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Page last updated at 10:00 GMT, Saturday, 19 November 2011
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Saturday football as it happened

GOALFLASHES AND MAJOR INCIDENTS (all times GMT)

To get involved use Twitter (via hashtag #BBCFootball ).

By Tom Rostance
BBC Sport

2000: That's all from me on a breathless day of football. The more than capable hands of Sam Lyon will be back to talk you through Chelsea v Liverpool tomorrow. Enjoy and goodnight,

Full time
FULL-TIME STOKE 2-3 QPR
Becky Ashton: "QPR were lucky to take all three points at the Britannia Stadium as Stoke threw everything including the kitchen sink at their defence and were denied a late penalty, leaving manager Tony Pulis seething."

Full time
FULL-TIME SWANSEA 0-1 MANCHESTER UNITED
Dewi Hughes reports from the Liberty Stadium: "Hardly a vintage Manchester United performance, but the champions had little difficulty in holding on to Javier Hernandez's 11th-minute goal to claim their first win in Swansea. Scott Sinclair's miss from six yards will haunt the Swansea winger as his side lose their unbeaten home record this season."

Full time
FULL-TIME WIGAN 3-3 BLACKBURN
Neil Johnston reports: "Wigan will protest about Blackburn's controversial second goal - and rightly so. But until they learn to see out games, they'll remain in big trouble. Mistakes galore from both teams but what a terrific game."

Full time
FULL-TIME WEST BROM 2-1 BOLTON
Marc Higginson reports: "West Brom outplayed Bolton in the second half and fully deserve their fourth Premier League victory of the season, which came courtesy of goals from Jerome Thomas and Shane Long. Bolton did not force a single save once the Baggies went back into the lead in the 56th minute."

Full time
FULL-TIME SUNDERLAND 0-0 FULHAM
Owen Phillips reports: "A promising start in which Sunderland looked lively and dangerous and twice hit the woodwork soon faded, and then drifted aimlessly along in a pretty tedious second period. Both sides spurned excellent late chances but neither really did enough to deserve the win."


Full time
FULL-TIME EVERTON 2-1 WOLVES
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Everton deserved the victory but they were helped by referee Jon Moss's controversial penalty decision."


Full time
FULL-TIME MANCHESTER CITY 3-1 NEWCASTLE
Alistair Magowan reports from the Etihad Stadium: ""We score when we want," sang the Manchester City fans after their third goal and with the league's meanest defence unable to stop them it is hard to argue otherwise. Individual errors cost Newcastle badly."

Full time
FULL-TIME NORWICH 1-2 ARSENAL
Sam Lyon reports: "Robin van Persie takes his 2011 Premier League goals tally to 31 with yet another match-winning performance to ensure a dominant Arsenal display does not go unrewarded."

1944: Just the 25 goals in the Premier League today then, here's a recap of what you've got to look forward to on Match of the Day tonight...

1941: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "Michael Carrick was magnificent today, it was a big, big performance from him. The squad we've got is strong and it gives me confidence that I can make changes."

1938: Scott Sinclair will not sleep easily tonight. I've just seen that miss again and it doesn't get any better.

1934: Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs: "We probably need to play better. When your rivals play before you, it's always tough. It was nice to play a league game in Wales. It was a long time coming. It's always nice to come home and I appreciated the ovation."

1932: An update from Everton, where chairman Bill Kenwright said none of the "three or four" parties interested in buying the club are close to getting any buy-out process under way. Speaking after 250 people from supporters' group Blue Union marched to protest about stagnation at the club, Kenwright reiterated details of the interest, first revealed by the BBC a fortnight ago. "What you tend to find with interested parties for this kind of deal is it takes time," he said. "There are people out there at the moment and hopefully that will result in real serious investment for this club."

1930: So hardly startling stuff in Swansea, but a good win all the same for Manchester United. They do seem to have lost their early season swagger but if they go into the new year five points behind Manchester City, would you write them off?

Tom on Twitter: "Cleverley's reputation is nothing to do with injury, it is his simple pass and move that works so well but none of our other midfielders do #BBCFootball"

Full time
1923: Manchester United produced more in stoppage-time than for the 90 before, as Nani came within inches of a lovely second with the last kick of the game. He curled a shot wide at the end of a great break involving Wayne Rooney and Antonio Valencia. It didn't matter though as Sir Alex Ferguson's side pick up the win to go back to within five points of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

1921: FULL TIME Swansea 0-1 Manchester United

Chris Mumple on Twitter: "With the way both teams have been playing, Swansea deserve atleast a point here. #BBCFootball"

1920: We have three minutes of stoppage time in Swansea.

Someone has struck the woodwork
1918: So close for Phil Jones! He shows great pace to sprint forward from full-back, exchanges passes with Antonio Valencia and powers in a cross-shot which thumps the base of the far post. Inches away from his first career goal.

1917: Moment of class from Wayne Rooney as he bursts through a challlenge in midfield and surges into the area, but his chip from an acute angle floats onto the roof of the net.

1915: From the reaction from a lot of you out there it seems Manchester United are missing Tom Cleverley in midfield A LOT. He's a decent prospect, for sure, but I'm not sure if he's the messiah some of you are making out. His reputation seems to have been enhanced by being injured.

1911: Erm, I'd like to be able to tell you we'd had some action but frankly I'd be lying. Javier Hernandez has come off to be replaced by Antonio Valencia and with six minutes left, he looks like the match-winner.

Text in your views on 81111 (UK)
Pat from Newcastle via text, on 81111: "Re: below. Am I the only real fan sitting here wondering why someone from Aberdeen is a Man Utd fan?"

1907: Roll of the dice from Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers as forward Stephen Dobbie is thrown on. Swansea have dominated the play in this half but they have rarely looked threatening. Dobbie had a great season last year though - can he provide some inspiration?

1904: Ryan Giggs' day out is over as he is replaced by Darren Fletcher and the veteran gets a lovely reception from the majority of the home crowd as he does so. A true Welsh great.

Text in your views on 81111 (UK)
Craig from Aberdeen via text, on 81111: "Am I the only Man Utd fan sitting here thinking Paul Scholes wouldve bossed a game like this?"

Migiro Mwati on Twitter: "#BBCfootball Swansea are a Messi away from being Barcelona. Lovely imitation"

1901: Best moment of the second half for Swansea. Scott Sinclair spins away from Wayne Rooney and flies into the area, his pull-back finds Danny Graham whose shot is blocked by Michael Carrick. Rio Ferdinand is then up quickly to see out an Ashley Williams effort. Swansea need to keep this up.

1858: A rare shot on target, and it comes from Wayne Rooney. Ryan Giggs spreads a pearler of a pass out wide to Nani and he plays it inside to Rooney. A 25-yard snap-shot is straight at Michel Vorm but the keeper nearly makes a mess of it, gathering it in at the second attempt.

R Wellington on Twitter: "Is there something wrong with the United players? I just don't understand their dip in form and horrible style of football."

I'm sure most teams would settle for a dip in form that leaves them second in the league table

1854: You can certainly see why Swansea's home record is so strong, they are monopolising possession at the moment. It's not often you see Manchester United behind the ball quite so often. Swansea still lacking an end product though, and they have 25 minutes to find a way through. Have they got a plan b?

1849: Collision at the other end as David de Gea takes a cross in front of Danny Graham and receives a bodycheck for his efforts. De Gea has really come on in that aspect of his game since August - he loked a potential liability in his first few games but doesn't even complain now.

1846: Man down, we have a man down! Ryan Giggs hangs a cross up to the back post and Wayne Rooney steams in for a header but succeeds only in colliding with Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm. In a very private place, if you catch my drift. That could have been very nasty, but Rooney is up and running in no time. I would have been out of action for weeks there. What a trooper he is.

1843: Good stuff from Danny Graham as he outmuscles Nemanja Vidic before seeing his shot blocked. The United captain then shows great bravery to to head the ball clear with boots flying in. Can Swansea find a way back here? They are on top now.

1839: Patrice Evra comes off for Manchester United as Fabio Da Silva comes on his place. I don't think there was an injury there, but Evra is on a booking. Swansea pushing on much more in this half.

1838: We're off and running now. Chance for Swansea as Scott Sinclair pulls a good save out of David de Gea before United launch a quick counter-attack of their own. Again Wayne Rooney is instrumental and plays a great ball in but Javier Hernandez can't quite gather it.

1836: Ball in the net, but Javier Hernandez was five yards offside . Great build-up play though between Wayne Rooney and Park Ji-sung.

1832: Right then, we are back underway at the Liberty Stadium. Joe Allen has come on for Swansea, and this is definitely going to liven up and end 3-3. Honest. Scott Sinclair will dribble from the halfway line and chip the keeper or something. Believe.

