28/12/2015 Match of the Day

It's the final Match of the Day of the year and we have eight games to

bring you from the Barclay's Premier League.

Plenty for Alan Shearer and Ian Wright to get their teeth into.

Everton's last gasp win at Newcastle on Boxing Day was their first

They welcomed a Stoke side who were impressive in beating

Both teams entered the year on course for their expect to targets

and keen to take their momentum into 2016. Goodison Park has witnessed 34

goals this season already. Roberto Martinez freshens up his Everton

team with four changes including a return from injury for James

McCarthy. Romelu Lukaku has six goals in his last six games at

Goodison Park. Same again for Stoke City, mark Hughes resisted the

temptation to change the team that beat Manchester United. Arnautovic,

his sixth goal of the season on Boxing Day already more than his

first two seasons combined. Looking for back to back victories over the

festive period. Stoke City a threat on the counterattack. Arnautovic! No

problem with his confidence levels at the moment. Stoke City have the

majority of possession and comfortable with it. Good pass. What

a goal, Shaqiri! Brilliantly made. Clinically finished. A fantastic

team goal from Stoke City. Shaqiri has his first Premier League goal.

Boy and at the heart of it. A touch from Arnautovic. Rolled home from

the Swiss international. - Bojan. The team has not got going as yet.

Galloway. Now Ross Barkley. McCarthy, Lukaku! First chance

Everton have created. And Lukaku has finished it. He was onside cleverly

done by McCarthy. Calmly finished by Lukaku. The Everton response is

positive. 1-1. No shortage of technical ability today. Both teams

have plenty on their side. A little over hit by Bojan. Has he seen

Galloway? He has. It is Galloway! He could not finish it off. It was all

about the touch and the run of Ross Barkley. Knew exactly where Galloway

was. The young Everton defender unable to finish it off. A shake of

the head. From Mark Battenberg. Needed a moment to debate that.

Bojan has seen the run of Shaqiri. Got through first-time! Goodness me!

34 Shaqiri, two for Stoke City and once again a goal of real quality.

Watch how Shaqiri takes this in his stride. Beautifully weighted, no

chance for Tim Howard. A fabulous finish. Stoke City have the lead

again. No wonder he's pleased with that one. Funes Mori. Brilliant

first touch. He gets the second! Classic centre forward goal. From

the man who just cannot stop scoring. Everton needed it once

again. Lukaku have so much to do. Fabulous first touch. And a cool

second touch. A top finish from Lukaku. And once again he has

brought Everton level. 2-2. Goodison Park rocking again. Lukaku. Lee

Smith! -- Steven Naismith! Setup invitingly for him. Terrific from

Funes Mori. A chance of getting this back from Lukaku. It is Ross

Barkley! His second Premier League goal of the season. And for the

first time today Everton in front. Ross Barkley at the heart of it.

Just got a touch. He got it back from Lukaku and knew exactly what he

was doing. Deulofeu could not miss. And Everton lead 3-2. A frustrated

figure. His team have played brilliantly in patches. They find

themselves behind for the first time. A lovely touch. On the

challenge of Funes Mori. And what a cross out of it. Joselu has his

first Premier League goal! What a game. After the show of character

from Everton, we see the resilience of Stoke City and all about that

delivery initially from Arnautovic. Setup invitingly for Joselu and he

did the rest. Still amounts to play. 3-3. He will be frustrated to put it

mildly if they do not get the three points having got themselves in a

winning position again. They have drawn four of their last seven

games. The cross from Deulofeu. Seamus Coleman just got underneath

it. Barry. This is Arnautovic. Mark Clattenburg had a long look at it.

In the very last minute of the 90! A yellow card. The stones. The

Austrian took command. Would you believe this! Stoke in stoppage

time, now have the chance to win it. Arnautovic himself has picked

himself up to take it. Here he comes. Tim Howard beaten. Arnautovic

scores for the second game running. He slipped as well and he took that.

Everton three, Stoke City four. An extraordinary game with an

extraordinary ending. I thought we were excellent, kept going and good

control of the game which we are pleased about. Scored some great

goals as well. We have been able to take the game away from Everton

which we are pleased about but I'm more pleased with the qualities we

showed. The decision at the end from the referee is what cost us, at

least not getting a draw. It was very inconsistent, in the first-half

Seamus Coleman got a trip and never got a chance to get on the ball and

that inconsistency is hard to take. But to get a decision wrong in the

game makes you feel furious. It is unacceptable, really. It is

difficult especially when you're 3-2 up. It is something that happens a

lot this season and it is disappointing. We have to stick

together and keep on working and improving. Talk me through what was

going through your head when the ball came to you. The ball was very

good from Bojan. It was an important goal. I enjoyed it when I saw it on

the TV. For me it was important to get the points. A couple of great

results. Today was a different type of game and different challenge so

we were up to it again. A sensational game. It was. We had a

clip of that goal from Lukaku. But Arnautovic, Deulofeu and Shaqiri

make the difference. We will come to those three shortly. First the

deciding goal, a controversial decision. Was it a penalty? I did

not take it was. It was a tough decision. Mark Clattenburg in the

perfect position. He has a great view of it. Stones touches the ball,

you can see that, and the referee says no to begin with. I do not know

why he changes his mind. Stones touches the ball, follows through

with his right leg and captures Arnautovic. I do not think it is a

foul. He has got enough on the ball, a decent penalty straight down the

middle. A harsh decision. Those three you talked about, causing all

kinds of problems with movement. Especially Arnautovic, when he gets

going he has great technical ability. Not many calls problems for

Seamus Coleman. But they are always looking for each other. A great rate

on the left, showing his intentions. The same with Bojan, really today.

