23/04/2016 Match of the Day

Hello, just four games over the next hour but plenty for fans of those

eight teams to get excited about. Martin Keown and Road will it have

been big citable all afternoon. Though not necessarily showing it

now. The first stop is Anfield as Rafa Benitez returned in a week

after giving Newcastle fans hope. The one thing he wants for his 56th

birthday is three massive points. It is into the net, Newcastle have

bundled it in. You can feel the relief. Right around the ground. And

he is there to finish it, three goals that mean three points that

mean the world to Newcastle. He got what he wanted on Saturday, another

big test tonight. It is Sergio Aguero for Manchester City. An eater

has scored, the Right back has scored in off the left-hand post and

Newcastle United are level. COMMENTATOR: The welcome is a warm

one from the Anfield faithful, the question is whether Liverpool will

be too hot to handle for a Newcastle side still looking for their first

away point of 2016 and fighting for survival in the Premier League. One

man they won't have to face is Mamadou Sakho, after Liverpool were

informed yesterday that they were investigating a possible doping

violation. He is not currently suspended but has been withdrawn by

the club while the process plays out. Kolo Toure takes his place.

Daniel Sturridge starts in place of devout Origi, the Newcastle news is

more straightforward after taking four points from their previous two

games, they are unchanged following the draw with Manchester City.

The referee gets us underway at the start of a big week for Liverpool as

they try to push on in the Premier League and prepare to face a

Villarreal in the first leg of the Europa League semifinal on Thursday

night. A big day for Newcastle United as well as they look for

their first points on the road since the turn of the year. Rafa Benitez

trying to engineer a way out of the bottom three to preserve Newcastle's

Premier League status. One thing for certain, he is guaranteed a warm

welcome in these parts as Mignolet gets to the ball ahead of Perez.

James Milner keeps the ball in play. Here is less sells -- Lascelles.

Benitez's name ringing out around Anfield.

The ball up towards storage, first on inside the penalty area and never

pull, one minute and eight seconds, -- Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge

scores, Liverpool one, Newcastle United zero. The welcome for Rafa

Benitez did not last long. The match has barely kicked off and the first

Liverpool attack of the game, Daniel Sturridge is there, just onside,

able to bring the ball down and on the turn he finds the bottom corner.

A lightning start for Liverpool and Daniel Sturridge now has scored

seven goals in seven starts against Newcastle. It is number 11 on the

season and the first of the afternoon. Liverpool have won

back-to-back league games at Anfield for the first time since last May.

The header on, Stuart was strong in winning it back. Joe Allen. Here's

the goal-scorer, storage, he fancied another one. Stuart winning the ball

back initially. Then feeding it through to Daniel Sturridge.

Sailing over the top of Cisse's head, he has had nothing to work

with in the game so far. Looking for his first goal in the league since

November, Papiss Cisse, but to be fair, he was injured for a while.

Space here for Moreno, turning inside, now it is with Adam Lallana

and it is 2-0. Lallana guides it high into the net to Karl Darlow's

right and with half an hour played, it is Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle

United. A lovely pass into space. Lallana with a little bit of room,

just enough time to set himself up and send the ball out of reach, just

under the crossbar. Already it looks a long way back for Newcastle in

this game. They haven't offered anything at also far. Desperate for

the point is to try and claw their way out of the bottom three. This is

Sissoko now. Kevin Stewart chasing back.

To Haifa Cisse, almost therefore Perez who goes down under the

challenge of Randall. Randall was very clumsy in diving in an Perez

but he gets away with it. Watch this as he goes diving in, could easily

have given away a penalty looking at it again.

Sissoko is furthest forward through the middle. Andros Townsend,

supported by Sissoko. Onto the head of Cisse and Newcastle have a goal.