1831: Infostrada Sports tell me that Javier Hernandez's goal was Manchester United's 1800th league goal under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson. It wasn't one of the most memorable to be honest.

1827: An interesting line coming out of the day's early Championship game, as Leeds manager Simon Grayson says defender Andy O'Brien refused to play in the win over Burnley and will never appear for the club again. Grayson says: "It came as a shock, especially after I have backed him publicly and privately over the last few weeks." What do we make of that then? It appears going on strike is not just reserved for the Premier League.

QPR midfielder Joey Barton on Twitter: "Thanks to all the Stoke fans who threw money at me whilst I was on corner duties. It's much appreciated, I'll pass on to charity."

1821: That was quite some miss from Scott Sinclair. We're not quite talking Ronnie Rosenthal levels, but it was bad. He had an open goal from six yards out but just took his eye off the ball and it struck his standing leg. Swansea have to raise the tempo, get the ball out wide but most of all get some challenges in. Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs are having it far too easy.

Half time
SWANSEA 0-1 MANCHESTER UNITED
Dewi Hughes' half-time snapshot: "After conceding such a sloppy goal to Javier Hernandez, Swansea have penetrated well down United's flanks but Scott Sinclair's horrendous miss ensures the champions hold a slender advantage."

1816: Massive chance for Manchester United. Wayne Rooney kills the ball out of the sky beautifully and plays in Javier Hernandez. The Mexican sprints clear but plays the ball behind Rooney in the middle. Major let-off for Swansea as the half-time whistle goes.

1813: Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has said that defender Richard Stearman broke his hand against Everton this afternoon.

1812: A tackle! We had a tackle in midfield! Leon Britton wins the ball but Scott Sinclair loses the ball again. Five minutes to go until half time. Get the kettle on.

Satya Unadkat on Twitter: "10 years of watching football...never fallen asleep during a match...until now. #BBCFootball"

Stay with me people. It must get better. It must do.

1806: Ryan Giggs takes it and is a whisker away from another great goal for his personal scrapbook. He curls the ball over the wall but a few yards wide of the top corner.

1805: United have a free-kick 25 yards out from goal. We could have something to talk about here...

1802: Swansea's style of play is a credit to them in possession but when they haven't got it, this is just far too easy for Manchester United. Ryan Giggs is walking through this.

1759: Let's hope this game livens up a bit. At the moment Christmas shopping is looking a decent alternative.

1757: Final Score has finished for the day people so do me a favour, hit refresh and it shall disappear from your screen.

1753: That's more like it! Great play from Danny Graham who shrugs off a tackle on the edge of the area to play in Wayne Routledge but when his cross squirts across the face of goal, Scott Sinclair makes a hash of his shot and United escape. You wonder how many better chances than that Swansea will have this evevning.

1752: It's all very flat at the Liberty Stadium. Both sides passing the ball around nicely but not a shot, chance or even a good solid tackle to get excited about. Are Swansea a bit too nice in midfield?

1746: Swansea are continuing to boss possession here but they are struggling to get into the penalty area at all. David de Gea does well to claw out a corner from under the crossbar.

1745: QPR boss Neil Warnock after their 3-2 win at Stoke: "I thought Heidar Helguson epitomised us today, he has got a lump the size of a golf ball on his cheekbone from the first minute but he was tremendous for us both in attack and defence."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Manchester United goal: For all Swansea's bright start it's a knockout blow from Chicharito for Manchester United. Angel Rangel loses the ball to Ryan Giggs in a dangerous position and the veteran crosses for Javier Hernandez to prod in from close range. Lethal.

1741 GOALFLASH Swansea 0-1 Manchester United (Javier Hernandez)

Andy Craig on Twitter: "Thank you, ye football gods. Girlfriend liked it so much she's checking journey times to the Liberty Stadium as I write #BBCFootball

1737: Great feet from Swansea winger Scott Sinclair as he tricks his way past two players on the halfway line and speeds away down the line. He loses control though and Manchester United clear.

1734: Lively start for Swansea as the wonderfully-named Angel Rangel crosses from the right, the ball is cleared out to the edge of the area and midfielder Mark Gower drags his shot wide. Confident stuff from the hosts.

1732: Wolves manager Mick McCarthy was not impressed with the penalty awarded against left-back Stephen Ward at Everton. He says: "I'm more than disappointed with the penalty decision, I'm angry. But then they should have had one in the first half."

Whistle
1731: We are underway in Swansea.

1724: Blackburn striker Yakubu admits that he didn't pass the ball to Morten Gamst Pedersen for their controversial second goal at Wigan. He says: "I don't know if I touched the ball. I'm not sure. I don't think I touched it, but that's football."

SWANSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED:
Dewi Hughes reports from the Liberty Stadium: "Swansea have spent most of their history in the lower leagues but manager Brendan Rodgers has vowed his team will take the game to champions Manchester United: "It's a fantastic game for us, in the big games we are the underdog but we arrive in the game with confidence and belief that if we play to our maximum we can get a result." United head to Swansea with boss Sir Alex Ferguson demanding victory: "We have some big games coming up. By 31 December hopefully we will be in the right position if we are within a point or two of the leaders - that would do me fine."

1721: Everton manager David Moyes after his side beat Wolves 2-1: "It's always difficult to come back after going behind and that's why I'm delighted with the players. It's a great three points."

Yan Chao on Twitter: "RE: Andy Craig 1338 - Somehow I don't think that is your gf's last game. #BBCFootball"

1718: Wigan boss Roberto Martinez on Blackburn's controversial second goal: "It was a scandalous decision. For me, Yakubu didn't touch the ball and it's a very easy decision to make. It's ridiculous. The hurt was the decision to allow the goal - not our performance."

SWANSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS:
Dewi Hughes reports from the Liberty Stadium: "Joe Allen has a calf problem so is not risked by Swansea so Wayne Routledge moves to the centre of midfield. Scott Sinclair comes into starting line-up on the left flank. Ryan Giggs starts his first ever league game in Wales for a strong Manchester United side."

SWANSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED
Swansea: Vorm, Rangel, Williams, Monk, Taylor, Sinclair, Routledge, Gower, Britton, Dyer, Graham. Subs: Tremmel, Dobbie, Lita, Moore, Allen, Richards, Moras.
Man Utd: De Gea, Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Park, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Hernandez. Subs: Lindegaard, Evans, Berbatov, Young, Fabio Da Silva, Fletcher, Valencia.
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)

FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROUND-UP: Southampton breeze past 10-man Brighton in a 3-0 success to maintain their five-point gap at the top of Championship. Nearest rivals West Ham keep pace, coming back from behind to win 2-1 at Coventry. The champagne will be flowing in Huddersfield tonight. Lee Clark's high-flying side create a new Football League record by going a mammoth 43 games without losing with a 2-1 win against Notts County. League Two frontrunners Southend and Crawley continue to match each other stride-for-stride with important wins.

SWANSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED (1730)
Dewi Hughes reports from the Liberty Stadium: "The Swans are the only Premier League side never to have lost at home to Manchester United - two draws being the best the reigning champions have managed on their eight previous visits. Today's clash is arguably the highest-profile match in Swansea's history but the smart money would be on the first United victory. Sir Alex Ferguson's men have only lost 11 of 115 Premier League matches against promoted clubs but the Swans are unbeaten at home this season."

1700: What a finish in Wigan. You have to admire Blackburn's spirit there to come back in the 99th minute. Paul Robinson is sporting a major wound after going up for a header and taking a boot to the face but it will all be worth it. It's just a shame there weren't more people there to see it. Elsewhere, Stoke's poor run continues and Manchester City did what they needed to end Newcastle's unbeaten run. Over to you then Manchester United...

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Blackburn goal: I told you it was a stormer at Wigan and it ends in bizarre style. Paul Robinson, who did not enjoy his best afternoon in nets, goes up for a last-ditch corner and wins a penalty when he is kicked in the head by David Jones. Heroic stuff from Robbo. Up steps Yakubu to send Ali Al-Habsi the wrong way and claim a vital point. A barnstormer in Wigan.

Full time
1656 FULL TIME: Wigan 3-3 Blackburn

1656 FULL TIME: Everton 2-1 Wolves

1655 GOALFLASH Wigan 3 Blackburn 3 (Yakubu)

1654 FULL TIME: Stoke 2-3 QPR

1654 PENALTY TO BLACKBURN


1652 FULL TIME: West Brom 2-1 Bolton

Full time
1651 FULL TIME: Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle

1651 FULL TIME: Sunderland 0-0 Fulham

1650: Stephane Sessegnon comes close to nicking a winner for Sunderland but Mark Schwarzer keeps out his deflected effort with his legs to earn Fulham a point.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Newcastle goal. Too little, too late for Newcastle but the goal their second-half display probably deserves. Dan Gosling pounces after Demba Ba's initial shot was saved by Joe Hart.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Wigan goal: A massive goal for Wigan at the bottom of the table, and after Blackburn's crazy equaliser you feel justice may have been done. It's a classic toepoke from Albert Crusat as well, latching onto Hugo Rodallega's header and punting the ball right through Paul Robinson. The former England keeper has had a bit of a nightmare today.

