Premier League reaction

1. Leicester battle from 2-0 down to draw at Liverpool
2. Szczesny errors gift Saints two goals
3. Hull beat Everton 2-0, Bony saves Swans at QPR
4. Newcastle 3-3 Burnley - late Boyd leveller
5. Pardew in the crowd for Villa 0-0 Palace

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Right then, that is just about all the reaction we have for now on today's Premier League action. Keep an eye on the BBC Sport website for any further comments from managers and players but for now head on over to our coverage of Tottenham's game against Chelsea.

The hosts lead 3-1 at the break, making things interesting at the top of the Premier League table, and setting things up for a thrilling second half.

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet on Yaya Toure's goal: "He does it all the time against us! He did it in the cup final last year. He is a specialist in scoring great goals against Sunderland!"

Player reaction

Vincent Kompany tweeted: "It wasn't easy but we started the new year in style. Looking forward to the FA Cup on Sunday! Love that competition."

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says he hopes Edin Dzeko will be fit within a week, with Sergio Aguero available a week or so after.

He again plays down speculation linking him with a move for Swansea striker Wilfried Bony.

Player reaction

QPR goalkeeper Rob Green on escaping a red card when he handled outside of the area to deny Wayne Routledge: "It's one of those where I started sliding out of the box and realised I couldn't do anything to get out of the way. It is something I got away with."

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

"Burnley thoroughly deserved it, coming from being a goal down, 2-1 down and 3-2 down. They have got a little bit up front and they are starting to find their feet now."

Manager reaction

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Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "We had to make three changes and it was all going off in that first half.

"We had to deal with it and after that I thought we were outstanding, right to the death when we were still looking to score.

"The belief was still there and I thought some of the quality of our play was exceptional.

"Going into Christmas people said we might not win a game but we have taken five points from five teams in the top 10 and two in the top four. We still need get more points but we are going in the right direction and the performance levels are very high."

Manager reaction

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Newcastle caretaker manager John Carver: "I don't think I have been involved in such a game of, to use the old cliche, two halves.

"We controlled the game and played really good football in the first half but the second half was pretty awful.

"I thought we had got out of jail (with Cissoko's goal) but they should have won the game. They were the better team over 90 minutes. They caused us more problems than we did them.

"We think Steve Taylor has snapped his Achilles tendon, which is disappointing."

Newcastle caretaker-manager John Carver was denied victory as George Boyd scored a late equaliser for Burnley. Carver was in charge ahead of Alan Pardew's expected departure.

Manager reaction

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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "We would have had three points if we had a little bit more patience and stop getting over-anxious in terms of throwing too many forward.

"In trying to be creative we were over-creative and then they scored on the break. It's always difficult to play three games in such a short space - you could see the fatigue level in both teams.

"West Brom camped themselves in their half after the break. We didn't manage to break them, apart from the Aaron Cresswell free-kick."

Manager reaction

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "We missed an opportunity at 2-0 up but I can't be too disappointed. We didn't play well and Leicester did, so a point was about right. We've got seven points out of nine, and that keeps us moving forward.

"We said at half-time it was still a dangerous game and once they got momentum they continued to play well. We didn't create enough in final third to warrant three points."

Manager reaction

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West Brom assistant Rob Kelly: "Both teams created chances and could have nicked it. The game got strung out a little bit. It was a good testament to our players that we played well until the end. West Ham are a top six team.

On the messages sent from new manager Tony Pulis in the stands to the bench: "There weren't really that many messages. We put into work the gameplan [former manager] Alan Irvine put in place. They came up with one or two ideas [Pulis and his former assistant Dave Kemp]. They let me, [fellow coach] Keith Downing and [goalkeeping coach] Dean Kiely get on with it."

New manager Tony Pulis watched West Brom produce a gutsy performance to pick up a deserved point at West Ham. The former Stoke boss sat in the stands, but appeared to relay instructions to the players and also visited the dressing room at half-time.

