Premier League reaction

1. Chelsea's lead could be four points on Sunday
2. Johnson scores Liverpool winner v Stoke
3. Van Persie scores as Man Utd beat Hull
4. QPR beat Leicester 3-2 in thrilling match

Familiar look

It's a long time since Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool all won on the same day. But the Premier League finally has a familiar look about it as all three picked up three points.

It's been a day of drama and controversy but what will Sunday bring? Can Southampton take advantage of Chelsea's slip and cut the gap at the top of the table to four points by defeating Manchester City? Will Everton continue their recent momentum with victory at Tottenham?

Thanks, as ever, for your fantastic company and all your comments. It's been fun. And we're back to do it all over again on Sunday from 10:00 GMT. Don't forget to tune into Match of the Day (22:20 GMT on BBC One - you can also watch online - and slightly later on BBC One Scotland at 23:50 GMT). Catch you all then.

Wenger in or Wenger out?

606 phone-in

BBC Radio 5 live

Over on BBC Radio 5 live, 606 with Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher, Kally, an Arsenal fan, says: "I've always stuck by Arsene Wenger, but is it time for him to walk away?"

Savage responds: "I think it is like a James Bond movie now. You know what happens in the movie and you know how it is going to end. If Arsenal fans are happy to finish in the top four and reach the last 16 of the Champions League then fair enough. If they want to challenge for the league, his time would be up."

Lines are open and you can have your say. Call 0500 909 693, text 85058 or @bbc606 on social media.

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Dan, London: Funny that when Chelsea played eleven behind the ball against Liverpool last season it was good tactics and today when it's against them it's terrible football.

Adam: There's not much more annoying in football than the recent "the opposition had a full week to prepare" rubbish that started last season towards Liverpool. As if Chelsea's £100 millions of budget isn't enough to compensate for them having to play some midweek games.

Match of the Day

BBC

Here is what you have to plan the rest of your Saturday around. Match of the Day starts at 22:20 GMT on BBC One (you can also watch online) and slightly later on BBC One Scotland at 23:50 GMT.

A first for QPR?

QPR versus Leicester first on Match of the Day? Well, it was a five-goal thriller. Here's the rest of the running order...

Wakey, wakey

PA

Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain seemed to opt for a brief sleep during a timid opening half at West Brom. But he was soon wide awake when Danny Welbeck scored the winner in a 1-0 win for the Gunners at The Hawthorns.

Player reaction on Twitter

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Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera: Another step in the right direction! Let's keep going! Thanks to all for man of match vote. Good team performance!

West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell: Absolutely buzzing to have scored my first Premier League goal and got the three points!

Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand: Big result that today! Grit and determination got us through... build on these three points now.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Manchester United totally dominated the game. There is a bit of momentum building now, particularly here at Old Trafford, and they have to start making this place a fortress again.

"The key for United has been the four players in midfield - Michael Carrick, Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini. Even though Angel Di Maria going off was a blow for United, Herrera has come in and helped them.

"I think Steve Bruce will be disappointed because Hull have not actually given it a go. I don't think, today, they have shown anything."

Fancy a recap?

Fifteen goals in eight Premier League games might not sound that exciting. But once again it has been a day of pure drama in the top-flight. Not only have the leaders dropped two points, Arsenal and Liverpool have returned to winning ways, while Manchester United made it three wins in a row. Time for a recap...

Stat attack

Jose Mourinho's side kept their first clean sheet away from home since April (v Liverpool), but failed to score in their first away game since March (v Crystal Palace).

Manager reaction

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet on the form of midfielder Lee Cattermole: "Lee doesn't get the recognition nationally that he deserves. When I arrived he was a typical central midfielder who played with freedom. But he needed to know when there was danger, when he could press, when he had to stay close to defenders. He's enjoying his role. For the way we play, that role is important, and he plays that role to perfection. He's the player that has improved the most with me at Sunderland."

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet: "My players defended for their lives. It was a day when the opposition could have played for three hours and they still would have found it difficult to score. We knew this was going to be a difficult game. We tried to be compact and I'm very pleased with our performance."

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Simon, York: Once again the Premier League shows it's tougher to break down two gritty banks of four than it is to put five past supposedly one of the top teams in Europe. I am shocked every summer that your Real Madrids and Barcelonas don't come sniffing round Lee Cattermole. He is the second coming of Claude Makelele in my opinion.

James, Maidstone: Two points dropped and Diego Costa banned for the next match (five yellows). Title race back on?

Manager reaction

Reuters

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho: "It's a point. It was a difficult match. Only one team tried to win from the beginning, the other team didn't. They defended a lot and they defended well. Defending a lot and well is not a crime. It is a strategy and it was successful for them.

"We were a bit tired towards the end and we left a bit of space. But I've got nothing negative to say about my team. It's not easy to play here and not easy to play against a side which has had all week to prepare. My players tried everything to win but we couldn't."

On Costa's yellow card: "I didn't see it. But the referee was close and he had a very good performance throughout. If I see the incident on television I might have a better opinion."

Champions League hangover?

Chelsea are now unbeaten in 20 league and cup games this season, but all three games they have dropped points in the Premier League have come immediately after playing in the Champions League.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Steve Howes: A draw away from home and comfortably top of the league. Happy with that, after all Chelsea were never going to win every game.

Rob Millward: How can Sunderland fans applaud that? They've paid to go and see a training attack versus defence session.

Nobbs: Manchester United by far the most convincing team we've seen today. We really are back!

Player reaction

Reuters

Sunderland skipper Lee Cattermole on Sky Sports: "All season we have been in control of own game. The media has been negative to us but other than the heavy defeat at Southampton and the Arsenal game we've been solid. If we could turn a few draws into wins we'd be much higher.

"Chelsea have got their way of playing and we always wanted to leave them in front of us and not let them play one-twos around us."

OptaJoe: Cesc Fabregas attempted 105 passes in the match. Sunderland's highest total was 40 from Anthony Reveillere.

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

"Nobody expected Sunderland to get a point here. They could have even won it. You look at Chelsea, I don't think they have done enough to win the game. It is pretty on the eye, they kept possession in front of the Sunderland defence, but did they hurt Sunderland? No."

Steve Bower

BBC Match of the Day commentator at the Stadium of Light

"Gus Poyet has taken points off former club Chelsea again. Sunderland are the third club to stop them winning this season and the first club to stop them scoring. They were organised, committed and full of spirit. Chelsea have been frustrated."

So Chelsea stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points but that will be reduced to four points if Southampton defeat Manchester City on Sunday.

FULL-TIME

AFP

Gritty, heroic, spirited. Sunderland's players were all that and more.

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

"This is where Sunderland have got to make sure they are strong and concentrate. They have to know where each player is. Make sure they mark properly.

"It will be interesting to listen to Jose Mourinho's comments in the press conference. I bet he says Sunderland got 11 men behind the ball and made it difficult."

Jose Mourinho's at it again. The Chelsea boss is shaking hands before the final whistle has gone. This time with a ball boy!

Two minutes of added time. Another huge roar goes up from Sunderland's fans. They still believe their side can win this.

Corner to Chelsea as Costel Pantilimon flicks a Chelsea free-kick into the Sunderland area behind. Edge of your seat stuff.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Isaac Wolofar: Immaculate game plan, Mr Poyet! I'm hoping other managers are watching this. That's the perfect way to close down Chelsea.

Mohamed Khalaf: Who would of thought Sunderland would be the ones to slow Chelsea again.

Andrew Kemp: Is Wickham the only footballer in Sunderland. Having a good game and needs to with 11 men behind the ball.

Daniel Devlin: Lee Cattermole has been outstanding.

YELLOW CARD

Nemanja Matic becomes the second Chelsea to be booked after a sliding challenge on Connor Wickham. Another set-piece goes to waste before Adam Johnson fires wide. This is incredible. It's all Sunderland now.

How big a chance was that? Jozy Altidore has been a thorn in the Chelsea defence since coming on and it's his efforts that present Adam Johnson with a great chance of winning it. The former Manchester City man can't keep his composure and blazes wide. What a let off for Chelsea!

Screams from Sunderland's fans as Jozy Altidore bursts forward. The ball breaks loose inside the Chelsea penalty area. It's chaos but the visitors somehow manage to scramble it away.

TEN MINUTES REMAINING

Chelsea are minutes away from dropping points for only the third time this season.

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

"Connor Wickham has been involved in everything that is good about Sunderland."

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Costa's last action was being hacked to the ground by John O'Shea that resulted in the Sunderland defender deservedly being cautioned. Not a night to remember for Chelsea's £32m striker.

SUBSTITUTION

It's Drogba time. Didier is sent on with 14 minutes remaining as Diego Costa is finally taken out of the firing line. Loic Remy also enters the action to a chorus of boos due to his Newcastle connections.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Andrew Priestley: Diego Costa is constantly on edge, never far away from controversy. But that's what makes him good. Think of Eric Cantona and Luis Suarez.

Shuvam Sinha: Something tells me Sunderland might just nick this...

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Another chance for Sunderland as Connor Wickham lets fly from the edge of the area. It's on target but Thibaut Courtois is equal to the effort. Now Chelsea power forward. This is a real ding dong game.

Twenty minutes remaining. Is it Didier Drogba time? The Chelsea striker is warming up on the sidelines.

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

"Sunderland have a good shape. If Chelsea want to score they have got to work and work. Sunderland are not going to make it easy for them. We have seen some excellent blocks - mainly from Lee Cattermole."

More frustration from Chelsea as Branislav Ivanovic thumps the grass in frustration after gifting Sunderland a free-kick deep inside the visitors' half. Not for the first time, the delivery is poor. Will the hosts come to regret their poor set-piece play?

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"When you look at his record, why would you write off Robin van Persie? Fortunately Louis van Gaal has not. You can say what you like about his recent form but Van Persie is always capable of that sort of quality. His team-mates will not have lost faith in him - you can see that from the way they celebrated all together."

Manager reaction

Reuters

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on forward Robin van Persie ending his recent goalscoring drought: "Of course it is a confidence boost for him.

"He scored three goals on the training ground so I had a good feeling for him. But a striker always needs a goal and I'm pleased he scored today."

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

"You just feel that Chelsea are going to make a substitution in the next five minutes as they are not getting it their own way."

SUBSTITUTION

Gus Poyet is going for this. A worn out Steven Fletcher is replaced by USA striker Jozy Altidore, while Jack Rodwell makes well for Jordi Gomez in midfield.

Double change coming up for Sunderland.

Pantomime season has started early in Sunderland. The atmosphere is electric inside the Stadium of Light. Boos ring out each time Diego Costa touches the ball.

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

"That's an elbow! He has caught him with his trailing arm. It's only a yellow and he has been given the benefit of the doubt. Diego Costa is on the edge."

YELLOW CARD

PA

Referee Kevin Friend chooses to keep his red card in his pocket as he shows a yellow to the Spain international. Costa needs to calm down. Better still, Jose Mourinho needs to take him off or run the risk of seeing his star man sent off.

Foul by Diego Costa on Wes Brown. Looks like he could be in trouble...

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"QPR have been playing well but the problem has been putting points on the board. If it had been a draw today, the whole mindset of the team changes. But they have finally turned a good performance into a win, and that is huge.

"Charlie Austin, he has now scored five in five and it is great to see. In training he loves scoring goals, he's never too involved in the build-up, but he's constantly practising his finishing, and so his scoring form is no surprise to me."

Manager reaction

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Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "There were lots of positive things and we created enough chances to win. That remains very frustrating for us. We conceded two poor goals before half-time and we looked dangerous throughout the game.

"It was about making sure we kept threatening and we were unlucky not to get anything from the game. Today it didn't happen for us.

"The players have done so many good things but it hasn't turned out the way we would have liked. We have to make sure our performances are right and we have to start getting results, that is the harsh reality of the Premier League."

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James, Norfolk: Chelsea have more than enough quality to open this game up, but there's always the hope that Sunderland can pinch it with a bit of luck and a lot of hard graft.

Matt, Suffolk: Chelsea have the strongest squad by a long way, Didier Drogba, Andre Schurrle (World Cup winner) and Petr Cech to name a few!

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

On Gary Cahill's effort on goal: "It was a good challenge by Sunderland defender John O'Shea so Gary Cahill did not a get a clean header on it and was under pressure."

There's more grappling going on inside the Sunderland area than any wrestling match between Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks. In comes a Chelsea corner and John O'Shea has his hands all over Gary Cahill. But the Chelsea defender still manages to get in a header which flies into the hands of Costel Pantilimon.

Get involved

606 phone-in

BBC Radio 5 live

Over on BBC Radio 5 live, 606 is in full swing and Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher are taking your calls. Dave, a West Ham fan, says: "I wanted Sam Allardyce gone, but he's turned it round my son!" Steve, a Leicester fan, says: "I want Nigel Pearson out and Tony Pulis in."

Lines are open and you can have your say. Call 0500 909 693, text 85058 or @bbc606 on social media.

Chelsea starting the second half as they did the first with patient build-up play outside the Sunderland box. But despite Oscar and Cesc Fabregas's best efforts, they cannot unlock the home defence. Something needs to change - and quickly.

KICK-OFF

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Back under way. Jose Mourinho doesn't look happy.

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Paul, Hemel Hempstead: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho won't allow the wheels to come off. No team in the Premier League is in their class.

Alan, Devon: Chelsea are very over-rated. The team that wins the league are the team that stays away from major injuries. So far they have had none - they will struggle if they have to dip into their squad.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Shohidur Rahman: If Gaston Ramirez was sent off last week for Hull for kicking out why wasn't Diego Costa? And Costa's was worse.

Yaz-sotv: Funny old game! Chelsea thrashed Schalke 5-0, yet today it seems like they might struggle to win. I love the Premier League!

Footyographer: Sunderland's game plan appears to be working to perfection. Chelsea need to move a gear up and show the quality they possess.

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

PA

"The Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet had been taking an awful lot of stick, and manager Brendan Rodgers was under some pressure to drop him. Today, Mignolet made a save from Bojan that was a match-wining save.

"Glen Johnson was as brave as a lion for the goal, and Raheem Sterling was outstanding. Sterling is the heir apparent, post-Steven Gerrard. In 18 months I can see him running the show at Liverpool - if they can keep him."

Manager reaction

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "Simon Mignolet, who has taken a lot of criticism, was absolutely incredible today. He didn't have a great deal to do but the three saves he had to make were very important.

"The last seven minutes of injury time become a bit of a war and my group stood up to that and really showed their character."

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

Reuters

"Well done Sunderland, an excellent 45 minutes. But can they do it for the full 90 minutes? They have put a lot of effort in, in terms of closing down and getting forward. Everybody is putting in a shift for Sunderland and Lee Cattermole was the man of the match in that first half. Hopefully the players have now got belief."

Chelsea have enjoyed 66% of possession and have had 12 attempts on goal. But they haven't broken through and are in danger of being out-muscled by an impressive Sunderland side full of energy.

HALF-TIME

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No goals, but one assistant banished to the stands and both sides have hit the woodwork. The tackles are flying. Will it finish 11 v 11? No chance at this rate.

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

On Diego Costa's tussle with John O'Shea: "Costa kicked out and it should be a sending off. No matter what happened, if it is a foul or not by O'Shea, if you kick out like that it's a red card. It was right in front of the linesman."

PA

Tempers are threatening to boil over as half-time approaches. John O'Shea sends Diego Costa tumbling with a high challenge that goes unpunished. Costa decides to take matters into his own hands and reacts with a kick in O'Shea's direction which fails to connect.