1646 GOALFLASH Manchester City 3-1 Newcastle (Dan Gosling)

1645 GOALFLASH Wigan 3-2 Blackburn (Albert Crusat)

ForemanLuke27 on Twitter: "Micah Richards is having a belter, are you watching Mr Capello."

Anon via text: "When you look at Blackburn's defence with Chris Samba and Scott Dann in it, they really should not have conceded the amount they have this season."

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Everton goal: Soft penalty for Everton as Stephen Ward is penalised for leaning on Louis Saha. Leighton Baines makes no mistake to put Everton ahead.

1642 GOALFLASH Everton 2-1 Wolves (Leighton Baines)

1642 PENALTY TO EVERTON

BBC Radio 5 live
Former England and Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren at Etihad Stadium on BBC Radio 5 live: "This has confirmed what we thought we knew: Man City are emerging as a top top side who really could win this Premier League title."

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez all start for Manchester United at Swansea. Nemanja Vidic partners Rio Ferdinand at the back.

1639: A stat from our friends at Infostrada Sports: "Manchester City have now scored 42 goals in their first 12 Premier League matches, the most by a club in the top flight at this stage of the season for 48 years, since Tottenham Hotspur netted 44 times in their first 12 in the 1963/1964 season."

FOOTBALL LEAGUE UPDATE: Plenty of bragging rights at stake in the Football League this afternoon. Rickie Lambert completes his hat-trick to put Southampton 3-0 ahead against South Coast rivals Brighton. Barnsley lead neighbours Doncaster 2-0 in the South Yorkshire derby, while League One table-toppers Charlton have edged ahead at fellow Londoners Brentford. Torquay are cruising 3-0 against Plymouth in the first Devon derby in 10 years. And also in League Two Rotherham are 3-1 up at fellow Yorkshiremen Bradford.

1636: A fantastic reflex save by Paul Robinson stops substitute Hugo Rodallega from restoring Wigan's lead against Blackburn in a thrilling derby at the DW Stadium. This is a genuine stormer.

1634: Ignore what I just said, someone get Carlos Tevez on the phone now! Sergio Aguero goes down holding his leg and limps off to be replaced by Adam Johnson. The Argentine doesn't look too bad though, and he'll be needed in Naples in midweek. Adam Johnson comes on to replace him.

1633: A big chance for Everton but Wolves defender Stephen Ward and keeper Wayne Hennessey manage to block a shot from Tim Cahill from three yards out.

1632: Ricardo Fuller has come on for his first Stoke appearance since April as Tony Pulis aims to salvage something at the Britannia Stadium. The Jamaican international replaces Jermaine Pennant after finally recovering from his Achilles problem.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Manchester City goal: Micah Richards is again at the heart of an attack, bursting into the area before being pushed to the floor by Hatem Ben Arfa. With Mario Balotelli being substituted, Sergio Aguero takes the responsibility and steers the ball past Tim Krul. That's 27 goals in 33 games for club and country. Who needs Carlos Tevez?

1629 GOALFLASH Manchester City 3-0 Newcastle (Sergio Aguero)

1628 PENALTY TO MANCHESTER CITY

1626: The game is really livening up at the Etihad. City switch off at the back as Vincent Kompany surrenders possession cheaply, allowing Hatem Ben Arfa to break free beyond the centre-backs. Ben Arfa's shot beat Joe Hart, but struck a post. Newcastle are in no mood to lose their unbeaten record without a fight.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE LATEST: Southampton talisman Rickie Lambert bags twice to put the Championship leaders in command against 10-man Brighton. With West Ham still trailing at Coventry, the Saints are on course to extend their advantage to a whopping eight points. High-flying League One side Huddersfield are edging closer to creating a new Football League record of 43 games unbeaten. The prolific Jordan Rhodes nets their opener against Notts County. And Torquay have netted a quickfire brace to lead 2-0 against Devon neighbours Plymouth.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Stoke goal. He may have a shocking moustache but Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross has got Stoke back into this. You won't believe this, but it was from a corner, as Peter Crouch heads on for Shawcross to convert from close range. Game on.

1622 GOALFLASH Stoke 2-3 QPR (Ryan Shawcross)

1621: There was no protest from Wigan there but that is a real talking point. Morten Gamst Pedersen effectively took that corner to himself. It was like being back at school.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Blackburn goal: Major controversy here as Blackburn score a bizarre equaliser. Yakubu puts the ball down but clearly does not kick the ball, Morten Gamst Pedersen then walks over and dribbles the ball in before firing in a low ball across the six-yard box. Ali Al-Habsi can only palm the ball into the air and Junior Hoilett nods in from two yards.

1617 GOALFLASH Wigan 2-2 Blackburn (Junior Hoilett)

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
West Brom goal: It had been coming at The Hawthorns and the hosts go back ahead when Shane Long, back from injury, heads home Nicky Shorey's inch-perfect cross.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
QPR goal: I asked for that really as two goals in about 10 seconds go in. QPR extend their lead at Stoke as Heidar Helguson nips in to prod home Joey Barton's cross from the left. More poor defending on display from the home side who have it all to do now.

1613 GOALFLASH West Brom 2-1 Bolton (Shane Long)

1613 GOALFLASH Stoke 1-3 QPR (Heidar Helguson)

1611: After all the excitement at the end of the first-half, it's all gone very quiet in the Premier League. West Brom are turning the screw as they look to take the lead while Fulham have started in ambitious mood at Sunderland.

NutcaseOReilly on Twitter: "Don't write Newcastle off just yet. Came back from 4-0 vs Arsenal and this side has belief and fight."

rmahill on Twitter: "Sunderland vs Fulham only game goalless at HT. Can't say I'm too surprised; both teams struggling to find the net this season."

Red card
Blackburn red card: Major blow for Blackburn, who are 2-1 down and now a man down against bottom side Wigan after David Dunn is given his marching orders for a foul on Mohamed Diame and shown his second yellow card.

1605 RED CARD, David Dunn BLACKBURN

1603: Spectators at Manchester City have survived an interval with no chips as all games are back underway. City will be looking to hang on for a win that would put some pressure on rivals Manchester United, who kick-off at Swansea at 1730. We are hearing rumours that Ryan Giggs is set to start in his native Wales.

Zain Patel on Twitter: "A huge groan at the Etihad stadium as the scoreboard reveals there are no Chips available at half time! #BBCFootball #MCFC"

tomashoughton on Twitter: "Its easy to see already that this season's relegation battle is going to be exciting- anyone below villa could go down IMO!"

ShayChopra94 on Twitter: Pretty much game over now. Newcastle simply shooting themselves in the foot and there's no way back at all now!"

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST: Goal of the day has to go to Scott Robertson of Dundee United, whose superb flying header has given them the lead against Hearts, against the run of play. St Mirren are also ahead, with their mercurial Dutchman Nigel Hasselbaink breaking the deadlock against Dunfermline. Third-placed Motherwell lead at Pittodrie before Scott Vernon's header cancelled out Michael Higdon's early goal.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE UPDATE: Neither side has managed to break the deadlock in the South Coast derby between Championship leaders Southampton and Brighton. But good news for the Saints sees second place West Ham losing 1-0 at lowly Coventry. There have been goals galore at Boundary Park as Oldham lead 4-1 against struggling Chesterfield. League Two frontrunners Southend and Crawley are both in command, while the Devon derby between Torquay and Plymouth remains goalless.

Half time
MANCHESTER CITY 2-0 NEWCASTLE
Alistair Magowan's half-time snapshot: "A bad couple of minutes for Ryan Taylor as his handball and slip led to both Manchester City's goals. Tough on Newcastle as they had defended very well until that point."

Half time
EVERTON 1-1 WOLVES
Saj Chowdhury's half-time snap-shot: "Those two goals woke up the Goodison crowd following what was largely an 'action-lacked' first half. And on the stroke of half-time, Wolves' Karl Henry appeared to pull down Tim Cahill inside the area. A talking point."

Half time
STOKE 1-2 QPR
Becky Ashton's half-time snapshot: "Finally time to take a breath after what has been a real end to end match at the Britannia Stadium. QPR go in ahead but going on what we've seen so far there's sure to be more goals in the second half. Failing that there's always moustache watch to keep us busy, with plenty of handlebar styles on show, which alone is worth watching Match of the Day for."