Manager reaction

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Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert: "It was frustrating because we never took our chances. We looked comfortable with a lot of possession. We have lost two of the last 10 but we would like some more wins in there. In all credit to them we kept on going but we could have got a goal or two.

"You have to give Palace credit because they got everyone behind the ball and sat deep and kept it tight. We had creativity there but never took our chances.

"I remember playing here last year against Palace and got hit by a sucker punch and we didn't want that to happen again. You don't want players to pass for the sake of passing. We have started something new and we just need to finish it off.

[On whether there will be any transfer activity at Villa in January?] "I don't know. I need to speak with the chairman and the chief exec. If we can do something and it is right for the club financially I am sure we will."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jay: Not seeing many of those "Replace Arsene Wenger with Roberto Martinez/Jurgen Klopp" comments this season. Wonder why!

Wrongfooted: So what's that, eight points now that Lampard's gained City this season? Chelsea fans must surely be getting fed up with this now.

Javel Bleach: Brendan Rodgers is Liverpool's most valuable asset at the moment. Others need to step up.

Player reaction

Swansea striker Wilfried Bony, who started on the bench: "It was up to the coach to make his choice. Everyone wants to play, when I came on the pitch I wanted to show him i should have started. I felt we deserved to win the game but in the circumstances one point was not bad."

Manager reaction

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QPR manager Harry Redknapp: "It is a frustrating to concede with a minute-and-a-half to go. We should have seen the game out from there. We couldn't have asked for any more from the players.

"Leroy Fer is a great striker of the ball, we need him to keep shooting. He has all the tools, he can be bit casual when he needs to be a bit sharper but the sky is the limit for him. How Charlie Austin's chance didn't go in right at the end I don't know. It was two points dropped for us. We need to start winning games away and I think we need another six wins further down the line (to survive)."

Manager reaction

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Swansea manager Garry Monk: "Rob Green clearly handballed outside the area. There was no obstruction. It baffles me. It was a game-changing moment for us. We didn't get that decision and we have to move on with the game.

"I don't know what more I can say in terms of these situations happening with us. We seem to be on the wrong end of nearly all of them. Wayne could have had his leg broken. The linesman said Wayne Routledge kicked out but replays show he doesn't. I hope people see sense. I hope the authorities do the right thing and we get the red card rescinded. In the end we got out just rewards with Wilfried Bony's goal."

Wilfried Bony's injury-time goal rescued a point for 10-man Swansea to deny QPR, but the big talking point from that game was when home keeper Rob Green escaped a red card early on when he handled outside the area to deny Wayne Routledge.

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Asim S. Tanauli: Szczesny needs a rest, he is trying too hard and is becoming very "trying" for us fans. Give Emiliano Martinez a run.

Shohidur Rahman: Would Szczesny start for any other top-half side in the Premier League? Don't think so. Average keeper on his best day.

Abdul Said: If Arsenal need a striker and have Lukas Podolski then why don't they use him?

Manager reaction

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Hull manager Steve Bruce, who this week dismissed talk of becoming Newcastle's next manager: "The Newcastle thing seems to be inevitable because I'm a Geordie. But I've still got a job to do here and today was more like it.

"We've had an awful November and December, but over the last couple of weeks I've seen the tide turning. We put in a terrific performance today and some of them have run themselves to a standstill. Three or four of them have injuries that are awful. I'm convinced we'll have a better second half of the season than we did the first."

On the decision to award a free-kick instead of a penalty following Gareth Barry's third-minute foul on Abel Hernandez: "The linesman in my opinion should have made that call, but thankfully it didn't matter today."

Manager reaction

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Crystal Palace caretaker boss Keith Millen: "It is tough to come here and Villa pass the ball well. We kept our discipline and shape and had the best chance of the game [through Yannick Bolasie]. We ran out of legs trying to hurt them the other way. I am delighted with the lads' commitment. But we need to take our chances to win games of football. If that goes in, the way we are set up, it would have been hard for them to get back into the game.