Looking to shoot when he gets his chance. -- really good today. Stones

not bad enough on Bojan. Another click inside to Shaqiri. Galloway

not close enough. Getting away on his weaker right foot. Trying to

play that back inside. You can tell from his body shape. He meant to

pass that. He had about a 15 minute spell when he was out of it but then

get -- got going again. This is what I like about, this cross causes all

kinds of problems. You put the ball in that area. And for me this is the

one, I think he goes with the wrong leg. I do not think the referee sees

that deviation in the ball. I think there's an unpredictability

about the front three for Stoke now, making it difficult for defenders to

play against. He's right, there's no way, if we had scored that goal, we

would have said it was a fluke. Of course I meant it. I wonder what you

think at home, I don't know. Twitter will tell us. You thought it was a

cross as well, or a pass? I thought it was a cross! I thought he was

trying to square it. From Everton's perspective, a lot of those goals,

but defensively, it's let them down a few times. They've conceded 12 in

six games. You look at it and think to yourself, where's it happening.

Look at the way he pins Coleman here. He doesn't do much wrong. You

look at John Stones is he close enough to Bojan? Then you look at

Galloway, not close enough to Shaqiri. Then they just have got to

tighten up. That ball from John Stones is a bad ball. They're

straight into him. Shaqiri's got the march on Galloway. He says he does

it on purpose. I think Brendan Rodgers would have got close! They

do well here. They keep it alive. He ends up smashing it in. They kept

that alive. They had about seven players in the box there Everton.

For me, Barry coming towards the ball, coming to him at pace, very

hard to control it. They've nick today off him. I think that -- nick

today off him. I think this is why the referee made that decision. He's

gone with that foot. No movement in the ball. He said no, then yes.

Going forward for Everton, there's no problem scoring goals. But they

have an inexperienced back four. They have to grow up quickly if they

want to achieve things. Arsenal missed the chance to go

to the top of the league on Boxing Day as they were thrashed

4-0 by Southampton. They had the chance to reach

the sumit once again against a Bournemouth

side unbeaten in six. In his team he trusts. Arsene Wenger

is adamant they will react strongly to the Southampton setback. He makes

four changes for the first ever league meeting with Bournemouth.

Chambers in only his third 2015 start.

In come Gabriel, Gibbs and Oxlaide-Chamberlain too.

Arsenal remembers John Howe, who died aged 80. Manager for two years,

bringing through Rowcastle, Thomas and Keown. It was a privilege to

work with him, says Arsene Wenger. Bournemouth have won five of their

last six trips to London. Arsenal unbeaten in 21 league games against

promoted sides. This is not going to be an easy game

here for Arsenal. Bournemouth like to get their full backs up and over.

Unbeaten in six games. They've picked up seven away points out of a

possible nine. Big wins under their belt.

Walcott couldn't finish. Arsenal's first big chance of the game and it

was a big one. Beautiful ball from Ozil. Just half a touch on it,

anything more than that would have take continue in. Arsene Wenger in

his programme notes has said it is absolutely impossible to say who's

going to win the league. The crowd will love that. Very much

a folk hero here. Arsenal fans know they'll always get a hard working

display from Oxlade-Chamberlain. Free header. 1-0! Arsenal lead and

from the back to score it's Gabriel. It's his first goal in European

football, let alone Arsenal. The deadlock is broken. Bournemouth, who

have a poor defensive record with set pieces, switch up again. Gabriel

lost his marker. That's the 13th set-piece goal Bournemouth have

conceded this season, the worst record in the top flight.

His 19th game for Arsenal and his first goal.

Perhaps Bournemouth didn't factor him in in their pre-match

preparation. Lovely ball to Walcott. Couldn't

force it in. First touch took it wide. Giroud in the middle. What

about this pass from Mesut Ozil. Corner again, Gabriel nearly made it

two. Astonishing. One, that Bournemouth should let him have a

free run again and two that Mertesacker missed from there. It

came quickly off the post, to be fair.

I shouldn't laugh at Mertesacker really, cruel.

Walcott this time - Boruc keeps Bournemouth in the game. Brilliant

pass again. Doesn't hesitate, slips it through, pin point.

Offside surely. Oh, he's allowed to go on. This will be controversial.

Gabriel is the Arsenal hero again. Arsenal were muttering about the

Southampton goals at the weekend, imagine if this had been allowed to

stand. He is offside by about a foot.

I wonder if he checked the assistants referee. That's when his

concentration was broken. Bournemouth have been the better

team in the second half.. It's brilliant! Magnificent. A fine

second Arsenal goal scored by one of the contenders for Footballer of the

Year. Everything he touches this season seems to turn to gold.

Lovely, slick passing build up. Give and go. Beautiful return by Giroud.

Silken first touch. A velvety second and it was in the back of the net.

Lovely. Simple. Skilful. Succinct. Lovely stuff. A move of genuine

quality, fine finish. Low and hard across the goal. Ramsey

was at the far post coming in. I don't think you could have done

much more than that. Walcott offside, it wouldn't have

counted. He missed any way. To save his blushes he was offside.

Fine save by Petr Cech in the way he held onto it.

