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Alistair Magowan reports: “Man City made it far harder for their fans than they needed to, but they will worry not with three points in the bag and the Champions League within touching distance.”
Chief football writer Phil McNulty reports: “Arsenal blow the title race open with a win that will be greeted with as much joy at Stamford Bridge as it was at the Emirates. All a bit late for Arsenal, who were excellent today, but what a game we have now between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford next Sunday…”
Phil Dawkes reports: “A straight-forward win for Liverpool, who have now taken 30 points from their last 14 games and are well in the mix for Europa League qualification. Newcastle are already safe but will need to invest in the summer – Andy Carroll, who came off the bench for the hosts, remains their second top scorer this season.”
Paul Fletcher reports: “A missed chance for Wolves? They had an extra man for 62 minutes but could not make that count. With every point so precious and Mick McCarthy’s team struggling for form, their failure to win at Birmingham could prove to be very costly.”
1810: What did our reporters make of today’s ties, you ask? Well…
1807: Righto, someone find me a darkened room with a big bottle of falling down water will you? What a weekend of football. It’s almost all too much. Rounded off by that Man City win, it means Robert Mancini’s boys have one big fat foot in next season’s Champions League, sitting as they are seven points clear of Liverpool and Tottenham in fifth and sixth respectively. West Ham, at the other end of the table, face three gargantuan matches to save their season – they’re bottom of the table, three points from safety, and facing a mountain to climb that would give even George Mallory the shivers. One for you mountaineering fans out there, that one.
1801: Keep ball in the West Ham corner from Man City, the hosts looking to see this out with a bit of savvy.
1759: We’ll have three minutes of stoppage time.
1758: Like two tired boxers looking for a knock-out blow, the game remains end to end – and Carlton Cole’s decent effort from the edge of the area forces a desperate block in the box by Joleon Lescott.
1755: This second half has flown by – and both teams are still going for it. Into the last three minutes, Man City 2-1 West Ham.
1753: And Victor Obinna has almost just landed his team right in it, the Hammers substitute giving possession away and enabling David Silva to shoot at goal, Robert Green turning the deflected effort over the bar.
1752: My word it’s tense at Eastlands. The more West Ham push for the equaliser, though, the more likely it looks that Man City will get them on the counter. Nervy.
1749: Demba Ba lets fly 30 yards out – it zips low past the post.
1747: West Ham looking to get something out of this now – Victor Obinna coming on to replace Luis Boa Morte.
1746: And now Adam Johnson fires a wonderful cross through the ‘corridor of uncertainty’ in the Hammers box… but no City player has gambled to get on the end of it and the chance is gone. Waste.
1745: When they turn it on, Man City, they can be sublime. Aleksandar Kolarov bursts down the left and his cut-back finds David Silva, but the Spaniard’s finish is tame and West Ham are able to hack clear.
1743: Perhaps Edin Dzeko will be the man to get it – the striker, on a red-hot scoring streak of one in his last one games, coming on for Gareth Barry. That could mean City reverting to 4-4-2, tactics-fans.
1741: Less than 20 minutes left in this match and I fancy another goal. From which side, though, I couldn’t tell you.
1738: Yep, sorry, scores on the right hand side still not working (see 1719). Don’t rely on them for the time being. Believe me instead – it’s Man City 2-1 West Ham.
1736: Frustration just creeping into the game of the Man City players now and that’s only a result of West Ham’s increasing dominance in this match. The visitors definitely in the ascendancy now.
1734: Change for West Ham, Carlton Cole on for Robbie Keane.
1731: My word, how is it not 3-1? Yaya Toure slips a ball through and David Silva is in acres of space one-on-one. Inexplicably, though, the Spaniard pulls up and squares to Mario Balotelli instead of going for goal and James Tomkins clears on the line. Head shakes all round on the City bench.
1730: Save! West Ham have come right back into this match in the last few minutes and they’re almost level, Manuel da Costa’s header from a corner just about kept out by Joe Hart’s instinctive save.
1728: An hour gone at Eastlands, a single goal in it, and West Ham are improving. Still, Man City 2-1 West Ham, though.
1725: A rare West Ham attack in this half ends with an effort on goal by Demba Ba that is more of a threat to the corner flag than the goal. Ho hum.