Papiss Cisse goes for the first time in the Premier League since the end

of November. Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle United, just the start to the second

half that Newcastle required. The ball goes forward, leaving it to

Vurnon Anita, pinpoint cross onto Cisse's head and he powerfully

heading the ball into the back of the Liverpool net. Newcastle, who

didn't pose a threat at all in the first half may yet make a game of

this. They have something to work with, they have a foothold now, that

is for sure. Here is Joe Allen again now. Sturridge with three in the

penalty area alongside him. Still going, the challenge, Andre Mariner

says no penalty and Newcastle can break with Wijnaldum. Cisse is in

lots of space in the centre, here he is, Papiss Cisse, still going,

Mignolet dives in, still with Newcastle and Townsend sticks it

into the cop. It was end to end stuff, Liverpool claiming they

should have had a penalty at one end and they could easily have conceded

at the other. Andre Mariner had a clear view. He said no penalty and

look at Cisse. So much space, turning inside Alberto Moreno, held

up by Mignolet and Townsend getting right underneath the ball. Here is

the challenge again by Cheick Tiote, nothing doing for Liverpool. Patient

from Liverpool. Miller in towards Joe Allen, with

the header, it falls to Firmino but it won't count. He wags his finger

but it stays 2-1. Liverpool close to a third goal, Milner floated it in

and Roberto Firmino was offside. Newcastle have lost nine in a row

away from home. Tiote goes forward. Andros Townsend, Wijnaldum and Cisse

with him. Townsend still going. Does it for the Cisse, Jack Colback with

the shot and it is 2-2, Jack Colback's first goal of the season.

Mignolet was slightly wrong-footed and could not stop it from going

past, 2-0 down at the break and seemingly out of the match,

Newcastle United are level with 25 minutes to go. What a turnaround

here. Liverpool looked so comfortable in the first half a not

so much now. Townsend's cross fell to Jack Colback, his shot deflected

past the Liverpool goalkeeper. It comes off Dejan Lovren I think. It

deflects off Lovren and Mignolet was slightly wrong-footed in that

instance. 2-2. What a game we have on our hands now, a complete

turnaround here. All hands on deck here for

Newcastle, it is in with Lallana, right across the face of the goal.

Liverpool threatening here. Just whistling past the far post. Back to

the drawing board for Liverpool. Milner picks out Firmino, support

from Lallana. The flag stays down. Lallana, into that near post,

Liverpool just looking for that moment of invention to force a third

goal and go back in front. A comfortable 2-0 lead evaporating in

the second half. The supporters in fine voice, enjoying the Merseyside

sunshine this afternoon. Coutinho, but an easy clearance for Paul

Dummett. Up towards Mitrovic, he has some support here from Jonjo

Shelvey. Shelvey holds up one but not two. Dejan Lovren comes away

with it and the picks out Coutinho, Liverpool with a chance to break.

Sturridge awaits on the far side. The substitute in supportive here.

The ball finds Coutinho. Ricocheting away off Vurnon Anita. Newcastle

with work to do to hold onto that point. Liverpool just cannot find

third goal. In the end, were they to point is that got away from you?

Definitely. In the second half we took our foot off the gas but credit

to Newcastle, fighting for every point and they probably feel they

deserve it in the end. We played well and we needed to adjust things

and how we were doing things on the pitch and then the reaction of the

players was fantastic. They showed character and belief and we could

have even won the game with the counterattacks we had. No one really

understands why they are in the relegation zone, they have quality

but we were clearly the better team today. That is important, in the end

you should usually win a game like this but in this situation, things

like this can happen and you have to accept it. I think I can say it was

a clear penalty on Daniel Sturridge. Identity know why the referee did

not give it. A while since you scored? Yes. It would have been an

important one for the point and in that situation, we are delighted

with it. We will come to Newcastle in a moment but a lot of discussion

on how Liverpool go forward with their attacking options. Jurgen

Klopp has asked if you judge a strike on goals or combinations, how

did they do today? They did OK. It was exciting. They

tried to find as much they could. You can see all three in front of

the goal. They were doing a lot for scoring goals, getting there in the

box. There were a lot of opportunities. It was a bit messy in

the beginning but they tried. Here you have another one. Firmino goes

in there all by himself. Not a lot of combination between these three,

but they try. Here again, pressing. Lallana, of course, on the outside.

This is, I think, a clear penalty. I don't know why this wasn't a

penalty. This is just individual skills. A fantastic goal from

Sturridge. Here again, a good strike. All three want to attack. It

was a risk, because eventually in the second half you could see why it

was a risk. But as they all tried to impress Jurgen Klopp, you are not

surprised they are relying on individuals? Yes, they all want to

show how good they are. Origi had preference and he paid him back. Now

he is injured. All three want to show who has to play. If you want

this in the team they have to play continuously, and they don't.