Half time
WIGAN 2-1 BLACKBURN
Neil Johnston's half-time snapshot: "This is an enthralling, compelling and fiercely competitive derby. Wigan have shown great spirit to come from behind and lead, but two big misses by Victor Moses could yet prove costly."

Half time
SUNDERLAND 0-0 FULHAM
Owen Phillips' half-time snapshot: "Sunderland have hit the bar twice but have not made their superior possession count and Fulham have shown enough quality in a couple of rare attacking forays to suggest that they could still nick this."

Half time
WEST BROM 1-1 BOLTON
Marc Higginson's half-time snapshot: "It's been all about Jerome Thomas at the Hawthorns. He put West Brom into the lead, gave away the penalty from which Ivan Klasnic equalised and he is the best player on the pitch. Other than that, there is little separating the two strugglers."

1550: Half-time at all the Premier League games.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Everton goal: Leighton Baines delivers a free-kick from the left which is powerfully headed in by England team-mate Phil Jagielka from the edge of the six-yard area.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Manchester City goal: Ryan Taylor continues a nightmare few minutes as the Newcastle defender gets the ball stuck under his feet and Micah Richards nips in to collect the loose ball and fire home. He can't get in the England squad but is on fine form.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
QPR goal: QPR take the lead when Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jamie Mackie combine down the right and cut the ball back for Luke Young to smash into the roof of the net.

1545 GOALFLASH Everton 1-1 Wolves (Phil Jagielka)

1544 GOALFLASH Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle (Micah Richards)

1544 GOALFLASH Stoke 1-2 QPR (Luke Young)

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Manchester City goal: About as stonewall as penalties get for Manchester City. Yaya Toure smashes a shot toward goal where Ryan Taylor, stood two yards away, blocks it with his hand. He couldn't get out of the way but shouldn't have had his hands raised. Mario Balotelli steps up and side-foots into the bottom corner before folding his arms casually. Very cool.

1541 GOALFLASH Manchester City 1-0 Newcastle (Mario Balotelli)

1540: PENALTY TO MANCHESTER CITY

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Wolves goal: Marouane Fellaini brings down Wolves midfielder David Edwards right on the edge of the area. That could have gone either way but the referee awards a penalty and Stephen Hunt rattles it right down the middle.

1538 GOALFLASH Everton 0-1 Wolves (Stephen Hunt)

1538: PENALTY TO WOLVES

1538: Incredible story from Germany where the Bundesliga match between Cologne and Mainz was called off 40 minutes before kick-off after the referee tried to take his own life. Babak Rafati was found in his hotel room less than two hours before the scheduled start time. The 41-year-old is in hospital and his condition is unknown.

1535: Some lovely football at the Etihad Stadium, but it is Newcastle who nearly open the scoring. Hatem Ben Arfa's diagonal pass plays in Demba Ba but his low strike is pushed away by Joe Hart. Newcastle again showing they are no pushovers here.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE UPDATE: Former England international Nick Barmby's managerial debut starts well as Hull lead 2-0 at Derby. Huddersfield, looking to become Football League record-breakers by stretching their unbeaten run to 43 games, are still goalless against Notts County. But Oldham have already raced into a 3-0 lead against former boss John Sheridan's struggling Chesterfield. League Two leaders Southend didn't hold onto their early advantage very long as Dagenham, who have lost 11 of their last 12 games, equalise.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Wigan goal: I criticised Gary Caldwell for his part in Yakubu's opener but this is a fine header from the Wigan captain. Poor marking from Blackburn's Scott Dann though to leave him free from a corner and the defender bullets a header into the bottom corner. They might be bottom but Wigan are not short of character.

1530 GOALFLASH Wigan 2-1 Blackburn (Gary Caldwell)

1529: Great chance for Manchester City. James Milner floats in a cross from the right and Mario Balotelli sends in a powerful header but Newcastle keeper Tim Krul makes a great one-handed save.

BBC Radio 5 live
Former England and Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren at Etihad Stadium for BBC Radio 5 live: "Man City have got those special players who can pull something from nothing. You can defend, you can park the bus in front of the goal, but when you've got that individual talent you can win football matches."

1527: Meanwhile, following reports in France that Arsene Wenger will consider his Arsenal future in the summer, the Frenchman has played down talk that he could leave the club at the end of the season, saying: "I am completely committed to this club. It is the club of my life. It was a conversation where I said that if you don't do well enough, that is the only way I would consider it [leaving] - if I am below what is expected of the club."

1526: An Everton chance as Seamus Coleman's ball to the far post is headed back to the edge of the six-yard area where Louis Saha is standing. The French striker fires his shot into the ground and forces Wayne Hennessey into tipping the ball over the bar. And there is the first clear opening of a tentative start for Manchester City as Yaya Toure threads the ball through for Sergio Aguero, who spins on the edge of the 18-yard box and fires over.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE UPDATE: A couple of early goals in the Championship as play-off hopefuls Cardiff take the lead at Reading, while Watford edge ahead against Portsmouth in Michael Appleton's first game in charge. Struggling League One sides Yeovil and Exeter are already drawing 1-1 in a goal-den start. And Southend and Crawley, the frontrunners in League Two, have edged into early leads.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
QPR goal: Neil Warnock's side level with their first real attack when Heidar Helguson rises to head home Armand Traore's cross from the left. A free header for the former Watford targetman there, very poor defending.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Bolton goal: Ivan Klasnic nets from the penalty spot after Fabrice Muamba is clumsily fouled by goalscorer Jerome Thomas in the area.

1521 GOALFLASH Stoke 1-1 QPR (Heidar Helguson)

1521 GOALFLASH West Brom 1-1 Bolton (Ivan Klasnic)

1520 PENALTY TO BOLTON

1519: Shots raining in around the country. Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback sees his shot tipped onto the crossbar by Mark Schwarzer, while in the dogfight at the bottom of the table clash Morten Gamst Pedersen cracks a 30-yard free-kick against the post.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
West Brom goal: Controversy at The Hawthorns as, with Bolton's defence stood waiting for the offside flag, Jerome Thomas latches on to Zoltan Gera's pass to round Jussi Jaaskelainen and fire home.

1517 GOALFLASH West Brom 1-0 Bolton (Jerome Thomas)

1515: Peter Crouch goes close to doubling Stoke's lead with what would have been a very ugly goal. He somehow stumbles through a challenge to round Paddy Kenny but his scuffed effort is cleared by Clint Hill.

BBC Radio 5 live
Former England and Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren is at Etihad Stadium for BBC Radio 5 live: "Newcastle can't get into the game, they can't get the ball out of their own half, they're not passing well and they're just inviting pressure onto themselves."

1513: Quiet start at Everton v Wolves but expect that to change - neither side has kept a clean sheet since August.

1511: First chance for Manchester City as Micah Richards breaks into the are but his low cross is well cleared by Steven Taylor. At Sunderland, Kieran Richardson hits the post with a header while Bolton's Gary Cahill has a header cleared off the line by Youssouf Mulumbu from a Chris Eagles corner. It's all go in the top flight.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Stoke goal: Jon Walters - one of the moustached men on display - runs onto Peter Crouch's through ball to drill across Paddy Kenny and into the far corner. Great finish from the Republic of Ireland man.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Wigan goal: What a response by Wigan. Six minutes gone and Jordi Gomez fires the hosts level from 20-yards with Paul Robinson rooted to his line.

1508 GOALFLASH Stoke 1-0 QPR (Jon Walters)

1508 GOALFLASH Wigan 1-1 Blackburn (Jordi Gomez)

1504: An early Movember update for you all as most of the players on the pitch at Stoke v QPR are sporting varying levels of facial hair. Robert Huth's is a particular favourite.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Blackburn goal: I was just about to say that we were underway in all our Premier League games, when Yakubu scores after 68 seconds. A long ball is flicked on and after Gary Caldwell fails to clear, Yakubu nips in to score his 100th league goal in England with a clever chip.

1501 GOALFLASH: Wigan 0-1 Blackburn (Yakubu)

1458: Everyone ready? Six Premier League games and a full Football League programme are moments away.

WEST BROM v BOLTON TEAM NEWS
Marc Higginson reports: West Brom's Shane Long is back in the Baggies line-up, just four weeks after sustaining what appeared to be a serious knee injury. Bolton have kept faith with young right-back Joe Riley, who made an impressive debut in the 5-0 thrashing of Stoke a fortnight ago.

WIGAN v BLACKBURN TEAM NEWS
Neil Johnston reports: "Roberto Martinez has shown his ruthless streak by dropping Hugo Rodallega and Ben Watson from Wigan's side. Gary Caldwell, James McCarthy, Conor Sammon, Ronnie Stam and Jordi Gomez are all recalled. Michel Salgado, Scott Dann, Grant Hanley and David Dunn are back for Blackburn."