1722: Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson – sadly without a Twitter account as yet, I believe – has also had his say on this afternoon’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, saying: “Obviously, it gives Chelsea a major chance now and that’s what happens when you get these decisions. They got one at Old Trafford last season so that’s the worry now. But in terms of ability – a game at Old Trafford, the supporters will be ready for it – and so will our players.”
1720: Still City knocking the ball about excellently at the start of this half. The Hammers really struggling to get their foot on the ball as a result. Patience on show from the hosts.
1719: A few of you pointing out the score on the right-hand side is wrong – you’re correct – unfortunately, I don’t control that. Our technological wizards are all over the gremlins, though, so I’m told.
1717: Oh to have been a fly on the wall of the Man City changing room at half-time huh? Not a huge amount of improved urgency just yet from the hosts – but they are moving the ball about lovely at the start of this half.
1714: Back up and running at Eastlands, then, Man City 2-1 West Ham.
1712: Man City’s first goal, by the way, has now been credited to Pablo Zabaleta (who is Argentine and not Spanish, don’t let anyone tell you any different).
1705: By the way, a couple of the Man Utd boys have been Tweeting…
Cha…ching!
Femi, London via text: “If Man City can sign the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva now, imagine the players they’ll attract with Champions League football.”
Alistair Magowan’s HT snap-shot: “Man City were coasting as if on some Mediterranean boating holiday until Demba Ba pounced. The mood of the match has shifted… so you would expect a terse team-talk from Roberto Mancini right about now.”
1657: The half-time whistle blows at Eastlands.
1656: Still bundles of quality in attack, though, the hosts and Adam Johnson stings the palms of Hammers keeper Rob Green with a dipping 25 yarder.
1654: Man City inexplicably looking a bit rattled here. Credit to West Ham, who have come right into this match in the last 15 minutes or so, but City are playing with a real air of sluggishness-come-complacency out there.
1651: Freddie Sears is having a good game for West Ham and he almost kick-starts another fine attacking move, only for Luis Boa Morte’s wayward pass 25 yards to put an end to a promising move.
1649: Bit better from City as they force a couple of corners – nothing comes from either, mind.
1648: The Sky boys reckon the last 10 minutes has seen 35% of the ball in Man City’s defensive third, just 5% in the Hammers’ defensive third. Telling.
1646: All of a sudden, West Ham are buzzing. Man City had just taken their foot off the pedal in the lead up to that Hammers reply – and the hosts are struggling now to re-find their rhythm.
1643: GOALFLASH Man City 2-1 West Ham (Ba)
1641: BIG chance for West Ham… wasted. Freddie Sears clips a pass through and Robbie Keane is in one-on-one on Joe Hart, only for the Irishman to dally far too long, allowing Hart to come out and save well from the Hammers loanee. How the Hammers needed better from Keane, there.
1638: Man City are swarming all over West Ham today – and Yaya Toure is one of those feeling the benefits in the first half hour, the City midfielder conducting the home orchestra with every touch, pass and move at the moment. Freedom of Eastlands for the big midfielder so far.
1636: And this won’t help West Ham’s cause, Matthew Upson limping off to be replaced by Manuel da Costa.
1635: After the rip-roarers of earlier, I have to say this match already has a feeling of the inevitables about it.
1632: RE: 1624 – Apologies Liverpool and Tottenham fans – I meant, of course, that Man City are now (not ‘not’) seven points clear. I am afraid I don’t quite have the power to close that gap through the power of a BBC text commentary. Sorry.
1628: Not quite party time for West Ham, though, of course. The Londoners are heading firmly for a fifth straight defeat, a run that looks set to leave them bottom of the table and three points clear of safety with just three matches of their season left. Gulp.
1625: GOALFLASH Man City 2-0 West Ham (Jacobsen og)
1624: As it stands, Man City are now seven points clear of Liverpool and Tottenham, having played a game less than the Reds and with a home fixture against Harry Redknapp’s men to come. Party time?
1621: GOALFLASH Man City 1-0 West Ham (De Jong)
1620: Ooh neat footwork from Mario Balotelli, feeding David Silva with a clever pass behind his feet, and the Spaniard’s cross is desperately deflected behind for a corner.