A few minutes to go before he breaks the record for Premier League clean

sheets watched by the legend, Bob Wilson.

Should have had three or four. Could have had four or five. Arsene Wenger

will be happy with the bounce backability of Arsenal.

Off the post! Not the best ball. Played into Oxlade-Chamberlain. It

got caught under his feet. It just deflected enough. Three minutes of

stoppage time being played. Cech got his fingers to it. Kept

that clean sheet. Walcott's touch wasn't great. The

goalkeeper can save. This save keeps Petr Cech's clean

sheet. A bit of a hesitant start. There was a little trauma there from

our bad result on Saturday. But slowly got into the game. After

that, we dominated, created many chances and won 2-0. That's what we

wanted today to get the three points again. We started very well and

caused them problems. We got our passing game going. We dominated

possession. Sadly we just lost our grip on the game slightly. The goal

compounded that. Every set piece we looked vulnerable. Thankfully We we

recovered in the second half and put in a good performance without the

reward. After the final, I felt proud because it's a great personal

achievement. If I look back all those clean sheets made points and

trophies. Hopefully this record will carry on and bring us another

trophy. We'll come to Petr Cech shortly. We were drooling over Mesut

Ozil's performance. He could pass a ball through a cheesegrater without

scratching it. He was brilliant. 16 for the season. He created another

nine chances today. He was amazing. Brilliant corner in Gabriel's first

goal here. He left Charlie Daniels for dead there. The quality of Ozil

today was just brilliant. This pass here, he's just got to whip your

poddy on it Theo, get your body on it. I think Josh King is left there.

We put that in for comedy value. The big man, what is he 6'9", look at

that! He takes it down brilliantly. Three or four players around him,

all the time in the world, playing a mess about game. That's what he

looks like all day. This is fantastic. As a forward, you're

thinking right, I'm going to make my running near post. That's where

that's coming. His vision, this pass here is just absolutely top drawer.

That is brilliant. I think Arsenal players have got to get themselves

on their toes a bit more. Same here with Giroud. He's going in the box.

He hesitated there. Ozil will find you. Look at that bass. Theo's touch

is not the best there. The goalkeeper's closed him down. He

deserved this goal. This is top drawer. Giroud, brilliant touch

there. It's effortless. It really is. I'd love to be playing with that

guy You know what it is, Giroud in that team w, him playing like he is,

his ability to bend balls around defenders, his ability to pick you

out when you're making runs in the box, to pick you out when you're

making runs in behind is incredible. Any striker, particularly Giroud, in

that team, should get a minimum of 25 goals with him with the number of

assists and chances he creates. For Bournemouth, played nice football,

lacked a bit of killer instinct. I think I might have started with

Glenn Murray today. He had opportunities to cross the ball

today and they didn't take them. You want to get it down and behind

Arsenal, get the ball in there and cause problems with Mertesacker and

Gabriel coming in. They didn't take the opportunity to cross it there.

Arsenal started jittery. Here again, loads of space and time there.

People could be getting in the box. King is in there. Again, doesn't

quite put it in there. He tries to clip one in there, playing

intricate, didn't work. This was late on. I think 80 minutes, not

great balls in the box, but they're trying to get it in there. Again

Richie tries to get one in there. By now, it's a bit latement I think

that -- late. I wouldn't say they lacked ambition, but they didn't put

Arsenal under any kind of pressure today. Maybe a physical presence up

front might have caused problems. The only thing I would say about

that is they're on a great run. Eddie Howe would have been reluctant

to change the team. He would have looked at the way Southampton played

with Shane Long using his pace and he would have wanted Josh king to do

the same. Word on Petr Cech, 170 clean sheets. Top class. He's a

stalwart. He's made a difference. How good? Top drawer. Very good,

excellent, superb. One of the best. Well done. Congratulations Petr

Cech. 29 goals, 13 in the Premier League,

Ighalo has been an inspirational figure for Watford and their rise in

the championship. Two changes for them. Ake to start. Three

alterations for the visitors. Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose and Tom Carroll

all included. Here is Cathcart. He has taken too many chances. A big

gap down the middle. Lamela will try to exploit it and he has. It is all

about Cathcart. Over playing in a dangerous area. The Watford covered

just melted in front of the advancing Lamela. Without any rail

power just casually eased it into the back of the net. And Spurs in

front inside 17 minutes. They have kept free teen sheets in their last

four home games, Watford. -- three. Ighalo has not yet had an

opportunity to have a go at Spurs. Good from Harry Kane, gets beyond

Cathcart. Food to be fair is sticking with him. It goes on to

Lamela, contact was not the best. Applauding the assistance from Harry

Kane. Did not get the truest contact, Lamela.

Ake will get to it, Kieran Trippier will not. Ighalo has not had a site

of the opponent's net. Only four players in the Watford squad today

who have scored in the Premier League this season. It does not

matter if one of them is in the prolific mood that Ighalo is. Caught

by the corner flag as he tried to get back to his feet. Abdi, he can

hit them. Ighalo tries to turn and again he scores! That is down to

perseverance and just a genuine belief that every time he gets the

ball in front of goal he can score. Looks second, even third favourite

to get to it but in the form he is in, he just kept on going. He fights

off Kieron Dyer, a bit of a bounce in his favour. He was not going to

miss. Goal number 14 of the season, number 30 in 2015. Watford are

level. On towards Harry Kane. He was brave

but just could not quite turn it towards the goal.

