30/04/2016 Match of the Day

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

COMMENTATOR: Goals came and went. And, Keegan.

Look at his face! Just look at his face!

Look at that. Oh, look at that!

Oh, and he's done it! Oh, what a goal.

Just three weeks to go and everything still to play

This weekend could see Leicester crowned champions,

but the relegation battle is going to the wire.

It's the teams at the bottom who top the bill tonight.

Have Jermaine Jenas and Danny Murphy done enough to survive next season?

Just one point separated the three teams fighting to avoid the drop,

Newcastle have closed the gap on Sunderland and Norwich

in recent weeks with a three game unbeaten run.

They faced former manager Alan Pardew, whose Crystal Palace

side still have the FA Cup final to come this season.

It's a game Newcastle must win, regardless of whether Palace have

been on the pop since their FA Cup semifinal with their Sam Allardyce

claims. The league form of Miller and Hull has nosedived since

reaching Wembley, but there's a point to prove since leaving the

manager's job 16 months ago. Wijnaldum replaces Perez, as they

look to build on 11 points in the last 18 year. James McArthur, who

scored two in the 5-1 home romp against Newcastle in November makes

his first Palace start since debris. Puncheon rooms wide because Zaha is

ruled out because of a leg injury. Cabaye is back at his old club, his

delivery set pieces could prove pivotal.

APPLAUSE Newcastle United have insisted on a

minute's applause at St James' Park to respect the victory for truth,

for the families of the Hillsborough victims. Every Newcastle fan knows

how much that meant to Rafa Benitez, who donated ?96,000 to that cause.

Newcastle United, thus far their most important 90 minutes of the

season. They have to win really here their remaining games Aston Villa

and Tottenham at home. Strongly by Delaney, good ball by Wickham, a

brilliant challenge by Lascelles. So the tackle that could keep them in

the Premier League. Brilliant side saving challenge. By the 22-year-old

full stop it begs the question, why wasn't he given more opportunities

earlier in his Newcastle career? Spaces out to the right-hand side,

that's a sensible ball. Puncheon rolls inside, against finds

Cabaye, and pushed away by the goalkeeper. Cabaye again, stabbed

out. Pressure by Crystal Palace. He chose to parry at with one fist.

Coming at him at pace from the former Newcastle man. Anita did

well. Here's Townsend, could be a game-winner. The fans are infuriated

by that challenge. Oh, what a stunning shot that was. That's what

he is capable of, that is what Newcastle fear. He can carry the

ball with such confidence am such a long way with pace and delivered

that dumping shot. -- thumping shot. Tiote looks right, Mbemba coming

forward. Surely he won't shoot from there, and he does! He forces a

decent save out of Hennessey. Looking for his first goal for the

club, Mbemba. Drove it hard, pushed away confidently by Hennessey. If

only Newcastle had appointed Rafa Benitez two months earlier. Where

would they be? Now Colback with the cross in, dangerous here, Sissoko. A

big opportunity for Newcastle, went to flick it. Anita couldn't get the

cross back in. Could he have gone for it with a header? Comes in at a

decent height, may be dropped into low Faure header. A magnificent

diving effort, the flick lacked any sort of power. Cabaye quickly onto

Wickham. Cabaye gets the loose ball. McCarter is waiting in the middle.

Lascelles saves Newcastle again. The second time of the afternoon he has

rescued his team. The frustration grows. Cabaye with a cross, staying

wide around Cabaye, Puncheon finds it.

Bolasie, good hit, parried, Dann, back into the middle. And the

header, the goalkeeper gets the punch away. The pressure is still

on. Delaney couldn't make it first-time. Tiote clears. The second

time. Darlow has been called upon to save Newcastle United. Newcastle

playing with all the anxiety of a team that knows the trap door is

creaking open beneath them. Out towards the edge of the box,

Wijnaldum turns and can score here. A great block, Delaney covering in

behind Dann. That's got the crowd on their feet again. St James' Park is

stirring now. This was a real opportunity, a cleared shot there,

or there. Nervy times. There's Vurnon Anita. Delaney didn't know

whether to stick and twist and has found himself in no man's land.

Townsend, bumped, a free kick for Newcastle and for the first time in

the game the Palace centre-back has got it wrong there. Delaney went in

short, got bypassed and Dann had to come out and cover. 57 minutes gone.

Andros Townsend with a free kick. How about that I should mark how

about that! -- how about that? How about that! Newcastle needed a big

win. Is it enough? It was special. A massive strike to inch them down the

road to salvation. Bent around the wall and deliciously bent into the

top corner. Andros Townsend. Will it keep the club up? That might play a

huge role. 1-0 to Newcastle. Unbridled joy.

yet. He is Wickham, and Sako. What have Palace got in the middle?

Puncheon arriving. Cleared away for a corner ball. Newcastle were

stretched. A decent break by Crystal Palace. Newcastle booze for their

former hero, Cabaye, who smiles through it all. -- boos. A penalty

is given, hand ball, Crystal Palace have a penalty. Mike Dean,

absolutely no doubt. Cabaye's corner kick and the hand goes up. The

referee deemed that Sissoko pushed the ball away with his hand. Dann

appealed straightaway. Cabaye has been booed throughout his return to

St James' Park, where he was once a hero. He could send his old club

stuttering near the top. Saves! Darlow, understudy goalkeeper,

spotlight on him! A matinee idol. Hero of the hour. Newcastle stay in

front, are they staying up? What a dramatic couple of moments! He

thought his team was back in it, only to be denied by Karl Darlow.