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"Burnley are on 11 points now, and the other teams around them will be looking over their shoulders. Hull need to start taking things seriously, QPR really had to win today, and for me Aston Villa blew two points. But Burnley, if they can get Sam Vokes back, they will be beginning to think they have a real chance of survival."

Manager reaction

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Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "Our framework, our energy and our desire was the most pleasing thing for us. 1-0 down in the Premier League is a hard task.

"We are learning, we are developing and there were really good signs of that today. It was a really good reaction from the players. We stayed on the front foot, we kept working on our shape and believed the chances would come.

"The game was pretty even, but on the quality of the chances we created, you wonder how we haven't won it in the end."

Less than five minutes to the interval. So far so good for Sunderland who have been gritty and hard-working. Chelsea have not been allowed to settle.

Manager reaction

EPA

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew on Moussa Sissoko's sending off: "He needs to learn - it was a minute of madness. He's usually such a controlled player. I thought we were pretty good right up until the goal. West Ham were aggressive and diligent. They had good moments, but nothing more than we had."

On the injuries situation: "We've had blow after blow but we've rode them. We've put younger players in. Rob Elliot came in and another super performance. I'm a bit worried about full-back Daryl Janmaat [substituted with a hamstring injury] - we'll have a look at that again."

Manager reaction

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QPR manager Harry Redknapp: "It was a great game. They scored the early goal and we came back at them strong. They were a threat with Jamie Vardy but we played as well as we have all season.

"We showed a lot of character today and played really well in the first half. It was all hands to the pump late on in the second half but a great win for us.

"We are scoring goals which is good but we defended well today when we had to. That win has put us right back into the pack but we have Swansea and Burnley coming up, every game is vital."

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

"You have to say it is a level game. Everybody expected Chelsea to come to the Stadium of Light and dominate the game. But when Sunderland have retained the ball they have caused them problems. But you have to keep it up for 90 minutes as you cannot switch off."

HITS THE WOODWORK

How did that stay out? Sunderland so close to breaking the deadlock as Santiago Vergini gets behind the Chelsea defence to fire against the bar from 10 yards after Lee Cattermole's deflected cross. The alarm bells are ringing in the Chelsea dugout. Sunderland fans are roaring their team forward.

Manager reaction

Reuters

Stoke manager Mark Hughes: "We are disappointed to lose the game at the end like that. On balance of play I don't think anyone really deserved to win. We certainly didn't feel we deserved to lose. For long periods in the game we were in the ascendancy.

"We just got undone by a long ball into the box. Rickie Lambert has made it his own and a Liverpool player was the first to react.

"I was really pleased with Bojan Krkic, who was the most accomplished player on the pitch today. The disappointment from our point of view is we can't keep a clean sheet at the moment and that is holding us back. We had a performance that merited something today, probably not the three points.

"The game became more open in second half, maybe because we became encouraged that we could get something from the game."

It's tetchy on the pitch and it's getting heated off it as well as referee Kevin Friend orders one of Gus Poyet's assistant Mauricio Taricco to the stand.

The home fans are loving this. Connor Wickham glides past Branislav Ivanovic before delivering a fine cross which Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois flaps out. The noise levels increase. Sunderland are very much in this.

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Tom, London: Start of Chelsea v Sunderland strongly resembles an England v San Marino game. Only difference is Sunderland players are professionals, so there's no excuse for such an overly defensive approach.

Sam, Stourbridge: Is that a burger Suso is holding (see 10 mins) in the Liverpool dressing room?!

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Alon Nachshen: Sunderland have already kept a clean sheet longer than Schalke.

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Aston Villa fans displayed banners calling for manager Paul Lambert to leave the club, but the Scot believes his side deserved to win comfortably at Turf Moor.

"It's a game we dominated and I thought we should have won," he said. "We lost two points at the end but we could have lost three when Danny Ings hit the post late on.

"Whenever you pick up points away from home it's good in this league, but I thought this is one we should have won."

On the Burnley penalty which earned them a late point: "I haven't seen it properly yet, but when the ball travels that length in the air and you're away from home, any bit of contact can be a penalty."

Love him or hate him, Lee Cattermole is not one to shirk a challenge. The Sunderland midfielder has already produced one or two meaty challenges to ruffle Chelsea's feathers. But how long before he gets a booking?

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

"You have got to say that Sunderland have done quite well. Chelsea have had just one or two long-range shots - especially the one from Willian that came back off the post. But [going forward] Sebastian Larsson has nothing to hit for Sunderland."

Superb challenge by John O'Shea to deny Diego Costa a goal-scoring chance after king of assists Cesc Fabregas sliced open the home defence with a beautifully threaded ball. It's going to be a long night for the Black Cats defence.

Player reaction on Twitter

Injured Manchester United midfielder Daley Blind: 3-0, that's how it's done! And what a fantastic screamer Robin van Persie.

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Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie: Good point today against Swansea, could have been a smash and grab but on to the next. Great support.

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski: Great victory today, three points in the bag! Fantastic fan support! Thanks! On the way back to London now, have a great weekend everybody!

Manager reaction

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Hull City manager Steve Bruce: "We found that very difficult from the first minute to the last. When you come here, you need to play to your best and we didn't get anywhere near that.

"We've gifted them goals and we've been rightly punished. It was total domination. The one thing you need to do is play well to have a chance.

"You could say Manchester United played well, and they did, but we contributed to that. We made awful mistakes all over the pitch. A really difficult afternoon for us."

Pretty much all Chelsea in the opening 20 minutes with the visitors enjoying 70% possession. That's quite a lot.

BBC Radio Newcastle

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

Getty Images

"Chelsea counter attack and hit the post. But it came from a Sunderland free-kick and you just can't do that. You have a chance to test the opponent and he puts in a poor free-kick."

HITS THE WOODWORK

PA

So close for Chelsea as Willian lets fly from 18 yards with a fiercely struck low shot which rebounds off the post. A warning for Sunderland who moments earlier had spurned a good set-piece chance after Jack Rodwell was hauled down by Branislav Ivanovic.

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"Sometimes when you don't have a good first 45 minutes you struggle to turn it around, but the Liverpool team of the second half was totally different. They came out with energy, Steven Gerrard came off the bench as more of an attacker and he gave the crowd one hell of a lift, and Glen Johnson typified a top performance which they desperately needed."

Manager reaction

Reuters

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "I thought the players were absolutely incredible. The organisation was very strong and what they had to cope with they coped with very well. We created chances in the game and as it went on I thought the goal was coming. I thought we fully deserved it and to keep a clean sheet against a very good side was pleasing as well.

"Glen Johnson shows great courage and bravery to stick his head in there for the goal. He's had a few stitches in his head but he has got his goal and a very important win for us. We encourage the full-backs at the right time to go forward and he got his reward.

"They have got some quality players and you need that bit of luck. As I say, we deserved to win."

Manager reaction

PA

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock: "After a terrible start, as bad as I have seen us play in the first 15 minutes, we regrouped and I thought we always looked a threat. I thought there were opportunities to win the game.

On Palace's penalty which Mile Jedinak converted for the equaliser: "I thought it was a penalty, Jonjo Shelvey stops Marouane Chamakh from getting the ball. They're a good group of lads, they work hard, we're limited but it's great the lads are doing what they're doing.

"It's a great point and the fans were brilliant again. Points in the Premier League are so hard to gather and when you come to Swansea nothing is easy here."

Bright start by the hosts. Don't think Chelsea are going to win this one 5-0.

Manchester United, Tottenham and Everton have all been frustrated at the Stadium of Light. And Sunderland are getting stuck into the leaders. Chelsea carelessly concede possession inside their own half allowing Connor Wickham another chance at goal.

Player reaction on Twitter

jesanchez

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique, pictured with team-mate Suso: Great win today!

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett

BBC Radio Newcastle

"It's alright standing off Chelsea but sometimes you have got to close the game. If you give them time and space they will hurt you."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Sanj: This tweet will probably look silly in a few hours but I have some hope that Chelsea might drop points here.

Paul Moore: Chelsea will slip up and we will start to see the wheels come off. They aren't as good as people think!

Getty Images

A moment of respite for the home defence as Connor Wickham has a goal-bound shot blocked but back come Chelsea. Santiago Vergini is taking no chances as he turns Willian's intended cross for Diego Costa behind for a corner.

Manager reaction

PA

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew: "I'm disappointed the six-game winning run has come to an end - at some point it had to.

"It was a tight game - they had a major break on the goal. It probably decided the game. We tried to push the best we could."

Patient build-up play from Jose Mourinho's side. Sunderland's players are struggling to get a touch of the ball. A huge roar erupts as the ball rolls out for a home throw.

EPA

Chelsea are playing a 4-2-3-1 formation with Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian just behind Diego Costa. That's Costa who has scored 11 goals in 10 league games.

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"Manchester United were the most comfortable I have seen them so far this season. Whether that was because Hull were poor, or as Robin van Persie said, United upped the tempo, I'm not sure. A lot of people had been writing off Van Persie, but he said himself he needed the goal. Hopefully he can go on and build on his form now."

MANAGER REACTION

AP

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on the injury which forced off Angel Di Maria after just 13 minutes: "He did not come off as a precaution - he is out of Tuesday's game against Stoke. It's too close.

"But we will have to wait and see how bad it is. We will know more tomorrow."

On Wayne Rooney, who limped off at the final whistle with an ankle knock: "He said to me he is fine to play against Stoke."

KICK-OFF

Off we go. So much noise. These are the games the Stadium of Light was built for.

The Premier League leaders - and some say the champions - have emerged from the tunnel at the Stadium of Light. How Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, an FA Cup winner and Cup Winners' Cup winner with the Blues, would love to upset his former club.

Sunderland: Pantilimon, Vergini, Brown, O'Shea, Reveillere, Larsson, Cattermole, Johnson, Rodwell, Wickham, Fletcher. Subs: Bridcutt, Gomez, Altidore, Alvarez, Mannone, Coates, Buckley.

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Costa. Subs: Cech, Luis, Zouma, Drogba, Mikel, Schurrle, Remy.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)

Manager reaction

PA

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "We have to say it was a fantastic finish from Aaron Cresswell. It was fortuitous he got in that position. He's a full-back and carried on his run into the box. It was always going to be a 1-0.

"We get back on the winning trail going into December. Newcastle are an in-form side. It's massive win for us."

Two reasons Sunderland have a chance

Other

Reasons to be cheerful for Black Cats fans part one: 17 December 2013; Capital One Cup - Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea.

Reasons to be cheerful for Black Cats fans part two: 19 April 2014; Premier League - Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland.

Manager reaction

PA

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: "It was the best match of our season. What pleased me most was the way we dominated the game from the first minute to the last minute.

"We created many chances, we didn't give away many chances and we kept a clean sheet again."

BBC Radio 5 live

Hull City winger Robert Snodgrass believes the current success of runaway leaders Chelsea is down to one man - Jose Mourinho. "You're only as good as your manager - it comes from him," he tells BBC Radio 5 live.

"Look at Oscar, look how hard he works off the ball, that's one thing he doesn't get credit for. He came to the Premier League with a reputation as a creative Brazilian but Mourinho has nurtured him, and the other attacking players, into working so hard off the ball.

"I believe that was why Mourinho had problems at Real Madrid and why they conceded so many goals - the players thought they were bigger than him. He's the main man, he makes the decisions and you can fully see that by the way the players are working so hard."

Other

Is there any hope for Sunderland? Well, the stats suggest that Gus Poyet's Black Cats are facing the Premier League leaders at a good time.

While Jose Mourinho's unbeaten side are fresh from a 5-0 hammering of Schalke, they are prone to dropping points immediately after playing in the Champions League. They were held at Manchester City after playing Schalke the first time at Stamford Bridge in September. And they had to settle for a point at Manchester United after playing Maribor last month.

Wearside could yet be hosting the mother of all parties later.

MANAGER REACTION

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Swansea boss Garry Monk: "Apart from 10 minutes in the first half we controlled the whole game. We had our chances but couldn't get the second goal and it became difficult.

"We were the better team by far but you have to put the ball in the net. It was difficult when they were basically camped out on their 18 yard box, but credit to them they defended well."

On the penalty from which Palace levelled: "The referee signalled it was a taking away of the legs but it seemed inconclusive to me."

Team news

A reminder of the team news from the the Stadium of Light. Sunderland boss Gus Poyet makes one change to the side which drew at Leicester last time out, bringing in Jack Rodwell for Jordi Gomez. Ricky Alvarez is on the bench after recovering from the knee injury which has kept him out since September.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho keeps the same side which hammered Schalke 5-0 in the Champions League, a performance described by the Blues manager as "perfect". It means Diego Costa starts for the third time in a week.

606 phone-in

BBC Radio 5 live

Lines are open for 606 - Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher are standing by to take your calls.

Steven Gerrard started on the bench for Liverpool as they left it late to beat Stoke 1-0 - but what about those other names on the bench? Only Rickie Lambert, of the new signings, started - Liverpool fans, was it the right decision from Brendan Rodgers? Elsewhere, wins for Manchester United and Arsenal as well - is it normal service resumed in the Premier League?

Joe Cole is back in the goals, but Danny Ings equalises - to give Burnley a share of the points - Aston Villa fans, does it look like the performance is coming? Burnley fans, can you do the impossible?

West Ham win again - to keep them fifth in the table, plenty of goals at QPR against Leicester - we want to hear what their fans made of the performance.

Plus Leeds beat Championship leaders Derby and Wolves have conceded 12 goals in their last three games, what's happening Wolves fans?

Anything you want to talk about, Darren and Robbie are on 5live from 6:06pm.

Call 0500 909 693, text 85058 or @bbc606 on Social Media.

Steve Bower

BBC Match of the Day commentator at the Stadium of Light

"This fixture is the first of eight Premier League matches in 34 days for Chelsea, including two against Tottenham, a London derby with West Ham and a trip to Southampton. If Chelsea are still unbeaten by January then the signs really will be ominous.

"Since Gus Poyet took charge of Sunderland, the Black Cats have earned a reputation for upsetting the big boys but if they can pull this one off it would be the biggest scalp of all."

PLAYER REACTION

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Manchester United goalscorer Chris Smalling: "The manager has said it was our best game of the season and I think it was. It was a complete performance.

"We have played well for 45 or 60-minute spells but today we did it for the full 90 minutes."

PLAYER REACTION

Leicester's Jeffrey Schlupp: "The boys dug in and we feel hard done by. We have to convert our chances and if you don't do that, you don't win. We will pick ourselves up for midweek.

"We have to take the positives out of the game into the next match. We have some games where we haven't created enough and lost."

Player reaction on Twitter

@mertesacker

Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker: Good to have you back with us Lolo! And big thanks to the fans for a strong away support.

Arsenal's injured midfielder Jack Wilshere: Great three points today for us! Decent header from Welbz! Buzzing for my boy Benik scoring three more goals today, kid's on flames!

Arsenal's Benike Afoboe, on loan at MK Dons, scored a hat-trick in the 6-0 home win against Colchester today.

Unstoppable Chelsea?

It's a question that has been asked a thousand times already this season, but it's worth posing again: Can anyone stop Jose Mourinho's Chelsea juggernaut?

Unbeaten in 19 league and cup games this season, Mourinho's side can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points if they defeat Sunderland. NINE POINTS!