Coutinho was on the bench as well. He has to still find the right

combination of players. As far as Newcastle are concerned, their first

away point for four months. Rafa Benitez said he told about half-time

they had nothing to lose in the second half. He was right. The

fighting spirit they showed, a renewed fighting spirit. This man

knows what he wants from his team. Wijnaldum came on in the second half

and they scored three when it's into it. Timing was perfect. Liverpool

running out of energy, difficult game in the week. Look at this for a

ball from Vurnon Anita. Cisse rises, almost out of the ground, a great

header. There is great quality with this. They have great players who

now believe they can get out of trouble. That is the difference.

Another one here, wondering if this is a penalty... Not for me. From one

end of the pitch to another. Almost like Leicester, they want to get

people forward. They have good pace, Townsend can run. Cisse's touch is

poor here. You can do it quicker with more finesse. In the end towns

and puts it over. That showed what was going to come later. This was

the goal. Townsend occupies so many players, they don't want him to come

and shoot but he uses his right foot to good effect. Jack Colback

arriving in the box, expressing himself or stop they deserved that

bit of luck. When you talk about belief, is it easier to have belief

when you don't have anything to lose? When the shackles are off? I

think there comes a moment when you can just go for it. You are as well

as downs of the EULA that their fixtures coming up, difficult games

ahead. It might even go to the last game of the season against

Tottenham. Manchester City have a Champions League semifinal against

row Madrid to worry about on Tuesday night. After being held midweek by

Newcastle a win was vital over Stoke to keep on track for a top four

finish. At the Etihad Stadium, Alistair Mann. Ten points in the

last four games should do it for Manchester City, but distractions

don't come much bigger than a Champions League semifinal. The

balancing act has to be right or the beginning of the Pep Guardiola Iran

may have an alarming omission. Manuel Pellegrini doesn't one is

10-year to and on a negative. Sergio Aguero is leading the line. He makes

three changes to the team that drew against Newcastle. Stoke Barzan Matt

Targett is eight more points this campaign to record the club's

highest ever Premier League goal. Afellay broke down with a knee

injury yesterday. Income Joselu, Mame Biram Diouf and Muniesa. Last

season Stoke recorded their first-ever win at Etihad Stadium in

the Premier League by scoring their first ever league goal. Another

success today would complete the visitors first ball over Manchester

City in 35 years. That is really nicely done from a go wherever.

Typical of him. He brings in Iheanacho and Iheanacho, just beyond

the far post. It was delightful again from Sergio Aguero. Iheanacho,

who was so precise, it just seemed as though it would nestle in the

corner. Ideally Manuel Pellegrini would have had his side safely

secured in the top four and being able to rest most of his side for

Tuesday, but no such luxuries. Kevin De Bruyne on the bench is the only

man who has been protected, so to speak. Here is Imbula, on towards

Arnautovic. Mangala goes with him. Not too much support for Arnautovic.

A good ball towards Imbula, who hits it, and it dipped, but not quickly

enough as far as he was concerned. Stoke continued to pose as many

problems to Manchester City as Manchester City do to them. Muniesa.

On towards Arnautovic, took it well. Clipped in towards Joselu, who

couldn't quite readjust his body and get the kind of header he was after.

Just get the sense Stoke are starting to enjoy this performance

that they are putting in. Here is not us. It is a dangerous

ball, well defended by Bardsley. How many times in those positions have

you seen a defender put it into the back of his own net? And then their

post... It goes in, I think it was Fernando who got the telling touch.

He wheels away in celebration. Otamendi was just behind him but it

was Fernando's goal. Manchester City take the lead from a set piece.

Stoke, in open play have largely kept Manchester City at bay, but you

can see Fernando just in front of Otamendi, glances it and it is

Manchester City leading Stoke City 1-0. As much relief as joy on the

face of the manager. Muniesa wants it. Faced by Zabaleta and it goes to

Arnautovic. Good tackle by Otamendi. Here is Navas. Aguero up in front of

him. Continued his run, Navas, Aguero plays it to him. Iheanacho

making his way towards the penalty spot. Navas plays it. Iheanacho and

onto Toure. Try to square it to the far side to a wearer. Iheanacho

again. Toure once more. Down goes Iheanacho. The referee... He has

given a penalty. Well, I thought the gesture was no penalty, but he has

just almost apologetically pointed to the spot, Bobby Madley. Shawcross

just putting his arm across Iheanacho and Bobby Madley, ever so

casually, just gently pointed to the spot. Sergio Aguero has missed a

couple of spot kick 's this campaign, but he does not miss this

one. Goal number 28 of the season, and

Sergio Aguero gives Manchester City the kind of advantage from which you

would sense they might well have the three points already.