Newcastle only to be denied by Karl Darlow.

watch. Paula header away by Sissoko, Souare brings down. That's a good

touch. Here's Delaney to the edge of the box. Out by Lascelles. Still

remember that first-half tackle, it was superb. Given away by Perez.

Townsend is to his right hand side. Can he play it in? He has dwelt on

it too long. What effect will that mishap on the game and on the

remainder of the season have? Still work to be done. In this game alone,

Gayle on towards Cabaye. Colback is there, Shelvey will hold and

Gayle on towards Cabaye. Colback is towards the near touchline. Into

what's Mitrovic, Mitrovic in towards Shelvey. Comes back in towards

Townsend, Souare defence, still Townsend. Back came Cabaye with the

challenge. Rafa Benitez checks. It's all over.

A mighty wind for Newcastle United. They needed success today. -- a

mighty wind. A They needed success today. -- a

Townsend, a special They needed success today. -- a

penalty saved by Karl Darlow from their old player, Cabaye. Still work

to be done. But they know perilous pitfalls lie ahead in this rocky

road to redemption. Newcastle United one, Crystal

don't move left. He has put his weight on his left foot, stepped

across and by the time he sees the ball going the other way it's too

late to react. I'm not taking away from the precision of the free kick

and it's an important goal for him but too many keepers this season get

beaten on the wrong side. We tend to say at this point, somebody has a

good game, can he sneaked into the England squad but he has been a

favourite of Roy in the past. He's been a really good one for Roy in

the past, there's an argument for Townsend in terms of the fact he is

every week and playing... He's a goal threat as well. He's playing

better than the other two at the moment. The other crucial moment was

the penalty, a brilliant save from Karl Darlow. That was a pivotal

moment, a change in fortune that you need. It was, but I'm not quite sure

what Sissoko was thinking. He loses Scott Dann and I think he's trying

to block his vision by sticking his hand in the air. The ball comes in

from Cabaye and Scott Dann is on for a clear header. But he just hangs

his right arm in the air and it clipped his fingertips, and Mike

Dean was well within his rights to give the penalty. He's not even

close to challenging it, it clipped his fingertips as you can see there.

It's a good spot from the referee, I have to say. Very good spot. That

was a massive, massive moment for Newcastle and that was the first

penalty that's been saved by Newcastle goalkeeper in four years.

2012, Tim Krul, soak a huge moment. We picked out Lascelles, who has

played six out of seven starts under Rafa Benitez. I had not seen too

much out of them, but in the last few weeks he has really come to the

fore. He is athletic, outspoken, which I don't mind, that shows that

he cares. This was early in the game, with good positional play. But

he had a lot more to his game than just that. This was the best angle

of the match. He spots the danger and his speed gets him back. If you

don't get the ball, you are in trouble. Decision-making as a

centre-half, he knows when to get in front against

centre-half, he knows when to get in And distribution, I like to see a

centre-half willing to play out. This is on his weaker foot. And he

showed leadership qualities time and again. I saw him getting in front of

people, shouting and organising. This was a great decision. Danger

behind him, it is a 50-50 choice, he does not fly in and risk being sent

off, he takes it to ground and sniffs out the interception. At the

other end of the pitch, does he have anything else? He has good feet for

a big man. He spots a little pass to call back, you should do better. His

performance was really good. -- a little past two Colback. But he

showed balances of his calmness. The big question is why he was not

playing earlier, because he really does look a terrific player. Indeed.

Sunderland travelled to Stoke on a run of just two defeats in ten

games. Converting draws into wins has been

the big problem for Big Sam. The home side had lost

their last three. Guy Mowbray was at

the Britannia Stadium. After three successive heavy

defeats, Stoke could do with the win. Sunderland needs to win. Might

that prove the difference on a wet and windy afternoon? Mark Hughes has

reacted to stoke's recent rotten run by making five changes. 9Haugaard as

is -- Haugaard is in goal. And experiences brought back into the

side in Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam, his first Premier League start

since the game at Sunderland in November. Sunderland are unchanged

for the fifth game in a row, the sign of a few -- few injury worries

and some Allardyce being pleased at how his team is performing. Much

rests on the goal-scoring skills of Jermain Defoe. Ten of his goals this

season have come on the road. He has scored nine in his last ten away

games. Charlie Adam, drifting away. Arnautovic. Whelan. Played in the

words Crouch. And could not afford to take the chance. Crouch peeling

away. He would have wanted to get a bit more on it, actually. Mark

Hughes, the second longest serving manager in the Premier League,

linked with Everton. He was keen to knock that on the head because

Everton, of course, have a manager. Bardsley's ball in. Crouch invited

to attack. Mannone was very casual, it seemed like he knew it was going

wide. Not everyone in the crowd was quite as casual. Crouch thought he

might have squeezed at home. Just how he likes them. Disappointed that

he did not fit the target. He did not quite get it off his forehead.

He has not scored since the 9th of January when he netted in the FA

He has not scored since the 9th of at Doncaster. Not a bad ball in. As

this was cleared away, Jermain Defoe had to McCanns in the air, did he

think that that had been caught with a hand? Is there any contact? He

just politely asks. Shawcross didn't know where it was for a second. Here

is Kirk off. -- Kirchhoff. Kirchhoff with a back hill from Shaqiri. --

backheel. Sunderland threatening to end the first half on top.