But if anyone can send Chelsea crashing to defeat then it's the Black Cats. After all they were the last team to beat Mourinho's side on the top-flight stage back in April. Kick-off at the Stadium of Light is a little over 20 minutes away.

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James, Oxford: No doubt the Liverpool fans will now believe that this will be their season.

Steve: Sounds like the usual kind of reverential, too in awe performance from teams at Old Trafford managed by ex-United players.

Darren, London: I was one of those Liverpool fans who believed when Luis Suarez left us we would regroup as a team and move forward. How silly do I feel now!

PLAYER REACTION

PA

West Ham midfielder Mark Noble: "Newcastle came here as the form side in the league and we knew it would be a 1-0 game - thankfully it went to us.

On Hammers goalscorer Aaron Cresswell: "It is not an easy league to come into and we could see the quality he had as soon as he arrived from Ipswich in pre-season. He has been fantastic this season. We did some shooting in training yesterday and we were saying he should score a few more goals and he's popped up with one today."

On the Hammers' great start: "We have exceeded our pre-season expectations but we can't get complacent. We had not won in three and that's why today was so important."

Drama rama

Late drama everywhere. What will Sunderland versus leaders Chelsea conjure up? Kick-off at the Stadium of Light is 25 minutes away.

Player reaction

QPR forward Charlie Austin: "It was a tough game. We don't make it easy for ourselves. We showed great character to lead at half-time. We showed team spirit and togetherness to get the winner.

"This showed QPR's story of the season, but we can grind out to get the win too. We used the fans to our advantage. We want to make this a fortress and pick up as many points away from home as possible."

QPR climb off the bottom of the table and are now up to 18th with this win.

Player reaction

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson on his winning goal: "To be fair, I thought it [Rickie Lambert's header] would hit the crossbar and I set off early. We fought hard from the beginning. We haven't had that many great results and it's nice to work hard and win. We deserved today. Now we need to push on and build some momentum."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Alistair Lowe: Much maligned, massively criticised (rightly so at times) but that was brave by Glen Johnson and potentially a huge goal for Liverpool.

Sanj: Just seen Glen Johnson's goal. Fair play. Most would not have even tried to get their head on that.

Shuvam Sinha: If Manchester United hadn't thrown away points against teams like Leicester, Burnley and Sunderland, they'd be serious title contenders.

Stoke City had more shots on target and enjoyed more possession than their opponents at Anfield. But Liverpool have the three points that ends their three-match losing Premier League run.

PLAYER REACTION

Manchester United goalscorer Robin van Persie, who scored his first Premier League goal in four games: "I was glad to score - I needed that goal to be honest.

"We played really well, you could see that in way we passed the ball. Every week it gets quicker and better. Today it could have been 4-0 or 5-0."

Final scores

FULL-TIME

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FULL-TIME

Contrasting emotions from the two managers. Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal waves to the home crowd as he walks towards the tunnel. Hull counterpart Steve Bruce looks like he going to launch a teacup at the dressing room wall.

The corner comes to nothing. The Kop is urging the referee to blow his whistle. One minute of stoppage time remaining.

Stoke have struck the post and had a shot cleared off the line. Can they find the net in the remaining two minutes of stoppage time? Another corner for the visitors. Keeper Asmir Begovic comes forward.

FULL-TIME

Simon Brotherton

Match of the Day commentator

"Many things for Louis van Gaal to be satisfied with. Robin van Persie with the pick of the goals, he made it 3-0 with an absolutely superb strike. Hull were never in it."

The corner falls to Ryan Shawcross but the Stoke defender can't keep his header on target.

FULL-TIME

Martin Fisher

Match of the Day commentator

"Once Palace got back into the match through the penalty, their strong defensive work, allied to their speed on the counter, always gave them a chance of getting something in South Wales."

FULL-TIME

Another corner to Stoke. Four minutes of added time left.

Radamel Falcao needs a goal as badly as Robin van Persie did. The Dutchman netted earlier, but his replacement can't make the Hull net bulge. Tigers defender Michael Dawson blocks on the goal line.

CLOSE!

Brilliant save by Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet to keep out Bojan's fierce drive. This game is far from over.

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"These Liverpool players are squarely behind Brendan Rodgers. Steven Gerrard has come on, that has helped the momentum, Raheem Sterling has been outstanding, Glen Johnson put his head on the line, and it looks like they have got that elusive goal. By goodness they have worked hard to earn it."

INJURY TIME

No sign of a winner at the Liberty Stadium. Four minutes of added time to change that. Is there a hero out there?

HITS THE WOODWORK

PA

Danny Ings finds the space in the box and clips the ball onto the post with the outside of his foot. It is Burnley who have the momentum right at the end at Turf Moor.

Seven minutes of added time at Anfield. Can Liverpool hold on?

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"That goal typifies how much the Liverpool players are behind Brendan Rodgers. Rickie Lambert's header hits the bar, and Glen Johnson threw his whole body on the line for the goal. Liverpool have been magnificent in the second half and they thoroughly deserve the lead."

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"In this game, I can't think of a Hull player that has put in a tackle or put a bit of pressure on when a United player is on the ball. They have allowed United to play around them.

"I have been really disappointed with them and I'm sure Steve Bruce is as well."

INJURY TIME

Here's a save for the Match of the Day cameras. Newcastle United keeper Rob Elliot acrobatically tips away Mauro Zarate's rising drive as West Ham press for the killer second. Time running out for the visitors - heading into stoppage time.

Little less than five minutes remaining at Old Trafford. Manchester United are cruising, Hull City are blowing.

GOAL

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Burnley striker Danny Ings makes no mistake from the spot, and places his penalty high into the roof of the net for his fourth goal of the season. This is 1-1, and Villa look like they could be denied a vital first win in nine.

GOAL

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Anfield erupts as Glen Johnson nods Liverpool ahead after Rickie Lambert's initial header came back off the Stoke bar in front of The Kop. Johnson is hurt while scoring but is able to resume after treatment. He gets a huge ovation from relieved Reds fans. Can Stoke respond?

PENALTY TO BURNLEY

As Lukas Jutkiewicz looks to turn and go through on goal he is hauled down by Jores Okore just on the edge of the penalty area. Referee Graham Scott says penalty to the home side.

It's just not Liverpool's day. Raheem Sterling's goal-bound effort is blocked on the line. Heroic defending by Stoke.

Aston Villa are closing in on their first Premier League win in nine games. But there's a few nerves in the away end at Turf Moor. Burnley substitute Lukas Jutkiewicz almost scores with his first touch. He gets on the end of a dangerous ball into the box but his glancing shot flashes wide of the far post.

TEN TO GO

Is anyone going to be a hero at the Liberty tonight? If so then they have got 10 minutes to nick a winner. Home midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson goes close(ish) as he drags a left-foot shot wide.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Steven Gerrard has been Liverpool's match-winner on countless occasions in the last 16 years - and the reception he received from The Kop suggests they are banking on him filling that role once more again today."

Into the last 10 minutes at Liverpool. Are the Reds going to beat the clock and score?

Team news

PA

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet makes one change to the side which drew at Leicester last time out, bringing in Jack Rodwell for Jordi Gomez. Ricky Alvarez is on the bench after recovering from the knee injury which has kept him out since September.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho keeps the same side which hammered Schalke 5-0 in the Champions League, a performance described by the Blues manager as "perfect". It means Diego Costa starts for the third time in a week.

Sunderland XI: Pantilimon, Vergini, Reveillere, Brown, O'Shea (c), Larsson, Johnson, Cattermole, Rodwell, Wickham, Fletcher.

Chelsea XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Diego Costa

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

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"Considering his starting place was supposedly under threat, Robin van Persie's worst nightmare before kick-off was probably getting hooked and replaced by Radamel Falcao.

"That is exactly what has just happened but it has turned into a dream scenario for the Dutchman - Van Persie jogged off wearing a huge smile, to a standing ovation from a crowd chanting his name, minutes after he scored his first Manchester United goal for more than a month with a spectacular strike.

"Over to you Radamel. Time for the Colombian to show what he can do..."

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"Charlie Austin is one of those old school strikers, and he sniffed out where the ball was going to land at that exact moment (see 16:30). He sticks his head on it, in the right place at the right time. QPR need this win today."

SUBSTITUTION

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A huge roar goes up at Anfield. No. Liverpool haven't scored but captain Steven Gerrard is on for Lucas. The stage is set. Can Gerrard deliver 16 years to the day he made his senior Reds debut?

RED CARD FOR NEWCASTLE

If Newcastle are going to win their seventh straight game then they'll have to do it with 10 men.

Stand-in skipper Moussa Sissoko is the man who sees red after picking up two stupid bookings in the space of 46 seconds.

Yellow card #1: He kicks the ball away in frustration. Yellow card #2: He goes in late on Andy Carroll and leaves his studs in the tackle.

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Two yellow cards = red.

Gylfi Sigurdsson's volley from the edge of the box is kept out by Julian Speroni and Palace scramble clear. Still anybody's game at the Liberty Stadium.

But it won't be Palace's game if the visitors all shoot like Yannick Bolasie. The winger's speculative 25-yard effort goes out of play.... for a throw-in.

Latest scores

GOAL

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What a game at Loftus Road! QPR regain the lead with a scrappy goal as Charlie Austin heads home from point-blank range following a scramble in the Foxes area. Brilliant entertainment.

HITS THE WOODWORK

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Liverpool are piling on the pressure. Some neat interplay ends with Raheem Sterling pulling the ball back for Joe Allen but his first-time shot grazes the crossbar as it goes over. Time running out at Anfield.

And that is virtually Robin van Persie's last kick of the afternoon. He runs off to a standing ovation from the adoring Old Trafford crowd to be replaced by Radamel Falcao - who could do with getting on the scoresheet himself.

Van Persie's reward for the goal? First dibs on the team bath.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"A brilliant strike from Robin van Persie. He needed that goal today as he has been short of confidence in the last three weeks. I thought he was going to be tackled by James Chester, but he turned and put his laces through it."

GOAL

PA

You won't see a better goal today. Leicester, without a goal in more than 500 minutes before this game, now have two after Jeffrey Schlupp finds the net with a beautifully executed low finish from 25 yards. Game on.

GOAL

Reuters

Game. Set. Match.

And it is vintage stuff from Robin van Persie. The deadly Dutchman rediscovers his scoring touch by blasting in Ander Herrera's pass from the edge of the Hull penalty area.

That's only his second Premier League goal in seven matches and will cement his team's place in the top four.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

On Nikica Jelavic heading over the bar for Hull: "It was good from Jelavic. He attacked the ball really well ahead of Chris Smalling. Hull committed eight men in the box there from that free-kick. Jelavic runs his socks off up front. But he thrives off service, off balls into the box, and he just has not had that in this game."

Rare threat from Hull as they toil for a foothold back in the game. Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic heads over the Manchester United bar.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

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"Much livelier here at Anfield in the opening stages of the second half - although things could not actually have deteriorated after the first 45 minutes. Liverpool pressing with urgency and Stoke almost scoring on the break through Mame Biram Diouf, while Bojan Krkic also went close. We have a game at last."

CLOSE!

Lucas is unmarked inside the Stoke area with only Asmir Begovic. Surely this is Liverpool's moment? But the Brazilian can only fire straight at the Potters keeper. How long is Steven Gerrard going to remain on the bench?

Football League latest

Leeds United double their lead against Championship leaders Derby as Mirko Antenucci nets his second of the game for 2-0.

Derby's slip could see Bournemouth move top as they still lead Millwall 2-0, while Darren Bent has notched a debut goal for Brighton who are level 1-1 with Fulham.

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A Jake Cooper brace has put Reading 2-1 up at Norwich and Brentford could record a fifth win on the spin if they hold on to their 1-0 lead over Wolves.

#putoutyourbats

At football grounds around the country, players, fans and clubs have been paying tribute to Australia Test batsman Phillip Hughes, who died on Thursday - two days after being struck on the neck during a domestic match in Australia.

reading FC

Reading FC on Twitter: Our Australian goalkeeper Adam Federici lays a bat in his goal for the late Phil Hughes. #putoutyourbats.

SUBSTITUTION

All change for Newcastle as they chase an equaliser. Toon boss Alan Pardew goes on the attack by bringing on striker Papiss Cisse and attacking midfielder Remy Cabella, with Cheick Tiote and Yoan Gouffran the men to make way.

Cisse pretty much saved Pardew's job with a brace at Hull earlier in the season - can he spark a turnaround at Upton Park? Less than half an hour to go.

Almost a third for QPR as Charlie Austin's knock down is taken first time by midfielder Nico Kranjcar whose volley is brilliantly saved by Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. This match is beautifully poised.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Chances galore at Anfield now. Bojan ploughs through the Liverpool defence before unleashing a shot that hits the post before Raheem Sterling drills the ball across the face of goal at the other end. Lots of nail biting in the crowd.

Robin van Persie almost goes close to ending his barren run with a diving header reminiscent of that World Cup goal against Spain.

AP

Although the Manchester United striker was denied by the cat-like reactions of Hull keeper Allan McGregor. And the linesman's flag.

Suddenly, it's end to end at Anfield. This time Stoke go close as Bojan Krkic slides a pass through to release striker Mame Biram Diouf, whose shot from a tight angle is blocked by under-fire keeper Simon Mignolet. That will do Mignolet's confidence the power of good.

Latest scores

Burnley are knocking on the door at Turf Moor. A frantic start to the second half sees Michael Kightly dispatch a shot that Brad Guzan fails to hold and the ball is somehow scrambled off the line.

GOAL

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What a horrible goal to concede. But West Ham aren't complaining. Home midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate's mis-hit shot falls kindly into the path of left-back Aaron Cresswell, who calmly slots in the opener from inside the Newcastle six-yard box.

And I've no idea what Cresswell was doing as the Hammers' furthest forward attacker either...

But, after Palace's encouraging start to the second half, back come Swansea. England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey chest and volleys into the hands of Palace stopper Julian Speroni.

Remember, the Swans could climb as high as fifth if they can find a winner.

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"I fully expected Stoke to make it very hard for Liverpool, this isn't a big story in my opinion. The home side need to just lift the tempo now. Sometimes when it is not going for you and you have to grind out the results, you need to generate a bit of atmosphere around the place and with Steven Gerrard to come on from the bench, he will lift the fans."

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"Liverpool look like they are trying to create a breakthrough, it is still early days in the second half, but it looks like they have been applying more pressure since the break. If they were to lose today, any pressure on Brendan Rodgers will be cranked up even further. If they can get the 1-0 win, it can make a huge difference."

So close for Liverpool. Jordan Henderson's fierce attempt from the edge of the area misses the target by a whisker. It is so close that some fans sat in the Kop think it's gone in. It's still goalless.

Palace start the second half on the front foot. Tricky winger Yannick Bolasie, who Eagles boss Neil Warnock insists will not be sold in January, goes close with a deflected shot from the edge of the area.

HITS THE WOODWORK

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More drama at Loftus Road. Leicester striker Jamie Vardy's flicked header shaves the bar following Riyad Mahrez's cross.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Manchester United had 76% possession in the first half so that tells they had total domination. The midfield trio of Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata have been outstanding and Hull haven't been able to cope with that."

SHOWBOAT

Hull midfielder Robbie Brady makes a mug of Marouane Fellaini as he tricks his way past the big Belgian on the Old Trafford touchline.

Fellaini protests as his name goes into referee Anthony Taylor's notepad, but his side avoid any further punishment as Brady's free-kick is easily cleared.

