04/02/2017 Match of the Day

COMMENTATOR: Just brilliant, just brilliant!

COMMENTATOR: What a turn, what a goal!

COMMENTATOR: Look at that. Oh, look at that!

They began the day nine points clear at the top of the Premier League,

with the other challengers bunched well behind.

We'll see 28 goals and all the top four in the next 90 minutes.

Plus the thoughts of our front two - Alan Shearer and Ian Wright.

We start with Chelsea against Arsenal.

It followed midweek matches which strengthened the position

The Premier League gives back and it could be the biggest week yet. This

fixture is rarely dull. That's it up for Kaboul. Deflected. All over the

place, Arsenal. David Luiz to hit it and he called them out. Wijnaldum,

Liverpool back on terms. A big moment in the Premier League title

race. Mignolet has kept it out. This is the night that Arsenal lost the

title. The result that will suit the leaders far more. Your commentator

at Stamford Bridge was Jonathan Pearce.

COMMENTATOR: Antonio Conte's transformation of

Chelsea began with the 3-0 hammering at Arsenal on September the 24th,

which saw them three points behind their London rivals. 15 victories in

the 17 subsequent games means another wing will lift them 12

points clear the Gunners, effectively ending their title

hopes. Pedro, who scored four in his last five games, replaces Willian

for Chelsea, in their only change from Anfield. They've won their last

ten home games this season and their last four here against Al is --

against Arsenal. Walcott, looking for his 100th goal, replaces Giroud,

who goes to the bench. Oxlade-Chamberlain, who came on

against Watford, starts for the injured Ramsay. Bellerin will be a

welcome change for the Arsenal fans who know they are in the last chance

saloon. Good afternoon for the Arsenal manager, sitting out his

suspension -- and awkward afternoon for the Arsenal manager, sitting out

his suspension amongst the supporters. Azpilicueta, part of the

back three brought in by Conte after that game at the Emirates. When they

were beaten so badly. But they've taken a chance there. Method Ozil,

risky by Chelsea. Iwobi. A chance to shoot and place it, he nearly found

the back of the net. Only a deflection saved Chelsea from an

embarrassing start. Really bright start to the game. Charged

atmosphere, as there always is. Hazard floating into a central

position. Back to Moses. Koscielny has been drawn out for Arsenal, that

could be a worry. The woodwork! And in from the rebound. Reacted

quickest was Alonso, and Chelsea, the league leaders, our ahead from

their first meaningful attack of the game. Arsenal couldn't withstand it.

Our Arsenal heading out of the title race? Another big step for Chelsea

here. Mustafi was left isolated in the middle. In came the cross.

Bellerin Ford Diego Costa, Bellerin was there, absolutely poleaxed. The

little Arsenal full-back at two jobs to do in there. Took a real back in

the face. He looks completely dazed -- he took a real hit in the face.

Chelsea lead. A perfect start for him. Off goes Bellerin on and on

comes Gabriel. Arsenal may moan about that and say it should have

been a foul. Quick release to Hazard. Couldn't risk a challenge.

Diego Costa is there. Diego Costa held onto it, the chance has gone.

Didn't lift his head quickly enough. Oxlade-Chamberlain, look at the

pressure on him by Conte. Costa grimacing as if the decision should

have gone his way. He should have been more decisive, there. Arsenal

just got back at it. Anguished. A lovely ball. Alonso stretching

Arsenal in towards Pedro. Spilled by Cech. It would have been a lovely

goal. Not for better check, but Chelsea's build-up was lovely to

watch. Easy on the eye, precise. Cech nearly gifted than the goal.

Conte makes great theatre on the touchline. Walcott is wide, a lovely

ball. Theo Walcott with a cross. Arsenal have their six corner, one

more than Chelsea so far. Not since Iwobi's very early effort that was

deflected wide have they created anything. Here's Coquelin. Ozil

picks out Oxlade-Chamberlain. In comes the cross, a free header, a

great save. Gabriel denied by the acrobatic Courtois. It was straight

at Courtois. Gabriel really should have scored there. Sanchez is

turning out, bringing in Monreal. He is Iwobi. A good period here for

Arsenal. Monreal to the left line, back to Coquelin, brings in Ozil.

Can he get the shot away? He was obscured by Walcott, who wandered

across. Alexis Sanchez kicked the far post in frustration. He made the

deep run in. There's nothing to suggest at the moment Arsenal can

get back into the game. Diego Costa to Hazard. Chased by Coquelin, too

strong for him. Chelsea fans rise to Eden Hazard. Into the box.

Brilliant! A brilliant goal by Eden Hazard. Strength, purpose,

technique. Chelsea two, Arsenal nil. A title winning display by Chelsea.

Abramovich is delighted. From the minute he picked it up, he meant

business, and Arsenal were backpedalling. Bewitched the arts

and old defenders and tucked it home. Terrific individual gold -- he

bewitched the Arsenal defenders. It looks as if Chelsea are clearing

another hurdle on their way to the title. They'll take some stopping

now. Sheer delight. Brilliant celebrations for the manager. He is

irrepressible! Sanchez trying to get beyond Azpilicueta and does. Mustafi

shakes for the cross. Well back with a header on, good save. Idle for

long times in the game, but still alert. As to get down smartly, a

clever header from Welbeck. Stars of the Premier League watched by stars

of the silver screen, will Farrell and John C Reilly there. Now listen

to this reception. From Chelsea fans for Fabregas coming on against

Arsenal, they'll love this and especially for Hazard, a standing of

Asian and the scoring of the terrific second goal. -- a standing

ovation. They will love this. Arsenal fans won't.

Cech misplaces it. Fabregas. That's to complete Arsenal's misery. He

doesn't celebrate. But Arsenal fans will be crestfallen he got the

third, and Petr Cech, a nightmare for him. There are days in the late

winter and early spring when you see champions in the making, and this is

one of those days. Chelsea have been superb. Arsenal have been run

ragged. They accepted the gift, moments after coming on. Chess

Fabregas, the old Arsenal hero, puts his team to the sword. Chelsea

three, Arsenal nil. The look says it all. Eden Hazard, Man of the Match.