Half-time substitution for Stoke City. It is a forced one. Jakob

Haugaard taking the place of Shay Given, who succumbs to a groin

problem, having only just ousted Haugaard. No offside. Joselu waiting

in the middle. Here it comes. Joselu. Should have scored, and he

knows it. Delightful livery from Arnautovic, just where a striker

wanted. The kind of place where you can take it in your stride. Opens up

his body and puts it wide. Perhaps in that moment, the chances of stop

finding the goal is necessary to take something from this game have

just evaporated. Here is Iheanacho, on target, helped over the top by

Haugaard. Iheanacho slipped but got himself up quickly enough to get it

on target. A good ball from Bardsley. Smothered

away by Otamendi. They have threatened in this second half,

Stoke. Whelan's Corner. The mere post header is wide. A few Stoke

City supporters thought that was nestling in the corner of the net

not be of it. -- not the side of it. Otamendi has been beaten to it by

Arnautovic. Still looks the likeliest way back into it,

Arnautovic. A lovely save from Joe Hart. An out of it has certainly

looked sharp today, and if anyone is going to get Stoke back into the

game, you feel it will be him. He very nearly did there. Fernando.

Toure. It is a lovely ball by Navas. Here

is Zabaleta. Iheanacho wants it and gets it. 3-0. He does have an

exceptional scoring record, Iheanacho. That is tens of the

season, fewer than starts he has had this campaign. Manchester City

pre-match might have said to themselves, let's get two or three

in front and take off our star men and Iheanacho has given them their

third goal now. Manchester City three, Stoke City zero. Mark Hughes

will be bitterly disappointed with the way things have gone in the last

few weeks. One win in the last seven games, after being in a position in

which European football seemed a possibility. Fabian Delph. Bony.

Iheanacho bursting clear. Are they going to concede four three matches

in a row? Yes, they are. Stoke City playing like a side who probably

want this city to end. Manchester City with the perfect preparation

for the biggest game in their recent history. And Iheanacho continues to

show just what an exceptional talent he is. There was plenty of work for

him to do, but he did it exceptionally well. Manchester City

four, Stoke City zero. An assist for Wilfried Bony and another goal for

Iheanacho. Yaya Toure has been hopping around for quite a few

minutes now. The only negative that was left for Manuel Pellegrini was

one of his players picking up a knock. A routine 4-0 victory, and

although Yaya Toure may have picked up a knock, it has been nothing but

the ideal preparation head of their Champions League semifinal. The

final score 4-0. Was that in many ways the perfect

way to prepare for a Tuesday night Sammy -- semifinalist at yes. It was

important to focus on this game. It is important for this team to arrive

to the semifinal when we beat PSG. But domestic games are important,

because this club needs to be in the Champions League next year. Yaya

Toure perhaps any concern ahead of Tuesday? Yes, unfortunately for us

Yaya might have a muscle injury. How much of a bonus has Iheanacho been

for you this is investment a very important player. I think he has a

great future for this club. A great striker and scores lots of goals.

But he also comes back and plays for the team, not just a box player. I'm

very happy for him. If you have a place in the squad for Brown Madrid,

how it is leading would it be for such a young player to be involved?

It would be a dream come true, I would be very happy to play against

them if I'm given the chance. I will do the same, work hard, work harder

and make sure I get my chances and get goals and help the team to

succeed. You have never been one to talk about injuries, but Afellay's

in training yesterday, Shay Given earlier, these things happen when

you want to push on for your record Premier League total? We are a

little bit short, in fairness. I think you can see in our play we are

half a yard short here and there. That impact on what you can do and

how you can affect the game. We have injuries, the one yesterday was a

big blow to everyone in the club because Afellay has done

exceptionally well this year. But it is one of those, we will pick

ourselves up. Three games to go, we have to make a better fist of it

than we did today. A perfect game for Manchester City ahead of Real

Madrid but helped by the opposition? They were. 12 goals they have

conceded in just three matches. 10th in the table, had to be critical.