Cattermole at the near post. Here is called a! All his energy and effort

was focusing on turning and firing. -- here is Kone. Accuracy was an

afterthought. And here is Charlie Adam. Crouch. There is a chance now,

and the chances taken by Marko Arnautovic. Time for Sunderland's

bench to ask questions about a possible foul and stoke to celebrate

taking the lead. That could be a huge goal. The cross lifted. It was

couple against Crouch. -- Kaboul against Crouch. Kaboul had

to be stronger. Crouch had two hands on them. From every angle, you

think, why did the referee not blow his whistle. Some Allardyce is all

over him and a bit more. -- Sam Allardyce. Sunderland beaten

over him and a bit more. -- Sam last four meetings between these two

teams. There has only been one Stoke win in the last nine. Shaqiri.

Walters. Mannone pounces and it is turned away from Adam. In Vila got

court late. -- M'Vila. Adam Cottier the man, swinging the ball. To life

Jermain Defoe, the man, swinging the ball. To life

Kirchhoff keeping the attack going. Jermain Defoe, it won't come down.

And Jermain Defoe had to work and Jermain Defoe, it won't come down.

work to get any sort of chance. But it would not come down. Precious

little in the way of chances all day. You have to feel for that young

man. And him. day. You have to feel for that young

to a season-ending like this. Put forward by Kaboul. Good, solid

defending. Walters is running through. In Vila to wrap it up,

could he have just surged through? -- in

Imbula. Imbula did not seem to have the belief. Jermain Defoe tried to

turn. And a penalty has been given. This could be

turn. And a penalty has been given. jail free card. Into the feet of

Jermain Defoe. There didn't seem much in it. Cameron is with them.

And he put his hands on. That must have been what the referee saw. He

did not see the hand in the other penalty area but he has seen this

one and Sunderland have a chance to rescue a point. It could be

precious. What this click be worth? Jermain Defoe. He scores. -- what

might this click be worth. Sunderland level. He nearly took the

net off. Another massive moment at the bottom end in the Barclays

Premier League, and other channels gobbled up by Jermain Defoe. He was

never missing that. All over at the Britannia Stadium. Not quite what

Sam Allardyce wanted to take back with him. But in the way that the

game has been played out, he will gladly take the one point now. Sam,

you left it late. What was your overriding emotion? It was a

brilliant point in the end. But for me, it is one that could have been

the winner, rather than the draw. Because obviously Stoke did not

deserve their goal because it was a blatant foul on Younes Kaboul. For

me, we should have had a penalty at 30 minutes, when Cameron put his

hand above his head and touched the ball with his hand. Unfortunately,

the referee did not see it and let play go on. We got into a winning

position, and we were quite comfortable. In the last throes of

the dice, they got a break from the referee in my view. And they were

able to take the point. Overall, a better performance, much better

attitude to what was needed. Fascinating to watch all of this,

but what is it like to be in the middle of it? I cannot even find the

words to describe it. It is a lot of pressure. But the rewards are so

big, so we keep going. But pressure. But the rewards are so

that we will get out of it. With the players in the dressing room, we

have some fantastic players, and we will just keep putting in good

performances and I believe that we will get what we need. It is going

to be very tight. Peter Crouch made a rare start for Stoke. How did that

affect Sunderland's game plan? Only his third start of the season, when

Sam saw his name on the team sheet, he must have thought, we need to

change the way we play. Sunderland decided to press high,

change the way we play. Sunderland number of players, in midfield or in

the higher areas of the park, they knew that they had to stop the

supply to Crouch, because he is dangerous. And you can see where it

would work. They panic, they play long balls, and suddenly they pick

up the ball. Suddenly, they are asking Jermain Defoe to get

involved, doing all they can to make life harder to get balls to Peter

Crouch. Even Cattermole, he was pressurising Barnsley at right back.

But the problem with that, when you are doing it for long periods, you

can get tired and if you can't maintain that, eventually you get to

have a bit more quality on the ball and start picking out Peter Crouch.

When you do that, he is very dangerous. There were a couple of

incidents here where we have highlighted three or four Sunderland

players that he had dragged over to one side. And he was just starting

to show his effect on the game. This was the first warning for Younes

Kaboul of how dangerous he is. But he didn't know already. That

probably is a foul, but Arnautovic doesn't care because he has made his

run and stuck it away. But this was a lovely touch, brilliantly linking.

I thought I would highlight his blistering pace. He has still got

it. But his involvement in the game was brilliant. And Sunderland really

struggles to deal with them. Sunderland have been reliant on the

goals of Jermain Defoe, and he's not letting them down. He looks released

shark and I think they are too reliant on him, if I am honest. --

he looks really sharp. What he has got, great feet, and the ability to

make chances for himself. He did not stop today, and with time anybody's

around him? A player of his quality would've been disappointed with

that. That is unlucky, good skill, very inventive and creative. This

one in particular, look at how quick his feet are. It is very hard dive

in on him in the box, but he gets it back, six bodies around him, and he

still manages to get a shot off. And this was the penalty. I think it is

a penalty, a stupid, rash tackle. It doesn't need to make it, but that is

Jermain Defoe, they worry about him. Nice and cool, the keeper goes early

and slotted in. He deserved that. It was not just about him slipping out

calls today, it was about his effort and commitment. And there is his

list list of goals. His second-best season. He is playing more games. He

has never really had a long run in the team. Exam complaining he

thought Sunderland should have a penalty for that handball, very

similar to one in the previous game. Almost identical. I think it was

Cameron, and he was well within his rights to be upset. Cameron sticks

his arm in the air. What is he doing? I've no idea. There is no

reason for him to be doing it and there is no threat. But you can see

clearly that there is contact with the ball, so yes, he was very

disappointed with the goal that they conceded. If that was 50-50, that

incident would have been a penalty. Defeats against Crystal Palace

and Sunderland had seen Norwich slip back into the bottom three ahead

of a trip to Arsenal, who themselves needed points

to consolidate their place Your commentator at

the Emirates was Steve Wilson. Newcastle goalkeeper in four years.