Ake, looking for the ball, went straight in to the middle of Lamela.

Studs showing. It is a red card! It did not look like an out-of-control

challenge. It was studs showing, and to a bouncing ball in the midriff of

an opponent but does it constitute a red card? The referee thinks so and

Ake goes. Anthony Taylor says it ticks both boxes and Ake is shown a

straight red. They have only lost once in the last 17 games, Spurs,

but will be disappointed if they only take one point from this today.

That is the corner. Understandably Watson in no hurry to take the

corner. Watson takes it. Second time for Watson. Cleared by Harry Kane.

Deeney gives up on it, knows he would have been offside. Another

corner. Tremendous pressure. Ighalo goes to the Watford supporters and

says come on, we can win this match! Straight into the goalkeeper! They

are claiming it is over the line. There is an indicator these days

that tells the referee and he says no. Hugo Lloris in all sorts of

bother. It cannot be closer to being over the line without the over the

line. The decision is no goal. Hugo Lloris gets it away. Now Harry Kane.

Watford need to settle down for a final couple of minutes. Of

defensive repelling. Out towards Kieran Trippier. Deflection. The

flag stays down and Spurs when it! Watford believe that was from an

offside position. The flag stayed down and just in front of the

spreads supporters, Son Heung-min has given Spurs the three points. --

the Spurs supporters. Was he offside? Looks like he might be. The

decision is no. It is tight. Spurs do not care. Son Heung-min does not

care in particular and Spurs right at the very end have pinched that

win. I think we played very well and got

unlucky. How we conceded the first goal. The second was difficult, the

pitch was not good and the way we played that affects the game. But

when you show this maturity and you fight in every action and try to

find the positive results, I think we should be proud of the players. I

am proud of the players, they fight a lot and have amazing soul. They

always decide to play at the best level. We fought till the last

moment. You came so close to scoring today. I thought it was in, to be

honest. Without the technology it would've been goal. It is one of

those things. I want to ask about the sending-off. What was your view

of it? I do not like to talk about the referees. He does not want to

talk about it! Red card or not? Yes, a dangerous high tackle and the

referee got it absolutely correct. It was a high challenge, it looked

dangerous. Misses the ball, very dangerous. That was a wild one.

Absolutely. No complaints, straight red card. It led in a way to Spurs

victory. But Tottenham changed the system to date with three at the

back. Played three at the back, for the simple reason they are against a

red-hot Terry in Troy Deeney and Ighalo. And that worked for 40

minutes. It was three against two the vast majority of the time. They

snuffed out a lot of the danger. Even down the wings you can see,

three in the middle against the two of them. Vertonghen blocks Ighalo.

But Watford, to nullify that, this is clever, the three guys are in the

middle so you put the smallest on the full-back. A long diagonal ball,

which Watford did, and Deeney will win the header. Still a lot to do.

Great strength here, holding him off, through the legs. And a

fantastic finish. A little bit of luck but if anyone deserves it, he

did. That enabled Tottenham to play Kieran Trippier virtually as a right

wing. He did it on -- unbelievably well. And in the second half what a

cross from Harry Kane should do better. This is the winning goal but

offside because Son Heung-min is in the middle. He goes in to challenge

and now he is offside. The Lions man does not give it. This time he's not

offside, but having said that what a clever finish that is from Son

Heung-min. Beautiful finish. Spurs on the march. I want to ask, could

Spurs win the title, Ian Wright? The way things are going this season. A

few teams have got a very good chance. Spurs are in and around.

They have a good young squad. I would worry if Harry Kane gets

injured. Aston Villa have only won once this

season and are currently 9 They traveled to face

a Norwich side hovering just Wes Hoolahan has returned to the

Norwich team. Norwich look further victory that would take them to 20

points in the midway stage of the season. A huge boost for Aston

Villa, Michal Richards returns after injury. Remi Garde is targeting

victories in ten of the 20 remaining matches. A huge task for the lowest

scores. Richardson on the outside. Picked up by Kieron Richardson.

Now approaching the first anniversary of his appointment as

Norwich manager. Sinclair was a lovely turn. Went down a bit easily

perhaps. The referee tried to play an advantage. Terrific turn from

Sinclair. Just caught by the trailing foot of Ted Ray. Free kick

for Aston Villa. A nice quiet for the goalkeeper to reach. -- nice

height. Remi Garde still searching for his first victory as Aston Villa

manager. Will it come today? For I Richardson. Picked up by Tettey.

Mbokani Bezua in the middle. Attach for Nathan Redmond. Hoolahan makes

the run ahead of it. Driven in for Norwich! In the right place at the

right time. Norwich City make the breakthrough. A good period of

concentrated Norwich possession. And look at the broom that Houston has.

-- the room. He gets his third goal of the season, Howson. Villa

continued to lead goals at the back. Two clean sheets in the Premier

League this season. Lovely ball over the top from Martin. Norwich corner.

Hit low and just wide as well by Dorrans. No one went with him.

Bassong with the header. Norwich can break now. Howson finds Redmond.

Sinclair So close to making it 2-0. Norwich

swept forward here. Guzan not getting to the ball cleanly.

Ed Balls the former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. A

Norwich fan, man and boy. Was Mbokani brought down? He claims

he was. The referee says he was not. A real chance there for Norwich

City. 2-0 Norwich! Three points Norwich,

surely. All the time it was 1-0. Villa had every chance. Now at 2-0

and with very little time remaining, Norwich seemingly assured of all

three points. Mbokani in lots of space there. The Democratic Republic

of Congo international gets his third goal of the season. Guzan

beaten. Norwich double their lead in the bottom of the table clash.