SUBSTITUTION

Stoke's substitute has been substituted at the start of the second half at Anfield! Glenn Whelan, who replaced the injured Steve Sidwell, makes way for former Reds midfielder Charlie Adam.

KICK-OFF

Toot. Toot. Toot. Toot. Toot. Toot.

The sound of six whistles across the Premier League means one thing - the second half action has started.

Best game in the Premier League today? QPR might have started the day at the bottom of the table but they have had 18 attempts on the Leicester goal in the opening 45 minutes at Loftus Road. That's entertainment!

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Max Welford: The problem with Liverpool is that no-one is stepping up and taking responsibility! There's not one player playing well at the moment.

Dennis Ethan: Chris Smalling has utterly been magnificent in defence while Ander Herrera has bossed the midfield. Superb team performance from Manchester United.

Si's Insights: I'd have hoped no Steven Gerrard would be a step in the right direction. Has Brendan Rodgers run out of steam?

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Scott, Oxford: For a Brendan Rodgers side that prides itself on its passing and last year's tiki-taka style, Liverpool can't string two passes together. Coutinho looks like he's ready to give up.

Muhammad, Birmingham: Liverpool could put an insomniac to sleep. Jurgen Klopp or Diego Simeone to reawaken this team.

Richard: What has Brendan done to the team interplay this season? If we scrape a win he'll say it was part of the plan, but this is just a mess.

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"QPR's second was a lovely goal (see 15:45). Firstly there was a great ball in by Joey Barton, Charlie Austin attacks it and forces a good save from Kasper Schmeichel, but I am delighted for Leroy Fer, who turns it in. It was only on Wednesday I was watching him from the gym window at QPR's training ground, he was out there practising on his own. After hitting the bar so many times, and having had so many shots well saved since the beginning of the season, he's got his goal."

HALF-TIME

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

"Manchester United's total dominance is reflected by the silence of the Hull fans since Wayne Rooney put the home side 2-0 up, and underlined by the half-time stats - United have had 76% of possession and eight shots at goal to one for Hull, which was off target.

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"Robin van Persie, criticised by his manager Louis van Gaal for only touching the ball 13 times against Arsenal last week, has already bettered that tally with 15 touches in the first 45 minutes. The most telling of those was his pass that teed up Rooney for his goal."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

James: Angel Di Maria adding to Manchester United's injury woes (see 15:12). How much is their treatment room now worth?

Chris Bloomfield: Aston Villa are well on course for doubling their whole shot tally for the season just in this game alone! Crazy!

Paul Walmsley: How do Liverpool expect to score when they refuse to commit players into the box? Forwards totally isolated.

Conor McNamara

Match of the Day commentator

"Leroy Fer scored in the World Cup for the Dutch against Chile and has now netted for QPR who lead at half-time. Earlier, Esteban Cambiasso showed was a shrewd acquisition he has been for Leicester, putting them in front but Wes Morgan scored an own goal as he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time in a pulsating first half at Loftus Road."

HALF-TIME

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Manchester United have been totally in control. It looks like they are getting their confidence back and have scored two great goals. But Steve Bruce will be unhappy with the two goals they have conceded.

"Hull are sitting too deep. They need to start putting pressure on this Manchester United back four or it is going to be a long afternoon."

Half time

Alistair Mann

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Joe Cole goes off with a big smile on his face, his goal has given Villa a crucial lead at the break, but there's been plenty to suggest this won't be the end of the entertainment."

PA

Bizarre scenes at the end to the half at Burnley as Clarets striker Ashley Barnes is booked for deliberate handball from a goal-bound header, when the ball clearly came off his head. He continues his protests to referee Graham Scott as the players leave for half-time, it is the official's first match in the Premier League.

HALF-TIME

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Liverpool and their fans suffering more frustration here as they attempt to end this run of three Premier League defeats. Just lacking that spark to get the breakthrough and Stoke City coping in comfort. Not the greatest game and no saves needed from either Liverpool's Simon Mignolet or Stoke City's Asmir Begovic."

Half-time scores

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

Simon Brotherton

Match of the Day commentator

"Only one team in this match so far. Manchester United's superiority is rewarded with another goal for in-form Wayne Rooney three minutes before the break. Easy street for Manchester United so far."

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

Martin Fisher

Match of the Day commentator

"Swansea dominant early on through Wilfried Bony's splendid goal, Mile Jedinak with the equaliser from the spot and chances at both ends after that."

HALF-TIME

Jonathan Pearce

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"It's a game of few chances, ifs, buts and nearlys and not much to talk about."

GOAL

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Marvellous from QPR who have turned the game upside down in the space of a few minutes at Loftus Road. Joey Barton's inch-perfect cross finds Charlie Austin but the forward's header is palmed out by Kasper Schmeichel to Leroy Fer to lash home. The Premier League's bottom club are ahead.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"As the ball came over the top, Hull skipper Curtis Davis should have cleared the ball. It fell to Wayne Rooney and he hits a wonderful finish. It had been coming, United have been totally dominant in the last 10 minutes.

"Hull are chasing shadows in midfield with that diamond of Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini. Hull can't keep up with the movement of United's passing.

"There has been no energy or intent. Now at 2-0 down it's backs against the wall."

PENALTY APPEAL

There is an appeal for a penalty at Upton Park as Andy Carroll's strike hits the arm of Newcastle defender Mike Williamson. Referee Mike Dean waves play on after deeming it to be accidental. The right call.

Stoke win their first corner at Anfield. Two minutes before half-time. It's tedious stuff.

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"What on earth was Wes Morgan doing (see 15:37)? He has to stand up and be composed in those situations. Instead he goes to ground and gets himself in a tangle, and the ball goes into the net."

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"I remember playing against the Liverpool sides of Rafael Benitez. I had a friend there, Jermaine Pennant, who used to say he hated training because he was getting drilled every day. But those Benitez teams were hard to play against because everybody knew what they were doing. This Liverpool side are missing that strength in organisation at the moment."

GOAL

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Manchester United's dominance is outlined by a deserved second goal against the toothless Tigers. Home skipper Wayne Rooney sweeps home Robin van Persie's lay-off from 20 yards.

Now it's a long way back for Hull.

Crystal Palace gave themselves a shot in the arm with Mile Jedinak's equaliser and are more than holding their own. Even steven at the Liberty.

Little goalmouth action to report from Upton Park, but Newcastle striker Ayoze Perez comes closest to the opener. The Spanish youngster pulls a cheeky near-post flick out of the top drawer, but sees his effort crash into the side-netting.

GOAL

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As Burnley looked to the linesman for offside, Joe Cole nicked in to poke home a low ball into the box from the right by Andreas Weimann. In truth it was a good decision by the assistant, Cole was in line when he got the crucial touch to stab it underneath Tom Heaton. A vital lead for Villa.

GOAL

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Harry Redknapp punches the air as QPR deservedly equalise. It wasn't pretty but Redknapp won't care. Steven Caulker delivers the ball into the danger area and the unfortunate Wes Morgan can only bundle the ball past his own keeper.

Promotion-chasing Bournemouth have started in the perfect way in their home game with Millwall - Steve Cook opening the scoring before Brett Pittman fired across the goalkeeper to double the lead.

A win will move the Cherries into the top two. Elsewhere, Cardiff lead at Watford through Adam Le Fondre, and their former manager Malky Mackay enjoyed a good start as Wigan led at Sheffield Wednesday, only for the home side to level immediately.

PA

Carrow Road provides the best place for poetry so far as Reading's Jake Cooper has cancelled out Gary Hooper's opener for Norwich.

David Cotterill has given Birmingham the lead against Nottingham Forest.

SUBSTITUTION

The only space that Hatem Ben Arfa is trying to find now is on the Hull bench. Shuffle up lads, the Frenchman needs a spot. That's because he has been hooked for Sone Aluko as Steve Bruce attempts to find a way back into this match.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Hatem Ben Arfa is causing Steve Bruce a problem as he has not been an influence on the game. Hull have not shown any adventure or willingness to cause Manchester United problems.

"Ben Arfa has been anonymous. There has been no space for him to pick up the ball. He has moved him out to the left so hopefully he can find space."

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Remember Joe Cole? The former England international is starting his first Premier League match for Aston Villa and is providing the visitors with a spark of quality they have been missing in the opening weeks of the season against Burnley.

Chris Smalling, striker extraordinaire. The Manchester United defender pops up in the Hull danger zone again, sweeping into the side-netting after Juan Mata's free-kick falls loose.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Deadly dull affair this - not a scrap of work for either goalkeeper to do and just the first signs of impatience from Liverpool's supporters, which is perfectly understandable. Stoke City's fans are keeping themselves amused by loudly taunting Steven Gerrard as he warms up just in front of them. You know... Demba Ba and all that."

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

On the Rooney injury scare: "He was clipped by Robbie Brady. He went down straight away and he looks like he is in a lot of pain down there. It looked like he tweaked his ankle as it rolled over the surface.

"He gave both barrels to the fourth official [as he came back on]. He wasn't happy with the tackle from Brady."

United have already lost Angel Di Maria to injury and a few moments ago there was a worry over Wayne Rooney. The captain had treatment for an ankle knock after a clash with Robbie Brady. He's back on now, though and seems OK.

PA

Rickie Lambert vents his frustration as the ball is taken off his toes by Erik Pieters as the Liverpool striker looks set to power in on goal. Mark Hughes looks satisfied on the Potters bench. The same cannot be said of hios opposite number Brendan Rodgers.

One-way traffic in Manchester. And I'm not talking about Christmas shoppers going into the city centre. Hull are hardly having a kick as United dominate possession.

Misfiring striker Robin van Persie thinks he is through on goal, only to see the linesman's flag raised for offside.

Latest scores

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

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"Juan Mata is having a massive influence on this game. He is the best player on the pitch at the moment. It looks like he is really enjoying himself in that role. Since Ander Herrera has come on it has suited the team in the midfield, with players interchanging positions."

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"It wasn't a penalty for me (see 15:24). The ball was bobbling around in the area, it fell to Marouane Chamakh, and under the challenge from Jonjo Shelvey, he went over too easily. There was contact but not enough for the referee to give a penalty."

It's subdued at Anfield but there's a roar from the crowd as Rickie Lambert is fouled 35 yards from the Potters goal by substitute Glenn Whelan. Lambert goes for goal - and the ball ends up in row Z. This game is crying out for a moment of quality.

Jamie Vardy's pace continues to cause QPR's defence problems. This isn't going to stay 1-0. Chances at both ends.

GOAL

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Palace grab that opportunity with both hands. Away skipper Mile Jedinak blasts in the equaliser with their first effort on goal. Five goals in his last eight matches for the Australian - he's coming on to many people's Fantasy Football radar.

PENALTY TO CRYSTAL PALACE

Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey fouls Palace striker Marouane Chamakh in the away box. And referee Martin Atkinson points to the spot.

Scrappy start at the Boleyn Ground between high-flying West Ham and high-flying Newcastle. Now there is an adjective I didn't expect to use in relation to those teams. West Ham's ex-Newcastle striker Andy Carroll did have a shot on goal - but was five yards offside.

SUBSTITUTION

Painful! Steve Sidwell's afternoon is cut short at Anfield as a challenge with Rickie Lambert results in the Liverpool striker falling on Sidwell's knee. On comes Glenn Whelan.

SUBSTITUTION

Not Neil Warnock's day so far. The Palace boss has to withdraw Dwight Gayle after the striker sustained an earlier knock. After a brief spell with 10 men, midfielder James McArthur is brought on to replace him.

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

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"Always a slightly strange reaction when a goal is confirmed using goal-line technology, as with Chris Smalling's opener for Manchester United. There was a first, slightly muffled roar, when the incident happened, then a much, much louder one a few seconds later when referee Anthony Taylor signalled that it had gone in. The United players who were near enough to see it seemed pretty sure - they started their celebrations straight away."

Are Aston Villa going to pay for a string of missed chances? Another opportunity goes begging as Gabriel Agbonlahor gets behind the Burnley defence and his curling shot is comfortably saved by Tom Heaton. Big chance.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

On Manchester United's goal: "It's a good ball in from Wayne Rooney. Hull keeper Allan McGregor had two bites of the cherry to clear it but just puts it over the line. It's Chris Smalling I think. Without technology that goal wouldn't have been given.

"As he caught the ball, McGregor carried it back into the net. As his body was shading the ball from the linesman, that wouldn't have been given last season."

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Anfield is currently very subdued, a combination of Liverpool's current struggles and a game that is - up to now - offering nothing in the way of excitement. Stoke City are looking solid while Raheem Sterling has already offered up a couple of moments to confirm he will be Liverpool's best hope this afternoon."

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Latest scores

It's bubbling up nicely at Turf Moor with both sides have been presented with great chances. Villa's Ciaran Clark saw his header blocked by Dean Marney from a corner, before the defender found himself in behind the Clarets defence only to head a bouncing ball straight at keeper Tom Heaton. At the other end Michael Kightly has flashed a shot across Brad Guzan's goal.

GOAL

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What would we do without modern technology eh? Manchester United might not be winning that is for sure.

Chris Smalling sees his header parried by Hull keeper Allan McGregor, but reacts quickest to prod goalwards. Does it sneak over the line? Referee Anthony Taylor checks his goal-line technology gadget and says it did.

GOAL

AFP

Wilfried Bony has scored more goals than any other Premier League player in 2014 - and here's another to add to his collection. The Ivorian uses his considerable strength to hold off the Palace defence, before swivelling on a sixpence to fire low into the bottom corner.

SUBSTITUTION

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Yes, Angel Di Maria's afternoon is over before it had barely started. He wanders off along the Old Trafford touchline, looking disconsolate, before heading down the tunnel. Ander Herrera replaces him.

QPR have responded well to falling behind at Loftus Road. The Premier League's bottom club have gone close through a Niko Kranjcar free-kick while Leroy Fer went within a whisker with a header. This game is promising more goals.

Uh oh. Louis van Gaal's grand attacking masterplan to beat Hull may need an early rethink. Angel Di Maria pulls up after a mazy run, clutching the back of his right leg. Can't see the Argentine lasting for much longer...

Jordan Henderson is causing Stoke some problems with some clever balls through to Raheem Sterling but Liverpool are being frustrated by some stubborn Potters defending.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Positive start from Man United. Angel Di Maria looks like he is playing up front in a two, with Robin van Persie on the right-hand side. It's a surprise really. It's not something Van Persie has done.

"There are not many defenders in this team. It's a real attacking team that Louis van Gaal has picked."

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"Neil Warnock is a tough master. He's a street-fighter, and his Crystal Palace team plays in his mould now. Against Liverpool they were fantastic, they bullied them. It will be an interesting contest today, because I have also been hugely impressed by Garry Monk. I didn't think he was up to the job of Swansea manager, but he has surprised me."

Swansea doing all the early running at the Liberty Stadium. Gylfi Sigurdsson's free-kick dips on to the roof of the Palace net as the home side threaten.

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"Esteban Cambiasso is not a guy you would be expecting to score goals, but he tucked that away into the bottom corner on his right foot (see 15:04). That's his second goal for Leicester. Karl Henry was there to make a challenge but he should have been a lot stronger. Maybe he was worried about giving away a penalty. A great start for Leicester, not so much for QPR."

A frenetic start at Turf Moor between the Premier League's two lowest scorers, with Paul Lambert's Aston Villa starting the brightest. A scramble from a corner sees Burnley defender Dean Marney forced into a last ditch headed clearance off the line.