"Alan [Pardew] came in after the game and congratulated everybody but he did say we need to be better going forward.

"I spoke to him before the game. He didn't interfere with tactics. After he introduced himself to the team. Hopefully he can improve the team and make us better. We need to win games to stay in this league.

"I had brief discussion with Alan and he says he is happy with the staff here and what we do. I am sure there will be more discussions. He will look at the staff and structure but at the moment he has told us to get on with it and work hard."

Tottenham versus Chelsea has just kicked off and you can follow all the action via our dedicated coverage page. If it is manager reaction you are after, then stay right here.

Former Hull and Everton player Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

"It is not good times at the moment, it was a really poor performance. No real attacking threat or cutting edge in the final third. Again today the goals they conceded were poor. Overall they are in a rut and they are struggling to get out of it.

"There is a lot of characters in that side. Some have been there five, 10 years so maybe it needs freshening up. He spent a lot of money on one signing Romelu Lukaku this summer so maybe he should have spread it around."

Manager reaction

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Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "We need to work as hard as we can. Yes we have some injuries, but we have the talent that we used so well last season. We know what we can achieve. We started well and once we conceded the goal the confidence dropped enormously. We need to find solutions internally. The quicker we get back to winning, the quicker we'll get rid of that low confidence.

"This is a challenging time but we need to look forward to the second half of the season. But clearly the performance today after letting the goal in was not up to the standards we expect. There's no panic but we're not happy. As a football club we can never accept the run of results that we've had. We're a football club that will find solutions and we'll try to bounce back straight away."

Four successive Premier League defeats for Everton means they slip to 13th, just four points above the relegation zone. The win for Hull, meanwhile, means they move up to 15th.

Manager reaction

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Southampton boss Ronald Koeman: "I think we played good football. We had very good organisation and had the best chances in the game. We had to kill it after 2-0 and in several moments our defending was outstanding.

"We had to score more. It's strange to beat Arsenal 2-0 and you're a little bit critical as we should have had three or four more at least today.

"We have a good team and can beat the big ones if we show the spirit we did today, everything is possible. We don't dream about the Champions League, we dream about our football and we will continue like that."

Manager reaction

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: "We looked like we were in control until the first goal. Overall they defended better than us. We made two mistakes and that cost us. The keeper kept them in the game with early chances and after that we helped them a lot.

The team really had a great generous attitude after what we had given at West Ham and to lose a game like that is difficult to swallow. Southampton are a good side but beatable today and we can only look at ourselves.

"When you're 1-0 down in the PL everyone tends to defend well and they did. We had chances today and were a bit unlucky as when Sanchez was through at 2-0 I don't see how the referee can't give a red card. It looks like he didn't get it right.

"We have to learn to win these kind of games. We will give our best to be as high as we can. We have to be more consistent."

Southampton punished two errors by Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to stay fourth in the Premier League. Szczesny raced from his goal in the first half to allow Sadio Mane to curl into an empty net from a narrow angle, and later kicked a loose ball while on the floor to Dusan Tadic, who poked in.

Manager reaction

More from Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini: "Nobody can be surprised with Frank Lampard. He is a top player with a huge amount of important goals in his career. When you use him in the second half, when players are tired, he knows exactly where to go and how to move. I always said that we would try to keep him for the rest of the season, it was not an easy decision but Frank is very happy to stay here and we need him here.

"I am very happy that New York City agree to leave him here until the end of the season. Maybe all the New York City fans want to see Frank Lampard playing and I understand. To see Lampard in New York is an amazing thing. I hope that he will be there next year but for now the best decision for everyone is for him to stay here."

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Final Score

"Leicester played with a real freedom that belied their position. Two debatable penalties but they picked themselves up and they really had a go. Nigel Pearson must have looked at that and said 'if we can bottle this we can really have a go'.

"And they have got pace too. On that performance today, forget about Liverpool, they made Liverpool look ordinary."