1617: Looks like the pattern of the game has been set… plenty of possession and room for Man City in the deeper areas, plenty of West Ham players behind the ball, pressing when City approach the final third. The visitors obviously counting on the counter-attack method.
1614: It’s a corner for Man City now, though, and Mario Balotelli should do better with his header as he rises above Lars Jacobsen to meet it, the Italian’s effort drifting harmlessly wide.
1612: And it’s West Ham with the more positive start, forcing an early corner that leads to a quarter-chance for Danny Gabbidon on the edge of the area, the defender blazing well over the bar, though.
1611: Up and running, Man City v West Ham.
1609: The players are out at Eastlands, then, and we’re moments from kick off.
Alistair Magowan reports: “So Man City name an unchanged team, Mario Balotelli retaining his place up front ahead of Edin Dzeko, but West Ham ring the changes – four of them, in fact – to the side that lost at Chelsea last time out. Out go the ineligible Wayne Bridge and centre-back Manuel Da Costa to be replaced by James Tomkins and Matthew Upson, while Luis Boa Morte is in for the unwell Mark Noble and Robbie Keane starts in place of Carlton Cole in attack.”
1606: This day just keeps on giving doesn’t it?
1605: AND WE’RE NOT EVEN DONE WITH THE ACTION YET!
1601: Deary me, the title race just got blown wide open once more. With three matches to play, Man Utd lead Chelsea by three points – with exactly the same goal difference – and those two meet next week at Old Trafford in what in many ways could well be a title decider. How big is that game now? Huh? I need a new thesaurus.
1557: …nope, Nani slams it into the wall. We’ve over the allotted injury time now.
1557: Man Utd free-kick, 30 yards out, Nani over it… they couldn’t could they?
1555: Not a huge amount in the way of United pressure here. Arsenal holding firm at present. Into the 93rd minute..
1553: Man Utd continuing to press – and Arsenal are packing numbers in defence. We’ll have FOUR minutes of stoppage time – just enough time for Chelsea fans to chew their fingers down to nubs, I’d imagine.
1551: MASSIVE penalty shout as Man Utd substitute Michael Owen goes down under Gael Clichy’s trailing leg in the box – and, once again, referee Chris Foy has got this one wrong, for me. Clichy clearly appeared to step on Owen’s left calf, there, and it looked to me to be a fairly clear penalty. Justice for the missed Nemanja Vidic handball in the first half? Or just another poor decision? Either way, United are not happy – understandably.
1547: …curled straight into the arms of Edwin van der Sar, who kick-starts a Man Utd attack with a monster throw…
1547: Arsenal free-kick, 22 yards out, Robin van Persie over it…
1545: And in fact it’s Arsenal breaking here… Robin van Persie making up ground after a tangle with Rio Ferdinand as Arsenal counter, but his cross just eludes Jack Wilshere at the far post unmarked. Bit of a let-off for Man Utd, there.
1544: Into the last 10 minutes, and Man Utd not exactly throwing the kitchen sink at Arsenal. Yet.
Tim, London, via text: “The script has been written. Arsenal concede late goals, United score late goals, Berbatov – who can only score in the league – is on…”
1542: Approaching the final 10 minutes, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger decides now is the time for defensive reinforcements – Emmanuel Eboue on for Theo Walcott.
1540: And that’s arguably their best break yet, Wayne Rooney charging at the Arsenal defence before releasing Nani, the winger’s shot from the angle 12 yards out parried away by Wojciech Szczesny. Good chance, decent save.
1539: Just building something like a head of steam, here, Man Utd.
1538: The ball finds its way to the other side of the box where United earn another free-kick courtesy of Aaron Ramsey’s handball that was just – and I mean just – outside the area. Wayne Rooney curls it into the arms of Wojciech Szczesny.
1536: And he will make his introduction just as Man Utd earn a free-kick by the right touchline – Javier Hernandez the man replaced.
1535: Dimitar Berbatov – the Premier League’s leading goalscorer – is warming up for Man Utd.
1533: Change for Arsenal, enforced because of an injury, Johan Djourou replaced by Sebastien Squillaci.
1532: MAN CITY v WEST HAM
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong, Barry, Adam Johnson, Toure Yaya, Silva, Balotelli. Subs: Taylor, Milner, Wright-Phillips, Dzeko, Vieira, Jo, Boyata.