2012, Tim Krul, soak a huge moment. There's a fairly unhealthy

atmosphere at Arsenal as some fans protest against the perceived

stagnation at the club. No silverware this season despite the

best efforts of Mesut Ozil who has apparently created 137 chances for

his team-mates this season. A 12 year Premier League hi. Cameron

Jerome returns doing a rich side with five changes. He's hoping for

an away hat-trick having scored both Manchester City and Manchester

United this season. But goals from anywhere is what Alex Neil needs.

A little bit of room for Hoolahan to work in and he's happy to carry and

attack Mertesacker. Redmond, good saved by Cech. First big chance of

the game goes Norwich's way. The ball just flicked away, but straight

to Redmond, who hit it well. Cech got down well. Norwich mustn't dwell

on the home defeat to Sunderland. They started -- they have started

brightly enough here. Ozil squeezes it through to Ramsey, a disguise on

that for Giroud. A really good blog. Martin did really well to get in the

way of Giroud. It looked inviting. Good defending here. This is clever

from Ramsey, disguised into Giroud, a good block by Russell Martin.

Well, we are on the 12th minute of the game. A bit of finger

Well, we are on the 12th minute of going on. There is some Arsenal fans

protesting, time for change is the message. The significance of the

12th minute is that it's 12 years since Arsenal last won the Premier

League title. Some hold up their banners and some of those who do are

being ticked off by those around them.

to Wes Hoolahan. Redmond hoping to get onto this and he has, and he

gets the shot away, Cech, and another good save. That's twice now

Nathan Redmond has been denied by Petr Cech. Norwich have had far

fewer touches of the ball in this half and yet have had two best

chances in the half. 90 seconds of this first half to go. Howson

wriggling through. O'Neil, helped on to Redmond. O'Neill, three times now

Norwich have had a good sight of Arsenal's goal. Twice, Cech has been

called into action. Not this time. Norwich's last win in an away game

against Arsenal Norwich's last win in an away game

first day of Premier League football, the 15th of August, 1992.

Redmond got the shot away and that's not far wide from Redmond. Arsenal

have had the lion's share of possession and done precious with

it. Norwich have lived off scraps and yet four Times come close to

opening and yet four Times come close to

The cry wood are doing their best to inject

The cry wood are doing their best to play -- the crowd are doing their

best. Well Beck assisted to that end as well. There's no point in

standing there for 90 minutes sharpening your carving knife, you

actually have to stick it in the joint and gets cutting. That's what

Arsenal fans want to see. Giroud to Welbeck, 1-0. He'd been on

the ditch a couple of minutes, Giroud to Welbeck, 1-0. He'd been on

he has made. A very sharp finish. I hard one for Norwich to take. In

towards hard one for Norwich to take. In

Welbeck, a very good finish. No messing around there. Just get a

shot win. Arsenal lead, and that spells trouble for Norwich City.

With half an hour to Mbokani is

I'm not sure he is. Redmond carries it. Gabriel got a foot on it. It's a

corner, the first corner for Norwich in this game, desperately hoping

that Redmond and Mbokani Bezua onside. He wasn't there but he was

judged to be onside there and Gabriel's challenge was important.

Just over 20 minutes to play. A Norwich corner. Brady turning it in.

Giroud got a little touch on it and then a swipe away, driven back in.

The ricochet could have gone anywhere from O'Neil's shot. There's

a huge advantage here and Bellerin forgot the ball. A great ball

through from Ozil to Sanchez, Bellerin to his right hand side,

ignored by Alexis Sanchez. A let off for there. Bellerin really got in

Ozil's way, but what tapas for Alexis Sanchez. If he'd played

Bellerin in there, Norwich would have had a big problem.

Good from Ramsey. That's an awkward looking clearance. Ozil with the

shot. Well hit. Really well hit by Ozil. It's a little flick from

Ruddy, he certainly got a touch. Here's Ozil the Arsenal, just behind

Aaron Ramsey. Howson driving on. Mbokani Bezua shot didn't travel far

before it was blocked. Hope here for Norwich if Olsson can get a decent

ball in. He has to beat Bellerin first. He's got a corner. 12 minutes

to go. The protest resumes. Certainly not an overwhelming

protest. A little flick on that, puts it over the bar. It was half a

chance. Not quite the header Elneny was

looking for. Monreal to Alexis Sanchez.

Giroud, stabbed around the corner. Elneny, a really good save.

Tremendous save by John Ruddy. This would have finished it, I think.

Elneny, excellent hand from John Ruddy. Only just got it right, but

he got enough on it. It's a face that tells a story, the frustrating,

agonising afternoon for Norwich City. At half-time I think we had

the better of the chances and maybe a bit unlucky not to go up. Nerves

were tested with Cech a couple of times, obviously it's the same old

story. We lacked pace in the first half, we were a bit subdued. It was

a special atmosphere and we needed to keep a clean sheet and slowly get

into the game. It was better in the second half, we created more chances

and in the end we got an important win today. A difficult match for us.

We knew they would be up for the game and we had to match their

spirit and desire to win the match. The last thing you can do in a

relegation dogfight is feel sorry for yourself. You have to dust

yourself down and get ready for the next one. The boys showed a good

response today. They didn't get what they deserved, they should have

merited more. We need three performances like that in the next

three games and we will get points if we can play that well. My job is

to play football games and make the fans happy and I'm sorry if I don't

achieve it -- win football games. We will work harder to achieve it.