His goal was simply sublime. Three minutes of stoppage time being

played. Monreal with across, a consolation for Arsenal, just a

consolation. In terms of the game it won't mean much now. In terms of the

title race, I'm afraid it's all over for the Gunners. Should he have

started? That's the question Arsenal fans will ask as he gets his 11th

goal of the season. Today has been the story of the team that is built

on championship winning foundations against the team that has seen those

foundations absolutely crumble. As bad as they were Arsenal in

September, Chelsea have been so very, very good today. They have

completely turned the tables on their north London rivals this

season. It was an important game against Arsenal, because I consider

Arsenal one of the six teams that can fight for the title, until the

end of the season. For this season, to win and to put them 12 points

behind is important for us. The first goal is always going to be

decisive. Were you unhappy about it? If you look at the repetition in the

number of -- reputation in the number of games recently, you can

feel a bit sorry, but I think it's was 100% a foul, even dangerous

play. Did you think the first goal was a foul? In England, never. In

Italy or in other countries, maybe. What a goal by Eden Hazard? Eden

Hazard has a good technique. He can score goals, to date, he scored a

beautiful goal, good for him. It's good to score beautiful goals

against a massive team, so today I enjoyed the game, also the goal. We

scored three beautiful goals and we deserved to win the game. Let me

take you back to September at Arsenal, 3-0 down. Did you think

then you would this position so early? Honestly, I must be crazy to

think this is the situation now, yes, because honestly, at the start

it wasn't good for many reasons but only through the work, work, work,

it helped the players show you can change the situation, also when the

situation is not good. Another win for Chelsea, as they seem willing

march inexorably towards the title. Way too good for Arsenal. Yes, this

was a chance for Arsenal to run the words straight down our throats, the

critics like me, who say Arsenal won't win the league, and they

failed miserably again. Having said that, Chelsea were superb. They

bossed them from start to finish. Two performances in particular,

Hazard and Kante were brilliant. I don't think I've ever seen a guy who

is as fit as this guy, who gets around the pitch as much as this

guy, Kante. How many times he breaks up play and stops the opposition in

their tracks, and he can play as well. We said it many, many times.

He was just superb today. The way he gets around, the amount of grassy

covers, the moves he breaks up, sets up Costa here, and they couldn't

live with him today. He was absolutely superb. This guy also.

This is what they gave him stick for, not getting back, not working,

but he is composed, he is calm. You just want to leave him with the ball

at his feet, he will put you on your backside. This is good, this is

where the goal comes from. He is off now, and once he gets it, it is

skill, technique, strength, pace. This reminds me of the picture of

Maradona. Look at it, look, hasn't got a clue where he is going,

Koscielny. Coquelin falling off him. Watch Koscielny, we see is number,

all over the place. They just can't contain players playing that well in

the system. We sought the start of Kante, he has made more tackles than

any Premier League player in the last three seasons, and he has only

been here a season and a half! By contrast, what was Arsenal's game

plan? You have to press Chelsea, put them under pressure. Arsenal against

Watford, that was a poor as I have seen, and to be fair, Arsenal

started well. Sanchez telling everyone, let's push forward, Theo

is in a good position, the Ox is in a good position, Ozil is in a good

position. Courtois is going to try and go back, this is good, Ozil is

in, they get the ball, you are thinking, brilliant. They were

starting slow, they get the ball to Alex Iwobi, brilliant, here we go.

But that was it, they gave them too much time on the ball, and it was

just too easy for Chelsea, they were superb. The closing down was not

good. Look at the difference between Alonso and Walcott, Walcott has a

look at where he is, but he should track back. Koscielny has to work

harder to stop the cross coming in. That is not enough. Once the ball

comes in, it is too late, Walcott, it is a mismatch. You are right,

Wenger said that was a foul, but he is just being aggressive. Look out

easy bases, a throw from the keeper, long ball, this is embarrassing. --

look how easy this is. No pressure on the ball whatsoever, simple pass,

Chelsea attacking again. This is from one of their corners, Arsenal,

the keeper picks it up. Ozil is walking back, Costa is in the box,

and he plays the ball in, they are in trouble. No protection in front

of the back four, simple ball up to Costa, they are into the final third

again, and they were absolutely superb, Chelsea. It was an

embarrassing performance from Arsenal. It was, Alexi Sanchez

playing the centre forward role, not his usual self. Not one of his good

days, I didn't understand what he was trying to do, he made it so much

easier for the Chelsea back three than it should have been. He was

angry, he was frustrated, and rightly so. He is moaning because

the ball is not coming in, exactly the same thing again, frustrated.

When that happens, you come deeper for the ball, so now the Chelsea

back three are delighted with him. 40 yards from goal, no problem

whatsoever. Olivier Giroud is not on the pitch yet, so he is on the

left-hand side. This is a superb ball across, he should be in there,

he is their best player, he will put it in the back of the net.

Remarkably, their best player at 50 touches of the ball, not one of them

was in Chelsea's box, and that summed up Arsenal today. Arsene

Wenger does divide opinion amongst fans, they get into a terrible rage.

Social media is going crazy, and he has got a tough couple of months

coming up. At this time of the season, the crux end, they are

starting to slip up, fall away, you know what I mean, he has got really

serious thinking to do, really serious thinking to do at the end of

the season, what he wants to do - has it got the stomach to do this

again? Top four again? They are not going to win the league.

Two teams in contrasting form met at Goodison Park.

Everton had taken 14 points out of a possible 18 since Boxing Day,

while one win in seven had left Bournemouth

looking nervously over their shoulders.

It was a remarkable match, watched by Steve Wilson.

The 19-year-old makes his first evidence that after joining from

Charlton, he has only made an impression, scoring four minutes

after coming on in the win over Manchester City. Tyrone Mings makes

only his third Premier League start since sustaining a knee injury 18

months ago, and a second serious injury to strike a Callum Wilson

rules him out for the rest of the season, a bitter blow for Eddie

Howe. Mike Jones is the referee, and it is Everton who will get this game

under way, kicking towards that end in the first 45 minutes. And

immediately, a free kick for a foul by Josh King, that must be one of

the quickest of the season. Schneiderlin out to Williams.

Lukaku into McCarthy, back to Lukaku, space, goal! Romelu Lukaku!