West Ham: Green, Jacobsen, Tomkins, Upson, Gabbidon, Sears, Spector, Hitzlsperger, Boa Morte, Ba, Keane. Subs: Boffin, Reid, Cole, Kovac, da Costa, Piquionne, Obinna.
Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
1530: Man Utd just looking a bit bereft of ideas at the moment. And with only five league wins away from home before today this season, perhaps you could argue that’s symptomatic of their form outside of Old Trafford this term. Spark needed by the visitors.
1524: What are Man Utd made of now, then? Set pieces could be key – but Nemanja Vidic has just headed the visitors’ latest wide when well placed.
1522: TEAM NEWS SNAP
Edin Dzeko remains on the bench for Man City despite his match-winner against Blackburn last time out, while Scott Parker is ruled out for West Ham. Matthew Upson, though, returns after illness.
1520: GOALFLASH Arsenal 1-0 Man Utd (Ramsey)
1519: Change for Man Utd, Antonio Valencia on for Anderson.
1518: A touch more open this game now and moments after Nani’s cross narrowly eludes Javier Hernandez in the six-yard area, the Portuguese winger dips a free-kick inches wide that looked to have Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny beat all ends up.
1515: At the other end Bacary Sagna drifts infield on to his left foot and slaps wide from outside the area. At least Arsenal are shooting this half.
1514: And now an early corner for Man Utd, though Fabio’s cross from the short-corner routine drifts behind. More encouraging for the visitors, though.
1512: And that was almost the perfect response right on cue! Wayne Rooney lines up a free-kick 22 yards out and forces a sprawling save from Wojciech Sczcesny in the Arsenal goal with a fine curling effort. Patrice Evra slams into the side netting on the follow-up. United’s best effort of the match so far.
1511: What response from Man Utd this half then? Improvement needed for the league leaders…
1509: Back up and running in the second half, Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd.
1508: Here come the players at the Emirates, then, and Andrey Arshavin is coming on to replace Samir Nasri for Arsenal.
Guy, Manchester via text: “Yes it’s a definite penalty, but no one apart from Van Persie appealed. So 60,000 people + the officials got it wrong.”
Alistair Magowan reports: “Liverpool’s victory over Newcastle and Tottenham’s loss at Chelsea means that Man City’s Champions League task has been made a tad easier as they take on the lowly Hammers. A win at Eastlands would take City seven points of their rivals – whereas an away victory for Avram Grant’s team would take them out of the bottom three, although that is something West Ham have only managed once in the league this season.”
Ben, Chelsea fan, London via text: “Are the referees trying to even things up over two days?”
Chief football writer Phil McNulty’s HT snap-shot from the Emirates: “Arsenal the better side – and have had the rough end of the decisions – but they’ve just not turned their pressure and opportunities into goals. Manchester United will be happy to reach the interval on level terms after a below-par first 45 minutes.”
1452: The half-time whistle blows – and Robin van Persie immediately takes the opportunity to pick up his case over that penalty with referee Chris Foy. It’s hardly a storming atmosphere inside the Emirates, but most of the noise is grumbling as the officials head down the tunnel.
1450: This match just limping towards half time a touch now. Neither side looking right on their mettle at the sharp end of the pitch just yet.
1448: Half-decent effort – if that – for Man Utd as Anderson’s slap at goal is easily held by Arsenal Wojciech Szczesny.
1444: And now a Man Utd corner… Nemanja Vidic is up for it…
1442: Chelsea yesterday, Man Utd today. We’re back talking about refereeing decisions and the lack of technology in the game. In this day and age. Crazy.
1440: Tell a lie, Robin van Persie did appeal – berating the linesman for not giving the penalty in the process – and you can see why. The more replays you see, the clearer it gets. Nemanja Vidic has definitely got away with one there.
1438: I’ll tell you now – it was Nemanja Vidic’s hand. Hardly an appeal from the Arsenal boys, bizarrely, but TV replays suggest it came off the Man Utd defender’s outstretched arm with Robin van Persie, behind him, poised to glance in. Massive moment.
1437: But that’s a chance… and was that handball? Theo Walcott’s excellent whipped cross is cleared on the stretch by Nemanja Vidic, but what with – his head? His hand?