SUNDERLAND v FULHAM TEAM NEWS
Owen Phillips reports: "Sunderland are without the injured Connor Wickham and suspended top scorer Sebastian Larsson so John O'Shea comes in at right-back and Ahmed Elmohamady also starts. Fulham are forced to make defensive changes because of an injury to Zdenik Grygera and the absence of John Arne Riise whose wife Maria has given birth to a baby boy Patrick. Aaron Hughes comes in, Philippe Senderos plays his first game since September and Dickson Etuhu also starts - the only other change from the side beaten by Tottenham."

STOKE v QPR TEAM NEWS
Becky Ashton reports: "Stoke make five changes for the visit of QPR, with the most notable coming in goal as Thomas Sorensen replaces Asmir Begovic for his first Premier League start of the season. Ryan Shawcross returns while Danny Higginbotham makes his first league start after seven months out injured. For QPR Clint Hill returns against his former side while there is no place in the squad for Adel Taarabt. Rangers name just six players on the bench after Jason Puncheon was reportedly sent home ill."

BBC Radio 5 Live's Ian Dennis on Twitter: "Blackburn arrived at 2.10. Traffic congestion due to on going crime scene close to stadium after murder in the early hours"

1448: Arsenal captain Robin van Persie admits he should have had more goals after his double at Norwich: "Norwich away is a tough game - I've seen them a couple of times this year - and made it a bit difficult for ourselves by missing a lot of chances. But we got the win in the end, so that is very welcome. I think we can get very close to the teams at the top this season, our aim is to get top four. It is a marathon but I am very confident we can do that."

EVERTON v WOLVES TEAM NEWS
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Everton defender Phil Jagielka is fit enough to start after having an injection in his broken toe. Marouane Fellaini returns to the midfield, having missing the defeat at Newcastle through suspension, while there is no room for England international Jack Rodwell. Wolves make just one change with Nenad Milijas in for Adlene Guedioura.

1446: You lucky people can now watch Final Score at the top of the screen with a quick refresh. I'll be filling your screen with all the latest from our reporters ahead of the 1500 kick-offs. Hold tight for a busy few minutes.

MANCHESTER CITY v NEWCASTLE TEAM NEWS
Alistair Magowan reports from Etihad Stadium: "Manchester City's Samir Nasri fills David Silva's mercurial boots as the Spaniard takes a breather, while Mario Balotelli will hope he can get back to goalscoring ways as he is restored to the attack. Newcastle have gone bold with Sammy Ameobi and Hatem Ben Arfa looking to supply top scorer Demba Ba."

Full time
1443: Full-time at Turf Moor where a brace from Robert Snodgrass hands Leeds a 2-1 win.

Adam Vincent on Twitter: "Glad to see Rodallega dropped for Wigan, he has been so dire it's unbelievable, how do big clubs want him? #bbcfootball"

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Leeds goal: Robert Snodgrass blasts home what seems to be a late winner for Leeds at Turf Moor. Burnley fail to deal with a corner and Snodgrass calmly pounces to fire under Lee Grant in a dramatic late turnaround.

SUNDERLAND v FULHAM
Sunderland: Westwood, O'Shea, Turner, Brown, Bardsley, Elmohamady, Colback, Cattermole, Richardson, Bendtner, Sessegnon. Subs: Carson, Gardner, Vaughan, Ji, Meyler, Noble, Egan.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird, Senderos, Dempsey, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff, Zamora, Dembele. Subs: Etheridge, Johnson, Kasami, Ruiz, Gecov, Briggs, Kacaniklic.
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

1438 GOALFLASH Burnley 1 Leeds 2 (Robert Snodgrass)

MAN CITY v NEWCASTLE
Man City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Nasri, De Jong, Toure Yaya, Milner, Balotelli, Aguero. Subs: Pantilimon, Dzeko, Kolarov, Johnson, Barry, Silva, Toure.
Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Ryan Taylor, Ben Arfa, Guthrie, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Ba, Sammy Ameobi. Subs: Elliot, Santon, Lovenkrands, Perch, Gosling, Smith, Shola Ameobi.
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

1435: It's all over at Norwich as Robin van Persie's brace gives Arsenal a 2-1 win.

STOKE v QPR
Stoke City: Sorensen; Wilkinson, Shawcross (c), Huth, Higginbotham; Pennant, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington; Walters, Crouch Subs: Begovic, Whelan, Jones, Fuller, Wilson, Upson, Palacios.
QPR: Kenny, Hill, Gabbidon, Faurlin, Mackie, Traore, Barton, Young, Helguson, Wright-Phillips, Ferdinand. Subs: Murphy, Orr, Derry, Buzsaky, Smith, Hewitt.
Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire)

1431: Into the dying stages at Carrow Road where first Grant Holt tries a farcical dive in the area and is told to get up, before at the other end the excellent Theo Walcott cracks a shot against the outside of the post.

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE LATEST: Two excellent goals from Anthony Stokes sees Celtic beat Inverness and narrow the gap on league leaders Rangers to nine points. But Inverness will be aggrieved by the first-half dismissal of Greg Tansey for an aerial challenge on Georgios Samaras. A sore one for the hosts!

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Leeds goal: Leeds equalise out of nothing through Scotland winger Robert Snodgrass. Burnley's static defence watch Lloyd Sam's beautiful right-wing cross fly over their heads to the far post where Snodgrass slides home in front of the delirious away fans.

WEST BROM v BOLTON
West Brom: Foster, Reid, Olsson, McAuley, Shorey, Morrison, Mulumbu, Brunt, Thomas, Gera, Long. Subs: Fulop, Dorrans, Fortune, Tchoyi, Dawson, Jones, Cox
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Riley, Wheater, Cahill, Robinson, Eagles, Reo-Coker, Muamba, M Davies, K Davies, Klasnic. Subs: Bogdan, Tuncay, Petrov, Knight, Pratley, Ngog, Kakuta.
Referee: N Swarbrick (Preston)

1425 GOALFLASH Burnley 1 Leeds 1 (Robert Snodgrass)

WIGAN v BLACKBURN
Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam, Gohouri, Caldwell, Figueroa, Moses, McCarthy, Gomez, Jones, Diame, Sammon. Substitutes: Pollitt, Crusat, Watson, Maloney, McArthur, Rodallega, Lopez.
Blackburn: Robinson, Salgado, Hanley, Dann, Givet, Rochina, Nzonzi, Dunn, Pedersen, Hoilett, Yakubu. Substitutes: Forimca, Petrovic, Blackman, Roberts, Goodwillie, Henley, Bunn.
Referee: Andre Marriner (West Midlands)

1422: Just 10 minutes left for Arsenal to hold on for a win at Carrow Road. My advice, should Arsene Wenger need it, is to give the ball to Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie as much as possible. Norwich are giving it a real go though.

Steven McNamara on Twitter: "Newcastle can nick a point today, Tiote not playing is a huge blow, but Silva not playing is a huge plus! he is unplayable #bbcfootball"

EVERTON v WOLVES
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Fellaini, Osman, Drenthe, Cahill, Saha. Subs: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Stracqualursi, Gueye, Barkley, Vellios, Mustafi.
Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Stearman, Johnson, Berra, Ward, Edwards, Henry, Milijas, Hunt, O'Hara, Doyle. Subs: De Vries, Elokobi, Craddock, Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher, Jarvis, Guedioura.
Referee: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire)

1418: Norwich have had a bright few minutes, with Grant Holt's physical presence making a difference in attack, but Arsenal break well and almost grab a third when Mikel Arteta shoots straight at John Ruddy.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE LATEST The South Coast derby between leaders Southampton and Brighton is the pick of an exciting Championship bunch this afternoon. Both clubs, promoted together from League One in May, have risen from the depths of financial despair in two of football's most heart-warming tales in recent times. Elsewhere second-place West Ham travel to Coventry looking to narrow the Saints' five-point lead, while ex-England star Nick Barmby makes his managerial bow for hometown Hull at Derby.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE LATEST All eyes are set on high-flying Huddersfield in League One as they aim to break a Football League record by chalking up their 43rd game without defeat. Lee Clark's men equalled the 33-year-old record set by Brian Clough's all-conquering Nottingham Forest side last weekend but hope to go one better when, in a weird twist of fate, they host Forest's city rivals Notts County. Leaders Charlton travel across London looking for their first win at Brentford since 1980.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE LATEST In League Two, cheer has been in short supply for Plymouth's Green Army with the Football League's bottom club besieged by financial woe and little going right on the pitch. But Carl Fletcher's men can salvage some pride when they make the short journey to Torquay for the first Devon derby in almost a decade. Table-topping Southend, unbeaten in 10 games, will fancy their chances at lowly Dagenham. And Crewe go to Morecambe for their first league game without long-serving Dario Gradi.