What a start for Everton! Bournemouth sliced open. Brilliant

finish. Everton 1, Bournemouth 0. Just what he didn't need! Romelu

Lukaku's goal timed officially and 30 seconds, the joint fastest scored

in the Premier League this season, equal to Pedro's for Chelsea against

Manchester United. The cross laid into the feed of

Lukaku. Great footwork from Ademola Lookman.

He left Harry Arter brilliantly, just couldn't find the finish. He

doesn't look terribly thrilled, Ronald Koeman.

Nice touch to Barkley and back again, Lookman is in the middle, so

is Schneiderlin. Romelu Lukaku, great stuff from Lukaku, McCarthy,

and in! A big slice of luck about the way this ended up in the back of

the Bournemouth net, but it is 2-0 to Everton. And it is James

McCarthy's first goal of the season. McCarthy right to point at Lukaku,

because he made it, McCarthy scored it. Bournemouth in bother here.

Oh, that is dreadful, Lukaku through! What on earth was he doing?

29 minutes played, and Bournemouth have conceded three already, and it

is the 12th time this season they have conceded three or more. This is

a horror show at the moment for the visitors. And a stroll for the

hosts. Bournemouth have started the second are very much better than

they started the first, which, it has to be said, the bar was not set

very high. Wilshere, clipped up to Josh King, and he has got one back

for Bournemouth. It is a quality ball from Wilshere, the first touch

was lovely from King, just glancing it past the keeper into the net. It

is 3-1. You wonder if that is a platform on

which something happens, we will have to wait and see. A chance for

Bournemouth here, a good save, it is a corner, and Josh King turns away,

knowing that he might have made it 3-2. What a turnaround we would have

had then. Dangerous, in, it is 3-2, Josh King

has got another one! Extraordinary stuff, there is still 21 minutes to

play! At half-time, they were absolutely nowhere, and now they are

just one goal behind. And this, suddenly, is going to be a very

nervous 20 minutes for Everton. Well, he has seen it all already

this season, Eddie Howe. They came back miraculously against Liverpool,

they crumbled against Arsenal, they looked nowhere today, and now they

might get something from this game. Here is Jack Wilshere, good tackle,

and it needed to be. Kevin Mirallas here. Arter's shot! Corner. You

cannot believe what is happening in front of him, the Everton keeper.

They thought they should have a free kick, his shot was heading wide

anyway. Bournemouth have a corner. In goes the corner kick, Leighton

Baines arrives. Arter! Fabulous save! The Everton fans behind that

goal cannot believe what they are seeing, their team are hanging on

here. Great hit from Harry Arter, really good reactions from the

keeper. At the moment, he is keeping evident's lead intact. I would not

like to have a punt on who is going to score the next goal. Lukaku.

Lukaku... Abstract! -- hat-trick! He has been brilliant today. With eight

minutes to go, that should do it, 4-2 Everton. And another good

finish, hat-trick Lukaku. Three goals for him. I hesitate to say it,

but probably three points for Everton. Lukaku, he is in again! He

has scored again! Lukaku has four, Everton have five!

Fantastic display. Evident's number 10, four goals for Everton's

formidable Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku basking in the admiration. 16

league goals now this season, 17 in all.

Afobe, it comes off the post, and Arter has put it in the back of the

net, it is 5-3. It was pinball, ping-pong, and then in from Arter.

Here is the goal line camera. That suggests that the whole of the ball

had gone behind. I don't think that goal should have stood. Great run by

Josh King. Don't forget, he is on a hat-trick.

Barkley celebrates and scores! In an unusual order at the celebration

normally follows the goal! A very enjoyable game for the neutral, and

for Everton. Unless I have lost count, I think it is Everton 6,

Bournemouth 3. Crazy game, crazy game of football.

During the game, different systems for both teams, change system,

change system, and it really was a tactical battle. But they came back

in again, really good football, they made it really difficult. Obviously,

we scored the two goals, the game and a knife edge, the crowd getting

nervous, then we can see the fourth goal, which really knocked the

stuffing out of us. When I was driving to the stadium, I was like

thinking that I had a good feeling today, so it is just about instinct,

really, something that we worked on in training as well, all the

finishing in training is about instinct. So I am really happy that

everything worked today, happy for the other players as well, everybody

put a shift in. Romelu Lukaku showed again today he

is maybe one of the best finishers in football, because what he showed

today was really outstanding. It certainly was a bonkers game, wasn't

it? A remarkable performance from Romelu Lukaku. Cracking goals. He's

got all the attributes to be a stop -- a top striker. Isn't the one yet?

23 years of age, he's getting there, can score goals, already has a good

scoring ratio. But today, he was just absolutely superb. The touch,

the give and go here was brilliant. Give, and get it back. The touch

again, a little backlift and before the keeper. Blink. It's in the back

of the net. Side netting. The keeper has no chance with that one. This

one is a gift. From Simon Francis, touch with the right foot, a little

pink, clever, full of confidence. Too much space from Bournemouth.

Again, give and go, gets into the box, a good ball across, and a

clever finish. Really clever finish, cultured, into the back of the net.

The volley control. It's superb. This is a brilliant goal. This is

what I said about pace and power. Two quick for the Bournemouth

players. Brilliant from Ross Barkley. A right foot finish this

time. The keeper has no chance. Two quick and too strong, he was

absolutely superb today. Already, 172 appearances, 76 goals. One thing

I think will take to the next level as in last three years, 30 times

against top six opposition appearance but only scored three

goals. If you can keep on going... Perhaps because the team don't play

so well. He's been in a struggling team at times, but I think he can

get there. Certainly can. You enjoyed Ross Barkley's goal,

particularly his premature celebration? I never thought of

doing that! I thought he had a fantastic game today. This sums up

the confidence of him. He's done brilliant. But here, the

celebration. I like it, there's nothing wrong with it. Don't hit a

bobble here! You remember doing that when you were a kid at school,

heading it in and stuff like that. I'm glad to see he's got the

confidence to do that. He gets a lot of stick for enjoying the moment.