1435: Half an hour gone, Arsenal 0-0 Man Utd, chances at a premium. So far.
1431: And having survived the early pressure, Man Utd are – for the first time in the match – enjoying a bit of the ball themselves now.
1429: For all their possession, there’s still the underlying lack of penetration running through the Arsenal team out there. How often has that been said in recent years?
1426: And then, out of nowhere, Man Utd almost carve Arsenal apart, Fabio bursting into the box but dallying too long in trying to find Javier Hernandez centre of goal, Arsenal eventually able to clear. From the corner, Ji-Sung Park’s shot is blocked.
1424: Man Utd defender Nemanja Vidic gets away with one as he fells Jack Wilshere right on the edge of his own box, only for Chris Foy to inexplicably wave play on. Strange decision.
1423: Still it’s Arsenal enjoying by far the majority of possession. Man Utd just looking to weather the early storm for the most part.
1420: And Arsenal attacks like that are hardly going to help Sir Alex’s mood, Jack Wilshere’s fine cross forcing a fabulous last-ditch clearance behind on the stretch by Patrice Evra under pressure from Theo Walcott.
1418: Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez have enjoyed only the occasional touches in this opening 12 minutes or so, but the odd sign creeping into things that United are just starting to get up to speed now. It might have something to do with Sir Alex Ferguson having already spent more time on his feet barking orders than he has sat chewing on the sideline benches. Nervy look on the Scot’s face.
1415: …it’s worked short but to no avail as Man Utd press and clear their lines well.
1415: Corner to Arsenal…
1414: Close! Gael Clichy breaks free down the left – Nani was nowhere to be seen there – and his excellent cross just finds the onrushing Theo Walcott inside the box, the Arsenal winger spooning his shot over the bar on the stretch. Man Utd on the ropes.
1412: This is a really bright start from Arsenal here, and even though Robin van Persie heads their latest half-chance well off target I’m sure Arsene Wenger will be delighted with these opening few minutes.
1409: Chance! Theo Walcott’s ball into the box is only half-cleared by Nemanja Vidic and the ball falls to Jack Wilshere on the edge of the Man Utd box in front of goal… only for the young midfielder to drill wide. Hhmm.
1407: Whatever both sides’ incentive for this afternoon, it’s Arsenal right on to the front foot at the Emirates.
1405: Up and running at the Emirates, Arsenal v Man Utd.
1404: The players are out, the sun is beating down, and the anticipation is palpable. Bring. It. On.
Dan via text: “Bendtner to come off the bench and score a sublime hat trick, you heard it here first.”
1400: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Sky Sports: “Ryan Giggs has got a bit of flu, but hopefully he’ll be okay for next week. Aside from that, I have a bit of luxury in terms of choice because the team are in great form. I’m not really thinking about the Schalke second leg with this selection. I just had to make the decision between Nani and Luis Antonia Valencia. But Nani always does well in this game. Arsenal are a good team. It’s an important part of the season, so you’d expect an even more difficult game than usual. My players are aware that they’re within touching distance of the title. We go into this match with a good deal of confidence.”
1358: A reminder, then, of what the match at the Emirates means for this season’s title race… a win for Man Utd would take them six points clear of rivals Chelsea in second place and mean they could wrap up a 19th league title next week with a positive result from their match against the Blues. Lose, however, and Chelsea could draw level on points – and overtake United on goal difference – with a win at Old Trafford next week, a scenario that would make Carlo Ancelotti’s men favourites for the title come 22 May. Needless to say, today’s encounter in London is absolutely ginormous. And then some. Man, I’m so excited I might actually implode here.
1352: FULL-TIME Birmingham 1-1 Wolves
1351: Late drama? Not likely.
1349: And we’ll have three minutes of stoppage time at St Andrew’s – where only one team, the boys in gold and black, look keen on pressing for a winner.
1348: Into injury time at Anfield, four minutes of it. For my money, Liverpool are favourites for the three points here.
Faraq, Marrakech, via text: “United’s season is going to be defined by their wingers today – Anderson and Nani can win them their historic 19th league.”
1344: Every Birmingham player other Cameron Jerome temporarily behind the ball as Wolves – for once this afternoon, it must be said – stroke the ball around nicely in midfield… and Adam Hammill’s ball into the box leads to the mother of all scrambles as Steven Fletcher and Karl Henry hunt around for a half-chance with Birmingham defenders throwing themselves at every pass and shot – the hosts eventually able to clear when Hammill handles.