But you're going to be. This is a set piece, I would have players on

the post. That is an important position for him, the smallest

player in the team. He has to go and attack this. Wollscheid, Fernando

makes a run on him any wind that race. That could have easily been

avoided. Players on the post, attack the ball better. But a huge leg up

to Manchester City. It is fair enough to drop off but

then you have to deal with it. This is why I don't wink he is

international quality, he is not mobile enough. Here, the brings him

down, there was a time when he was busy around him, Aguero, this is a

nice penalty, the lifts it, there is a lot of skill in that. This is

Wollscheid, for some reason he is playing left-back here, he has to

anticipate that better. In the box, Shawcross is dropping off towards

the goal when he should be picking up in the nachos in the box. This is

later in the game, Fabian Delph given all sorts of space. You have

to get the right balance, they passed the ball well but they are

making mistakes, again it is Wollscheid. Looking along the line,

deal with it. It is so easy because they have had an outstanding season

and they are letting it fall away and it is the basics, and this man

up front, we talk about Rashford and youngsters. Why is he not getting

the same amount of praise as other youngsters who have broken through

this season? 11 goals in eight starts and 15 shots on target, he

should be on the back pages more. That is remarkable, 11 goals from 15

shots. It is, Marcus Rashford is English, he is Nigerian but a great

story for the Manchester City academy. Manuel Pellegrini should be

given credit because he has created space in the squad for him. That is

good, you look at the difference with Manchester United, they were

panicking because everybody was injured, so they had to play young

players. I would love Loftus jig at Chelsea, I want to see this player

more often and it is better for the English national team, most teams in

the top five don't have time for players to get in, the youngsters to

get in because they need instant success. That is why they buy

players but sometimes they have them in their academy. Can you talk me

back through that 1-2. When you talk about Shawcross here, he comes out,

as you said, you can understand him coming out but if you want him to go

back there, it is very difficult for him to go back at pace when the

striker is committing forward, is there a problem with his body shape.

He is coming out Square, if you turn your body sideways, you are coming

out to go back and he is coming at the square. That is the space he

wants, you must know the space. That is the danger. He should anticipate

the fact he wants to play the 1-2. You have to back up already, you

know what is coming, you block it off beforehand, that is the point.

And he reacts. It is very clumsy. You also used the telephone from the

1920s. Aston Villa's relegation was confirmed last weekend but

Southampton arrived with Europa League qualification at the front of

their mind. Two changes for Villa, both

enforced. Micah Richards skippers the side after replacing Ciaran

Clark who had a foot injury. Kieran Richardson's calf injury sees Carlos

Sanchez in midfield. Jay Rodriguez makes his first Premier League start

since October among four changes for Southampton, Cedric, Davies and

Romeo also come in. When Yama running into a bit of traffic.

Trying to find Jordan Ibe but they deal with it easily enough. Bertrand

over the top, it might break if a Shane Long, what a chance, so close

to a goal inside of two minutes. It is far too easy already for

Southampton and the booing begins. We have played less than three

minutes and already "You are not fit to wear the shirt is reverberating

around Villa Park. This is Rodriguez Tadic in the middle. Shane Long is

there as well Hutton gets it away. Bertrand with the early ball in,

Brad Guzan didn't come and it is 1-0 Southampton, so easy. Shane Long hit

the bar within three minutes and finds the net within a quarter of an

hour. So straightforward for the Saints. Bertrand got the ball back,

picked out his past and just look at the space for Shane Long and the

freedom of the six yard box and he was never going to miss. And rarely

will be Irishmen have an easier opportunity than that. That has

caused the biggest cheer of the afternoon for Aston Villa

supporters, some paper protest planes making it as far as the

pitch. Wanyama with a bit of room here. Good overlapping run from

Cedric and it is behind for another Southampton corner. Villa could do

with the half-time whistle coming now and we are only half an hour in.

It is taken short, Bertrand gets it back, Wanyama in a bit of room,

Lescott doesn't deal with it. Wanyama and van Dijk, still van

Dijk. For the second time in the game, Southampton hit the frame of

the goal. Villa are struggling to deal with it and then the strike

beats Brad Guzan and was only a matter of inches away from rolling

in. Ronald Koeman believes a top six finish and European qualification is

still possible but that they have to win each of their last four games to

have a chance. Alan Hutton, out wide, it almost went to Hutton but

did come to Lescott who shot straight down the throat of Fraser

Forster. Doug Ellis there, what on earth must he make of the

disintegration of this once fine club?