PA

A Manchester United tidal wave is submerging the Hull defence in the opening exchanges. Home skipper Wayne Rooney has a pop from the edge of the box, bending his effort just around the wrong side of the far post. The early signs are ominous for ex-United skipper Steve Bruce...

Ayoze Perez is the man of the moment on Tyneside. The new Alan Shearer? No. The New Jackie Milburn? Not a chance.

But the Spaniard is making a name for himself in his early days at Newcastle. He drags an early shot wide as Newcastle look to win their seventh match on the bounce.

GOAL

PA

Leicester's goal drought is over! The Foxes had gone 503 minutes without finding the back of the net before Esteban Cambiasso scores a low finish from the edge of the penalty area. Leicester fans go wild.

PENALTY APPEAL

Barely 30 seconds on the Old Trafford clock - and the home side win a corner. And from the set-piece there is a penalty shout from the Red Devils fans. Did the ball strike Curtis Davies's hand? Not according to referee Anthony Taylor.

KICK-OFF

We have lift off! All six 15:00 GMT games in the Premier League are under way. Hold on to your seats...

BBC Radio 5 live

Hull City winger Robert Snodgrass says he believes Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers made the "wrong signings" last summer.

"The manager makes the signings - he knows what they can do," he tells BBC Radio 5 live. "You hear a lot about players needing to settle in, but for me as soon as you run out on to that pitch you're free. You do what you have to do.

"It's a results business and opponents get confidence going into these games thinking they can beat Liverpool."

Will those words come back and haunt Snodgrass? They're about to get under way at Anfield...

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas

Final Score

"Leicester have surprised me in that they haven't scored many goals. Since the game against Manchester United they have not done much at all, it's not going for them at the minute. QPR, meanwhile, seem to have turned a corner. They have put in some hugely energetic performances at Loftus Road. But I do feel there is more pressure on them today. They play Burnley in a couple of weeks, and both are must-win games."

Manager reaction

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We played well but we couldn't take our chances, sometimes because of the final ball, sometimes because of finishing.

"After playing on Wednesday, we finished the game more looking more for solidarity because the legs were a bit jaded but we kept it together. We had a bit of luck but as well we had focus to defend to the end.

On some fans demanding he leaves the club: "I don't want to comment on that. I try to do my best for this club that I love. We are very united with the players and staff around the team, that's all you can do.

"It's easier to deal with the upwards than the downwards, but you cannot be a manager and have only one side."

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Fernando Caviedes: Wow! Mata starting for United. Great to see him in the starting line up. Hopefully Falcao comes on as well.

Jonathan Guckian: Disappointing no Wilson, even on the bench for #MUFC. Deserves a game and did so much damage to Hull in this fixture last year.

Bruce's United jinx

PA

Steve Bruce won three Premier League titles and three FA Cups as a player with Manchester United but he has never savoured victory against his former club as a manager.

The Hull City boss has been a manager for more than 16 years but, from 20 fixtures against the Red Devils, he has lost 16 and drawn four. Eighteen of the 20 meetings came against Sir Alex Ferguson. David Moyes was in charge for the last year and Ryan Giggs was United's temporary manager when United beat Hull 3-1 at Old Trafford on 6 May.

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Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"Steven Gerrard is on the bench. It's sort of what happens when you get towards the end of your career. You need the odd rest. No big deal!"

Player reaction

Arsenal goalscorer Danny Welbeck: "The clean sheet is very important. We always believe we will score goals, so if we get a clean sheet we feel we'll win the game. It was a vital three points for us today.

"Getting towards the end of the game, they started lumping balls forward and made it uncomfortable for us but we defended well as a team. It's only one game and the most important thing is to take it one game at a time. We've got to prepare correctly for every single match.

"The manager's got a lot of options going forward, so once we're on the pitch we've got to give 100% for Arsenal."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Michael Devlin: All but two of Man Utd's starting 11 were with the team last year. Was the summer window the most wasteful spending spree ever?

Ben Goodman: Can't believe after all that hard work last week from Blackett and McNair, they get dropped for a central midfielder playing at centre-back.

Richard Parfitt: Two specialist defenders in the United starting line up. Well...

Brucie bonus in 700th match?

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

"Today is a big day for the Bruce family, and not just because Hull boss Steve is back at Old Trafford for his 700th game as a manager. His son Alex is also facing his former team, although the Tigers centre-back was released by Manchester United as a teenager without making a single first-team appearance.

"Their mission today is to improve their dreadful record against their old club - Steve has not won any of his 20 games against United as a manager, and has managed just four draws, while Alex has lost all three matches as a player.

"Dad always looks forward to coming back here but that's one thing we will be looking to sort out," Bruce Jr writes in today's programme. Bruce Jr writes in today's programme. He will start the game alongside him on the bench."

BBC

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Troggy, Kent: Strong, expensive bench for Liverpool today, shame about the starting 11! Surely everyone except Rodgers would even play Gerrard at right-back over Glen Johnson.

Tom, Brighton: That Liverpool line-up fills me with dread. What do Lallana, Can and Moreno have to do for a start? What have Allen, Henderson and Johnson done to deserve one?

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet survives the cut despite his desperate form this season. It's a long way from this fixture on the opening day of last season when he secured Liverpool's 1-0 win with a last-minute penalty save from Jonathan Walters.

"He stays in for now, perhaps helped by the fact that deputy Brad Jones is hardly a more convincing figure."

AP

#putoutyourbats

Manchester United have paid tribute to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who died this week, aged 25, two days after being struck on the top of the neck by a ball during a domestic match in Sydney.

@ManUtd

The club tweeted: "We've put out our bat for Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who sadly died this week. #putoutyourbats"

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

The T-shirts on sale outside Old Trafford are proof of how important Robin van Persie has been to Manchester United since he joined in 2012 but his recent form - three goals in 11 games this season - has been steady rather than spectacular.

At 31, could his talent be on the slide? United boss Louis van Gaal said the Dutch striker had "a very bad game" against Arsenal last week but has stuck with him in his starting line-up against Hull to give him a chance to make amends.

If Van Persie needs any extra motivation, the presence of Radamel Falcao on the bench after a month out with a calf injury should be a reminder that, today, he is playing to keep his place.

BBC

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil ‏might be out injured, but showed he is still with the team in spirit, tweeting: "Good job guys! Three very important points! #COYG"

The fans were happy too as Arsenal climbed back into the top four.

Kerry Peter Parvin: A tight game but a 1-0 away win for Arsenal. I will quite happily take that to get things back up and running! .

Mdroka: Encouraging performance from the Gunners defenders, two clean sheets in a row now.

BBC

Jonathan Pearce

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Alan Pardew and his team deserve tremendous credit for the six-match winning run in all competitions that has hauled them from 18th to the top five. It's their best league run since spring 2012 when they won six matches on the spin.

"Liverpool and Manchester City have already been put to the sword at Upton Park this season and the Hammers are still angry about defeat at Everton last weekend - their first in six matches - when the first home goal looked offside.

"In harsh black and white it all looked hopeless for Pardew and Sam Allardyce a few months ago. I certainly didn't predict a top-six clash here and I can't predict the outcome either. Anything can happen."

BBC

Martin Fisher

Match of the Day commentator

"Inevitable, perhaps, but still a tad irritating for Palace is that much of this week's column inches have pondered why Liverpool lost at Selhurst Park last Sunday rather than how the Eagles beat them.

"After five games without a win, Palace produced the victory that lifted them out of the relegation zone and a performance that could lift confidence sufficiently to keep them out.

"Swansea have made their best-ever start to a Premier League season, well ahead of Liverpool in fact. They might not compare to the Merseyside giants in size or national interest but right now they present a much tougher nut for Palace to crack."

BBC

Conor McNamara

Match of the Day commentator

"Twelve months ago life was tough at the top. Queens Park Rangers and Leicester City were both joint-leaders of the Championship - level on points with Burnley, who were also on their way to promotion.

"All three newly-promoted clubs currently occupy the top-flight relegation zone. The step up to the Premier League has been steep.

"It's much too early to talk about "six-pointers" but failure to win these games, against the teams around you, leaves psychological scars. That is why this fixture holds such importance."

BBC

Simon Brotherton

Match of the Day commentator

"Manchester United's first away win of the season last weekend moved them into the top four for the first time this season. There's every chance they'll stay there after this weekend's games.

"They still have a long injury list but opponents Hull are in a real rut at the moment.

"Steve Bruce heads back to Old Trafford with a Hull team who've managed only one win in the 11 games since their victory over QPR on the opening day of the season."

BBC

Liverpool v Stoke (15:00 GMT)

John Roder

Match of the Day commentator

"History is not on the Potters' side when it comes to matches at Anfield, as can be seen by their lack of goals at the famous stadium over the years - it is 21 years since their last league strike there. However, Stoke do have a better record on their travels this season than at the Britannia.

"Liverpool have failed to impress this season and manager Brendan Rodgers says he takes full responsibility for their indifferent form. But defeat to either Stoke or next weekend's trip to Leicester will see the debate about Liverpool's season intensify massively."

BBC

Alistair Mann

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Aston Villa arrive at Turf Moor knowing defeat could see them end the weekend in the bottom three.

"And they've picked a bad time to meet Burnley too, with the hosts having finally secured their first home and away wins since promotion in recent weeks.

"A third top-flight victory in a row for the first time in almost 40 years would have a major impact ahead of a chaotic December; the damage it would do in equal measure to Villa makes this game a potentially pivotal contest."

The 15:00 GMT kick-offs

Time to move away from The Hawthorns and spread ourselves evenly across the UK, from Manchester to Swansea to London. The Premier League, as ever, is our focus with six matches kicking off in little over 15 minutes' time.

Here's what our Match of the Day commentators have to say about those games..

All eyes on Gerrard

There's only one talking point at Anfield and that's Brendan Rodgers dropping Steven Gerrard to the bench. The MOTD cameras are tracking Gerrard's every move during the pre-match warm-up. But if the Reds skipper is upset then he is hiding it well. John Roder in the MOTD hotseat says: "If Steven Gerrard is going to mark the 16th anniversary of his senior Liverpool debut then he's going to have to do it from the bench."

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

"There were a few hundred West Brom fans leaving their seats early, and for 85 minutes West Brom were not good enough. Victor Anichebe changed the game for the home side, and so you wonder why they didn't bring him on earlier? It's strange how this game has panned out, because in previous weeks Arsenal had been punished for not taking chances.

"Today Arsenal created enough more than enough chances to deserve the three points, and Santi Cazorla was the best player on the park."

FULL-TIME

Aaron Ramsey's speculative effort doesn't have the legs, rather like West Brom's attempted fightback.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger allows himself a wry grin as the final whistle goes at The Hawthorns. His jubilant players take plenty of applause from the away end as matchwinner Danny Welbeck flings his shirt into the crowd.

And no wonder there is a palpable sense of relief. That is the Gunners' first victory in three Premier League matches.

Watching a goalkeeper steam forward for a late corner is one of my favourite things in football. Ben Foster tentatively trots forward for a Baggies set piece, but gets nowhere near the ball. Aaron Ramsey punts clear from the edge of his box towards an empty goal.

INJURY TIME

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Four minutes for West Brom to nick a point. Four minutes for Arsenal to cling on to three.

CLOSE!

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain clambers back to his feet, rather gingerly it must be said, as he carries on.

But he can't do anything to stop Baggies midfielder Craig Gardner shaving the Arsenal post with a swerving drive.

Moment of concern for Arsenal. Not in terms of conceding an equaliser, but in terms of personnel. Gunners substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who replaced Olivier Giroud a few moments ago, grimaces in pain after he goes down with a knock.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Liverpool FC: Sixteen years ago today, Steven Gerrard made his debut for #LFC as a late substitute against Blackburn Rovers at Anfield.

@LFC

Liverpool skipper Gerrard dropped

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

EPA

"Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has not been at his most influential this season and his place, as well as his role, in the side has been called into question - namely whether he is wasted as a holding midfield player or can he still offer enough in an attacking role.

"He is also 35 in May but the lack of impact of those around him has meant manager Brendan Rodgers has perhaps been unable to rest him as much as he would have liked, although he contentiously left him out of the Champions League defeat away by Real Madrid.

"No matter, though, the decision to leave out the man who has been the shining symbol for Liverpool and their supporters in recent memory is still a big move."

Final five

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Arsenal will climb back into the top four - for two and a bit hours at least - in about five minutes' time. Providing they hang on to this slender lead. I can almost hear the collective nerves jangling of Arsenal fans.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jon Featonby: I can understand Gerrard not playing after Wednesday night and with a midweek game, but Can should have been the replacement.

Stevey Gee Sings: You having a laugh with that team selection Brendan?

Ashley Williams: Not shocked Gerrard is benched. Recent performances have not been good enough from the captain.

Liam Stones: Good to see Kolo Toure given a chance today! Lovren has been far too error prone this season.

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

"It's a good spell by West Brom but you wonder why they didn't start with two players up front? Yes Arsenal have come off the pace a little now but West Brom look so much better with players going forward and running off the ball. Saido Berahino just couldn't quite get over the ball enough, and his header hits the bar."

HITS THE WOODWORK

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Albion are within a crossbar of an equaliser! Saido Berahino outjumps Gunners defender Calum Chambers to meet Cristian Gamboa's right-wing cross with his head. Away keeper Emiliano Martinez is stranded, but is relieved to see the ball cannon back off the frame of his goal. Not as relieved as Arsene Wenger I suspect.

Team news

West Ham's Andy Carroll starts up front against his former club. The Hammers make three changes with Stewart Downing and Cheikhou Kouyate back from injury, while Matt Jarvis makes his first start of the season.

Newcastle make three changes from the side that defeated QPR last weekend. Rob Elliot replaces goalkeeper Tim Krul who has an ankle injury. Cheick Tiote returns after recovering from a hamstring problem while Frenchman Yoan Gouffran joins him in midfield.

West Ham XI: Adrian, Cresswell, Tomkins, Jarvis, Kouyate, Carroll, Downing, Noble, Jenkinson, Collins, Amalfitano.

Newcastle XI: Elliot, Williamson, Sissoko, Gouffran, Colback, Perez, Haidara, Janmaat, Tiote, Ameobi, Dummett.

Getty Images

Albion get a shot on target. I repeat, Albion have got a shot on target. Rookie Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez finally breaks sweat as he is forced into his first meaningful save - with little 10 minutes left - to gather Craig Gardner's low shot from a central position inside the Gunners box.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"The front of Liverpool's match-day programme celebrates '16 sensational years' of captain Steven Gerrard - but it is not an anniversary he celebrates with a starting place as he is dropped to the bench against Stoke City.

"Brendan Rodgers has one eye on a heavy forthcoming fixture list, including a trip to Leicester City on Tuesday, but it is still a big decision from a manager hoping to end a run of three successive Premier League defeats.

"Gerrard sits on the bench in some expensive company - and also evidence of the current struggles of Liverpool's summer signings. He is joined by £87m worth of summer investment in the shape of Dejan Lovren (£20m), Alberto Moreno (£12m), Adam Lallana (£25m), Emre Can (£10m) and Lazar Markovic (£20m)."

Team news

QPR defender Rio Ferdinand is kept out of the side once again with right-back Mauricio Isla coming in for the suspended Richard Dunne.

Leicester keep faith with the same side that drew 0-0 against Sunderland last time out, with striker Leonardo Ulloa, who has failed to net in seven games, keeping his place in the 11.