Bournemouth conceded 31 in the last 12 days. That's a recipe for

disaster. One win in eight, a shocking record. It coincides with

Nathan Ake, going back to Chelsea. They've conceded 13 in the last

four. It's not good form. He's got to be worried about, Eddie. Good to

watch though. Having steered Sunderland

to safety last season, for the first time as

Crystal Palace manager. this was all about another

battle to beat the drop. Sam Allardyce has called it an

ultimate six pointer, but his first encounter with Sunderland since

leaving in the summer isn't the only subplot. Patrick van Aanholt lines

up against his former side, two weeks after playing for them, as

Palace stick with the same team that won at Bournemouth mid Wales full --

mid week. David Moyes had them is to bring him his Everton old boys and

one starts today. Oviedo replaces Manquillo, their only other change

sees Januzaj preferred. It's going to be a free kick and an early

yellow card for Sebastian Larsson. Larsen knew that Zaha had the pace

to get past him and didn't get much of the ball, but a fair bit of

Wilfried Zaha. Having replaced Sam Allardyce in the summer, David Moyes

thinks the Sunderland players have a lot to thank Allardyce four, mainly

keeping them in the Premier League last season. Van Aanholt on the

scene for Palace. Sunderland fans making their feelings about Patrick

van Aanholt clear, as Rodwell brings it forward and puts it in for Defoe

to chase. Defoe up against Ward. Defour forces a fine save out of

Wayne Hennessey. -- Defoe. Sam Allardyce said Jermain Defoe is

simply electric and his players couldn't afford one slip against him

today. Hennessey keeps him at bay early on.

Rodwell helped it onto Januzaj. Januzaj was the meat in a Palace

sandwich there. Van Aanholt and McArthur closing in on him.

Larsson takes, looking for Kone, who gets the header in. Can't deal with

it and Kone puts it in. Sunderland have the early lead for stop Kone

reacted quickest. Party time for those Sunderland fans, who have had

precious little to cheer on their travels this term. Lamine Kone, one

of the stars of Sunderland's second half of the campaign, after being

brought in by Sam Allardyce last season, has dealt an early blow to

his former manager. Crystal Palace nil, Sunderland one.

Zaha has won possession back off Larsen, then caught from behind by

Sebastian Larsson, who has already been cautioned and has to watch his

step here. 20 minutes played, and the Palace fans baying for a second

booking. Well, I've seen yellow cards given for that kind of thing

in the past. Puncheon leaves it for Cabaye. It's a good ball and away by

Rodwell as far as Van Aanholt. On for Delaney. He's kept it in. Dann

is up there and Tomkins somehow sends it wide. The best chance

Palace have had midway through the first half. It's a good cross from

the defender and his fellow centre-back failed to hit the target

from close range. It's a really big chance that, for Crystal Palace.

Ledley, pocket picked by N'Dong. Danger here. Oh, brilliant! Didier

N'Dong with a wonderful strike and a huge goal for Sunderland. Big Sam's

side are in big trouble now. Didier N'Dong with his first goal for

Sunderland, and his first goal for anyone since November 2015. Joe

Ledley won't want to see the replay again. He fell asleep. N'Dong was

alert. Then chanced his arm in great fashion from long range. Hennessey

couldn't do much about that. Crystal Palace nil, Sunderland two.

Larsen, as -- clever pass. Releasing it at Januzaj. Januzaj, waiting for

support, gets it in the shape of Jermain Defoe. 3-0 Sunderland.

Staggering stuff from the visitors. And the boos ring out around

Selhurst Park. Jermain Defoe, so often the saviour for Sam Allardyce,

when he was in charge of Sunderland last season, has dealt a devastating

blow to him today. He timed his run perfectly and then steered it beyond

Hennessey will stop Jermain Defoe with his 13th goal in the Premier

League this season. Threaded through for Defoe. Danger

here. Jermain Defoe! 4-0 Sunderland. Incredible! Devastating from Jeff

ain't -- Jermain Defoe. The Sunderland supporters can barely

believe it, and the Palace fans are leaving in their droves. And we're

not even at half-time yet. And you're not fit to wear the shirt

reverberates around Selhurst Park, in stark contrast, three goals in

the space of five minutes have Sunderland in Greenland. It's the

stuff of nightmares for Crystal Palace -- Sunderland are in dream

land. A bit of room here for Jason

Puncheon. McArthur, a good hit, not far away. Ironic cheers from the

home fans, as Palace have a rare sight of goal. His team have lost

their last five away league games. Talk about ending a losing run in

style. He is Zaha, meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha, away from Jones. Put

in on a plate, and income from Puncheon. Brilliantly saved by Vito

Mannone. Jason Jason Denayer back there as well. The combination of

the pair of them. Sunderland closing in on their first clean sheet away

from home this season. The last shutout on the road came in April's

win in Norwich, and Sam Allardyce was the man in charge.

Wilfried Zaha, fisted away by Mannone. Townsend onto the rebound.

Andros Townsend and Mannone again, and from Benteke. Dallas simply

aren't going to score today. Almost a wry smile on Sam Allardyce's face.

-- Palace simply aren't going to score today. Three chances in quick

succession, the first two saved by Mannone and then Christian Benteke

couldn't get that one on target. It's a game that we had to win

today. And you know, for some reason, when the pressure is on we

always perform. So we will hopefully keep it going. From a personal point

of view how will this result affects you today? Deeply, in all honestly.

As long as I've been doing this job and as experienced as I am, I'm

slightly in shock at the moment by what I've watched and what I've

experienced. In fairness to his team today, Dave's team were very good.

We were not at the races today. It gives is a real lift, a great

chance. We have an idea of where we need to get to. We have games at

home I believe that the Stadium Of Light we are capable of winning, so

we have to try to show that. A brilliant effort from Sunderland, a

fabulous performance away from home but your old team, Palace, got

something. They did. Sunderland need credit, they were under pressure

coming the game. Sam probably thought it would be a good day,

dancing with the mascot, but that's where it ended in respect of smiles.

Kone was magnificent, too strong. The keeper has to punch that, but

his reaction there to get that on target and volley it in, that was

fantastic. He's got to do better, Hennessey. Fantastic reaction from

him. Here, I think he's headed it to him, Delaney, he's got to tell him

to turn. Just a little bit of information for me there and he

tries to control it. The keeper doesn't move his feet well enough

for me. It's a good strike. But they were playing well. By now they were

really flying, Sunderland were Pirelli -- Sunderland were playing

brilliantly. This is a good move for them. Jermaine Defoe does really

well, comes off his man, links played brilliantly. It was so easy.

Sunderland couldn't believe what was going on. Januzaj played very well.