Manager reaction

More from Leicester manager Nigel Pearson on Liverpool's controversial penalties: "I would like, moving forward, for officials to have the benefit of technology. I think it would be good for the game, would clear up indecision, wouldn't create differences within the ground, and would be beneficial to everybody involved in the game.

"As a manager we are under pressure to get results and it would be beneficial if we allowed officials to have every tool available to help them get everything right for the good of the game."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Rob Burroughs: I know it's still decently early days yet, but four points above relegation was not where I expected Everton to be today.

Milo Thompson: Here's hoping that Pardew decides to take Williamson, Gouffran and Alnwick with him...

Davey Candlish: Newcastle fans booing a team that lost the lead three times? Sounds justified to me.

Manager reaction

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Leicester manager Nigel Pearson, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "I'm disappointed with the penalty decisions against us, and it begs the question about the use of technology, but I'll concentrate on the response from our players.

"We were dangerous, we showed our intent from the start. To come in two down was harsh. So I'm delighted for the players. They've put so much energy into the game and we showed we were a good side. A point was the least we deserved.

"We created chances throughout the game. We had to defend with a lot of determination and skill. When you face Liverpool, their quality will open you up. We showed resilience.

"We have to build on the last two results. We haven't always picked up the points our performances have deserved. But I'm pleased with how we responded to the disappointments of the first half."

Two controversial Steven Gerrard penalties seemed to have set Liverpool on course to victory against Leicester but the Foxes hit back with two goals in as many minutes.

A good point for Leicester, but boss Nigel Pearson is not best pleased with the penalty decisions...

Player reaction

Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward: "Away from home that is a good result and we also created the best chance of the game with Yannick [Bolasie] hitting the bar. We'll take the positives.

"There are things off the pitch we can't affect but off the pitch we have conducted ourselves brilliantly and prepared professionally. We have two draws from the last two games but we should have had two wins.

"It will be good to get him [Alan Pardew] in and for him to add to us and do what he wants to do. He has experience of managing in the Premier League. Hopefully when he comes in we will pick up the results we need."

Manager reaction

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Sunderland manager Gus Poyet: "The idea was to frustrate City. There wasn't much in the game until an incredible goal from Yaya Toure and then the game opened up. It was end-to-end, maybe too open but you can't concede straight away after we got it back to 2-2.

"In the first half we defended well but on the ball we were very poor. The Yaya Toure goal changed the game completely and when you open up against City you can concede four or five so we were in a tricky spot.

"We are not good enough to play that open. We could win 5-4 but we will probably lose 5-2. I won't be changing my ways.

"Anyone can put 11 players on the pitch and tell them to kick and run after it. You have to do more."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Martin: Really feel for New York City FC fans, who won't get to see a player they never had play for a team they've never seen in a stadium they haven't built.

BBC MOTD host (and former Leicester striker) Gary Lineker: Astonishingly spirited and excellent performance by Leicester to come back from two pony decisions at Anfield.

Birmingham Mail reporter Mat Kendrick: Cunning plan by Villa to be so late on Match of the Day that their 'highlights' end up being shown first on next week's show...

Manager reaction

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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "I think Frank Lampard is a very important player, particularly in these cases when you need a goal. But we played a very good 90 minutes, we moved the ball well and the only mistake was to give away a second goal from a penalty.

"The penalty was too easy for them. It was our mistake. We have Frank who scores goals but we also had four or five clear chances to score. Costel Pantilimon was their best player.

"We played against 10 defenders for the whole game. Of course I am concerned that again we threw away a two-goal lead but it was different than against Burnley.

"Don't expect Manchester City to be active in the transfer window. Yes, we can act, maybe bring in a player or two on loan but we are not rushing to do that."

How the table looks

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And here is the top of the table after Manchester City kept up the pressure on leaders Chelsea, who play Tottenham at 17:30 GMT, by beating Sunderland 3-2.

How the table looks

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So after today's games, this is how the bottom of the Premier League looks. Hull are the biggest winners, beating Everton to move up to 15th. The bottom five all drew.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Richard Parfitt: Newcastle fans booing one of the games of the season. What a negative club.