Chief football writer Phil McNulty reports from the Emirates: “Big blow for Arsenal, then, as captain Cesc Fabregas is sidelined by a kick to the thigh he sustained in training. Sir Alex Ferguson makes two changes from the Man Utd side that won so impressively against Schalke 04 in the Champions League semi-final, Anderson and Nani replacing Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia.”
1339: Andy Carroll yet to have a really meaningful touch since his introduction at Anfield, not that Liverpool are too desperate for an intervention from the £35m man. Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle still the score there.
1336: Approaching the last 10 minutes at St Andrew’s and scrappy and feisty still winning the day over passing and movement. Plenty of time for late drama, though. Still Birmingham 1-1 Wolves.
1333: Yep, beenser (below), you have your wish. It might have come a tad too late, though, to be fair. Nile Ranger comes on for Newcastle in place of Peter Lovenkrands. His task? Simple. Score at least three goals in 15 minutes at the Anfield Road End. Easy life.
1331: ARSENAL v MAN UTD (1405)
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Song, Ramsey, Wilshere, Walcott, Nasri, van Persie. Subs: Lehmann, Squillaci, Arshavin, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh, Bendtner.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Fabio Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Park, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Hernandez, Rooney. Subs: Kuszczak, Owen, Berbatov, Smalling, Rafael Da Silva, O’Shea, Valencia.
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)
1328: Here comes Andy Carroll, the £35m signing from Newcastle replacing Maxi Rodriguez – and despite the away fans’ attempts to pour cold water on his appearance it’s a fine reception for the big frontman from the Anfield faithful.
1327: It aint Christmas, but anyone fancy some Carroll singing?
1326: Stephen Hunt is on for Wolves in place of Matt Jarvis. It’s been scrappy and ill-tempered this half, and Mick McCarthy has spent most of his time screaming at his players. I imagine them he’s urging them forward – a draw does his boys little good in their battle against the drop.
1323: GOALFLASH Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle (Suarez)
1322: Precious few chances so far in the second half at Birmingham but Sebastian Larsson goes close for the home team with a free-kick that flies narrowly over the crossbar.
1321: TEAM NEWS SNAP
Cesc Fabregas misses out for Arsenal against Man Utd after receiving an injury in training. Sir Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, opts for Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez up front. Full teams to follow…
1317: GOALFLASH Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle (Kuyt pen)
1316: PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL
1308: In the end, he’s done well there – but for a moment it looked like being another rickett from Ben Foster, the Birmingham keeper dashing out of his area to clear, losing out to Adam Hammill, but then recovering to clear the danger from the Wolves man’s cross.
1306: Chances at both ends at the start of the half in Liverpool, Joey Barton volleying Kevin Nolan’s cross wide at the far post 16 yards out, and then Luis Suarez seeing his goalbound shot from inside the area deflected into the side netting up the other end. Open.
1305: And now at St Andrew’s, where it’s Birmingham 1-1 Wolves. Big 45 minutes in the midlands, this, big.
1305: Back under way at Anfield, Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle.
1304: Looks like an attacking change for Wolves against 10-man Birmingham, forward Adam Hammill on for defender Richard Stearman.
Chief football writer Phil McNulty reports from the Emirates: “Man Utd‘s quest for a 19th title was not helped by the lack of goalline technology at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea’s contentious win against Spurs kept Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the hunt just three points behind the leaders. So the stakes are high as United take on Arsenal at The Emirates – with Arsene Wenger hoping victory might just provide small crumbs of comfort for him after the recent collapse of his side’s own hopes of success. Potential crackerjack.”
Will, Oakshotte, via text: “Birmingham and Wolves are looking temperamental – 90% temper, 10% mental!”
Paul Fletcher’s HT snap-shot: “Feisty, furious and flat-out, this match has everything you would expect when local rivalry is mixed with the desperation induced by a battle for Premier League survival. Cracking stuff.”
Phil Dawkes’s HT snap-shot: “Liverpool haven’t been brilliant, just marginally better than Newcastle. They lead through Rodriguez’s goal, but haven’t threatened as often as they’d like. Newcastle crept back into the game as the half wore on and will still feel they can get something out of this.”