Jermaine still has so much time and space, I think the goalkeeper is too

close to his near post. But Jermaine has done what he does, if you give

him that time in the box. He hits the target and score the game. For

me, Oviedo, who literally bottomed up Wilfried Zaha for the game, he

played fantastically well. Januzaj's passes brilliant but Jermain his

movement, you can't let him turn and do that. It summed up Palace,

everything was sloppy and slow, no intensity, nothing. If you get the

first goal against Palace you have a good chance of winning the game

because they are so mentally weak. People keep saying they have good

players, they keep mentioning Zaha, Benteke, Puncheon, Townsend. These

guys have been poor now for over a year.

Hull against Liverpool wasn't easy to predict,

Hull had produced some encouraging performances

while Liverpool were still waiting for a first league win in 2017.

Hull City were the busiest club in the transfer window, and there are

debuts today for the two latest arrivals. And a late change too,

when Michael Dawson was injured in the warm up, a first start and a

home debut for the -- Ranocchia. A boost to the attacking play with the

return of Sadio Mane, the club's top scorer in the Premier League this

season. Sadio Mane has knocked it down to

Firmino, that did strike Niasse of Robertson. The referee has ruled it

was not hand to ball. A double deflection on that, it came off

Maguire first before slamming against the left hand of Robertson.

Would have been very harsh on Hull. Henderson, that is in point, that,

all the way up to Firmino. He looks towards Mane. That is wide. It was

flat that by the Hull keeper, but importantly he has kept it down to

Coutinho, but he kept on going to smother the shot.

Hernandez not quick enough to make the most of that pass, Matip had the

head start. If Hull had looked the other way, there was a gaping hole

where James Milner usually is. Given away again, Emre Can takes it. That

will be a hell city corner. All does not seem well at times with

Liverpool's defending. Hull's corner they can bite was... A debut goal

for Alfred N'Diaye. It seemed as though the threat had gone when it

bounced up to Simon Mignolet. He beat her Nando's to it, but he not

decisive enough. He drops down to the boot of Alfred N'Diaye, who had

an empty net to tap the ball into. Hull City 1, Liverpool 0 with

half-time looming. Only one Liverpool win in four games at this

stadium, having been unbeaten at the old ground. Jakupovic clauses away,

that is the closest Liverpool have come to scoring, Mane attacks it, it

comes off the head of Robinson, but it was dipping under the Barbie for

Jakupovic got his fingertips to it. -- it was dipping under the bar

before. Mane, a little too hurried. Robertson tries to get Hull away, it

is a good ball, Hernandez, it's just ran away from him with that first

touch. Good bit of keeping from Mignolet, all of a sudden Hull what

threatening to take the game away from Liverpool. Very good work from

Grosicki. Deflected behind for yet another

Liverpool corner. That scowl has been permanent ever since Hull took

the lead. It is headed away by Ranocchia, there is Milner, Mane.

Good ball in, here is Milner, can't find a way through. Surely now! Oh,

it is wide. Of all the people for that to fall to and do that with it,

you would have put quite a lot on Phillippe Coutinho firing that one

in two draw Liverpool level. They are queueing up, it is on a plate,

it is the wild spin of the ball which must have resulted in doing

that, it must have been a factor. He normally hits them so clearly.

It is scooped up towards Niasse, he is in an goal to seal it, surely,

for Hull City! 2-0 to The Tigers! Jurgen Klopp is about to see his

Liverpool side go five Premier League games without a win, and they

have been caught out today by one from a set piece and then a simple

one over the top. And didn't Niasse do well! Mignolet has to back away.

Into the net before he is challenged by Matip. The striker who cannot get

a game for Everton, he can barely get a training session with the

first steam, he now seems to have wrapped up the points for his new

club against Liverpool. It is deflected wide for a corner,

not that they have done Liverpool much good today. How many is that

now? 14! It is a Coutinho corner. Clucas out as far as Henderson,

brilliant save by Jakupovic, keeping his clean sheet in tact, it could

well be Hull's first-aider home in the Premier League all season. That

tells the story, Jurgen Klopp seemingly resigned to his fate

today. I was not happy, I was angry with the first, and second half,

yes, it was better, but that is the minimum we expect, but it is our

fault, our mistake. Yes, we have to change it. Fantastic result for us,

very good performance, we play as a team, and the first words for our

supporters, fantastic. At the moment I am enjoying it, but what I wanted

is to keep our club in the Premier League, that is our goal for this

season. But of course we're not in charge of the Premier League. Great

result for Hull, Liverpool in a rut. One of the problems that Klopp faced

when he took over Liverpool was they were defensively poor. 15 months

into his reign, they are still really poor, despite having

different and goalkeepers. Defensively poor from corners again

this season, Henderson is not even looking at the ball. Three men are

free, Maguire has a free header in, two men free, seven yards out.

N'Diaye and Hernandez, and the keeper makes another mistake. It is

a simple goal, far too easy for Hull to score that goal. This is their

second one, brilliant tackle from Robertson, and it is a straight

ball, 40 yards down the middle, Niasse gets in the middle of Matip

and Clucas, I think the keeper can do better, but that is too easy.

That is a long ball over the top, in between the two defenders. That

can't be allowed to happen, and that is while it would pool will not win

the title. Terrific performance from Hull, they have really upped their

form with Marco Silva. Seven signings in January, seven points

from 12 under their new manager, they look well organised, very

compact, very tight. They all seem to know exactly what they are doing.

They were just superb the whole game, they didn't give Liverpool any

space whatsoever. 50-50s they won, aggressive in the right way. And a

reading of the game was also brilliant, Maguire looks to his

right hand side, he sees Firmino running in there, but he's not going

to let him do that, he is too clever for him, too quick on this occasion.

There was no space through the middle whatsoever, I set out compact

and tight they were, look, there is no way through, and they didn't have

an macro answer to that, Liverpool. And also, everyone doing their

shift, this is a centre forward doing his job, running back, doing

his bit for the team. Not to be encouraged, Alan! Hull were superb,

they deserved the three points. the only team

with an unbeaten home record, against Middlesbrough, who'd won

just once on their travels. Harry Kane faces Middlesbrough in

the league for the first time today, he scored against 22 of the 24

previous Premier League opponents he has come up against. Hugo Lloris is

back in goal, Ben Davies starts in place of Danny Rose. Alvaro Negredo

has been involved in half of Middlesbrough's goals this season

and scored twice the last time they won in the league back in December.

