful

little turn. He was a pleasure to watch.

Can he hit a diagonal? What has gone wrong with

Southampton? Really strong from Ronald Koeman, naive, no killing

mentality is what he said afterwards.

They have dried up in front of goal. At the start of the season, 19 from

the first 12, now two goals from five.

They keep losing players. The manager has been strong with

criticism. I think he is in control. The fixtures don't get any easier,

Arsenal are up next. Difficult times for Southampton.

Match Of The Day 2 comes from a studio not too

All Sunday's action on Monday, and some more Star Wars

You can see all the details on the 12 contenders,

and how to register to vote, on the BBC Sport website.

COMMENTATOR: A great cross, Cantona, yes! Eric Cantona's first goal for

Manchester United. He knows how to celebrate, and he knows how to

finish. That was from 1992, a year

after that was the last time West Brom and Bournemouth

met in the league. Tony Pulis was the Bournemouth boss

in the old Division 2 back then! Today, he was in charge

of the other lot. Both teams were under

the watchful eye of Alan Green. Both sides are unbeaten in four but

Bournemouth have caught the eye with successive victories over Chelsea

and Manchester United. Albion are unchanged.

There is one late change for Bournemouth. King who scored against

United has succumbed to a hamstring injury.

A good save by Myhill. Stanislas scored direct from a

corner against Manchester United last weekend. This was a ferocious

shot and a good save by the Welsh goalkeeper.

Eddie Howe recognises his side have it renders boost listing them out of

the relegation spot for the moment. -- listing.

I think that is a result of the previous refereeing decision not to

give a free kick. It was certainly a bad tackle. Will it be a yellow

card? It is a red card! Mike Dean felt there was a master Naas in that

challenge from the Irishman that merited red and not yellow. That is

the first challenge. Here is the red card tackle. Awful. The referee is

quite right. Look at that. Not good enough from the Irishman.

Headed wide by Ritchie, what a great opportunity for Bournemouth to take

the lead. He thinks he was being pushed. There was a push their by

Brunt. A good save. Excellent strike.

Albion carry more threat in the second half than they did in the

entire 45 minutes of the first. What a goal! With his first touch of

the long pass laid to him, wonderful, what about the shot? Hit

left footed, surging past Myhill into the goal. They take the lead

they richly deserve. All the pressure is on West Bromwich

Albion. Ronned Ron, Dawson. Oh, corner.

Doesn't matter that they are down to 10-men. We know that Albion are good

at set-pieces. Baggy supporters sense the possibility of an

equaliser. Here it comes. Headed down. It's an equaliser, Rondon.

McAuley with the header on. Did it cross the line, or was it Rondon in

the end? I'm not even sure if Rondon got a touch. It may have come off

the inside of the post. Wouldn't you know it, 1-1.

Looking for Lambert. He was fouled. Oh, yes, definitely. Another

set-piece for Bournemouth to defend. Gardner with the free-kick. Glided

in. Wide! I was sure that was a header in. Dawson with a great

opportunity to put Albion in front. The angle I looked at, that was 2-1.

Tony thought it was in as well. If there is a winner, you wouldn't

bet on which side is going to score it. Bournemouth have a corner. Pugh

to take the corner. Now Sessegnon. Oh, well played. Lambert.

Bournemouth have it back. Gosling. Gosling. Penalty. Fletcher the

culprit. Oh, was it inside? I think that was outside. But Charlie

Daniels, the left full-back, has a chance to score the winning goal

after Smith put Bournemouth in front. Oh! He cracked it in on the

underside of the crossbar. Well, there may be some controversy over

the penalty, whether it was a penalty or whether it should have

been a free-kick. Was it inside? Was it outside? No disputing the finish.

Daniels smashed that in. One last chance. One long ball for Albion.

Driven towards Lambert. Good challenge. Oh, goodness, Rondon

went in with his head first there. Now, Rondon's in big trouble here.

Not only did he go in with his head, he followed through with his foot.

Completely lost it, Rondon. Red. Again, the referee is right.