Due to have a minimum of five minutes. Those have elapsed. I'm

sure we're going to have at least another two to be played here.

Brilliant save from Rudd, if the final action of the afternoon. It's

a massive victory for Norwich City. I would like to say to you, yes, we

deserved the point. But at the end at the end of the game, I think

deserved the win, 2-0, nothing more to say. But we were close to maybe

to a little bit more, but to be fair, we didn't play as well that we

did the last two games, especially the last one at home. There's so

much pressure on the players. The result is massive for both clubs. To

go and perform under these circumstances, it's credit to the

players, the fact that they kept their cool and managed to get the

result we needed. Yeah, really pleased all round. And to back that

up with a clean sheet is great for Declan Rudd, who's come in and been

excellent in the goal. It's been a long time for them not to win, for

me, as well now, but I'm still believing that we've got qualities

in this team to win games. Win games but can they win enough games? Aston

Villa haven't won since the opening day of the season, too many

mistakes? Absolutely. People are saying that Villa will go down. When

you look at this you have to say that's right. They have one man in

the box. They don't do enough to clear this. They don't do enough to

close him down. Easy one-two there. On the edge of the box, no-one's

coming to challenge him. He looks where Howson is. His body shape is

wrong. Howson on the back post. That's just slack. Look at that

space, that's the captain there. He's got to make more effort than

that. People saying about Villa going down, these are the reasons

why. If you think that was bad, look there. Long ball to Mbokani. He wins

the header. Hutton mistake. Look at the lack of reaction from

Richardson. Clark is in a terrible position. It's a simple cross in. No

pressure on the ball, brilliant header and that, good header from

the manager as well by the way, that is the reason why Villa are going to

be relegated. Unfortunately, not tracking back, it's just not

preparing to run back and put a shift in. By contrast, Norwich,

giving them credit. Their home form more consistent in recent weeks.

They'll look back at the half season they've played, sat on 20 points

now. That's job done for them in the first half of the season. I think

they've had a very good start to it, brilliant.

The football continues on the BBC this week and into the new year.

Radio 5live has commentary of Leicester against Manchester City

Then we all have a rest and return on Saturday starting with Football

Final Score will being you all the goals and incidents

Then Match of the Day is back on Saturday night with highlights

And tomorrow night, you can see how David Beckham got

on when he attempted to play a football match

BBC One at 9pm. And stoke's goalkeeper has take ton

Twitter regarding Shaqiri's goal. "Behalf! Shot all day long, he does

it to me in training!" You want to liven up in training. Needs to get

back on his line, then. The debate continues.

Manchester United are currently on their worst run of form

since November 1961 and the pressure is on manager Louis van Gaal.

They welcomed a Chelsea side whose first game back under the management

of Guus Hiddink was a two-all draw with Watford.

Your commentator at Old Trafford, Guy Mowbray.

Is this Louis's last stand? Speculation that time might be up

for Louis Van Gaal. Wayne Rooney is back in to start and lead Manchester

United today, still looking for his first league goal since October. The

goal that would take him above Andrew coal into -- Cole into second

in Premier League goals and second in on his own above Denis Law. For

Eden Hazard a longer wait for his 50th Chelsea goal, yet to get one

this season. Perhaps in an unfamiliar role as Chelsea's half

striker will help him reach that half century.

Chelsea perilously close to the bottom three. Six Premier League

away matches without a win. For Manchester United, their current run

is just as bad. They are seven without a win in all competitions.

Mata hits the bar. What a strike against his former club.

Hazard couldn't beat Ashley Young who gets a congratulatory shove in

the back from David De Gea. Blind was left to scramble back. A good

job for him that Ashley Young had got back.

A great save from De Gea. It was John Terry who headed goalwards. It

looked for all the world a goal when he met it.. That really is a

top-drawer stop for the Manchester United keeper.

One of many. Played one, drawn one for Guus

Hiddink so far. Martial went for goal. The Chelsea

woodwork shakes again. It was off the inside of the post too.

Good strength and determination and as close as you can go without

scoring from Martial. They like what they're seeing today.

Mikel brings down Martial. That will be yellow.

John Obi Mikel has properly taken one for the team there. Martial's

passed him. You could see Mikel with the extra stretch out of the right

leg to make sure he wasn't going further.

It was on for Wayne Rooney. It was a relatively comfortable save for

Courtois to make. Manchester United's players have changed the

mood, perhaps for their manager and certainly for the crowd. Quite a few

of them came bearing placards suggesting in no uncertain terms

they want to see the back of their Dutch boss. Now it's only noise

that's in support of their teamment -- team.

Azpilicueta can't beat De Gea either.

How many times have we said that? Manchester United saved by De Gea.

Makes them look easy too. There have been rumours circulating

that he might be back in charge for a spell. I think he's quite happy in

his retirement and in his stand. Saved somehow by Courtois and I

don't know how. Ander Herrera and most inside Old Trafford could have

sworn that he'd scored. Great ball from Martial. In comes Ander

Herrera. The keeper springs across his line like a cat and it hits him.

Is there any suggestion of handball here? Yeah, there was.

He definitely moves his hand up to the ball.