1249: And now at St Andrew’s.
1248: There’s the half-time whistle at Anfield.
1247: Wolves finishing the half the better side at St Andrew’s.
1244: Half-chance for Wolves, the ball dropping to Kevin Foley unmarked in the box 12 yards out but the defender snatching at the chance and skewing his effort wide. Should have done better.
1242: That red card has hardly dampened tempers at St Andrew’s a jot, I tell you, with tackles still flying in and the Anglo-Saxon phrasebook being given a right stern work-out. Delicious derby fare.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby on BBC Radio 5 live: “Newcastle slowly creeping back into the match at the moment, and having a lot of free-kicks. But you feel that is the only way they might make a breakthrough – if at all.”
1238: Ooh, lovely football from Liverpool, the hosts working the ball nicely before Jay Spearing picks Lucas out in the box with a delightful pass, the Brazilian midfielder’s tame header easily collected by Toon keeper Tim Krul.
1235: Back at Anfield, Newcastle are settling in a touch – thanks largely to a spell of some wasteful passing from the hosts. Jonas Gutierrez is the visitors’ dangerman and no mistake, the definite key to the Magpies’ success if they are to have any.
1233: Oh – and fancy re-reading my 1223 entry? Man I’m good.
1232: Kevin Phillips is the man sacrificed as a result of that Craig Gardner sending off, Jean Beausejour on in his place.
1230: SENT OFF, Craig Gardner, BIRMINGHAM
1229: It’s a magic game at St Andrew’s, I tell you…
1227: GOALFLASH Birmingham 1-1 Wolves (Larsson)
1224: Long-range effort from Jay Spearing at Liverpool and Newcastle keeper Tim Krul makes a meal of it before clutching the ball at the second attempt with Raul Meireles and Dirk Kuyt sniffing around the fumble.
1223: More needle than in a grandmother’s wool cupboard at St Andrew’s – as you’d expect – and I dare say it might be a surprise were we to make it through the afternoon with all 22 players left on the pitch at this rate.
1220: Liverpool more comfortable than a pair of velvet slippers at Anfield, the Reds totally dominating possession. Their high-intensity pressing game has Newcastle in all sorts of bother early doors, too.
1216: Big, BIG call at St Andrew’s – and referee Kevin is no Friend of Birmingham on this occasion, ruling Richard Stearman’s ugly challenge on Craig Gardner was just outside the area rather than inside and a penalty. It was such a close call… but I make Mr Friend just about right. Anyway, free-kick Birmingham, 18 yards out…
1215: And don’t forget, web users, we have an ‘as it stands’ Premier League table on the right. If it’s not kicked into gear – give your refresh button a cheeky little nudge. Make it cheeky, mind.
1214: Cracking start huh? Eat that TheMerrick!
1211: GOALFLASH Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle (Rodriguez)
1207: GOALFLASH Birmingham 0-1 Wolves (Fletcher pen)
1206: PENALTY TO WOLVES
1205: Decent start from Newcastle at Anfield, but more nip and tuck than on Hollywood Boulevard in all fairness so far.
1204: A start full of intent from Wolves at St Andrew’s – I think it’s fair to say each and every one of the visiting players emerged from the tunnel with a Mick McCarthy-shaped rocket in their shorts today. As you’d expect, it’s 100 miles an hour.
1202: A late change to the Newcastle substitutes bench, by the way, with the news James Perch sustained an injury in the warm-up and is replaced by young James Tavernier.
1201: And now at Anfield, Liverpool v Newcastle.
1200: Under way at St Andrew’s, Birmingham v Wolves.
1158: Blimey O’Reilly it’s a glorious day in Liverpool and Birmingham, with Anfield and St Andrew’s bathed in sunshine. The players are out and about and we’re moments from kick-off. Ready?
Geeze. Aren’t you just a little ray of sunshine.
1154: Omen fans, check dis out (ooh, I’ve gone all ‘street’). Birmingham are the only team without a win in a West-Midlands derby in this season’s Premier League – but they face a Wolves side without a top-flight win at St Andrew’s in 30 years. The added trouble with that, Wanderers fans, is that the last time Wolves won a top flight match at Birmingham, they ended the season second-bottom and were relegated. Gulp.