Complete indiscipline on behalf of the two Albion players who have been

sent off today. West Brom deservedly beaten at home, yet again. I thought

we were dominant for 60 minutes. The first 60 minutes despite the fact

they had the sending off didn't change anything. Good with with the

ball without creating enough clear-cut chances. I thought a goal

was on the way. The sending off is reckless and stupid challenge from

James. He has reacted off a challenge from Smith. I could see

him coming out the corner of my eye. Obviously, unluckily I jumped in the

air. If I didn't jump in the air my leg was standing I think he could

have broke my leg. Did you have any view in terms of the penalty whether

the incident was inside or outside the area? That would be the only

thing up for debate for me. It was a definite foul. Whether it was inside

or out-Ied I don't know. Let us get to to that McClean red card. Neither

of you were happy, why? It's the petulence that annoyed me. Whether

that is a foul can't happen. You can tell he is annoyed. He goes after

him straightaway. He waits for him. What happens next is poor. Terrible.

It's a really, really bad challenge. You know, we heard from Adam Smith,

if his legs are planted in the ground he breaks his leg. I can't

believe he's surprised going for that. An unbelievable tackle. You

see the aggression on his face. He meant it. You see it from there. His

face there. Trying to hurt him. It's not his proper foot, shall we say.

He is a left-footed player. No excuse. It's not as if he hasn't got

form. A few weeks ago, a carbon copy. The manager is right to dig

him out. He needs to calm down and put his energy into staying on the

pitch. What about the pinning penalty should it have been given,

in your opinion? I think it was, they were very fortunate to get it.

For me it was just outside, just watching it. I think he gets

punished here, Fletcher. Gets the wrong side of him. OK, benefit goes

with the front player. Just outside. As a centre midfield player, driving

towards goal, last-minutes of the game, Fletcher trying to stay up

much his legs are tangled inside Gosling's. Look at his leg. In

between him iechl want that as a centre midfield player. My old mate,

Daniels, stick it is away. Three straight wins for Bournemouth.

Much-needed momentum. We need to praise them. They have really got

things going? Everything about them is positive. Even when things

weren't going for them, they had the mind-set that it will come. Right

now I think those little moments are starting to turn for Eddie Howe.

That is why they are winning three in three at the moment. Chelsea,

Manchester United and now a run-of-the-mill mixture against West

Brom a fantastic Christmas fixture for Eddie Howe.

When Stoke last played at home, they gave Manchester City

This time around, they were up against a Crystal Palace team

who have been excellent away from home this season.

Simon Brotheron was at the Britannia.

Stoke City turned on the style seeing off Manchester City 2-0.

Crystal Palace should provide a stern test. They have won ten

Premier League games on the road in 2015. A record bettered only by

Arsenal. Stoke's record signing Shaqiri returns to their starting

line-up in front of a full house at the Britannia Stadium. Ledley makes

his second Premier League start of the season for Crystal Palace. Who

are without the influential Yohan Cabaye here.

Strikes against the post. Van Ginkel. Stoke City close to taking

the lead with this effort. The cross from Pieters. The shot from Van

Ginkel which hatled the foot of the post. 26 points on the board,

Crystal Palace enjoying their best ever start to a Premier League

season. -- rattled. Zaha down inside the box. Palace have a penalty here.

Whelan with a challenge on Zaha. Zaha felt the boot on the outside of

his left foot. Hit the turf. Now what a chance for Crystal Palace

here. It's Connor Wickham against Jack Butland. Wickham scores! It's

his first goal for Crystal Palace. Straight down the middle of the

goal. It's, basically, the first thing that Jack Butland has had to

do. Stoke City 0, Crystal Palace 1. Johnson now for Stoke. A chance to

shoot. Good save by Hennessey. Away from Bards ward. Much better from

Stoke City. Johnson still looking for his first goal in a Stoke City

shirt. Oh! Just wide of the post. Hennessey

can only stand there and watch and wait and hope that the ball didn't

Nestle into the far corner. Just watch this. Stoke still pursuing

that equalising goal. Van Ginkel leaving it for Arnautovic. Good play

from Stoke. Johnson, a chance. Good save by Hennessey to deny them.