Alex Munro on Twitter: "What a finish by RVP. Please don't leave or get injured! #bbcfootball"

1411: Norwich bring on captain Grant Holt for Wes Hoolahan as the Canaries look for an equaliser. Just over 20 minutes left to play in Norfolk, while Leeds have half an hour to rescue anything from Burnley.

1408: Anthony Pilkington goes close to a leveller for Norwich but he can't quite get the proper connection to Elliott Bennett's low cross.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Manchester City playmaker David Silva is rested against Newcastle with one eye on the midweek Champions League tie in Naples. Mario Balotelli partners Sergio Aguero in attack.

1405: We're hearing by the way that Wigan v Blackburn team news has been delayed as Blackburn haven't arrived yet. That is a journey of all of about 20 miles - quite some effort to be late from Rovers.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Arsenal goal: It's another one for Robin van Persie, and this is a dreamy finish. Russell Martin makes his first mistake of the day as he is robbed in midfield, Alex Song plays the ball through for Van Persie and despite looking like he had gone too wide, the striker was able to clip a lovely finish over John Ruddy. Sensational goal from a sensational player.

1402 GOALFLASH Norwich 1 Arsenal 2 (Robin van Persie)

BBC Radio 5 live
Former Norwich and Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington at Carrow Road for BBC Radio 5 live: "Gervinho and Robin van Persie have had so many opportunities in this game. If the final pass had been a little bit better the game would be out of sight. But I must retain to the team spirit of Norwich City. Nothing is a given, and that is why they are where they are in the league."

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE UPDATE: Celtic have made the breakthrough against 10-man Inverness, Anthony Stokes finishing off a slick move involving Gary Hooper and James Forrest.

1358: Fabulous play from Robin van Persie again. He turns in midfield and plays a perfect ball through for Gervinho, who skips round John Ruddy but is unable to get his shot away and Bradley Johnson clears. Arsenal not so much knocking, as hammering on the door right now.

1356: Theo Walcott's final ball has really come on leaps and bounds hasn't it? He whips in another superb cross to the near post where Aaron Ramsey makes a run but he can only shoot into the side-netting.

1354: Anthony Pilkington arrows in a powerful free-kick which is well held by Wojiech Szczesny as Burnley get back underway as well. Glorious and unseasonally great weather in Lancashire.

1351: Great play again between Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie but the striker is just offside as he collects the England winger's pass.

1349: By the way, former England captain Alan Shearer is here and ready for your questions on Twitter. Send your question to @BBCMOTD and we'll put the best ones to him.

1348: We are back underway at Norwich, who have brought on winger Elliott Bennett for David Fox.

SUNDERLAND v FULHAM
Owen Phillips reports: "Only goal difference separates Sunderland and Fulham after identical starts to the season which leave them hovering precariously above the relegation zone with just two Premier League wins apiece. A defeat for either side could see them drop into the bottom three but managers Steve Bruce and Martin Jol firmly believe that performances have been better than results. Is someone being economical with the truth? We could just find out today."

WIGAN v BLACKBURN
Neil Johnston reports: "Happy anniversary? Not for Blackburn as they mark one year since the Venky's takeover anchored to 19th in the table. The only good news is that they're facing the only team below them. Wigan have lost their last eight league games and are five points adrift of safety. This is what you call a relegation six-pointer."

WEST BROM v BOLTON
Marc Higginson reports: "Elvis Presley was topping the charts with Return to Sender the last time Bolton managed a top-flight victory at the Hawthorns. The King these days - in Wanderers' fans eyes at least - is Ivan Klasnic, who is, according to the stats, the most reliable striker in the Premier League. The Croatian goal machine gets 92.86% of his shots on target - more than any other player in the top flight. After his brace in the 5-0 defeat of Stoke last time out, can he finally end his side's jinx at West Brom this afternoon? The Baggies are winless in the seven previous league meetings between the two sides. Something has to give this afternoon."

STOKE v QPR
Becky Ashton reports: "Stoke City are enduring one of their worst runs in 12 months, with just one win from their last seven, they've also been conceding goals at an alarming rate with eight in their last two. QPR on the other hand will be buoyed by the fact they have beaten Chelsea and pushed Manchester City close in recent weeks, so surely they can get something against a side who lost 5-0 at Bolton last time out"

MANCHESTER CITY v NEWCASTLE
Alistair Magowan reports from Etihad Stadium: "Manchester City reported a record loss of £194.9m for 2010-11 this week and the last time an English club did that, Chelsea went on to win the Premier League in 2005. A predictable and, perhaps, depressing omen, but there is no doubt City's riches have provided entertainment this season and they will be up against the league's meanest defence this afternoon. Both teams are unbeaten, so an intriguing afternoon awaits."

EVERTON v WOLVES
Saj Chowdhury reports: "Everton were unlucky to come away pointless from the ground formerly known as St James' Park in their last league outing. The Toffees have their heads just above the drop-zone and manager David Moyes will point to recent good performances as a reason not to panic. I think they call that 'McCarthyism'. Wolves' 3-1 victory over strugglers Wigan nudged them up the table, although they have not beaten Everton since 2004. Verdict: Draw."

1341: A reminder that we have six Premier League games coming up at 1500. Here's what is in store...

Text in your views on 81111 (UK)
Pembo from Leicester via text: "Can't believe no one else said this yet... but with Capello leaving after Euros, surely Arsene Wenger for England or will that be Angleterre?"

Half time
HALF-TIME Burnley 1-0 Leeds
Jonathan Jurejko's HT snap-shot: "Burnley head into the break of this War of the Roses match with a deserved lead. They have dominated the first half and created several good chances, though Leeds may feel aggrieved home keeper Lee Grant didn't see red for handling outside his area."

1338: The half-time whistle has now gone at Turf Moor with Burnley holding onto their lead.

BBC Radio 5 live
Former Norwich and Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington at Carrow Road for BBC Radio 5 live: "A very enjoyable first half, with good football from either side. On another day Robin van Persie would have three goals by now. But it's been end-to-end, and I'm looking forward to the second half."

Andy Craig on Twitter: "Taking the girlfriend to her first ever game today. Disappointingly, it's Wigan vs Blackburn, therefore likely to be her last too #BBCFootball"

Half time
HALF-TIME Norwich 1-1 Arsenal
Sam Lyon's HT snap-shot: "It has been a brave defensive effort from Norwich but in fairness they can consider themselves hugely fortunate to be level. This game is there for the taking for Arsenal, who look a threat with each and every attack."

1332: The half-time whistle goes at Carrow Road where Arsenal need to step it up a gear to get ahead of a dogged Norwich side. We are still playing in Burnley.

1331: SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE UPDATE: Goalless at half-time between Inverness and Celtic, but a rather drab encounter was lit up in controversial circumstances after Caley midfielder Greg Tansey was sent off following an aerial challenge on Georgios Samaras. Replays show that's a very harsh decision by referee Steve O'Reilly.

Mohammad A A Jafri on Twitter: "Wenger leaving is a blessing in disguise. Arsenal need a fresh start and seven years without winning the Premier League is unacceptable #BBCFootball"

Sean Mansfield on Twitter: "If it is Wenger's last season at Arsenal, we'll miss one of the great managers of the Premier League era and a quality manager #bbcfootball"

1325: Ross McCormack goes close for Leeds with a piledriver of a free-kick which Burnley goalkeeper Lee Grant beats away, while it's all Arsenal at the moment but Norwich are defending stoutly.

1322: Norwich have responded well to the equaliser and are working incredibly hard in midfield to press Arsenal high up the pitch. Confirmation from Burnley that Charlie Austin has dislocated his shoulder. Ouch.

1318: Charlie Austin has left the pitch on a stretcher, and he's on the gas there to relieve the pain. Sam Vokes comes on for his Clarets debut.

BBC Radio 5 live
Former Norwich and Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington is at Carrow Road for BBC Radio 5 live: "That's the second time that Theo Walcott has had a run at Norwich's defence and it paid off. Arsenal have had four or five chances on the opposition goal already, so it's important Norwich lock down now and try to hold onto the ball."

1315: Bad times for Burnley striker Charlie Austin at Turf Moor. He falls awkwardly on his shoulder and is in tears on the pitch. A long stoppage is on the cards as he receives treatment.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Arsenal goal: That's 30 Premier League goals in 2011 for Robin van Persie now. Theo Walcott again gets in behind the defence to put in a perfect low cross, Gervinho misses the ball completely attempting a flicked finish, but van Persie cannot miss from four yards out. Where was Russell Martin on the line though? Rubbish.