Jordan Gay you, Sanchez. That is not the best of passes from Bacuna, it

is on a plate, Shane Long, denied by Brad Guzan for now but there is

Tadic and it is two. Another gift wrapped goal and the atmosphere is

turning more and more toxic. They can hardly believe what they asked

the ink. It was an horrific past and Joleon Lescott was done for pace,

Guzan did well to prevent the initial effort but Tadic was never

going to pass up the opportunity once Shane Long set him up. Aston

Villa 0- two Southampton. I don't think they are necessarily heading

off early to beat the queues at the bar. He has scampered away from

Cedric, looked like he was being tugged there. Two Villa pies come

together, and westward has got one back for Aston Villa. Finally some

cause for cheer for the long-suffering home fans. Ashley

Westwood, whose causes first goal in almost two years to give Aston Villa

something to cling on to going into half-time. It is only the 24th goal

in the Premier League this season for the division's weakest attack.

If there had been a boxing match in the first half, the referee would

surely have ended it. But that goal has changed the complexion a little.

It goes through for Shane Long, good save by Guzan. Southampton starting

to take charge of the game once again. A lovely pass from Tadic am a

Shane Long timed his run excellently and Guzan stood up well. Brian

Little one of two remaining board members after the exit of Lord King

and David Bernstein this week. Shane Long will have to go it alone for

now, back to Tadic, game over now, surely. Dusan Tadic with his second

of the game. It is set to be another Mutalib -- miserable afternoon for

the home fans and Southampton will keep their top six hopes alive.

Villa have the worst defence in the league and there was sliced open to

easily again here. There were three around Tadic but to be fair, there

was a slight deflection on its way past Guzan. 19 minutes to play and

it is Aston Villa 1-3 Southampton. As has been the case in previous

games, the Aston Villa fans choosing the 74th minute to make their

feelings clear, 74th minute because the club were founded in 1874 and

yet again, the proud history, what feature is the question posed.

Hutton forcing a save from Fraser Forster, who was surprised as much

as anything about having something to do I reckon. A clever run and

with two in the centre, he perhaps used that as a decoy to smash it

goalwards. The corner is cleared away by Davies. It will come to

Westwood, a second of the game for Ashley Westwood. The most unlikely

goal-scorer has got two in one game for Aston Villa today. The corner

was initially cleared as far as Jack Grealish, who got it in there, Rudy

Gestede had it taken off his toes but it came for Westwood and with

five minutes to go, Aston Villa are back within a goal. Long has done

well to win a foul. Tadic, Cedric, Mane, it is all over

now. Sadio Mane makes it 4-2 Southampton. With what could well be

the last kick of the game. As Villa Park completely empties out. A

lovely clipped ball in from Cedric and Mane again afforded so much room

to guide it beyond Guzan. More charitable defending from the hosts.

Aston Villa 2-4 Southampton. A little bit frustrated, normally 2-0

up at half-time but then the second half was totally different. We gave

them believe in a better result than today and also in the final part of

the game but finally we decided the game and we were by far the better

team. We responded to losing difficult goals. At 1-0, I felt we

were the team more likely to score but we conceded a silly goal which

puts you on the back foot. Then we got back into the game and again we

conceded. To have to score five goals in the Premier League to win a

game is not an easy challenge so it is something we have to rectify. We

still believe that in the final part of the season that we can get

something in Europe that starts with winning games and we did that job

today. Shane Long has good in six of his last seven league games against

Aston Villa, you can understand why he was chosen today? It was also an

away game so you have a bit more space but I like the movement of

this player. He always gets in spaces in behind players, but hind

the opposition. In the beginning, he hits the crossbar, he makes and self

busy. This was offside by the way. In the Graziano Pelle they have

another striker. Here, he stays away because he knows the ball is coming.

Again, this could be another goal. A similar moment to this. He stays

calm, waiting for the players and a goal for Southampton. I like this

player and I think when you are playing against a team that tries to

attack more and there is more space behind you, he is excellent. But

Graziano Pelle playing at home that against a team parking the bus, he

is great. We watched the game, we would ask what Joleon Lescott is

doing but you were trying to educate me and you will try and educate

everyone that it is more a collective thing.

This is a restart here. Get info front and Mark from behind. He

allows the two against one to develop. Richardson dropped in on

two Rodriguez Perez what is he doing? He is detached. Bring him

back in. The marking is terrible. I expect Eric Black to sort this out.