Matic makes an awful mess of that. The attempted finish of a man who

doesn't score many. That had to be 1-0 to Chelsea. He

certainly had to hit the target. So much time to set himself, get

ready. The only people that had to be ready were those in the crowd.

Great ball. Rooney can't put it in though. The teenager has really

impressed since coming on. One of the best crosses of the game. Fizzed

into the right place. Just maybe too pacy for Wayne Rooney.

When a big chance, though. Free kick given against Wayne

Rooney. Oscar is hurt. It's a yellow card.

Oh, it's not a good challenge. Wayne Rooney is very lucky that is only

yellow. Oscar is lucky he hasn't been seriously hurt. Most would

concede that Louis Van Gaal's team have tried to entertain today.

They've just failed to take the chances that came their way. I Have

I Got News For You to thank my players for the performance. It was

a good performance. Yeah, of course, we need a victory. On one hand I'm

happy with the point because we had a difficult game. On the other hand,

we had also two big options to make it three points. But we have to take

in consideration that we were lacking some attacking players and

that's why we had to adapt a bit. For the fans, they're amazing. They

don't deserve what's happening right now with all those defeats and

everything. So for us, we just ask them to be behind us as much as they

can. There has been speculation that the players aren't performing for

you. Should that now be totally shot away? I don't have to say that. This

is also again a retorical question. Everybody has seen what they have

seen. My relationship with my players is very good. That is not

any reason to sack me. Now the results are not good enough. I know

that. My players know that. The board knows that. That is the truth.

But it can be different about one month. You've been quite damning

about Manchester United recently, signs of improvement?

Today, it yes. The manager has learnt one thing today, that Man

United have to play on the front foot. They have to play attacking

full all. When the first thought is to go forward. When you get the

ball, can you run forward. They did that today. It was a much improved

performance and it looked like they could score goals. There was more

relief from the players today because of that. It looked as if the

shackles were off. When they got the ball the first thought was to play

it, to pass it. Particularly when Rooney and Anthony Martial. They

want to get into the box and sport goals. It was a different team

today. The two teams present are pretty ordinary. But the goalkeeper

is extraordinary. They both have world-class goalkeepers. They proved

that today. This is an unbelievable save. John Terry gets away from

Wayne Rooney. To get the strength on the right-hand to push it over,

superb save from De Gea. And besides, together so quickly and

savoured with his left hand. He is up quickly. Still got his left hand

on it. This is not a bad save either. Brilliant ball. He thinks he

has scored. Superb save again from Courtois. That is what you get with

goalkeepers of the calibre. You have to be them out right. You thought

Wayne Rooney was better today. He got away with a yellow card? I think

he got away with it. What helped was the lack of reaction from Chelsea

players. It is late in the game. He said himself it was no intent. That

could have been seen as a red card. It was not a kind of game where he

was getting frustrated and wound up, I think it just happened.

Louis van Gaal, his head down but he has said he has no intention of

resigning. The way it has gone for him up until this point, he could be

sacked. The change in style could galvanise the players and give them

belief in the manager. Chelsea one more point away from relegation.

It's five successive draws in the top division for West Ham -

the first time that's happened since October 1968.

Southampton were today's opponenents fresh from thrashing Arsenal.

West Ham continue to tread water whilst waiting for the return of key

players from injury. Southampton arrive with an added spring in their

step after ruining the Christmas on Saturday for Arsene Wenger. Carl

Jenkinson comes into the team today. They are looking for a first league

win in just over two months. Shane Long scored twice against Arsenal on

Boxing Day and he leads the attack again in the absence of Graziano

Pelle. Back with Shane Long. Almost walked

into the net! Southampton ahead in the 13th minute of the game.

Southampton, they were the winners of this fixture last season and make

the perfect start this time around. Fast flowing movements. Tadic racing

in between two defenders on the edge of the six yard box. Just watch

this. A hint that the ball may have gone in off Jenkinson. Was it

deflected in? It may well go down as an own goal. Shane Long absolutely

full on running. The deflection takes it behind. James Collins going

absolutely mad at some of his team-mates. Shane Long pulling the

ball back and James Collins deflecting the ball over the top of

the crossbar. Southampton attacking once more with

Stephen Davis. Thunderous drive. This is the angle that will tell us

how close it was to a second goal. It was a good effort. Someone has

had a decent Christmas so far! A good first-half performance here.

Not quite what Slaven village had in mind so far anyway. Sent high over

the top. Southampton almost had a second goal. West Ham looking to

make a positive start to the second half. Van Dijk under pressure. West

Ham corner. In towards Collins! Headed away. I do not think the ball

was going in anyway. Handily placed. The ball into Tomkins and over the

top by Carroll. Keep your eye on Tomkins. And Carroll in the centre.

Rising all the time over the top of the crossbar. What a chance. Aimed

towards Antonio. And they have scored! West Ham United level at

1-1. Antonio with his first goal for the club. Here is Antonio now,

looked as if he was tripping over his own feet. The challenge came in.