1312: GOALFLASH: Norwich 1 Arsenal 1 (Robin van Persie)

1310: Russell Martin is having a ludicrous few minutes here. He heads clear from the goal-line when Robin van Persie loops a header over John Ruddy, and then sweeps up to make another clearance when Ruddy saves Gervinho's tame effort. Just the three goal-saving interventions from Martin in the opening 25 minutes then.

1308: Plenty for Arsene Wenger to ponder here already then, though they do look lively going forward. Wenger has said today that this could be his last season at Arsenal. What do you think? Have your say on Twitter with the hashtag #BBCFootball.

1305: That really was a horrow show from Per Mertesacker. As Alan Hansen would say, you have to 'play percentages' there and get rid of the ball.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
Norwich goal: I was talking up Norwich's defending a moment ago but it's a different story for Arsenal here. Per Mertesacker makes a hash of dealing with a routine long ball over the top, and Steve Morison shows great strength to heave him out of the way and finish for his third goal in as many games.

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal
1302: GOALFLASH Norwich 1 Arsenal 0 (Steve Morison)

Burnley goal: Lovely header from Jay Rodriguez as he buries a Kieran Trippier cross from the right. Right into the bottom corner. Textbook - no other word for that.

1259: GOALFLASH Burnley 1 Leeds 0 (Jay Rodriguez)

1257: Phenomenal defending from Norwich's Russell Martin. Theo Walcott dances in from the right, puts one defender on his backside and clips a shot past goalkeeper John Ruddy. The ball is destined for the far corner until Martin appears from nowhere to somehow scoop the ball over the top. Just brilliant.

1253: Not much to report from Burnley so far, other than the fact Leeds are sporting a shocker of an away kit. Black with fluorescent yellow pinstripes. Lovely stuff.

1251: Close again from Robin van Persie. Andre Santos plays the ball in from the left and Van Persie rifles in a left-footed shot from the edge of the box which flies just wide. Two sighters now for the prolific striker.

BBC Radio 5 live
Former Norwich and Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington at Carrow Road for BBC Radio 5 live: "Arsenal have had a very bright start and are driving forward at every opportunity. One thing Norwich have got to do is to settle down. They need to put a foot on the ball, put some passes together and make things happen for themselves."

1247: A flying start for Arsenal as Theo Walcott breaks clear down the right and cuts the ball back for Robin van Persie. The Dutchman is not at his lethal best though and drags his shot wide. We are also underway at Burnley.

Whistle
1245: After two weeks away, the Premier League is back on track as Arsenal kick-off at Carrow Road.

1242: Teams out of the tunnel and on the pitch at both Turf Moor and Carrow Road then. Another quick refresh will allow you to listen to out friends at 5 live from Norwich via the link on the top right.

Text in your views on 81111 (UK)
Stotty from Manchester via text on 81111: "On way to the Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield which hopefully see us surpass Forest's 42-match unbeaten run against County."
We'll keep you up to date with Huddersfield's efforts today. A phenomenal run of form, though if I were to open up a can of worms I could remind everyone that they did lose the League One play-off final to Peterborough...

1237: A final word on that goal of the year poll by the way - a few have you are suggesting that Wayne Rooney shinned that overhead kick in. It was probably the most spectacular scuff ever.

1235: Leeds chairman Ken Bates turned up the heat on his manager Simon Grayson this week by insisting seventh place is not good enough for the Elland Road club. Grayson said: "He's outspoken but he has been throughout his whole football career. There are big expectation levels at this club and we know what we need to do to achieve promotion this year."

1233: Another manual refresh please everyone and you can watch the build up to Burnley v Leeds right now.

Indie band Kamikaze Autopilots on Twitter: "Rooney's volley was good but how about that Lisandro Lopez effort?! The ball heading away from goal. Not bad for a defender!"

1227: NORWICH v ARSENAL (1245)
Sam Lyon reports: "While Arsene Wenger appears to be considering his future in the lead up to this game, telling L'Equipe he "will see" if he is at Arsenal next season, Paul Lambert is in no doubt the Frenchman remains the best man for the job. "They have a top manager - how people came out and said he didn't know what he was doing is amazing. It's pathetic." Supportive of the Norwich boss, but how he must be hoping Wenger and his side have an off-day today."

Nigel Voaden on Twitter: "My first ever tweet, created an account just so I can tell you I am nervously waiting for Norwich, here in the DR Congo"

1221: NORWICH v ARSENAL (1245)
Sam Lyon reports: "After two goals in Norwich's last two games, manager Paul Lambert keeps faith with Steve Morison in attack for the hosts, meaning club captain Grant Holt must again content himself with a place on the bench. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, boasting his own goal machine Robin van Persie in attack again, opts for Laurent Koscielny at right back in the absence of Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson."

1215: Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson, speaking on Football Focus, labels Sepp Blatter a buffoon for suggesting racial incidents should be settled by a handshake. He says: "Who is going to oust him from his job? Unless all the football associations from around the world get together, he's untouchable. The man's a buffoon." Also worth noting Lawro has gone big on the Movember front. Shades of Father Christmas.

Jay LeShark on Twitter: "#BBCFootball DJing at a wedding in Thailand and keeping up with today's games via BBC website. Come on Southend"
We've also had tweets from Dubai, the Guyanese jungle, Pakistan and Kazakhstan so far. Fantastic effort.

NORWICH v ARSENAL 1245
Norwich: Ruddy, Naughton, Russell Martin, Barnett, Tierney, Crofts, Johnson, Fox, Pilkington, Hoolahan, Morison. Subs: Rudd, Drury, Holt, Jackson, Surman, Bennett, Wilbraham.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Andre Santos, Ramsey, Arteta, Song, Walcott, van Persie, Gervinho. Subs: Fabianski, Rosicky, Djourou, Arshavin, Chamakh, Benayoun, Coquelin.
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)


BURNLEY v LEEDS 1245
Burnley: Grant, Trippier, Duff, Edgar, Easton, Treacy, Bartley, McCann, Stanislas, Austin, Rodriguez. Subs: Stewart, Amougou, Marney, Vokes, Hines.
Leeds: McCarthy, Connolly, Kisnorbo, O'Dea, White, Snodgrass, Howson, Clayton, Sam, Keogh, McCormack. Subs: Cairns, Brown, Becchio, Nunez, Lees.
Referee: Scott Mathieson (Cheshire)

1206: When was the last time all 12 clubs played on the same day in the Scottish Premier League? Celtic, who trail leaders Rangers by 12 points, kick-off a full programme at bottom club Inverness (1230). Unbeaten Rangers play host to St Johnstone in one of five matches to start at 1500. Motherwell could move into second if they defeat Aberdeen. Other games are Dundee United v Hearts, Hibs v Kilmarnock and St Mirren v Dunfermline. What's more you can follow all the action in this live text commentary .

NORWICH v ARSENAL (1245)
Sam Lyon reports: "Having not so long ago been written off for the season, Arsenal now sit just one win away from a top-four spot on the back of a run of nine wins in their last 11 games in all competitions. Spare a thought, then, for Norwich - a team without a top-flight win over Arsenal in nearly 20 years and staring down the prospect of a hat-trick of 4-1 defeats to the north Londoners. Can the Canaries break the spell? The hosts' decent home record so far this season will come under severe strain this afternoon, you feel."

1200: If you hit refresh RIGHT NOW, then you can watch Football Focus at the top of the page. You've never seen Burnley looking so well in November.

1159: Wayne Rooney's overhead kick against Manchester City made that Goal of the year shortlist . What do we think of that? As for me, my favourite was probably Michael Uwezu's effort which kept Northampton in the Football League for another season. But that's just me...

Tim HJ from Marlow, via text: "Tom, have you checked out FIFA's shortlist for 'Goals of the Year'? Apparently they used to have an 'Own Goal of the Year' award as well, but Sepp Blatter won it so often, they let him keep the trophy. Anyway, my money is on the fabulous goal by the Brazilian, Neymar. What about yours?"

1154: I can tell you now that Ryan Shawcross will not be winning that award. I saw him and a few Stoke team-mates at a gig this week and the centre-half was doing himself no favours with a frankly dreadful effort. He made Gary Neville look like Tom Selleck.

1152: Also on today's agenda - facial hair. And lots of it. Plenty of players have donated their top lips to the Movember charity and I'll be letting you know who has pulled off the best tache of the day.

Pro Ndebele on Twitter: "Love saturday football, I'm in Zimbabwe and I wish Man City would finish season with no loss. Possible indeed. #BBCFootball"
First tweet from Zimbabwe. Can we beat that today?

Text in your views on 81111 (UK)
Tom, via text on 8111: "West Ham bringing a record away crowd to the Ricoh Arena today. I don't know what they've heard about us but I'm assuming it's for the balti pies and not the quality football!"