Calum Chambers returns from a foot injury, Stewart Downing is preferred

to Cristhian Stuani on the left. Tottenham are the side with the only

unbeaten home record in the Premier League, they have won nine of their

11 home matches so far, with two draws. Middlesbrough without a win

since the middle of December. Forshaw in trouble, dispossessed, a

chance for Son, good save by Victor Valdes under way by Gibson for a

throw. Tottenham quick to break, look at the space for Son Heung-min,

brought the save at full stretch. Mauricio Pochettino saying ahead of

this one that the most important thing is to be ready to take the

possibility if Chelsea give the possibility. Beautiful ball, Dele

Alli! And so nearly 1-0. Eriksen managed to find the gap, and Dele

Alli almost squeezing it in the near post.

Now Dele Alli, Bernardo, Calum Chambers. Corner. The pressure is

building on Middlesbrough. And they had smashed against the post from

Alderweireld. -- the header. The closest we have come to a goal with

Alderweireld, he seizes effort bounced away to safety. Just one win

on the road all season, Middlesbrough, their first away

match, 2-1 at Sunderland in August. The home crowd doing their bit to

try to roar the home team on. Harry Kane, a chance, lovely flowing

football from Tottenham, wonderful first starch stuff, Kane with the

opportunity but couldn't keep it under the crossbar. That is twice

now Tottenham have gone close. Son Heung-min, dangerous, Tottenham

are in, but it will not count, offside against Harry Kane. The flag

was up sharpish on that one, let's have a look again. And Harry Kane in

an offside position. It has been a while since Middlesbrough won here

back in the league, September 2000 and two. Now it is with Son

Heung-min, Harry Kane is ahead of him. And a shot from Eriksen brings

the save! You could see Son was looking to see if there was a chance

to get a shot in, but he let it roll for Christian Eriksen. Just a hint

of anxiety from some sections of the home crowd. A long way to go.

Dele Alli sliding it through, down goes Son under pressure, and

Tottenham have a penalty. Here it is again, it was Bernardo, just

catching the Korean with his leg, there, catching the left leg of Son

Heung-min, it is Kane against Valdes, and it is 1-0 Tottenham. And

Middlesbrough's defences finally breached from 12 yards. And Kane

facing Boro in the league for the first time in his career, he has a

goal against them already, and he has now scored against 23 of the 25

teams he has faced in the Premier League. Tottenham, by the way, could

go unbeaten in the league for 12 matches for the first time in five

years, looking to close that gap a little bit on Chelsea. Dele Alli,

perfectly placed, Son Heung-min up against Bernardo. It was close, just

shaving the outside of the post and the netting.

Launches it for Patrick Bamford, Negredo, Marten de Roon, oh, it was

a chance 4-iron added time equaliser for Middlesbrough, and that Janssen

is just slipped through their fingers. The little flick from

Negredo, Marten de Roon sends and wide of the posts. The final score,

Tottenham Hotspur 1, Middlesbrough 0.

I think we played well, I'm disappointed it was only 1-0. It is

only 1-0, you can concede a chance and the game is open. It's an

important three points for us today. I told them at half-time the way

they had to play, with pressure, because if you are here trying to do

something and playing under pressure is impossible. At the end we had

chances to score. I think we played a lot better today than we did

midweek. It was a similar game. They dropped deep and made it difficult.

We should have scored more, to be fair. We will take 1-0. You have

lost two matches all season but Chelsea are not getting any closer.

I'm not frustrated about that, Chelsea have lost one game against

is, that speaks well of us because we can beat them but on the same

time we need to believe and try to reduce the gap. Another win, a vital

win, though they didn't really stamp their overall dominance. It was a

vital win because they have watched teams dropping points around them in

the day, so they had to win the game. They had a lot of possession.

A bit sloppy in the final third, but it could have been so, so different

in the last minute, with all that good work could have been undone.

Middlesbrough pushing forward, as they had to do, chasing the game.

Marten de Roon finds himself free. That is a big opportunity.

Basically, the last kick of the game he decides to go with it on the

volley, rather than front of the foot rather than hit it with the

side of the foot. It could have been so different. Tono Manaj Chelsea's

closest challengers Ian. It's quite a big gap -- Tottenham are now

Chelsea's closest challengers, Ian. It needs Chelsea to have a bit of a

collapse and the other teams to consistently win. Is it all over? I

think so. Even if Chelsea had a couple, they haven't got that kind

of running them where they totally capitulate. They are playing too

well. I can see them losing one or two, but I don't see other teams

winning every game. Battle for Champions League places, might as

well give up! You never know. Two more games for you on this week's

Match of the Day 2. COMMENTATOR:

How about that? Wayne Rooney, record-breaker. It's Gylfi

Sigurdsson. This is a thumping. There's also commentary on Leicester

against... Coming up on the NFL show we are in

Houston for all the build-up to Super Bowl L one. We'll be meet both

sets of players and interview Lady Gaga. That's ahead of the Super Bowl

tomorrow night on BBC One, after Match of the Day 2.

COMMENTATOR: Shearer, Ameobi, this is the chance,

it's a goal, it's a record goal for Shearer. He's done it at St James'

Park,... Getting a bit overexcited I thought their!

Southampton may have reached the EFL Cup final,

but their league form had suffered of late

with five defeats from their last six games.

They played West Ham at St Mary's, watched by John Motson.

Jose Fonte's second game for West Ham is on familiar territory, he

played many games for Southampton. Southampton's big capture in the

transfer window was Gabbiadini. Sofiane Boufal starts with

Gabbiadini today. Fit again Jay Rodriguez makes it three up front.

Robert Snodgrass starts for the first time for West Ham, though

without the injured Sam Byram. So Kouyate comes in at right back. West

Ham here with Snodgrass. He started on the left, Robert Snodgrass, and

Feghouli has started on the right for West Ham. Antonio upfront with

Carroll. This is Feghouli. Andy Carroll is

coming in fast side. The sort of ball he thrives on. And applauds

Feghouli. That could have been an uncomfortable start for Southampton.

West Ham of course still troubled by absentees upfront. Sakho injured, IU

has gone to the African cup. Gabbiadini has scored on his debut!