1151: Early-morning bonus for Liverpool fans, meanwhile, with the news that captain Steven Gerrard has finally had surgery on a troublesome groin problem – leaving him confident about his recovery and future fitness. “Being injured is absolutely killing me,” he wrote in his programme notes for today’s match. “Now I am pleased I have had the surgery because for the first time in a while I’m feeling confident about my groin. Fingers crossed I’ll be there on the first day of pre-season.”
Phil Dawkes reports: “Regardless of whether he makes it off the bench or not, Liverpool’s Andy Carroll will cast an imposing shadow over Anfield today, like a big pony-tailed pylon made of meat. United captain Kevin Nolan may have lost his baby-sitter, but Newcastle have fared pretty well since they swapped Carroll for 35m of Liverpool’s pounds. They’ve averaged more points without him than with him this season, although they are without a win in three. The striker hasn’t had chance to contribute much to it, but Liverpool have gone from strength to strength since he rocked up on Merseyside as part of King Kenny’s revolution. They’ve taken 27 points from their last 13 games and can go above fifth-placed Tottenham with a win.”
Paul Fletcher reports: “With Blackburn winning on Saturday and Blackpool and Wigan both picking up a point, the pressure on Wolves to take something from their trip to local rivals Birmingham is immense. Victory for Mick McCarthy’s team would lift them out of the relegation zone by a point – but they are not in good form, having picked up just a point from their last four games. In contrast, Birmingham are in the relatively lofty and secure position of 16th, three points above the bottom three. Expect… feisty.”
Matt via text: “Another baffling team selection from Mick. At least three players out of position again. No lessons learned from the shambles of Stoke. Clueless!!”
Musaib, Liverpool fan from London, via text: “Seeing Liverpool win and Man Utd and Man City lose today will complete the perfect weekend after Tottenham’s defeat yesterday.”
1130: LIVERPOOL v NEWCASTLE (1200)
Phil Dawkes reports: “The big news for Liverpool, and to some extent Newcastle as well, is that former Toon hero Andy Carroll is on the bench after recovering from a knee injury. The only change from the Reds’ 5-0 win over Birmingham last Saturday sees full-back Glen Johnson return in place of teenager Jack Robinson, who drops to the bench. Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan starts despite nursing a groin strain meaning United are unchanged from the side that drew 1-1 at Blackpool eight days ago.”
Paul Fletcher reports: “So Birmingham make two changes from the team thrashed 5-0 by Liverpool, with Kevin Phillips and Barry Ferguson coming in for Aleksandr Hleb and Keith Fahey. Wolves, desperate to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat against Stoke, also make two changes, with George Elokobi and Kevin Foley replacing Christophe Berra and Michael Kightly.”
1120: LIVERPOOL v NEWCASTLE (1200)
Liverpool: Reina, Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Johnson, Meireles, Lucas, Spearing, Maxi, Suarez, Kuyt. Subs: Gulacsi, Carroll, Cole, Kyrgiakos, Ngog, Shelvey, Robinson.
Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Jose Enrique, Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Gutierrez, Lovenkrands, Ameobi. Subs: Harper, Perch, Ryan Taylor, Steven Taylor, Ranger, Ferguson, Kuqi.
Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
1118: BIRMINGHAM v WOLVES (1200)
Birmingham: Foster, Carr, Johnson, Jiranek, Ridgewell, Larsson, Ferguson, Gardner, Bowyer, Phillips, Jerome. Subs: Doyle, Derbyshire, Fahey, Parnaby, Hleb, Beausejour, Davies.
Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Mancienne, Stearman, Craddock, Elokobi, Foley, O’Hara, Henry, Jarvis, Fletcher, Ward. Subs: Hahnemann, Hunt, Berra, Hammill, Milijas, Guedioura, Vokes.
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)
Tom, Moor Park via text: “Football. YES. AWESOME.”
1107: OK. So I’m a little bit excited. Sue me.
1105: You want Title Issues? I got ’em. Relegation Issues? Oh ho yes. Chase for Europe Issues? You betcha your backside. Four Premier League fixtures of such import, fascination and quality that you’d expect them gift-wrapped in gold, with diamond ribbon bows, and dipped in anti-matter under the tree on Christmas morning.
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Premier League as it happened