Arsenal never had a shot on target in the first half but entered Danny

Welbeck. A big fan of Danny in the first half but entered Danny

Welbeck. A big fan of Danny Welbeck, since he has been back he has been

fit, strong, quick, hungry club goals. As soon as he came on he

started running behind, making things happen. They were flat in the

first half, Arsenal, credit Norwich, they were really good. They picked

up when Danny came on and what he gives them is an intensity in his

running and his work, and this is his first chance. A super finish.

Big relief around the stadium. From that moment, Arsenal got better,

dominated Norwich a bit more. He is so powerful when he's running with

the ball, very hard to defend. A certainty for me to me to go to the

euros. Roy is a big fan of him, he can play in various positions. This

is another aspect of his game, the closing down, the pressing that we

saw him do so well in Germany for England of course. I would suggest

he properly won't just go, he will start. Could well do, protests,

there was a lot of talk before the game, what it would be like, this

thing in the 12th minute. It was a bit of a damp squib in the end,

wasn't it? It was amazing to see. There was a hell of a lot of support

store the Arsene Wenger, after listening to lots of people I didn't

think there was. It's very mixed, it divides the Arsenal fans, you are

either pro-Wenger or... There was, but lots of fans stood up and showed

their support and chanted his name. It was a big moment for Wenger, he

may be didn't expect it himself. Norwich played well, they had lots

of opportunities, but you've got to take them, haven't you? They did

play very well, Alex Neil is right, they defended deep in numbers and

made life very difficult for the Arsenal team. It was nice to see the

likes of Redmond and Hoolahan, creative players, playing in the

ranks. But when you have those opportunities in these games at the

Emirates you need to take one of them. They were playing a

counterattacking style of play. You can sit there, Alex Neil and say we

deserved more and we should have got something out of the game but when

you're not taking opportunities like this, Gary O'Neil is much better

than that, and Redmond, who did have a big impact on this game, had a

number of opportunities, when you are not sticking those chances away

you are not going to get anything. You can't expect Arsenal do not

score at some point or have a chance and stick it away at some point and

that's all that happened. They played very well but they didn't

punish them when they needed to. Lets see the final games of the

three, it's going to be two from three, almost certainly. Let's look

at the final fixtures. What do you think, who has the toughest? I think

Man United is a tough one for Norwich, the way United are playing.

I still, for some reason, think Sunderland looks are most likely,

although you would expect Newcastle to go to Villa and get something. I

fear for Norwich, personally. I think they lack that quality in the

final third, whereas Newcastle are on a good run and Sunderland have

Defoe. Is going to be tight. Seriously tight, I change my mind

every week between Newcastle and Sunderland, am I allowed to do that?

I think Sunderland have the edge. At least it's exciting, who have made

your boys make the title run-in unexciting. Even Foxes don't count

chickens! Just your normal run-of-the mill

end-of-season encounter Sigurdsson. Darmian. The near post,

it goes in. Lallana. Vardy is done it. Leicester City could be

champions within days. # it's it's far from over #.

The build-up begins on Match of the Day 2 Extra at 12:15pm.

Radio 5Live will be across all the action as it happens

Frank Lampard for Chelsea, Lampard, that could be the Championship!

Lampard for the title. Lampard on its 2-0, it's Chelsea's Championship

and 50 years of waiting have come to an end!

West Ham continued their bid to bring European football

to the Olympic Stadium next season against a West Brom

side who stopped Spurs in their tracks on Monday night.

Hit the post. # Every night I cry...

# You treat me cold #. Blading, in the back of the net!

Headed in! They are celebrating in Leicester,

they are dragged back to 1-1. Your commentator at the Hawthorns

was Simon Brotherton. Tony Pulis easily using the

opportunity to give Tony Leko his first start for the club just six

days after his 17th birthday. Foster returns in goal. West Ham are

unbeaten in nine and looks to strengthen their grip on sixth

place. Andy Carroll scored six strengthen their grip on sixth

in his last six appearances and leads the attack in an unchanged

McAuley forward, Rondon. Challenging line-up.

McAuley forward, Rondon. Challenging with Ogbonna. Collected here by

Leko, who with Ogbonna. Collected here by

youngster. Really good place from the under 17 International.

Gardner, blocked by Adrian. Back out with McLean, who goes down, it all

started thanks to with McLean, who goes down, it all

to start a Premier League game who was born in the year

to start a Premier League game who the ball in. Gardner's initial shot

blocks and West Ham United survive but a lovely little turn on the

byline and West Ham were at full stretch there. Decent attacking

A little touch opens things up, potentially, for Kouyate. I don't

think Gareth McAuley is going to catch any time soon. Great ball, 2-0

on the stroke of half-time. West Ham on the breakaway, West Brom undone.

A little deflection took that away from the Albion player. Kouyate at

the legs to get away from Gareth McAuley, and Noble, the ball almost

got away from him. But he was able to get his boot on it. And send it

into the bottom of the net. West Ham sitting pretty at the break. Leading

West Brom by two. The half-time team talk might be interesting in one of

the dressing rooms for certain. Dawson with a little lay-off.

Gardner to Rondon. Saido Berahino, just wide. That is the closest

Albion have been for a long time in this game. Berahino almost making an

immediate impact from the bench. Just over 25,000 inside the

Hawthorns for this one. Only about 2700 will be enjoying it so far.