Look at this from Bacuna. Deal with that, Lescott. We know he is not the

quickest. That sums up their season. They are going back when they should

be going forwards. They get punished. It looks comical. This

one, two midfield players. He can just pick out a pass. You have to

protect the defence, that is what you are there for. Look at Jack

Grealish doesn't you have to defend. Don't just play when you have the

ball. He switches. Soares walks into position. Now Lescott again. He has

been bamboozled by the work that has gone on in front of him. They are

not doing the basics and they need to sort this out. They need to

analyse well, work on the training pitch to put these basics right,

because a lot of these goals could have been prevented today. Match of

the Day to on Sunday features battles at the top and bottom.

# If you apply some pressure # See how things turn out

# If you apply some pressure #. On Monday night, Spurs against West

Brom. Tomorrow, highlights of the second semi final in the FA Cup.

Earlier in the day you can watch the London Marathon. Ballmer 's's win

over Aston Villa last weekend took them over the 40 points barrier and

safe for another season in the top flight. They welcomed Chelsea to the

coast. Here is Martin Fisher. Lewis Grabban gets a rest after Ballmer

today, still looking for his first goal since his return to the club in

January. Matt Ritchie drops to the bench. Callum Wilson again among the

subs. Eden Hazard makes his first Chelsea start since the Champions

League defeat to PSG. An injured hip has been the problem. Last season's

PFA Player of the Year has gone 29 Premier League games without a goal.

Francis. King wrestling for space in the middle. The cross is too strong.

They should be open to bring it clear but have failed to do so. A

lovely ball from Q. Daniels. Grabban screaming for it on the edge.

Hammered away by Matic. There is Diego Costa for Chelsea.

Now Fabregas. Pedro to his right and Pedro is in here with a great

chance. Pedro sticks it home! Chelsea take the lead with their

first for a forward. Diego Costa started them moving. Fabregas all

the run of Pedro, who was clearly onside. And the Spaniard finishes

with great coolness to dink it beyond the advancing figure of Artur

Boruc. 1-0 to Chelsea and the bad news from a Ballmer perspective is

this season they have only taken four points from losing positions.

Elphick. -- bad news for Ballmer. He has done enough to force the

corner. If run of itch unhappy at the lack of instruction from his

goalkeeper here. Punched away unconvincingly by Begovic and Cook

blasts it over the bar. Steve Cooke looked to score, but couldn't keep

it down. Over the top towards King. He has done well. Stanislas. Drives

it across. Grabban's header. It looked in. Found space in the box,

but unable to test Begovic on this occasion.

Willian, Fabregas, the backheel for Hazard. Takes an Boruc and schools.

It has been a long time coming, Eden Hazard's first Premier League goal

since last May. Warm congratulations from his team-mates. They have felt

his pain this season. Beautifully set up from Fabregas. It looked like

Bournemouth got a good shape about themselves. The backheel changed

that and nobody pressed Hazard, who took an art Boruc from 22 yards and

the goalkeeper found wanting. Eden Hazard's name on the scoresheet for

the first time this season in the Premier League. An awkward one for

Begovic. Just as enough to touch it onto his bar. On another day, that

drops in and the goalkeeper has a very, very red-faced. It's dropping,

it's dropping, just gets enough on it. Bournemouth corner. Francis with

a delivery. Elphick with the header, and this time Begovic can't keep it

out. Tommy Elphick's first goal of the campaign, his first goal in over

a year. Bournemouth deserve that. And Tommy Elphick just got enough on

this and Begovic couldn't get quite enough on his attempt to get it

away. Agonisingly close to steering it beyond the back post, but Elphick

stores and Bournemouth back in it, as they deserve to be. Just 92

seconds between Hazard's goal and the reply from Elphick. Mark Pugh,

somehow got past three and fed Grabban who is onside. Grabban! Went

for power, when perhaps placement might have brought greater reward.

Fabulous run from Mark Q. Chelsea's offside trap again not working. They

are getting through act Will today, Bournemouth. If there is one thing

we have learned about Bournemouth this season it is never write them

off. Bournemouth on the move again. Stanislas for Grabban. Brings down

John Obi Mikel. Did he? Corner kick given. The fans behind the goal were

appealing more in hope than expectation. A bit clumsy from

Mikel. Got nothing of the ball, I don't think. No penalty. Matic.