Crystal Palace defenders urge them to get on with the game. Shaqiri.

Whipping that one in off the head of Delaney. Hennessey gets his fist to

it. Shaqiri has got an acre of space over there. Decent ball in.

Arnautovic couldn't quite turn it in. Was there a handball inside the

penalty area? The referee says yes. Stoke City have a penalty kick. This

is the third match in which he has refereed Stoke thissen is. He has

awarded a penalty in every one of them. Let's have a look here.

Clearly strikes Delaney on the arm. A chance to level it up. Oh, he has.

Hennessey bangs his fist into the ground in frustration. He nearly had

that one. Bojan Krkic are back in it. Hit with pace. Enough to get it

past Wayne Hennessey. Bojan scores his fourth goal of the season.

Suddenly the Britannia is bouncing again. Bolaise for Palace. Great

stop by Jack Butland. Vital save by the Stoke City goalkeeper with

two-and-a-half minutes of the 90 remaining. Real chance here for

Crystal Palace. Bolaise denied. What an excellent season Jack Butland is

having. In it comes towards Delaney. Only half cleared. Delaney tries a

shot. So does - oh, Lee Chung-Yong. He has only been on the field a few

minutes. With two minutes to gshgs Crystal Palace lead for the second

time today. It's a real body blow for Stoke City. Delaney's shot is

blocked. Sweetly-struck here by the Korean. He struck it so well. It

means that Crystal Palace are on the verge of their fifth away win of the

season. Stoke City 1, Crystal Palace 2. The second-half that Stoke bossed

us a little bit. Which is unusual for us. We showed all the qualities

of why we are where we are because we have quality in the group, but we

have got a spirit amongst us that sees them type of results for us

away from home. We did it since I've been here. The group were tremendous

today. The players deserve this victory. We were totally the

dominant side today. We have lost the game that we shouldn't have lost

that game today, in terms of general play and taking the ball down and

creating chances. Trying to break a resolute Crystal Palace side who got

the benefit of a penalty just at the half-time break. Second-half they

were quite prepared just to sit back. Perhaps a draw would have been

a fair result, in my opinion. The but the goal that won it was

something special. Lee Chung-Yong arrived here. He hasn't had a lot of

opportunities. That's going to wake all of Asia up tonight. A great

goal. Let us give ourselves a wake again. We talk about goals born on

the training ground and work beautifully in the game. This wasn't

one of those. What a strike. If they worked on this in the training

ground, it's brilliant. I tell you that, it starts as a normal corner

into the box. This is probably the part they worked on. The strike from

Mutch. You can't take anything from the goal. Unbelievable strike from

Lee, late doors, smash and grab from Crystal Palace. The the spin on the

ball. Only one way you can hit that ball. If you strike that with your

laces it will go in a different direction. When it spins like that

he made his mind up how he - He calculated that. He made his mind

up, hit it with the instep and generates the swerve that makes if

go in the back of the net. Do Crystal Palace get the credit they

deserve? I don't think do. 11 wins. In 16 away games. Not a full year

that Pardew has been at the club. Turned them around. Exciting to

watch twochlt good teams in good form today and Stoke should have got

more out of this. Mark Hughes will be disappointed. Stoke dominated

that game. Third game they have lost in 12 from Stoke. So much positive

stuff for Stoke. Fist goal they conceded with Shawcross since he has

been back in the team today as well. A big fan much Shawcross, aren't

you? He is getting that way. Growing on me. Growing on Keown, always a

good thing to be involved in. Back-to-back wins for Newcastle have

lifted them out of the relegation zone, and they welcomed

an Aston Villa side to St James' Park who are setting unwanted

records of their own: 15 league An unchanged team for Newcastle.

Ayew takes a central role today. Gestede drops to the bench. Westwood

returns to the starting line-up. Can Newcastle take a risk?

The first sight of goal at either end after half an hour.

Cisse had to pull up. Chasing this pass. A big role for Mitrovic as he

comes on. Scoring the winner against Tottenham last weekend.

Guzan had to watch it all the way, a clever header from the Serbian

international. Slightly behind him, he improvised

extremely well. Newcastle corner.