What a wonderful start for the man from maples Lexmark only needed one

touch -- the man from maples! Only needed one touch. At least one

defender is appealing for offside. The angle isn't great. West Ham are

still trying to catch up with him. But he thumps that into the roof of

the net, above the goalkeeper's net. Looking at that again, two

Southampton players going level with all beyond the West Ham defence.

Bertrand is definitely offside. Gabbiadini, borderline, but the goal

stands. That's a nice through ball for

Carroll. And West Ham United equalise! It had to be Andy Carroll.

Good approach play by Obiang. And Slaven Bilic sees his side get off

the hook here, after 14 minutes. Obiang does well here from midfield.

The defender wasn't quite tight enough and Carroll, with the

experience of a good striker, slides the ball past Fraser Forster.

Noble drives it forward. It goes via Feghouli here to Kouyate. Carroll

was coming in again. Cresswell. Carroll takes the defenders away.

There's an opportunity for another white shirt to come in on the

blindside. It was well by Cresswell. -- it was well volleyed by

Cresswell. That's going to be a corner to West

Ham. The second of the match. Well, Fonte was coming in on that

and hope, the drive has gone all the way through from Obiang. Well,

Southampton weren't expecting that. Slaven Bilic sees his side take the

lead in the match for the first time. As this ball comes out of the

crowded penalty area, Obiang latches onto it. I'm not sure if that

touched a foot on the way through, but there's no doubt at all that it

was accurate. Pedro Obiang's first ever goal for West Ham.

This is Snodgrass. Goes down. Free kick given.

Against Ron Mayo. -- Romeu. There was definitely contact there. Mark

Noble's free kick is bent in. It's there.

Well, it went in off Steven Davis, there's no doubt about that. I think

that might have fooled Fraser Forster as well. But Mark Noble

hoping to make it his fifth goal of the season, courtesy of the dubious

goals committee. It's a poor header, and Gabbiadini

should have scored. It should have been a newcomer's second goal and he

knows it, the manager. The ball just rising nicely for him. The shot

rising just too much. Well, there's David Gold and David Sullivan, the

two owners of West Ham United. There have been rumours of offers from

abroad but at the moment they are keeping the English ownership

steadfast, what there is a bit, in the Premier League. -- what there is

of it. We're going into the 90th minute and West Ham still have a 3-1

lead. Steven Davis to Nathan Redmond. Interception there is by

Cresswell. He dallied too long and should have been punished for it.

Really a very good chance to get back to 3-2 therefore Southampton. A

mixture of stout defending by West Ham and poor finishing by

Southampton has meant they are now facing a home defeat. Difficult to

-- again, but we have the productivity to play and score, now

it's time to find a good clean sheet, good confidence about this

possibility because it's difficult after the result. The guys did

fantastic, fantastic. We had a game plan but it's them who have done it,

who executed it in the best possible way. We were behind the ball,

closing them down, we pressed them when we could do it and when we had

the ball, when we could penetrate, we ran behind and then we could

switch sides and switch the ball we kept it. Scored three goals so

basically a great team performance. Was it tough to mentally block

outdoor surroundings today? Of course. Almost eight seasons here so

it's always tough but I think all in all, with the help of my team-mates

and the West Ham supporters we did a great job and the most important was

the three points. Good start for him. West Ham climbing the table and

Andy Carroll is banging in the goals at present. He said, they've got to

try to stop the supply to him and you do. Is goal-scoring, five in

six, he's playing fantastically. They said to try to stop the supply

but they didn't do it. Feghouli, too much time and space to put it in.

For Andy Carroll it's amiss in his current form. He was dangerous all

day. When it comes back in he actually points to Obiang to put it

out of the win, because maybe he wants the cross but there's so much

bass when you look, so much space for Obiang and behind the

Southampton defence there that Andy Carroll makes the run in there. It's

a good pass. He finishes it really well. He's stepped up at a time that

West Ham needed him to, especially with the Payet De Bakker. He has to

stay away from injuries. Not long ago since we were talking about West

Ham being in deep trouble. Saints are struggling. They are in the cup

final, so they can't let it affect their league form. I have sympathy,

they've lost Virgil van Dijk and Fonte.

Coming up, we'll see West Brom against Stoke,

Watford produced one of the results of the season

who have been formidable at home but poor away.

Zarate makes his debut for Watford, the Argentine back in English

football after a year in Italy with Fiorentina. Niang is on loan from

Milan. New signings are on the bench. Scott Arfield comes in for

the injured Steven Defour. 28 points at Turf Moor for Burnley, just one

away from home. It will be gathered by Heaton. He

looks for the quick throw out. Niang with the challenge and it was a bad

one. Michael Oliver is going to have words with M'Baye Niang. For this

challenge. Cleverley running into a bit of

trouble. Hendrick followed through, there might be another yellow card,

or might it be even more? It's more, it's red! Jeff Hendrick is sent off

and we've played just six minutes at Vicarage Road. Reorganisation needed

from Sean Dyche and Burnley. Jeff Hendrick, sent off for this

challenge, over the top, straight into the Watford defender. Burnley

will have to play over 80 minutes of this match with ten players.

Prodl looking for Cathcart on this nearside and finds him. Kouyate

drives it high, Jakupovic! -- Jakupovic. Perfect delivery by

Deeney. Able to pick out a precise ball into the penalty area, and Troy

Deeney is on the end of it. Problem is mounting for Burnley and Sean

Dyche. Niang, Deeney, Niang. Just pushed over, superbly placed by

Niang. This was heading in until Heaton got his hands to it.

Boyd goes down outside the penalty area, a free kick to Burnley.

Barton, tipped over by Gomes. That looked to be heading into the top

corner from Joey Barton, Gomes made sure it didn't.

Holebas towards Niang, 2-0! Heaton is beaten for a second time with

just seconds left in the first of. Holebas with plenty of power on the

cross. Niang rising, a terrific header, and it is Watford 2, Burnley

0. Burnley's first corner of this

second half, and only their second in total, a match where we have only

had four corners. It was Keane who got there. Diverted behind by Gomes

at the last moment. Slight touch there off award. Cleverley finds

Niang with pinpoint accuracy. Deeney! What a save that is from

heat and! That looked like it was going to be goal number 34 Watford!