Was it his final touch? The ball may have ricocheted off the West Ham

player into the back of the net. Certainly if making changes at

half-time and reorganising his team. -- certainly proactive. A great

chance, Carroll is there. 2-1 to West Ham! Andy Carroll, the quickest

response. And West Ham United have turned the game around. Andy

Carroll, his second goal of the season. He scored the winner the

last time that they won a match against Chelsea two months ago. That

could be the goal that will bring them three points today. Carroll

does not miss chances like that. This is Shane Long. Southampton

corner. He will be frustrated given how good his side where. Credit to

West Ham for the way they turned it around in the second half. West Ham,

Antonio away here, Antonio for West Ham! What a long rusting run that

was. There goes the final whistle. West Ham win for the first time in

just over two months. Full credit to them for the way they turned the

match around. My goodness Southampton will feel frustrated

having been dominant in the opening 45 minutes. The final score 2-1. We

equalised and continued to chase. At the end of the day we were rewarded

with three points for everything we did in the second half. In the first

45 minutes Southampton by far was the better team. That is our problem

sometimes because Ben you score one and not more. -- then. They had the

belief to come back and showed great character in the second half.

Disappointed, but it was a great game of football. Your eyes must

have lit up when the ball bounced. Yes, it went over and I knew I had

to make up for it. I was there to follow up when it hit the bar. That

is what strikers do, follow-up on chances. And an important goal as

well. Within that game, very unusual goals. Southampton dominated the

first half. Very good play, full of confidence after the win a couple of

days ago. Good ball into Tadic. He gets a touch and Jenkinson right

foot sticks it in. I think he kicks it onto Antonio, his arm. I cannot

work out what that has come off, Wanyama. We will say it is his head.

Jack Butland has just tweeted, Antonio does that in training!

Important in many ways for West Ham. After five draws, to get a win is a

big change. You take the goals anyway they come. Where they started

the season with the injuries they got, they had to consolidate and

keep going. Good to see them get a win. West Ham will be reasonably

pleased. Southampton punched above their weight last year.

One win in their last eight games leaves West Brom just three points

above the relegation zone. Today's opponents Newcastle were looking to

re-find the form that saw them beat Tottenham and Liverpool.

As at Arsenal, there was a minute's applause for Don Howe who passed

away this week - he played and managed West Brom.

A change up front today for West Brom. Saido Berahino remains on the

bench. And lucky to be there. Victor Anichebe restarts instead. Five are

merely goals against Newcastle might have something to do with the fact

that it is his first appearance. This is Dawson. Changing the angle

of his delivery. This time deeper. Coloccini off the line. West

Bromwich Albion close to taking an early lead. Good build-up from

Albion. An important save on the line from Coloccini. After the

rookie goalkeeper, Darlow. Morrison! Great save from Darlow. Superb.

Newcastle looking rattled. Darlow. Here's Cissokho. Stopped by Boaz

Myhill. The family struck -- firmly struck. Virtually knocked Boaz

Myhill off his feet. Forces the corner. Usual terrific

following from Newcastle behind that goal. They look to take the lead.

Coloccini trying to get free of the markers. Trying to force it home and

Albion managed to squeeze it behind Paul Dummett. The keeper could not

get across. And Coloccini almost managed to force at home.

I think the shot was going wide. Mitrovic claimed he his shirt

pulled. Does Mitrovic have a case? I think he might well have done.

Anichebe is in. What's he found? Anichebe felt that he was impeded.

He tried to make the most of that hopeful ball back. It would have

been a big shout by Mike Jones. His foot was high.

Anichebe usually scores against Newcastle, but not yet.

Again, less than comfortable with the back pass. Hasn't been the most

straightforward of debut for Karl Darlow. But at the moment he has a

clean sheet. It's against the bar! Anichebe the

man denied. So desperate to make a mark on what is his first

involvement since the opening day. His header, Darlow beaten, the bar

comes to Newcastle's aid. It's a goal! Darren Fletcher breaks

the deadlock. His first goal of the season. And finally, Albion have the

lead. Tony Pulis must have been beginning to think it was not going

to be his day. I wonder if Karl Darlow might have been able to do

better with this. Darren Fletcher timed his run brilliantly to get on

the end of Jacob's cross. It's through the hands of the rookie

goalkeeper. West Bromich Albion take the lead. Newcastle have very little

time to find an equaliser. That's what it means for the

manager. Albion fans teasing their counterparts with the chant of

"you're going down with the Villa." Newcastle, as things stand, staying

in the bottom three. Looks like he's slipped and pulled a

hamstring. Play continued. He packed a punch in that, Berahino. The slip

here by Victor Anichebe looks like it might be the end of his

afternoon. Berahino a terrific drive. We're pleased we have got 23

points. It could have been more. Our performances at times have been very

good. Desperately disappointed to lose at Swansea. We played very well

there. Again, things didn't conspire to go for us. Today, it was a

deserved victory. We played really well. The game hinged on two things

really. The second half it was a certain penalty. I've seen it over

and over. The challenge on Mitrovic? It's unbelievable. The referee will

look and think, "I got that wrong." Doesn't help us. It's cost us

probably the chance to get the first goal, all vital in this kind of

game. We felt comfortable, played good football, created chances,

didn't quite take them. I didn't think the boys deserved to get beat

today. In your pre-match interview you hinted as to why Saido wasn't

playing At times people - you know I'm an experienced manager, people

say why ain't people playing and why are they not doing this or that?

It's all about the team. It's not about individuals. Has he not been a

team member this week or something? No, it's all done and dusted. It's

been sorted out. Yeah, something's happened obviously. A lot revolved

around the goalkeeper. Rob Elliot ill in the warm up. Karl Darlow came

in. It's not an ideal situation to make your debut in. Rob Elliot got

ill in the warm up. A good save there. This one's, he's got to be

nervous. He's been thrown in at the deep end. Of course, you want him to

be a able to punch it better than that. You want him to be calm. He's

had a slash at it. When you look at the header that he's beaten with,

you feel for him. I feel for Newcastle. Newcastle fans think I'm

always having a go. I thought he were unlucky. Unfortunately, they've

had to throw in their young keeper and it didn't work out today.