Colocinni, Newcastle are in front, it is the captain with his second

Premiership goal since January 20 11. Newcastle searching for their

third consecutive victory are in front.

Guzan couldn't keep it out. He doesn't get many, Colocinni, he

enjoyed that. That came quickly at Elliott who had

to be alive to the situation. Half a chance which is why he would

is frustrated -- he is frustrated. Eventually it came to the Zoko on

his weaker foot. -- Sissoko. An early cross, just a fraction too

strong. How did he miss that? Wijnaldum was

totally unmarked. He doesn't need telling.

A decent try, what a goal from a you back row, something out of nothing

and something special -- from Ayew. They needed a piece of magic and he

has certainly provided it. Didn't look to be a particularly inviting

situation, then he thumped it passed Elliott. It is a special goal. His

fourth in the Premiership. Just after the hour. Villa are back on

terms. Here is Ayew, good movement.

Gestede wasn't too far away from sliding into this, and excellent

run, awareness and delivery from Ayew. Newcastle never do it the

straightforward way. That was a chance and Newcastle's

top scorer couldn't take it. A better build up, and link up play.

Wijnaldum scuffed his effort. Frustration for the Dutchman.

He gets a corner kick at the end of it. Two minutes of the 90 remaining.

Aston Villa corner, everybody back to defending for Newcastle. What a

save from Elliott to deny Gestede, he is such a threat in the air, the

former Blackburn striker, how high he gets up. That was looping in.

The seconds are ticking away. He couldn't repeat his feat of last

weekend. Slightly behind Perez who couldn't finish it. It has finished

at St James's Park. If you look at the second half,

there is a little bit of frustration. But it is fair for both

teams. We didn't play well in the first 45 minutes, we didn't win any

challenge, we were up of the game in terms of impact and intensity. The

last 45 minutes were much better. Frustration, going through the

chances. I can't believe we never won that game. 2-0 up, we should

have been. Then they equalised. If you look at the last three games

where we connected seven points, we would have taken one point last week

and three points this, it evens itself out. We are competitive,

going forward, just frustrated we did not make it through.

The one key chance, you have seen that a hundred times and can't work

out how he missed it. A crucial point. Newcastle are

hugely on top. Wijnaldum picks it up. Happy doesn't stick that in the

back of the net, I don't know. Newcastle would have won

comfortably. No matter how little you watch it, I don't know how he

missed it especially nearside. Four minute later, fair play to

Aston Villa, they were a different team. All-round good play. As

finishers go... A huge part in a recent Aston Villa got a draw today.

He has shown real character and spirit in the second-half.

Were a different team in the second-half, whether it was the

pitch, the rain, whether they were one goal down, or the manager who

gave them a rollicking half-time. Aston Villa are playing for pride

because they won't get out of trouble. It is about thinking

towards the future. Remy Garde needs to put a team together.

He has money to spend, are they too far adrift?

Can they do a Leicester? When I look at Aston Villa, I don't

see any goal is to get them out of trouble.

If they are relegated, their salary will drop by 50%.

Some encouragement for Villa fans, Leicester, the last two teams bottom

at Christmas have stayed up. Amazing. It will be a miracle.

We like miracles at Christmas. Here's how all that affects

the Barclays Premier League table. Leicester are guaranteed a Christmas

number one in a remarkable turnaround, 12 months ago they were

three points adrift at the bottom. Manchester City have the chance to

narrow the advantage on Monday. Aston Villa will spend Christmas Day

at the bottom is. -- the bottom. The newspapers are filled with

managerial movements. Jose Mourinho may have eyes on Old Trafford.

Chelsea in talks with Diego Simenone.

And Louis Van Gaal, his job on the line.

Big thank you to Jermaine and Martin.

We'll leave you in the capable hands of a man who presented this show

To finish the programme, boys and girls from this score are giving

their version of the Match Of The Day tune.

It is a national game, it plays in sunshine...

He was an innovator, instigator and an inspiration.

He has had a full and extraordinary life in the world football and he

will be very much missed.