-- number three for Watford. It is a Burnley penalty, yellow card

as well for Sebastian Prodl, the shot strikes his arm, and Burnley's

pressure may very well paid dividends here. Ashley Barnes

against Heurelho Gomes. Barnes drives it in, just, and is there

hope for Burnley still? It is only their fifth goal away from home in

the Premier League this season, off the post and in.

Ashley Barnes! Gomes with the save. That was the chance for Burnley to

snatch a rare point on their travels.

Just over 30 seconds of the minimum of four minutes' additional time

remaining. Troy Deeney! The whistle had gone, I think, for handball.

Would you agree that Watford's first half performance was better than

your second? Yes, and this is why I am very angry, things were too

close, and this is what we should have done, 4-0, and we didn't do it,

we have to grow out of this mentality. You have just come out of

the referee's dressing room, what was your conversation? Only asking

why the goal-scorer, Niang, was not sent off, because he had been booked

earlier in the game, then he ran into their crowd, and we are told

you are not allowed to do that. It is a tough one for referees, there

is not a lot of contact, but it is tough not to send him off, because

of the foot going over, et cetera. So that happens. Familiar faces are

on show, Tony Pulis Saido Berahino is not his problem any more, he will

be hoping Stoke's new boy doesn't cause any problems if he comes off

the bench on his return to the Hawthorns. The West Brom boss says

he is more fearful of Peter Crouch, who is four goals in his last five

games. Pulis is able to hand a debut to his most recent capture, ?10

million signing Jake Livermore replaces Claudio Yacob. That is for

Peter Crouch to attack. Morrison making the run, he got in

there, Morrison! Less than six minutes in, James Morrison, who

scored in the week against his former club, Middlesbrough, has

scored again, against Stoke, to give West Brom the lead. Right from the

edge of their own penalty area, Chadli weighted, he had seen the run

of Morrison. Critically, goal side of Glenn Whelan, he tucked it away

very confidently for his fifth Premier League goal of the season.

He did describe West Brom as his bogey team prior to this game, lost

eight of 16 managerial meetings with them, and he has not had a good

start to this one either. Rondon once the early ball, so did Chadli.

Super strike, but no way by Lee Grant. Chadli wants to take it on,

then he wanted the pass from Rondon, good reactions from Grant.

Martins Indi, a little bit of space for Joe Allen, possible opportunity

for Arnautovic. In towards Shawcross, really attacking this,

the Stoke skipper, defended well. Arnautovic, that is a better cross,

Joe Allen! Just got in the pocket of space, totally unmarked, might have

been more problematic for the West Brom goalkeeper. Crouch trying to

help that towards Arnautovic. It has been a physical battle with Nyom.

Away by Livermore, only as far as Whelan, Bardsley. He has never

scored a Premier League goal ever was Stoke, Phil Bardsley. He would

be an unlikely scorer, Ben Foster had that one covered. The boos

around the Hawthorns will tell you that it is time for Saido Berahino

to come on. He played 121 times here, joined the club at the age of

12. He gets the welcome that he expected. Stoke have not really

stretched Ben Foster. Into the last 20 minutes at the

Hawthorns, McClean. Oh, good effort, away by Grant.

And West Brom have conceded ten goals in the last 15 minutes of

games this season. Arnautovic finds Allen, back to Whelan, many West

Brom bodies back there. Back in from Bardsley, and in came Erik Pieters,

who was wondering how we could not find the target. He is almost there,

victory over his former club. It is another home win for West Brom, a

seventh of the season, and it is a sweet one for Tony Pulis against his

old club. I thought, first off, Steve, we played really well, the

interchange and movement, Chadli, Morrison, on that side of the pitch,

you know, the disappointing thing was, Steve, that we only came in 1-0

up. It is difficult against West Brom if you allow them to get a

lead, they are very adept at getting people behind the ball and playing

on the break. We made it difficult for ourselves just by virtue of how

we started the game. Second half, you saw a different side of the

team, a side that can really work hard. No handshake with Mark Huws. I

went to look for him, he was walking away to their supporters, no

problems with me. I was there, I would have shook his hand, but he

didn't at the beginning of the game either. I was the guest, surely.

A bit of aggravation there, we always shake at the end of the show,

without fail! West Brom going really well. Superb, they have won six of

their last seven home games, and that was such a good goal. Not the

customary set piece. Fletcher, good ball into Chadli, he drives forward,

the run of Morrison, the weight of the past is just brilliant, such a

good goal, not offside, timed it perfectly, the finish is clever.

Over the goalkeeper, brilliant run, very good finish. Another good win

for West Brom. These two sides look like they are battling for eight.

Magnificent effort by West Brom. As regards the other game, Watford

against Burnley, Ian, a bit of controversy in that one, the sending

off to look at, a bit of a wild challenge as well. I think the first

one we are going to see, this was just a bit clumsy, not a challenge,

he has actually slipped, it could have been quite dangerous, but there

is no challenge there. Overzealous, I think. But that is a red card, he

is over the ball, very dangerous. I think he is very fortunate. You

know, if we see it here, that could have been really bad. I don't think

there's any complaints about that, I don't think he had any complaints.

Sean Dyche did complain later. I thought he had a very good game, on

loan from AC Milan, Kouyate, this was a super effort, great save.

-- Niang. This is better from Niang, guides and into the corner. That is

what Sean Dyche was complaining about, he wanted him to get a yellow

card. Under the laws of the game, but not really! We're just about out

of time, time to shake hands! Before we leave you, a look at the Premier

League table. Chelsea are a three wins clear of second placed

Tottenham, while defeats for Arsenal and Liverpool give Manchester City

the chance to go third when they face Swansea. Sunderland are still

at the foot of the table, victory over Crystal Palace has brought them

level on points with Sam Allardyce's side. Only two points separate the

bottom six, which includes champions Leicester City! Some of the football

headlines in the Sunday newspapers. The Star quotes Arsene Wenger

conceding the title to Chelsea. The Mail on Sunday leads on Mark Hughes

questioning the timing of Saido Berahino's two match ban, publicised

ahead of their game today. And Didi Hamann has told the Sunday Times it

was madness to give Jurgen Klopp a six-year deal last summer.

and heading for the title Hazard-free.

Don't let go of that towel. I'm not! Hurry up!