Dimitri Payet exchanging passes with Andy Carroll. And now here is Andy

Carroll with the chip into words Noble. 3-0, a beautiful girl. And

Mark Noble has now scored four in the last two matches. -- a beautiful

goal. A great build-up and a spectacular finish. West Brom

trailing 3-0 at home, equalling their worst home scoreline of the

season. Dimitri Payet instrumental as ever. A fantastic run. Ultimately

holding off Sandro. Dimitri Payet could not be stopped. Andy Carroll

with the delicate chip. Noble watched it all the way. A great

ball, and an even better finish. West Ham with the sort of quality

today going forward that West Brom just have not been able to muster.

You are a goal machine suddenly. What is going on? I am not sure

about that. Just enjoying my football, and when you have players

around you that great stuff, Dimitri Payet making it happen with a great

run, we managed to make it look quite comfortable. We played a good

side but we could have done with some breaks. I don't think we got

the breaks at all. The first 25 minutes, I thought we played really

well and created lots of opportunities but that has been the

case. Our finishing, sometimes a bit of luck in front of goal does not

drop. I thought I was going to be in the squad and then Tony Kanaan three

minutes before the start, ten minutes before and he was starting.

I thought, yeah, I am ready. Totally deserved. It is very difficult to

play a game with them. They are physical and good and organised. And

they have a good home record against big teams. They scored three great

goals from open play, and it is a great win for us. That was West

Ham's best ever points tally in the Premier League. They have had a

really good season. And it was good to see one of the store works, Mark

Noble, getting in on the act. Yes, he has captained them to their most

successful Premier League points tie. He has been very unlucky this

season not to have had a chance with England. Of course he has quality

players to compete with, but he has not let that get him down. He has

carried on performing well, and today he got himself into the box.

Nice and brave with the finish. He has added some goals, I think is

best tally this season was seven. There is not one part of his game

that we would say is the strongest, but West Ham were great today and

played some good stuff. This is a hell of a finish. A good ball from

Andy Carroll, and a superb volley from Mark Noble. I have to say, I

have been very impressed with him in terms of his leadership qualities

and the way he conducts himself. There are other people talking about

him, and he kept his feet on the ground. Possible for the Euros? A

couple of injuries, you never know. I don't think he would let anyone

down. We will have to wait and see what happens with Jordan Henderson,

but if the players are fit, he will not be in. And in the week where we

saw a youngster interviewed, Jonathan Leko, he said he was told

right at the end there, the first player born in 1999 to appear in the

Premier League. I don't know what that means but he did very well. He

was told by Tony apparently. But he is very bright, 17 years old. He has

bags of enthusiasm, and a hell of a lot of tricks in his bag. The way he

faces people off, and he is so quick, he gave Chris well a really

tough time in that first half. -- Cresswell. He just has that

fearlessness about him. When you are doing things like that, you know you

have a player on your hands. Here's one for the future for West Ham. And

good luck to him. Watford's build-up to the game

against Aston Villa had been overshadowed by speculation

surrounding the future of manager Quique Sanchez Flores says that now

at Vicarage Road having Quique Sanchez Flores says that now

is not the time to talk about whether he will be here at Vicarage

Road next season. Road next season. Instead he is

targeting four out of four in Watford's remaining fixtures.

Watford looking to complete the double over Villa. Kevin Turner

makes his first start for the visitors, having made his debut as a

substitute in Southampton last weekend. That was Aston Villa's 10th

successive defeat. A change in goal, with Mark Bunn replacing Guzan.

Terrific voice, just over 2000 fans making the relatively short journey

to Vicarage Road. Clark, dispossessed by Giraldo. A little

enquiry there from the Watford striker. And you can

enquiry there from the Watford was a little bit of contact. But it

was minimal. Troy Deeney, and a little touch for

Ighalo. He was onside. He Troy Deeney, and a little touch for

across. Mark Bunn with the clearance,

across. Mark Bunn with the Watson, urged to shoot by the

Watford faithful. Cleared as far as Watson. Set up nicely for him, just

on top of the bar from Ben Watson. Resisting the pressure from Watford.

on top of the bar from Ben Watson. Ben Watson's curling shot, just a

fraction to A foul by Cathcart. A promising

position. Watford have brought everybody back buying this free

kick. Westwood standing behind. Ashley Westwood will take it.

Towards Ciaran Clarke, turned away. Ashley Westwood will take it.

Aston Villa's first corner of the afternoon. Westwood with it. And

what a lovely header that is. It is a Toure figural and Aston Villa are

in front through Kieran Clarke. His second of the season, but is first

in the Premier League since December of 2014. Eight horrific run from the

defender. Watch the number six as he gets away from his marker. Gomez is

beaten and that is something of a rarity for Aston Villa of late. 1-0.

Cissokho is on the near side with lots of room. As first-time ball in,

often post. It came in from Ayew. Villa, so close to making it 2-0. A

minimum of one minute of additional time at the end of the first half.

Can Aston Villa hold onto their lead? Watson with a foul. And that

will be a yellow card for the man. Abdi has very carefully placed in

his bowl. Soares is also standing behind it. Abdi! What a fantastic

free kick. And with just seconds left in the first half, Watford are

back on level terms. He was the man who was fouled. And he is the man

who has inflicted further punishment on Aston Villa. In the last seconds

of the opening half, they see their lead wiped out.

Jordan Ayew lines up the shot and it is a brilliant one. And Aston Villa

are back in front. Jordan Ayew, who stored only once since Boxing Day.

-- who has scored. His seventh of the season. The return ball is a

lovely finish. It comes off Westwood. It's behind

by Clark. Half a dozen corners now for Watford this afternoon. Britos

and Cathcart have both come forward. It is clear the way off the line.