QPR XI: Green, Isla, Onuoha, Caulker, Suk-Young, Vargas, Barton, Henry, Fer, Kranjcar, Austin.

Leicester XI: Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan, Wasilewski, Konchesky, Schlupp, Cambiasso, James, Mahrez, Vardy, Ulloa.

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

"Stephane Sessegnon coming off is a strange one. He's the only player who has had that creativity to see a pass.

"West Brom have looked, nervous, edgy, scared. Whatever the word is, the big word in football is confidence, and not many of these Albion players have got it. They can't complete basic passes over 10 yards."

SUBSTITUTION

But the Albion fans are less than impressed with the next change from boss Alan Irvine.

A loud chorus of 'You don't know what you're doing' rings around The Hawthorns as the Scot brings off Stephane Sessegnon and sticks on Greece forward Georgios Samaras. Can Georgey Boy prove them wrong?

SUBSTITUTION

Getty Images

Hearty round of applause for West Brom defender Sebastien Pocognoli, who trudges off as Albion make their second change of the match. The Belgian appears to have picked up a knock so on comes Cristian Gamboa.

Team news

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers makes two changes from the draw at Ludogorets Razgrad in midweek and one of them is particularly significant. Reds skipper Steven Gerrard, 16 years to the day since his debut for the club, played the full game in Bulgaria and is on the bench as he is replaced by Philippe Coutinho. The other change sees left-back Jose Enrique come in for Javier Manquillo.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes brings in defenders Marc Wilson and Erik Pieters as well as forward Marko Arnautovic for Phil Bardsley, Marc Muniesa and the injured Victor Moses in his three changes from a defeat by Burnley.

Liverpool XI: Mignolet, Johnson, Enrique, Skrtel, Toure, Lucas, Allen, Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling, Lambert.

Stoke XI: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters, Nzonzi, Sidwell, Arnautovic, Bojan, Walters, Diouf.

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

"We are seeing the odd attack by West Brom but the away side are absolutely all over them. The West Brom change hasn't really made a difference, Arsenal still have all the possession, they are moving the ball around so easily and West Brom can't get up the field. You wonder now how many Arsenal can get. It's all Arsenal."

What response have we seen from Albion? Not much of one to be honest. Arsenal in cruise control at the moment. But we said that in their recent games against Swansea and Anderlecht too...

Team news

Defender Michael Duff misses out for Burnley after limping off with a calf strain during last week's win at Stoke. Michael Keane replaces him as the Clarets look for a third straight Premier League win. Midfielder Scott Arfield returns to the bench.

Joe Cole makes his first Premier League start for Aston Villa, replacing Charles N'Zogbia in midfield in Paul Lambert's only change from Monday's draw with Southampton. Christian Benteke serves the final game of his three-match suspension.

Burnley XI: Heaton, Trippier, Keane, Shackell, Ward, Boyd, Marney, Jones, Kightly, Barnes, Ings.

Aston Villa XI: Guzan, Hutton, Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Cleverley, Westwood, Sanchez, Cole, Agbonlahor, Weimann.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Shohidur Rahman: Big mistake by Foster. When you get as big a hand on it like Foster did there you have to save it.

Niklas Lanwehr: Cazorla enjoying his best game of the season, superb assist and unlucky not to have scored himself.

Simon Simcox: Please, please, please, no flooding forward Arsenal! Surely they have learnt their lesson!

Championship update

Talk about an immediate impact - Noel Hunt, who joined on loan from Leeds this week, scores a late Ipswich winner as the Tractor Boys move into the top two.

That's the Irishman's first goal since January 2013 after a goalless 18-month spell at Elland Road. It's a funny old game...

Team news

Swansea make two changes as Wayne Routledge and Jonjo Shelvey return in place of Nathan Dyer and Tom Carroll.

Brede Hangeland replaces Damien Delaney in defence for Palace.

Swansea XI: Fabianski, Rangel, Bartley, Williams, Taylor, Ki, Shelvey, Sigurdsson, Routledge, Montero, Bony.

Crystal Palace XI: Speroni, Ward, Dann, Hangeland, Kelly, Jedinak, Ledley, Bolasie, Puncheon, Chamakh, Gayle.

Rodgers on dropping Gerrard

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgerson dropping Steven Gerrard to the bench: "We have a lot of games in a short period of time so we've just made a few changes to the team - nothing to do with form or anything like that. It is purely to freshen up the team in a one or two areas. Steven Gerrard has been a fantastic player and still is, but at this stage of his career he can't in play every game."

Team news

Defender Marcos Rojo replaces Paddy McNair as one of three changes to the Manchester United team that beat Arsenal last time out. Midfielder Juan Mata and Ashley Young come in, with Luke Shaw and Tyler Blackett making way.

Striker Radamel Falcao, who has been out since 20 October with a calf injury, is named among the substitutes.

Hull make two changes after their 2-1 defeat by Tottenham on Sunday. Tom Huddlestone is dropped, with Mohamed Diame coming in, while James Chester comes in to replace Gaston Ramirez, who is suspended.

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Smalling, Carrick, Rojo, Valencia, Fellaini, Mata, Di Maria, Young; Rooney, Van Persie.

Hull XI: McGregor, Chester, Dawson, Davies, Elmohamady, Livermore, Diame, Ben Arfa, Robertson, Brady, Jelavic.

SUBSTITUTION

Attacking substitution for Albion - and boy do they need it. Nigeria striker Victor Anichebe replaces defensive midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu as Baggies boss Alan Irvine goes on the offensive.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger fistpumps the West Bromwich air in the manner of celebrity Gooner Ian Poulter after he has just sunk a Ryder Cup-wining putt.

Getty Images

"1-0 to the Ars-en-al" sing the delighted travelling fans. Now can their heroes hang on to that scoreline? Less than half an hour to do it.

Team news

Remember Andy Carroll? The injury-hit striker starts for West Ham against his former club Newcastle at Upton Park.

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

"A quick, swift attack from Arsenal, and it is that man Santi Cazorla who makes it. He has been the best player on the park. A little bit of skill to beat Andre Wisdom, he hangs up the cross, Ben Foster gets a hand to Danny Welbeck's header but it has too much power. Arsenal have deserved it."

GOAL

Getty Images

Ah. There were better signs for Albion, but not any more. Santi Cazorla skips around the Albion defence before dinking the ball back from the left-hand byeline on to the head of Danny Welbeck. The England striker plants a firm header past Ben Foster, who can't claw it out.

Albion have shown much more attacking intent since the break, winning a corner which Joleon Lescott heads wide. Better signs for the home side...

"Shooooot!" That's the cry from the Arsenal fans behind the goal which their team is attacking as Alexis Sanchez sizes one up. But a wall of Albion shirts stand between him and the net, Craig Dawson putting in the block.

Team news

Shockwaves at Anfield as skipper Steven Gerrard is dropped to the bench for the visit of Stoke - 16 years to the day he made his senior Reds debut.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Stephen Vincent: Oooh lucky Arsenal there, Berahino clearly onside.

Madan Roka: WBA need to get Berahino one on one with Mertesacker on a counter-attack.

Ayush: The Ox should come on for Flamini and push Ramsey to the holding role. Need these three points!

James Hodgson: What does Podolski have to do to get a game?

Getty Images

Finally we're seeing signs of life at either end. Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker scuffs a low shot wide after Ben Foster goes walkabout from the Albion goal as he tries to catch a high ball. Then, Albion forward Saido Berahino drag a shot wide of the near post as he cuts in from the left.

Team News

Breaking team news from Old Trafford where defender Marcos Rojo starts for Manchester United - his first appearance in the starting line-up since 2 November. That's a good start to the day for United.

YELLOW CARD

You can't pull an opponent's shirt and expect to get away with it. West Brom winger Graham Dorrans is the first man to go into the notebook for tugging back Kieran Gibbs.

Arsenal chance. The Gunners create an opening for Aaron Ramsey, but the Baggies defence slam shut the door to block the Welshman's shot from just inside the area.

Stat attack

Arsenal have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six Premier League games that have been 0-0 at half-time

Text us on 81111

Barb, Derby: What did Oxlade-Chamberlain do wrong when we are carrying Ramsey and Cazorla? Beggars belief. Where's the pace gone from the last match? Criminal!

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

"In the first half Arsenal had all the play - Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey could have scored, Santi Cazorla had three chances - but they went in without a lead. Against Swansea Arsenal had all the chances and paid the price. Against Manchester United they had a lot of chances in the first half, and paid the price.

"If Alan Irvine gets his changes right and West Brom start to improve, there is a danger of the same happening here too."

More attacking intent now from the home side. Baggies fans roar on their team, imploring them to stick the ball into the mixer quicker. That they don't do and Arsenal nick back possession.

Saido Berahino drifts out to the left, leaving Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny napping, to latch on to an Albion pass. The Baggies' top scorer finds himself in acres of space as he bears down on the Gunners goal - only to be stopped in his tracks by the referee's whistle. The flag is up for offside. Tight.

KICK-OFF

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Albion have another 45 minutes to feed themselves from the goal trough. Game on.

There is a drought in the West Midlands - a goal drought. West Brom, who have not even had a shot on goal, have not scored through one of their own players in 315 minutes. Their last goal was 268 minutes ago - and that came off the thigh of Leicester's Esteban Cambiasso.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Erik Cummins: Too many #wba players looking for a safe and easy option when attacking.

Kiriama16: Welbeck will eventually find himself on the bench, he is simply goal shy.

Paul Gibbons: The most interesting part of that first half for me was going into the kitchen to make a cup of tea.

Stat attack

BBC

BBC Radio 5 live

Ahead of the today's early kick-off, Hull City winger Robert Snodgrass talked about West Brom using their pace to get in behind Arsenal's lumbering backline. They haven't listened.

"Arsenal are hard to stop when they're in full flow but there are gaps," he told BBC Radio 5 live. "Video analysis shows the amount of space behind Per Mertesacker, who is a very good defender, but is not the quickest. If West Brom, particularly Saido Berahino, can get into these gaps they will create chances.

"When we went to the Emirates earlier in the season, we sat back, hit them on the counter and we were looking to expose those gaps. The good managers tell their players 'use your qualities and exploit their weaknesses'."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Manchester United midfielder Maourane Fellaini on Twitter: "Me and a dream team ;-) we are ready for today. And you? Ready?"

Wonder if this counts as early team news from Old Trafford? Radamel Falcao and Marcos Rojo are both in there.

@fellainiM

Storm clouds replaced by Old Trafford sunshine

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

BBC

"There is blue sky and hazy autumn sunshine at Old Trafford and I have even seen a couple of Manchester United fans in shorts - they might regret that decision in a couple of hours. It was T-shirt weather the last time United lost at home, to Swansea on the opening day of the season, and the only team to leave with a point since then were Chelsea, so Hull's task today would be tough enough even if they were not on an awful run of just one win in their last 11 league games."

While there is gloomy outlook at The Hawthorns - I'm talking about the weather not the football - things are relatively tropical in Manchester. Seriously. Let's look ahead to one of the key 15:00 GMT games...

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

"Towards the end of the first half we began to finally see some movement from West Brom going forward. But if we want to see more of that in the second half, Alan Irvine needs to change things, and bring on people who are willing to run at the Arsenal defence.

"Arsene Wenger will be disappointed too, though. For all of the chances his side have had, they don't have the half-time lead."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Joe Murphy: A big worry with us Arsenal fans is that in games where it's all us, we have fear we will concede, not confidence we will score.

Belete Eshetea: How Arsenal missed Koscielny, we look more stable at the back now!

Mark Boorman: Too many passengers for Arsenal so far this season, Ramsey and Cazorla way below par on what is expected from them.

HALF-TIME

Nope. Albion huff and puff in a late flurry, before referee Chris Foy blows time on an uneventful opening 45 minutes. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be the happier than his West Brom counterpart Alan Irvine though. Fifteen minutes for the Scot to weave some tactical magic.

INJURY TIME

The fourth official hoists his electronic toy into the air to show there will be one minute of stoppage time. Can anyone break the deadlock in the next 60 seconds?

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That can meat and potato puff pastry can wait - Albion are showing signs of life. Graham Dorrans pops up close to the right byeline, but steers his low cross straight into the hands of Gunners stopper Emiliano Martinez. As you were.

Sighs of frustration from the home fans as a rare Albion attack breaks down easier than your rusty old Vauxhall Nova. Chris Brunt's diagonal ball is far too strong for Andre Wisdom and goes out for a goal kick. I'd be heading down for a half-time pie if I was an Albion fan...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

John Pierce: You look at Cazorla and think c'mon man you give me a little bit more? Always on the periphery, never the main man.

Yullaw:‏ Too many above average players in Arsenal not enough excellence. That's why they challenge for fourth year in year out.

Dennis Waithera: Teams like it when they face Arsenal, same tactics and game plan so they just adapt.

Alex Leach: Good to see #Wenger has opted for the 5-0-5 formation today a la Ossie Ardiles at Spurs. What could possibly go wrong?

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

"It really is all Arsenal. Alan Irvine must be thinking: 'How can I change this?' Because the system he has put out is clearly not working.

"The problem West Brom have is that when they go forward everybody wants the ball to feet. Nobody wants to run and create space. They have got so many technically good footballers, but they've got no legs. There is no movement, and Arsenal are very comfortable. As soon as they get one, I can see the gates opening."

CLOSE!

This would have woken up Arsenal substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Gunners go close to the opening goal as home midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu cheaply gives away possession in his own area. Alexis Sanchez feeds Aaron Ramsey who skips around Mulumbu before firing low past the left-hand post.

PA

No goals. Few chances. Who said it was a snoozefest?

Apart from that one moment of madness (see 28 mins), Ben Foster has looked very assured in the Albion goal. He is called into action again, leaping high into the damp Black Country air to catch an Arsenal free-kick which is swung into his six-yard box.

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

"Arsenal are dominating the game and look more likely to score. So why don't West Brom change things and bring on Victor Anichebe maybe? He could help them bring the ball forward with power and pace. Because at the minute there is only going to be one winner."

Arsenal look the likeliest to bag a first-half opener, with Albion rarely bothering rookie keeper Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine gets his gloves mucky as he strays off his line to easily claim home skipper Chris Brunt's cross from the left touchline.

Beautiful build-up play from Arsenal. The Gunners create an opening with a slick, one-touch move which ends with Santi Cazorla drilling a tame effort at the Albion goal. Ben Foster does what he does best - using his hands - to gather.

Getty Images

Note to Ben Foster - if in doubt, get it out! The England stopper tries to take on Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who charges down Foster as he deals with a backpass on the right edge of his penalty area. The Albion keeper clunkily goes past the Frenchman, who nicks the ball but can't direct his shot from a tight angle into the empty net.

And seconds later, Foster is called into action again. Danny Welbeck, who seems to have pushed alongside Olivier Giroud in a two-pronged Gunners attack, races on to Aaron Ramsey's beautifully-weighted slide-rule pass. But Foster blocks his angled drive.

Getty Images

First moment of concern for Albion and their keeper Ben Foster. Foster barks orders at his team-mates as they organise a wall to face Alexis Sanchez. And it does its job as the Chilean's shot is blocked.

Getty Images

Getty Images

It's half-time in the Championship match that kicked off at 12:15 GMT. There have been plenty of chances for both sides, with Ipswich - who could go second with victory - going close through Luke Chambers and Daryl Murphy. At the other end, Addicks youth product Callum Harriott and full-back Chris Solly have also had good efforts.