Further left is Baba. The return is on. Diego Costa weights. He was an

inch away from putting home Chelsea's third. Bournemouth

fortunate not to concede a third there. Chelsea, of course, on course

for their lowest finish in 20 years. Finished 11th and a Glenn Hoddle in

1996. It could be even lower. Daniels. Find the head of Ivanovic.

Stanislas. Wasn't far wide. Hasn't scored since getting the opening

goal against Manchester United back in December. He has come close

today. They have lost four of their last six here, Bournemouth,

including the last two against Liverpool and Manchester City.

Fabregas. A lovely ball. Willian is in and he makes it three.

Bournemouth had no answer to that and it is a lovely finish from

Willian. Another assist from Cesc Fabregas. He has run the show today

from a Chelsea point of view. He just saw the movement and delivered

exquisitely. -- Willian's finish. Five minutes of added time to play.

Fabregas with a backheel. Matic takes it on and still goes on.

Hazard gets his second of the day. And the smile is back on the face of

the Belgian. Matic with the hard work, Hazard falling in, tapped

home, and all of a sudden scoring goals in the Premier League is easy

again for him. Eddie Howe will know if Bournemouth had taken some of the

chances in the first half it might have been a different story, but

Chelsea have brushed them aside in the second half and romped home to

comfortable win in the end. I am happy today, I've worked hard in the

last month to be fit again. Today I am happy to play again and to be on

the scoresheet. It is good for me and for the club. He had a difficult

time and he worked hard. I talked to him before the game. This week in

training he enjoyed it very much, and when one is enjoying with his

quality, then he will be efficient and he was efficient today. We were

very good in the first half, very pleased, played with great intensity

and good quality and cause them problems. I think the difference

between the two teams if they took their chances brilliantly when they

came and we weren't... We were too generous. I get the sense your

supporters don't want Tottenham to win the league? We don't want, we

don't want! The fans, the club, the players we don't want Tottenham to

win the Premier League. But in football, you never know. We hope

for Leicester, because they deserve to be champions this season, but we

will see. We have a game next week against Tottenham. If we can beat

them, it will be good. They also play Leicester City on the final

game of the season. In most post match interview is there quite dull,

but that makes me smile. From a player point of view, do you like

him? The Tottenham players are listening to that right now, they

might think he is goading them. They might think, where has he been all

season? He's got his first goal today but he is a great talent. That

will be a tough game for Tottenham. I can understand it... LAUGHTER

You may feel it but you wouldn't say it. The game is run by Cesc

Fabregas. Yes, this was a typical gamer of two teams, nothing to play

for. It's sunny, nice weather and Fabregas had all the space to do

what he does best. Passes here left and right. When you give him all

that kind of space, he can play well, very, very well. Here again,

for Pedro. Should have done better here. Could have done better. He

gets a second chance here, Pedro, and I think this is a classy finish.

I like that very much. Here, a backheel, Hazard, and scored his

first goal. And everybody was very happy. Look at the space he has. If

you give him that space, Willian, a good finish as well. Then it becomes

easy. It is a typical game, last game, nobody wants to get hurt,

nobody wants to get injured. He has the time and space. Good Antonio

Conte build a team around him next season? He needs to be better

against the teams equal to Chelsea. Especially against a midfield to run

and go at you. Fabregas is not a typical guy like this. When Pirlo

came to Juventus he played around him. I don't know if he will want to

do that with Chelsea, it could be a possibility. But Fabregas, if he

gets the space, he is fantastic, but under pressure... He can have

doubts. Let's finish with the latest Barclays Premier League table.

Leicester and Spurs have home games against Swansea and West Brom. Aston

Villa already down. Difficult to predict the other two. Newcastle a

point from safety, Sunderland could move out of the bottom three by

avoiding defeat against Arsenal tomorrow. Let's take a look at some

of the Sunday papers. The Sun on Sunday leading with Mamadou Sakho

potentially facing a six-month ban after failing a drug test. The Mail

on Sunday have gone with Claudio Ranieri wanting his Leicester

defenders to stay physical. According to the Sunday Express, Man

United will unveil Jose Mourinho next month. Thank you to Ruud Gullit

on Martin Keown. If you disagreed with them to buy it was probably

much ado about nothing.