I'm not sure whether that might have been going wide anyway. Troy Deeney

getting on the end of the corner kick. That was definitely on target.

The chase on here. Support arriving from Amrabat. Was

Anya fouled by Cissokho? It was. What card is Anthony Taylor going to

produce? They read. Cissokho was dismissed. The long ball forward

from Watson, Anya was away, and Cissokho stretching out a leg.

That's a red card. In the opinion of the referee. De Vreede here to an

already relegated Aston Villa side won't help Quique Sanchez Flores'

hopes of keeping this job -- defeat here. The men in charge have a

decision to make. Watford have a worst home record than they do on

their travels. This would be their eighth defeat here at Vicarage Road

of their Premier League campaign. If they fail to get an equaliser. 20

points here, 21 points away from home.

Bercow sin towards Deeney, 2-2. -- Berghuis. Classic Troy Deeney goal.

The captain, the Birmingham City fan, who writes in today's match day

programme that the Premier League is a poorer place without Aston Villa,

scores and possibly rescues a point for Watford. Berghuis with the ball

in and Deeney with the guiding touch. We are in to a minimum of

five minutes additional time. Finished 3-2 at Villa Park earlier

this season and there's every chance it may finished 3-2 again.

Might drop here to Deeney. What a late

The ten men of Aston Villa cannot hold onto their lead. Troy Deeney

with a double, late on, has surely earned the points for the Hornets.

As it dropped back, Deeney, food just waited on the edge of the

penalty area -- who just waited on the edge of the penalty area, plenty

of room, and could see clearly where he was aiming. And did so superbly.

Troy Deeney has just denied Aston Villa fans a rare moment of joy in

this season of misery for them. I'm really happy that we are able to

have 44 points, still we need to go and play three more matches but we

are happy for that. The dismissal certainly changed things. What was

your view of the decision the referee made? He probably got it

right. I think he touches the ball first, the momentum, he gets it

going to the goalkeeper safely and he does lift his leg so I can see

the interpretation of the referee. We looked like the team that would

score again but football sometimes does that to you. What does it mean

for Watford as a football club, for Watford as a town and for you

personally that next season Watford will be in the Premier League again?

It's amazing, the Watford fans and every person in Watford decides to

stay, we are working really hard for this team and it would be amazing

for Watford to grow up with an amazing sense. A bit of a Spanish

saying there, that familiar phrase. One thing is for sure, it's an

excellent win for Watford but it was turned really with the sending off.

What did you think of Cissokho? I think Anthony Taylor got it right,

it was a red card, it's a fantastic ball from Ben Watson and Anya is in

here. The problem is he does get the ball but he then raises his legs and

legs and trips Anya, which went Anya is through on goal, that's a red

card and we get a better view in a second. He winds up there, sticks

his leg up. He didn't really give Anthony Taylor much choice. The

problem was Villa were winning at this point. That really did change

the game. It sums things up for Aston Villa, the way things have

gone. Troy Deeney rubbed salt in those dreadfully gaping nasty Villa

wounds. Being the Birmingham fan that he is, he took some abuse at

Villa Park earlier in the season so he had a point to prove. It's a hell

of a cross from Berghuis but Troy Deeney has been inspirational for

Watford this season. This is his 10th and 11th goals of the season.

He is such a handful. You can see the joy in his face, what it means

to him. I know he talks about the Premier League being a worse place

without Villa in it but it doesn't look like he cares too much about

Villa there, does he? Not at all. A lot of speculation about Quique

Sanchez Flores, talking about Watford being on the bus. Will he be

on the bus with what asked with Watford? It's remarkable we're

having a conversation about him. Watford? It's remarkable we're

brilliant season,... They have Watford? It's remarkable we're

new players, a remarkable story, who's going to come in who is better

qualified Merseyside United, Everton have

always stood shoulder to shoulder with neighbours Liverpool over

Hillsborough and today, they mark this week's momentous and long

overdue verdict of unlawful killing with their own tribute.

overdue verdict of unlawful killing of the families of the 96 are here

as the club's special guests. Their indescribable pain and their

incredible determination to see justice done is recognised by

football supporters everywhere. Three months after joining the club

for ?12.5 million, Oumar Niasse finally makes his full debut for

Everton. Romelu Lukaku rested to the bench. There's a first appearance in

the Premier League 421-year-old Matthew Pennington in defence.

Veteran Tim Howard recalled for maybe his Goodison farewell. Seven

months after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury, Callum Wilson

is back in the Bournemouth starting line-up. Harry Arter and Matt

Ritchie also return. Seven games without a Premier League

win for Everton, three points from the last 21 available. Elphick steps

in to stop Niasse. ?12.5 million from Lokomotiv Moscow, this his

first Premier League start. The corner for McCarthy. Provided by

Baines. Good footwork. Good shot. Terrific goal! Just the start

Roberto Martinez would have wanted inside seven minutes, Everton take

the lead. Only the second goal Tom Cleverley has scored in an Everton

shirt. A very important one nonetheless. Everton one,

Bournemouth The 62nd goal that Bournemouth have

bottom two, Newcastle and Villa, have conceded more. Wilson using his

strength to get the have conceded more. Wilson using his

inexperienced Pennington. Now a chance, and an equaliser. To Amman,

Everton fans and Everton players turning towards the assistant on

this nearside, Daniel Cook, and it's a cruel introduction to the ways and

means of the a cruel introduction to the ways and

Matthew Pennington he almost stopped, he was nudged by Callum

Wilson, Everton switched off, King had ago and Pugh did and the put it

away. had ago and Pugh did and the put it

long. Within 2.5 minutes Bournemouth level. Bill Kenwright, the chairman

of Everton, he's the man who appointed Roberto Martinez three

years ago. He is his biggest supporter. Whether the majority

shareholder shares that confidence is anybody's guess.