Goalkeeper tough. Steve McLaren thought a penalty. Do you concur? I

do. A definite penalty. Evans on Mitrovic. He pulls him back and that

is a clear penalty. I don't think there's no doubt about it. Newcastle

haven't had a penalty for just over a year now, Boxing Day lastory was

their last -- was last their penalty. What Steve McLaren says

about Newcastle, he can't keep on saying that they're playing well.

They're not playing particularly well. They're third bottom for a

reason. Things have to improve. You're going on a rant, I can see

it. They're in trouble. You know Berahino, is there something wrong

with him, something missing in terms of his mentality? Not that I know

with him. He's a really good lad. He loves his mum obviously. He's one of

those guys where I think that the love between him and the club and

the manager is just, that chemistry doesn't seem to be working. A move

soon? I think so. Crystal Palace's impressive form

this season has seen them reach 5th in the table and today welcomed

Swansea to Selhurst Park who won their first game in two months on

Boxing Day. Steve Wilson made the Chamat makes his first start since

scoring in this filmure last May. Jonjo Shelvey returns foreign

Swansea. But he's -- returns for Swansea.

Allan Curtis makes eight changes in all.

Terrific player Cabaye, but that was optimistic.

Allan Curtis, one win, one draw, win defeat in his role as care taker.

He's not keen on staying long-term, but may be persuaded to stay for the

rest of the season. Appeals for handball given.

He's protesting his innocence. But it's a Palace free kick.

The little flick was no threat. This game has what on Match of the Day we

call "and finally" feel about it so far.

Using his body well and getting a free kick is his reward.

Excellent save! Tremendous save from Fabianski. Hangeland running his

firsters through his hair in frustration. -- fingers. Lovely ball

in by Cabaye. A flick from Hangeland. Very good reactions from

Fabianski. Inviting for Bamford. Touched away by Williams. Certainly

given Crystal Palace a focal point has Bamford. A good ball in towards

him. Steve Parrish and Mark bright

watching on. First time the Palace goalkeeper has

really been troubled in this game. Decent from Barrow. A nice Swansea

attack. Good passing movement. This is the 43 rd game as his time

as Crystal Palace manager. They've only drawn four of the previous 42.

Tremendous stop by Fabianski. Fell beautifully for Patrick Bamford.

Should really have scored from there.

Zaha - oh, so close! So, so close. Alan Pardew looking up at the screen

to see how close it was. Bundled over by Brede Hangeland. He

gets a yellow card. Deep into the second minute of

stoppage time at the end of this game.

It beat the wall and Hennessey beat an way.

Best save he's had to make all afternoon.

It's saved Palace a points. -- point. We couldn't find a moment to

break them down. The ball seemed to be like a magnet on Williams. Every

time it went in the box, every time in a dangerous situation he snuffed

it out. He can do that. Having said, that I thought we should have won

it. Patrick had a great chance at the end. Nine times out of ten he

will bury that. An excellent point against an obviously very good

Crystal Palace team. We knew it would be difficult beforehand.

Obviously, they showed today why they are where they are in the

table. We're delighted. It just gives us a bit of momentum. Unbeat

anyone three now. That's obviously a huge improvement on where we have

been of late. We've had three clean sheets on the bounce. That's what we

need in the position that we're in. Fabs made good saves as well. They

had a few chances. The big man pulled out an unbelievable saverment

he's a top-notch goalkeeper. Not many stop Sigurdsson's free kicks.

Both keepers had sound displays, looked competent. That's probably

one of the reasons we're standing here at the end of Match of the Day

speaking about 0-0. Yeah, right at the end. Bamford was probably the

clearest chance of the game. Yeah it was a good chance for him. I really

feel for him. It's not really worked out too great for him at Palace. I

thought he would have done better than he has done. It comes to

McArthur, ricochet. I think he feels he's close enough to get a good

contact. He hit it well. He did. But unfortunately for him, you watch

here again with Cabaye, great play by him. Good shot. That's perfect.

Yes, you'd ideally want a bit more composure, slot it into a corner.

When you're trying as hard as he's been trying to get it going, we'll

find out. It's not quite happened for him. He's been on loan. Now he's

decided himself to cancel that loan. He's decided to cancel that loan

spell. He's only had nine appearances, hasn't started as much

football as he would like, so he's going back to Chelsea. Swansea have

steadied the ship a bit. Yeah, they have. Since Allan Curtis has come

in. I like the way Swansea play. Good point there. Very good point.

It is a good point. We're about out of time. Gents, thank you very much.

#12k34r before we leave you, let's look at the Barclays Premier League

table. Arsenal could go into the new year

top of the tree for the second time City. Spurs are up to third. Aston

Villa face Sunderland next who host Liverpool on Wednesday. Let's look

at the papers. Louis Van Gaal's assertion that he will not resign.

The Daily Mirror focuses on Van Gaal being saved by the performance of

his players. And Ozil master class, Ozil hailed as a complete player and

apparently he loves his mother. LAUGHTER

We leave you this week with the goal that continues to divide opinion.

For some the goal of the season, for others a fluke. Shaqiri says the

chips don't lie. Goodbye.