BURNLEY v LEEDS (1245)
Jonathan Jurejko reports: "Burnley are aiming to pay the ultimate tribute to club legend Jimmy Adamson this afternoon by beating another of his former clubs, Leeds United. Adamson, who died aged 82 earlier this month , captained the Clarets to their 1960 Division One title success. And how Eddie Howe's men could do with his quality now as they hover perilously over the Championship relegation zone. However, Simon Grayson's seventh-placed side have won six of the last seven meetings between the sides."

1140: We are in for a very busy day and make no mistake. First up, Football Focus is coming live from Turf Moor at 1200 ahead of the live Championship game on BBC One which sees Leeds take on Burnley.

Nick Seagrave on Twitter: "Tim Gudgin is retiring after tonights Final Score report. Absolute legend, arguably the voice of football as we know it #bbcfootball"

1136: First of all, if you wouldn't mind hitting refresh, we can move Sam Lyon's gleaming face down the page a bit and life will be at least 10% better for everyone.

1133: Good morning one and all. I make it that there are only five Saturdays after today until the big C hits - Christmas Day. That can only mean that a vast amount of you out there will be dragged kicking and screaming towards your nearest out-of-town shopping centre for three hours of misery this afternoon. I urge you to resist and join me instead for a jam-packed day of top class footy. You know it makes sense.

Sam Lyon
By Sam Lyon
BBC Sport

1127: Eight matches today in the top flight there are. So I see no reason why we shouldn't get cracking on the match-focus chat, right? For that, I hand you over to Tom Rostance while I get knee-deep in Norwich-Arsenal. I'll catch you tomorrow for the MONSTER Chelsea-Liverpool match, folks, but until then, ta-ra. Sam Lyon out.

mindist on Twitter: "Must-have this holiday season... Sepp Blatter flip-flops!"

1119: Just so you know, folks, I'm off soon to cover all things Norwich-Arsenal - which, by the way, I have down as a potential cracker - but I feel I must point out that this afternoon Tim Gudgin will read out the scores on Final Score for the last time as he enters retirement at the grand old age of 81 after 16 years as the voice of Saturday afternoon football. Consider our collective hat very much doffed in your direction Tim.

ShayChopra94 on Twitter: "Couple of shock results in store today. Six-goal thriller at the Etihad and Norwich to beat Arsenal!"

AmrNail on Twitter: "I love Saturday football better than cupcakes! No wait, actually I love it better than strawberries!..No, rainbows!! :)"

1111: Talking of Twitter... QPR fans may be interested to hear owner Tony Fernandes is asking fans to tweet him suggestions as to who the club should sign in the January transfer window. Seriously. In other news, David Cameron is asking for ideas on how to solve global debt and I want to know just what to get my missus for Christmas. Get tweeting people.

jadhamizan on Twitter: "Re 1055: Why would you want to be in advertising? You have 'The Best Job In The World™'!"

Owain, Bolton fan, via text: "In the 36-coach convoy down to West Brom from the Reebok! Big game today! Come on Bolton! COYWM!"

1105: West Ham chairman David Gold is the latest to get involved in the Sepp Blatter hooplah, by the way, stating on Twitter: "Most unfortunate comments. An honourable man would resign." Thoughts?

1100: Meanwhile, it would be remiss of me not to reflect on the week's biggest talking point wouldn't it? I'm thinking Sepp Blatter, I'm thinking racism in football, and I'm thinking... furore. BBC sports editor David Bond caught up with the Fifa president this week in the wake of his recent comments and, frankly, I challenge you to dig out a better interview in sport. May I suggest you check it out? Good.

1055: Yes, all right, Man City-Newcastle could end in a draw. It's a fair point. I'll never make it in advertising.

stevojoiner on Twitter: "Norwich fan watching the game live from my living room in Salford Quays, pop round for a cuppa and watch the game if u like Sam."
Seriously tempted. Seriously.

Paul Jones in Macclesfield via text: "Pleaseeee keep the presents coming at Christmas!!"

1052: Talking of Manchester City, they're hosting Newcastle today in the battle of the Premier League's unbeaten sides. If I may go all "showbiz" on you... one unbeaten record HAS TO GO. Actually, that wasn't that showbiz was it. Ahem. Anyway, according to our man Jimmy Smallwood, Newcastle owe much of their success so far this season to their French revolution. What do we think, folks?

1047: What else, then? What about Manchester City? They have only gone and reported an annual loss of £194.9m for 2010-11, the biggest in English football history. Whammy.Uefa's Financial Fair Play rules, which come into full effect in 2013-14, say clubs must break even over three years, of course. I'd say City have an order in prospect taller than Stephen Merchant. On stilts.

JStevenson95 on Twitter: "Saminho's tweet IS optimistic, given Chelsea and Liverpool are playing each other tomorrow. Would be quite something if both lost."

TaswellHill on Twitter: "Good to hear Steve Miller Band again. Ed and David's older brother?"

1040 Where to start then? Well, for me there's only one place. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and a full and frank interview with L'Equipe, in which he reveals he now considers his project at Arsenal "short term" and, when asked if he will be at the club next season, adds: "We will see. Let's look at things at the end of this one." That, people, is BIG. Arsenal without Wenger? That'd be like Christmas without presents, surely?

saminho14 on Twitter: "If you want optimism, if Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool all lose then a 6-0 win for Arsenal will but them in 4th place!"

1032: And outside of the top flight we have 34 lower league fixtures and six matches in the Scottish Premier League to boot. It's basically a complete and utter barnstormer. None of you had anything of any importance to do today did you? Good.

mrcann on Twitter: "Interlull is over... Hoorah!"

Chris in Matlock via text: "Anyone else noticed that the teams in the top half and the bottom half of the Premier League are all playing each other this weekend? Has that happened before?"

1025: Right then, a look at our Premier League line-up...
Norwich v Arsenal, 1245
Everton v Wolverhampton (1500)
Man City v Newcastle (1500)
Stoke v QPR (1500)
Sunderland v Fulham (1500)
West Brom v Bolton (1500)
Wigan v Blackburn (1500)
Swansea v Man Utd (1730)

1020: Got to love an early start haven't you? That Saturday morning feeling. The buzz of a full programme ahead, the promise of joy unconfined, the complete ignorance of the reality that there is a very good chance your team is going to get tonked today. The sun is shining - even here in Salford - and the day is full of promise. Anyone reckon Swansea will get anything from their match against Manchester United this evening? I'm looking for optimism here people.

Dav_Man on Twitter: "Best intro ever! Love a bit of Ron Manager! Forgot to mention Jumpers for Goalposts!"

Nigel, Essex via text: "I love it that you start so early when we've had a couple of weeks off! Only just got up, made myself a coffee and turned the computer on to find the live text up already! Brilliant!"

boggis95 on Twitter: "Three o'clock on a Saturday, magical."

1012: So what are you waiting for people? Whether you're chilling out at home, on your way to a match, or not even reading this and are therefore unaware of everything I'm saying - I want you to get in touch. Tweet the commentary via the hashtag #BBCFootball, Tweet me @sampatricklyon or text in via 81111 (UK). Boom.

1008: Yep, after a fortnight in which England became the best side in the world*, Manchester City disclosed just how expensive winning trophies in modern day football can be, and racism in football again hit the headlines, today we can focus on the good stuff. We hope. A bumper footy package, action, reaction and incident guaranteed, and a shedload of top quality chat. Mostly from you lot. Marvellous.
Not really. Obviously.

1003: And, you know, Ron Manager. Obviously.

1000: Hhmmm... football... isn't it? Yes. Speed, acceleration, sweet left foot, all the tricks - the dummy, the drop of the shoulder, the shimmy, nutmeg, jiggery-pokery, hocus pocus, abracadabra, I wanna reach out and grab ya. Steve Miller Band? Spin Doctors? Ooh, very similar. Ladies and gentlemen - don't you just love Saturday football?



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Premier League table snapshot

As it stood on 19 Nov 2011 23:59 UK

Position Team P GD PTS
1 Man City 12 31 34
2 Man Utd 12 17 29
3 Newcastle 12 7 25
4 Chelsea 11 9 22
5 Tottenham 10 6 22
6 Arsenal 12 3 22
7 Liverpool 11 4 19
8 Aston Villa 11 1 15
9 QPR 12 -9 15
10 West Brom 12 -6 14
11 Norwich 12 -3 13
12 Everton 11 -3 13
13 Swansea 12 -4 13
14 Stoke 12 -12 12
15 Sunderland 12 1 11
16 Fulham 12 -1 11
17 Wolves 12 -7 11
18 Bolton 12 -10 9
19 Blackburn 12 -11 7
20 Wigan 12 -13 6


see also
Football on the BBC
10 Aug 11 |  separator

related bbc links:
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related internet links:
Sam Lyon on Twitter
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