Loses out to Niasse, linking up, this looks promising for Everton.

All the time you fancied that he fancied a shot there. By the time he

got into a position to shoot, there were plenty of Bournemouth bodies

between him and the goal. Had to aim high and in doing so shot way over

the target. Pugh letting it run. Wilson, for

King. The chance of a shot here. It wasn't far wide. A good shout from

King, to Wilson to let it run. Everton slow to close him down.

Wilson the target. King is with him as well. This is Wilson, it falls

wide and there's the side netting. It's his first attempt at goal

today. He's a deflection. He's not going to get it. Wilson has only got

eyes for goal here. Howard had his near post covered anyway.

Barkley shaking off Ritchie, looking for Lennon's move. Lennon and behind

Daniels and arriving is Baines. Everton restore their lead. Leighton

Baines, with his first of the season. In between their two goals

there hasn't been an awful lot of quality to talk about, but this is a

great move. Barkley involves, good run from Lennon, Daniels, let it go,

the cutback behind the man in a medal. Baines arriving in the nick

of time to dump it into the roof of the net. Norwich has no chance of

keeping that one out. -- Boruc. Surman nudging it into the path of

Wilson, who has gone away from McCarthy. He gets the crossing for

Afobe, who from there really should have levelled it at 2-2. -- cross

in. It's a terrific run from Callum Wilson. It's a great cutback,

fiercely strokes, but he finds the head of a phobia who got in front of

Stones but couldn't control the header. -- Afobe.

Their form since the turn of the year has been good enough to steer

them well clear of the relegation issue.

He wants it played forward. Up against Pennington and stones.

Ritchie's Drive, not far wide from Matt Ritchie. He hasn't scored away

from home all season, Matt Ritchie, and he won't have come much closer

than this. Good hold-up play from Benik Afobe E. Howard thought he had

the near post covered. I'm sure he would have done had it been a few

yards to the left. As you can imagine it's been a very emotional

time and we had a very clear we had to win. We had to dig deep at times.

We are a team we should really good character and it was mixture of that

young player with a strong attitude and a real desire for wanting to get

the win, so real satisfaction and we are moving onto the next one. I

thought quite an even game, the two goals we conceded were totally out

of context of the game. We have looked solid. Our goalkeeper has

been a spectator throughout the game and when the chances came we weren't

clinical enough in the second half. How much did you enjoy that, your

Premier League debut? It's brilliant, it's a real moment for

me, a proud moment for my family and friends and I'm glad we got the

result we needed today. Well said, we're going to focus on him, one or

two young players to enjoy this evening and he's one of them. He

played really well. He did, he got recalled from his loan spell because

of the injury to Phil Jagielka and the sending off. He had a bit of bad

luck earlier in the game, it could have knocked his confidence. He got

a little nudge in the back, a little out of position he was, and another

day that would have been given as a foul and Bournemouth ended up

getting an equaliser from it but he didn't let it get him down at all.

He actually grew stronger because of it. He was aggressive. He was quick.

He put his body on the line many times. See him here. He really

responded well to the challenge. He was up against some quick, strong

players today. Bournemouth have some decent forwards. He showed all the

attributes you want in a young player, hunger, desire, the fans

took to him which they always do when you give a young player and

opportunity. He showed his athleticism a few times which in

today's game you need. He tried to play as well, which of course

Roberto Martinez likes from his players, as we know, if maybe too

much at times. He can be very pleased with himself. Had a

difficult time to play at Goodison, he showed himself to be a very

capable young man and deserves credit for that. This was a double

block, showed his desire to defend and put his body on the line once

again. Well done to him. A big day for him.

the season. The return ball is a lovely finish.

A couple of common themes, young players and protests at managers.

This time at Roberto Martinez. Justified? And not a big fan of

protests, I am a fan of Martinez, I have to say. Last season was not the

best season for Everton. This season they have at their worst home record

in history. I mean, you can understand. We're just about out of

time. But before we leave, let's have a look at the Barclays Premier

League table. Arsenal move to within two points of Tottenham and

Manchester City could do the same if they beat Southampton on Sunday.

West Ham keeper they are slim the Champions League hopes alive, and

they will be desperate to stop Leicester winning the title. All

change at the bottom as Newcastle move out of the relegation places

for the first time since February but the game in hand that Botha

Sunderland and Norwich have over the Geordies could prove critical. The

Mail on Sunday leads with a picture of Andros Townsend's jubilation at

scoring the winner for Newcastle. The Sunday Telegraph previews

lesser's bid to win the Premier League title on Sunday. And the

Sunday Times carries quotes from Louis van Gaal in which he insists

that he will still be the United boss next season.

Whatever happens on Sunday, nothing comes close to the victory

achieved by the Hillsborough families this week.

We'll leave you with the words of the BBC's Peter Jones

The biggest irony is that the sun is shining now and Hillsborough is

quiet. Over to the left, the Green Yorkshire hills. Who would have

known that people would die each year in the stadium this afternoon

two the gymnasium here at Hillsborough is being used as a

mortuary for the dead. And at this moment, stewards have got little

paper bags, they are gathering up the personal belongings of the

spectators. And the red and white scarves of Liverpool, red and white

bobble hats of Liverpool, and red and white rosettes, and nothing

else. And the sun shines now. # You'll never walk alone.