SUBSTITUTION

Nacho Monreal's afternoon is over. The Spanish left-back has been struggling since that earlier clash (see 13 mins) and trudges off as his number appears on the fourth official's electric board. On trots England international Kieran Gibbs in a like-for-like swap.

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

"Yes West Brom want to pass the ball but they have nobody running forward apart from Saido Berahino. They are very easy to play against, they just keep passing the ball sideways or behind. You want them to go on and attack a player, take somebody on - that is what the fans want to see. They look scared."

West Brom have to defend an attacking Arsenal free-kick without one of their centre-halves as Craig Dawson is checked out after a head injury.

But his defensive partner Joleon Lescott does the job of two men as he heads clear Alexis Sanchez's inswinging set piece.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Kurt Booth: Looking at our forward line, Arsenal should walk to a victory here, but they've been too erratic this season for any guarantees.

John Pierce:‏ Ramsay picked out of necessity, surely if everyone was fit would have been left out. Woefully out of form.

Bob: I expect Arsenal to beat West Brom 4-0. Giroud is back and now he has Welbeck to work with, which means goals, goals, goals!

Albion enjoy their first bit of sustained pressure, but it is all around the halfway line without much penetration. Arsenal, like a predatory big cat stalking its prey, are ready to pounce - and they do that very quickly with a swift counter. But home right-back Andre Wisdom is alert to a long diagonal ball and outmuscles Danny Welbeck to see out the danger.

Missed the opening quarter of an hour? Shame on you. But, in truth, you've missed little. No golden chances at either end.

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

"West Brom have started very brightly, but I'd like to see somebody get alongside Saido Berahino. Stephane Sessegnon doesn't get close enough for me. Berahino is working really hard, but he needs somebody up there with him.

"West Brom are dominating possession but Arsenal still carry that threat on the counter attack. When Arsenal are breaking Youssouf Mulumbu has been slow to track Santi Cazorla, who has had two good chances already."

Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal is limping around The Hawthorns pitch at the moment. The Spaniard collides with a Baggies opponent and appears to have bashed his knee in the process. He goes over to the touchline, has a word with Arsene Wenger, but decides to continue - for now.

The travelling Arsenal fans find their voice before their team threaten again. Danny Welbeck, playing on the left and joining Olivier Giroud up to at every opportunity, lays off to Santi Cazorla, whose stinger slaps the thigh of Craig Dawson. Ouch. We've all felt those on a cold Sunday morning.

Joleon Lescott used to be a standard Fantasy Football pick during his Everton days. And the Albion defender shows he has not lost his aerial prowess as he climbs highest to meet a cross from a short corner. But returning Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny is alert to prod clear, just before the sniffing Saido Berahino pounces.

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Arsene Wenger and zips do not get on. Six minutes in and the cold Frenchman is already struggling with his coat. But he is nearly warmed up by Alexis Sanchez's strike. The Chilean bursts forward with pace and power, smashing a low shot from the edge of the area into Ben Foster's hands.

Former England winger Chris Waddle at The Hawthorns

BBC Radio 5 live

"In every Premier League game any team has a chance and with Graham Dorrans, Stephane Sessegnon, Chris Brunt and Saido Berahino, West Brom can definitely score goals today. In fact this is a game where we will surely see plenty of goals - because Arsenal have started with Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla.

"I'm surprised that West Brom have been sitting deep so far. I thought they would have rushed this Arsenal side from the start - some of those players will likely be tired from midweek."

Albion coach Alan Irvine is already busy scribbling on his notepad as the home side try to get their foot on the ball. Presume he's making tactical notes and not making his afternoon shopping list.

Bright start from Arsenal. Santi Cazorla unleashes their first shot on target inside the opening two minutes. Albion keeper Ben Foster has his fingers stung but it's a comfortable save for the England man.

KICK-OFF

Chris Foy is the man in the middle today. He toots his whistle and that, unless I'm very much mistaken, means it is game on.

A cacophony of noise as the two sets of players stroll out of The Hawthorns' tunnel. The handshakes have been shaken, the obligatory photo of the captains and the match official has been snapped. We're ready to roll.

"Rumblings of discontent at Arsenal"

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

Football Focus

"Arsenal fans are not happy. We are beginning to see rumblings of discontent now. They want to be challenging for the league, and already in mid-November they're out of the running. Yes they're through to the Champions League final 16, which is important, but they have been there for the last eight or nine years. Now the fans are demanding more. But I don't think the board will ever sack Wenger. He might eventually decide it is time he moves away."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Edmund Emiowei: Just hoping Laurent Koscielny's return can be the cure for the defensive malaise that's afflicted the Gunners this past month.

Ed McKeon: Great to see Arsene Wenger trying something new by deploying Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck, hopefully it will be double trouble for WBA,

The World of Harv: Away to West Brom. Just the kind of game we lose. Hope the win in the week's given us some confidence!

Never a 'good' time to play Arsenal - Lescott

BBC Radio 5 live

West Brom defender Joleon Lescott does not believe that it is a "good time" to play Arsenal, despite the Gunners losing their last two Premier League matches.

"It's never a good time to play Arsenal because they're a good side and Arsene Wenger is a great manager," he tells BBC Radio 5 live. "Their philosophy doesn't change - whatever form they're in they will still play the same way.

"The manager has installed a certain philosophy and it seems to work - they are consistent in what they do.

"For us, after two defeats in a row, we have got a point to prove."

John Hartson

Former Gunners striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

"Arsenal conceding late goals are not all down to the manager - it's about the players taking responsibility. Individuals have to take control and it takes certain players in the Arsenal team to say 'we need to defend'.

"Arsene Wenger has got to bring in some commanding players who say to the rest 'come on, we've taken the lead, we need to make sure we don't concede and get a 1-0 win'."

The Gunners conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 at Swansea earlier this month, just days after Anderlecht fought back with a last-minute equaliser to draw 3-3 at the Emirates.

Ten-minute warning

The Hawthorns is filling up nicely on a grey afternoon in the West Midlands. But will a sparkling home performance brighten up a gloomy day for the Baggies fans?

Ten minutes until we will find out. So make your lunch, pack the kids of to swimming, do whatever you have got to do, and stick with us.

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'Don't expect too much from Wilshere'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder

"In Jack Wilshere's case, of course he can get back to the player he was. But it takes time.

"When I came back from an Achilles rupture it was a very serious injury, I had six months out, and there is something that plays on the back of your mind. It took a lot of mental strength.

"When he comes back people will want him to perform like he did before this problem straight away. It's not as easy as that."

Football Focus

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville

Football Focus

"Calum Chambers has been fantastic for Arsenal this season but he was poor against Swansea. He has had such an incredible rise that I think Arsene Wenger needs to start looking after him. Chambers is so versatile, he's an unbelievable talent, but there is a risk of burnout for young players, and that is what Micah Richards was talking about."

Football Focus

John Hartson

Football Focus

On Micah Richards' decision to go to Fiorentina:

"He certainly shouldn't rule himself out of playing for Manchester City again. He's a top full-back but he has got some tough competition in that position.

"He has gone to Fiorentina and he's is getting a lot of games, getting his confidence back. There is no reason why he can't go back and play for Man City."

On Richards' suggesting young players don't get a chance at City:

"He has a point. If you are a young striker at City or United, you are scoring goals in the Under 21s for fun, but they have the money to go and buy the best strikers in the world. I is soul destroying for the young players. If you are good enough you are old enough."

For more on Micah Richards' decision to leave City read Ben Smith's interview with the defender.

Hawthorns hoodoo

BBC

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder

PA

"Disappointment is the first thought that comes to mind about Jack Wilshere's injury. Because he was in really good form for both club and country.

"In the last two England games, against Slovenia and Scotland, he was one of the standout performers and had cemented that holding role."

BBC Radio 5 live

AP

Hull City winger Robert Snodgrass believes there was no malicious intent by Manchester United defender Paddy McNair in the tackle which injured Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.

"It looks nasty but these tackles happen in milliseconds," the Scotland international tells BBC Radio 5 live. "Sometimes players move quickly and the tackle looks worse than it is.

"I don't think we would be speaking about it if Wilshere wasn't out for so long. McNair didn't go to hurt him."

Wilshere out with ankle injury

While Arsenal welcome back Olivier Giroud for his first start since August, the Gunners are now without one of their other main men - Jack Wilshere. The unlucky England midfielder is out for another three months after ankle surgery.

Get involved: Who have you spotted in the High Street?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning we have been working with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live, and today we'd like you to send in your stories about spotting world famous players in mundane surroundings.

And if you've got any photographic evidence, we'd love to see it.

Al Corleone Perez: Me and my mates saw Daniel Sturridge at a buffet back when he played for Chelsea. He left his food and came to the door to take a few pictures and have a chat.

Karl McAteer: Matt Holland doing his tyre pressures at a garage in Colchester two weeks ago.

Kate Moon: Santi Cazorla waiting at a bus stop with his son on Hampstead Lane!

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the Match of the Day Facebook or BBC Sport Google+ page.

Pre-match manager chat

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger speaking to BT Sport: "I think it can work, with Danny Welbeck on the flank and Olivier Giroud more in the middle. Alexis Sanchez is playing as well so let's see if we can find the balance between attacking well and defending today.

"The dynamic in the group is very good, the desire is there. We want to add that defensive focus and get some clean sheets."

From Middlesbrough to Florence

Football Focus

BBC Sport

BBC

Tune into Football Focus now. Go on. As well as an interview with Manchester City defender Micah Richards, on loan at Serie A club Fiorentina, this week's Football Focus features on Middlesbrough, sitting third in the Championship under Spanish manager Aitor Karanka.

BBC

Scottish Cup latest

It's the fourth-round of the Scottish Cup today and the action is under way at Dens Park where Dundee host Aberdeen, which you can watch on BBC One Scotland.

Former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Scotland boss Gordon Strachan are in the crowd and you can also follow the action, along with the thrills and spills of Saturday's 14 ties, with BBC Sport's live text.

Nice bit of Arctic Monkeys blasting out of the Hawthorns' PA system. Some might suggest that Danny Welbeck could be a Mardy Bum because he looks likely to have been shoved out on to the wing with Olivier Giroud starting.

But I can tell you that Welbz definitely does not 'have the face on'. The England forward is all smiles as he warms up.

KICK-OFF

Think it's an early start at The Hawthorns? Well, Charlton and Ipswich supporters had to set their alarm clocks even earlier. Their Championship match has just kicked off.

Premier League players on Twitter

@cristiangamboa

West Bromwich Albion defender Cristian Gamboa: "Game against Arsenal, here with the famous Joel Campbell."

Gamboa and Arsenal forward Campbell were part of the Costa Rica team that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in Brazil this summer.

Alexis Sanchez is the last out of the dressing room as Arsenal emerge to a smattering of applause from the few Gunners fans who are already inside the Hawthorns.

And I'm pleased to report, as the away players begin a one-touch passing drill, that returning striker Olivier Giroud's coiffured quiff is looking magnifique. How we have missed the slickest barnet in the Premier League.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Matt Fallon: Not sure why Kieran Gibbs has dropped to the bench. He's been outstanding lately.

Michael Koziol: So, Danny Welbeck leaves Manchester United because he didn't want to play at left wing and now he starts for Arsenal in that very position?

Pre-match manager chat

West Brom boss Alan Irvine talking to BT Sport: "You know what a good attacking force Arsenal are. There is no doubt. They pass it extremely well, their movement is terrific and they have individuals who can open you up with a dribble. If you give it back to them cheaply they can hurt you all afternoon so our usage of the ball will be key."

Did you have any doubts over picking Saido Berahino following his drink-drive arrest? "Not at all. It's an investigation taking place away from the club. For the moment we pick our best players and Saido is one of them."

The Albion players gather in the Hawthorns tunnel as they wait to go out for their warm-up. Not exactly sure what they're waiting for. Perhaps the groundsman is still painting the lines.

Georgios Samaras - at least I think it is the Greek striker - is heavily wrapped up in the biting Black Country weather. Woolly hat - check. Gloves - check. Massive snood - check. Not quite Crete, eh Georgey Boy?

Five minutes to go...

Football Focus

BBC Sport

Consider yourself officially alerted - Football Focus gets underway at 12:10 GMT on BBC One for viewers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For viewers in Scotland, it's BBC Two.

Afternoon all!

Thanks Mandeep. He has been playing the lone striker role over the last few hours and, rather like Olivier Giroud, I'm arriving to take some of the pressure off my team-mate.

In less than 45 minutes, our feast of Saturday football will begin when West Brom v Arsenal arrives at the Premier League table. As soon as we polish that one off, we have six more top-flight matches starting at 15:00 GMT.

And, if you've still got the stomach for it, Sunderland v Chelsea is our dessert at 17:30 GMT. Ready? Let's tuck in.

Getty Images

Right that's it from me. I'm off to see if it's safe to go to the supermarket again after the mayhem of Black Friday. I'm handing over to Mr. Jurejko and you couldn't be in safer hands to stay in touch with the latest Premier League action. Enjoy.

Get involved: Who have you spotted on the High Street?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning we have been working with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live, and today we'd like you to send in your stories about spotting world famous players in mundane surroundings.

@chriswc1999

Chris Chandler: I once met the whole Brazil team at a health spa. Here's me and Ronny.

@nicbillot

Nic Billot: Met Ronaldo (the real one) at the gym last week - he's definitely still got it.

Phil Duckworth: I did some photocopies for Jack Charlton in a stationary shop in Stockport.

Big Jack's no match for Big Ron though is he?

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the Match of the Day Facebook or BBC Sport Google+ page.

Fans hit by motorway closure

*Traffic update klaxon*

BBC Radio 5 live is usually your calling point for traffic news, but when a big incident affect the footballing fraternity we're going to tell you about it.

And it's bad news for any football fans travelling to and from the north-east of England today. The A1 road has been closed in North Yorkshire after reports of an explosion near Catterick.

A six-mile (10km) stretch of the road has been closed, and is likely to affect Newcastle fans travelling down to West Ham and Blackburn supporters going to Middlesbrough.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS

West Brom top scorer Saido Berahino plays despite the revelation of his arrest for alleged drink-driving. Midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu returns to the side, while defender Sebastien Pocognoli was a doubt but makes the starting line-up.

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud makes his first start since August after returning from a broken leg and coming off the bench to score in the defeat by Manchester United last week. He partners Danny Welbeck up front. Centre-back Laurent Koscielny is also back for his first game since 5 October.

West Brom: Foster, Wisdom, Lescott, Dawson, Pocognoli, Gardner, Mulumbu, Brunt, Dorrans, Sessegnon, Berahino.

Arsenal XI: Martinez, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Welbeck, Alexis, Cazorla, Giroud.

Get involved: Who have you spotted on the High Street?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning we have been working with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live, and today we'd like you to send in your stories about spotting world famous players in mundane surroundings.

And if you've got any photographic evidence, we'd love to see it.

Jason Smith: At a vehicle check point in Newry I stopped a car and asked the driver for identification. He pulled out a picture driving licence with the name "Patrick Jennings". I asked him to open the boot and inside there was a set of golf clubs. I asked him if he was any good at golf, he replied: "No, but I'm pretty good at football". I bid him good night. As he pulled away I realised, that it was Pat Jennings - Arsenal, Tottenham and Northern Ireland goalkeeper.

Nicholas Simon Dryer: I served Jordi Cruyf with a copy of Championship Manager in PC World Manchester.

Les Barnes: Saw the legend Peter Beardsley in my local Chinese takeaway.

Ben Larthe: I once served Titus Bramble in Tesco the night before a Newcastle game, he bought a six pack of iced doughnuts. Not a strange place, but a funny story.

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the Match of the Day Facebook or BBC Sport Google+ page.

"I wasn't good enough for England"

Football Focus

BBC Sport

Fiorentina loanee and Manchester City defender Micah Richards will be on Football Focus, which starts at 12:10 GMT on BBC One, apart from in Scotland where you can watch it on BBC Two.

Richards will be discussing his time at City, his England hopes and talking about life in Italy. Make sure you tune in but here's a little snippet:

"Sometimes, when English players do well at a young age they get thrown in and get spat back out three or four years later. I was brought through too young," he says. "If you put me in an England shirt now, I'd be 10 times better than I was.

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"I had a couple of good seasons with City but positionally I wasn't good enough. Technically, I was not international standard."

You can read more from Micah's interview on Football Focus here.

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

"Alan Pardew has always seemed like a man with plenty of character and plenty of fight. He's won six in a row so deserves an awful amount of credit. Newcastle could go into the top four with a point West Ham."

Manager backing

Sunday Mirror football writer Andy Dunn: "I was at Newcastle's game against Hull - and it did smack of a last throw of the dice for Alan Pardew. But what's fascinating about that game - and we talk about players and whether they are behind a manager or not - is when Hull went 2-0 up you sensed these Newcastle players had a chance, if they wanted to, to get Pardew out. But they didn't.

"They showed in that game they were behind the manager and I think what happened then was that the fans saw the players were behind Pardew and they essentially ended this vehement campaign to get him out."

BBC

Protective Pardew

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Newcastle boss Alan Pardew taking flak from Magpies supporters helped protect the players during their winless spell earlier in the season, reckons Hull City winger Robert Snodgrass.

"That takes the pressure off the players and he took a lot of criticism. He must hang been hanging on. I was surprised he kept his job to be honest," says the Scotland international.

"The turning point actually came against us at Hull. We were 2-0 up and they pulled it back to 2-2 when Cisse scored two late goals. That probably kept him in his job.

"People that want it that bad, put their neck on the line, and the players take it upon themselves to say 'lads, the manager's taking some criticism here. We need to muck in as well'. Fair play to the players and him."

Get involved: Who have you spotted on the High Street?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning we have been working with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live, and today we'd like you to send in your stories about spotting world famous players in mundane surroundings.

And if you've got any photographic evidence, we'd love to see it.

@karimdaffy

Karim Dalfash: Juan Mata in a fast food restaurant in Wandsworth, three summers ago in his Chelsea days. He ordered a Big Mac, no one spotted him.

Charlie Warner: My dad and I met Peter Beardsley at Disneyland about 10 years ago. Still have his autograph on the same page as Mickey Mouse!

Alex Mosely: My dad sold Dennis Bergkamp a carpet in Edgware about 15 years ago. Didn't know it was him until he wrote the cheque!

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the Match of the Day Facebook or BBC Sport Google+ page.

Memory jog

We've got a packed day of Premier League action today and here's a little reminder of the eight games taking place. (Kick-off at 15:00 GMT unless stated.

West Brom v Arsenal (12:45 GMT)

Burnley v Aston Villa

Liverpool v Stoke

Man Utd v Hull

QPR v Leicester

Swansea v Crystal Palace

West Ham v Newcastle

Sunderland v Chelsea (17:30 GMT)

Money, money, money

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I doubt many football agents were rushing around on Black Friday trying to grab a bargain.

Figures released show that Premier League clubs paid a record £115m to agents in the 12 months to the end of September 2014. Hold on a minute while I just take that in - £115m!!

Chelsea forked out the most by spending £16.8m, while Liverpool provided £14.3m to agents and Premier League champions Manchester City dishing out £12.8m.

Manchester United spent just short of £8m, almost double their previous year's spending with agents of £4.3m.

Get involved: Who have you spotted on the High Street?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning, we have been working with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and today we'd like you to send in your stories about spotting world famous players in mundane surroundings.

Barry B: I bumped into the legend Gheorge Hagi at Sydney Zoo, Paul Gascoigne on the Stansted Express, Alan Shearer and Rudi Voller at the Brandenburg Gate, Bruce Grobbelaar in a sauna in Cranleigh, George Best in Surbiton and finally Ian Wright kicking a bottle of water in frustration during England v Portugal in Gelsenkirchen.

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Pete, Lincoln: Served Mart Poom in a record shop in Derby. I remember he bought some pink Floyd CDs and David Gilmore solo stuff! Not bad taste for a footballer!

Tony, Bickley: Once saw Alan Shearer on a flight to Barcelona. What was embarrassing was my mum thought it was Robson Green. Safe to say he told us he was Alan Shearer and not Robson Green.

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the Match of the Day Facebook or BBC Sport Google+ page.

Please remember to add your name and location to any text message you send.

Rodgers safe - for now

BBC Radio 5 live

PA

Sunday Mirror football writer Andy Dunn believes suggestions that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could face the sack are premature.

"What he did last season gives him a season's credit. He will have until end of the season at least," he says.

"The owners will have no appetite for sacking him. Unless Liverpool face the possibility of relegation they won't do anything until next summer when they will reassure him or make a change."

Lack of leaders

John Hartson

BBC Radio 5 live

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"I was surprised when Brendan Rodgers talked in the week about a lack of confidence in the Liverpool squad.

"Two of the great things about Brendan are that he is fantastic man manager and he is a great motivator. So when he says that there is a lack of confidence in the team, that has got to stem from the manager. And that's alarming.

"But other than Steven Gerrard, there are not many leaders in the team. No one is commanding and there is a lack of leadership."

Get involved: Who have you spotted on the High Street?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning we are working with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and today we'd like you to send in your stories about spotting world famous players in mundane surroundings.

And if you've got any photographic evidence, we'd love to see it.

KissMyBas: Saw Jesus Navas last night outside a Spanish restaurant in the Trafford Centre!

@kissmybas

Malcom Buckley: I once saw David Seaman in a shop in Altrincham on Christmas Eve, browsing DVDs and looking slightly stressed.

Christopher Halsall: Met Edwin Van Der Sar in the queue for Legolands logflume. The pen was too wet to work, he said: "this is not a very good pen."

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the Match of the Day Facebook or BBC Sport Google+ page.

'Favourite for the sack'

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger might be coming in for some stick but another manager feeling the heat is Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers.

He could hardly do anything wrong last season in leading the Reds to seventh and back into the Champions League.

This season has not lived up to expectations though. Liverpool are 12th having lost three and drawn one in their last four league outings.

"A few months ago I was the manager of the year, now I'm favourite to get the sack," said Rodgers, whose side host Stoke today.

Van Persie to be dropped?

Daily Star

On the back of Robin van Persie's struggles against Arsenal, Louis van Gaal, according to the Daily Star, is apparently considering dropping his fellow Dutchman for the game against Hull today.

Van Persie has scored just three goals for United this season and his last one came just over a month ago.

Van Persie feeling low

One saving grace for Arsenal in their defeat by Manchester United last week was that their former striker Robin van Persie had a bad game.

That's not my words but those of United boss Louis van Gaal, who took off the forward after 75 minutes against the Gunners.

United play Hull today and in the build-up boss Van Gaal said: "You can count his touches on the ball and 13 is few for a striker.

"It was a very bad game for him. That is why I changed him."

Get involved: Who have you spotted on the High Street?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning we are working with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and today we'd like you to send in your stories about spotting world famous players in mundane surroundings.

And if you've got any photographic evidence, we'd love to see it.

AJPS: Gianfranco Zola regularly spotted at an Italian restaurant in St Albans on Monday lunchtimes during his Watford days.

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Stuart McArthur: Met Colin Hendry at a DIY store in Blackburn. He went in through the out door. #rebel.

Elliot Goldenburg: I sold Jimmy Greaves a set of golf clubs at a shop in Southend. He paid by cheque and I wanted to keep it for the autograph!

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the Match of the Day Facebook or BBC Sport Google+ page.

FA scapegoat

Independent

QPR will have Rio Ferdinand available again after a three-game ban for today's home game against Leicester.

The 36-year-old centre-back was suspended and fined £25,000 by the Football Association for comments he made on Twitter.

He has been having his say in The Independent and says: "They have many, many bigger issues going on that needed a lot more attention than my ban.

"I have got used to being made an example over the years when it comes to the FA."

Get involved: Who have you spotted on the High Street?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning, we are working with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you to send in your stories about spotting world famous players in mundane surroundings.

After some more obscure sightings earlier (see 09:57), now you're starting to impress.

Phil, St Albans: Saw Dennis Bergkamp coming out of Sainsbury's. Wasn't sure if it was him so followed him across the car park to see what car he got into. Top of the range Merc.

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Michael Hammond, Edmonton: Eric Cantona, Shoreditch High Street, one month ago, walking with his partner/girlfriend with an air of: 'I don't have to get back to work really.'

Lee, Manchester: I once walked by Carlos Tevez in the Trafford Centre. At first I knew the face but couldn't put the name to it until we were shoulder to shoulder, at which point I looked at him just blurted out "You're Carlos Tevez!" The look on his face told me he already knew that though.

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Please remember to add your name and location to any text message you send.

Richards feels sorry for Man City kids

Daily Express

Micah Richards has told the Daily Express that home-grown youngsters may never get the chance to play for Manchester City because of the intense pressure to get results.

The defender is on loan from City at Italian side Fiorentina. His comments come ahead of the opening of City's new multi-million pound academy next month as part of a long-term plan to produce their own players rather than buy ready-made talent.

West Brom striker Victor Anichebe is also ready to face Arsenal, after paying for his own fitness treatment following a hernia operation. During the last international break, the forward took himself off to a Californian training camp to regain his fitness.

First win for Moyes

EPA

David Moyes is trying to put his Manchester United nightmare behind him by rebuilding his reputation at Spanish side Real Sociedad and got a win on the board at the second attempt.

His side comfortably beat Elche on Friday night thanks to a hat-trick from ex-Arsenal striker Carlos Vela.

"I'm smiling because we've won and I'm very happy but I want more," said Moyes. "I thought there were some small signs of a little bit of improvement, which was good.

"We had a special player and a special talent in Carlos Vela, who scored goals which made a big difference."

Get involved: Who have you spotted on the High Street?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning, we are working with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you to send in your stories about spotting world famous players in mundane surroundings.

Although you'd struggle to say any of the player mentioned below were world famous.

Ben Jackson Taylor: I met Clayton Blackmore outside a kennels way back in his Middlesbrough days.

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Stuart Ingram: Met Ray Parlour at a burger stall near the M25 in the early hours! Was with an Arsenal fan who got his autograph on a napkin!

Craig Stephens: I once saw Alf-Inge Haaland shopping in a music store at York Designer Outlet.

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Carragher on Gerrard

In his column for the Daily Mail, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says, despite a dip in form this campaign, Steven Gerrard would still be one of the first names on the team-sheet if Liverpool were to play in a major cup final.

"Some critics believe he should be out of the picture. Others couldn't be without him. Where do I stand? Well, put it this way, if Liverpool were playing in a major final now, Steven would be one of the first names I'd put down on the teamsheet. My reasons would have nothing do with sentiment."

The Liverpool captain celebrates 16 years with the Anfield club against Stoke City this afternoon.

Di Maria on life without the Champions League

Daily Mail

Right, that's enough of West Brom v Arsenal chat for the time being. Let's switch our attentions to some of the stories doing the rounds as well as in today's papers.

Firstly, speaking in the Daily Mail, Manchester United forward Angel Di Maria has revealed that he has no interest in watching this season's Champions League on TV with the club not involved in the competition.

The Argentine prefers to spend time with his daughter instead. "No, I don't watch the (European) matches," he smiled. "I play with my daughter instead. It's more important."

Get involved: Who have you spotted on the High Street?

As is now usual on a Saturday morning, we are working with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and asking you to send in your stories about spotting world famous players in mundane surroundings.

Ben, Nantwich: Saw Robbie Savage in a sports shop once buying seven pairs of white trainers, he made a little kid carry them for him!

Jonny Kelly, Durham: As a Manchester United fan, seeing and playing with former reserve team player of the year, Ollie Gill, week in week out at University was always strange!

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, send us a text on 81111 (UK only), or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Please remember to add your name and location to any text message you send.

Goal shy Baggies

Like Arsenal, West Brom have also lost their last two league games but a win for Alan Irvine's side will move them to within a point of the Gunners.

The Baggies, though, are struggling for goals as they haven't scored a league goal in 223 minutes since they benefitted from an own goal against Leicester. In terms of a West Brom player scoring, it's been 270 minutes since one found the net.

Baggies striker Saido Berahino will be hoping to change that and he is available despite the revelation of his arrest for alleged drink-driving.

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Groundhog Day

Arsenal did qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League for the 15th consecutive season with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in midweek.

But, while that will keep the moneymen happy, for some Arsenal fans it's just like Groundhog Day.

Arsenal will get to the knockout stages of Europe's top compo but go out to a big team and they then do enough to finish in the top four to get back into the Champions League.

But, there is no realistic league title assault and supporters constantly remind Arsene Wenger he needs some steel in the squad to combat the counter-attack problems that have plagued the squad.

The Danny Baker Show

BBC Radio 5 live

Football + entertainment = The Danny Baker Show. Tune your ears into BBC Radio 5 live for this pleasurable equation as you demolish your pre-match breakfast or, if you really are a hardcore supporter, already making a long journey to the game.

BBC

Danny loves a leftfield conversational topic to kick off the weekend and today is no different. So, after German giants Borussia Dortmund decided to train in London's Regent's Park, he's talking 'World Famous Players Spotted In Mundane Surroundings'.

Have you spotted Jurgen Klopp in a clothes shop? Or seen Roy Keane at a service station on the M6 Northbound? Tell Danny, and us, by using #bbcfootball on Twitter or via text on 81111 if your hilarious story needs telling in more than 140 characters.

You can also listen to The Danny Baker Show by hitting the live coverage tab at the top of the page.

'Heartbreaking divorce'

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Love him or hate him, Piers Morgan is a passionate Gooner and let fly about Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on BBC Radio's 606 phone-in show in the aftermath of the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last week.

"At what point do Arsenal fans wake up, smell the capuccino and say 'enough'?" asked Morgan adding that the club are enduring a 'record of unrelenting failure'.

He wants Wenger out. "It's a heartbreaking divorce but divorce it has to be," says Morgan.

Feeling the heat

Hello and welcome to another Premier League production when Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger takes his side to The Hawthorns for the early kick-off to face Alan Irvine's West Brom.

The Gunners have lost their last two top-flight games and the heat is building again on Wenger after the club's worst start to a league season in 32 years. Yep, that's 32 years.

We'll be getting the thoughts of plenty of people about Arsenal in the build-up to the game as well as plenty of chat about the other games to tickle your football tastebuds.

Joy and despair

Just over six months ago, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was the toast of the Gunners as he ended a nine-year trophy drought by winning the 2014 FA Cup...

EPA

There was the hope of a promising title-challenging season when he was back up those famous Wembley steps to lift the Community Shield after a win over Manchester City...

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But now, after a poor run of league form, his critics are back with plenty of head scratching going on from Wenger.

PA