Chris Chin: Rodgers selection once again costs us points. Gerrard does not have the pressing or movement in the middle of the park. Awful.

Tom Chance: Lampard's late goals have directly earned Man City at least 7 points now. The title would be Chelsea's without him...

Team news

Want more football? You've got more football - Tottenham take on Premier League leaders Chelsea in today's late game and you can follow the action in our dedicated live coverage.

If you are sticking with us for all the reaction to the 15:00 GMT kick-offs, here is the team news for Tottenham v Chelsea:

Tottenham make three changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Manchester United last time out, with Danny Rose in for Ben Davies, Nabil Bentaleb replacing Benjamin Stambouli and Kyle Walker in for Vlad Chiriches.

Chelsea, who could lose their place at the top of the Premier League, also change three. In come Cesar Azpilicueta, Oscar and Willian, with Filipe Luis, John Obi Mikel and Andre Schurrle sitting out.

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Walker, Fazio, Vertonghen, Rose; Bentaleb, Mason; Chadli, Eriksen, Townsend; Kane.

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

Player reaction

PA

Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney: "We haven't spoken to him [Alan Pardew]. Keith [Millen] told us before the game he would be there and that gave us a bit of boost. He is an experienced manager and he is inheriting a great bunch of players. This team will do anything that is asked of it."

It says a lot that a man sitting in a chair is arguably the most exciting thing that happened at this game - the presence of Alan Pardew being the big talking point at Villa Park. Here's what Palace defender Damien Delaney has to say...

FULL-TIME

What a game! Mistakes, we've had a few, but then again, too few to mention...

FULL-TIME

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"The pivotal moment in the game was the Yaya Toure goal that opened the scoring. Sunderland were dogged, but once Toure scored, the game opened up - and Sunderland played their part in that. Man City come at you from all angles, though, and their attacking play in the second half was outstanding. It was a joy to watch."

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

The whistle is blown and Everton slump to their fourth successive defeat.

FULL-TIME

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FULL-TIME

PA

Lampard's done it again for City.

Steven Gerrard!

Over the bar...

Man City 3-2 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"Man City have been different class in an attacking sense in the second half. They could have had seven or eight, even more. The quality they have shown since half-time has been fantastic."

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

On Swansea goalscorer Wilfried Bony (16:47): "He is going to be heavily linked with a lot of clubs. He did sign a new contract but I think that is with a view to moving on."

FULL-TIME

Charlie Austin somehow skews a shot wide when it seemed certain he would score and the referee blows his whistle, all over.

FULL-TIME

You can go home now, Pards.

FULL-TIME

TP will be pleased with that spirited performance.

A third chance in as many minutes for James Milner but it's a tame effort at the keeper this time. The City stand-in striker is running around like the proverbial bull in a china shop, smashing into Sunderland's defenders.

INJURY TIME

INTO STOPPAGE-TIME...

Liverpool scramble one away...

INJURY TIME

James Milner and Frank Lampard are playing up front for Manchester City now. Why has Roy Hodgson never thought of this? Milner holds up the ball and then gets the ball back from Lampard before lashing a shot over. Five minutes of injury time are announced.

GOAL

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Wonderful goal by Wilfried Bony, who looks to have snatched Swansea a point! Ki Sung-yueng makes it, skipping along the edge of the area before playing the ball to Bony, who is in the middle of the area with his back to goal, he turns in one smooth move and lofts the ball into the back of the net. Brilliant goal.

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Final Score

"It's not been good defending from Liverpool. Leicester have been a bit unfortunate with two penalties. The first one hit Wes Morgan in the head. Liverpool were 2-0 up after two penalties, but Leicester have had a real go and they have all their forward players on. Nigel Pearson is thinking they might win this."

CLOSE!

A great chance! Lazar Markovic heads wide for Liverpool, six yards out, closed his eyes and put it wide...

Three added minutes at QPR, can the hosts hold on? Swansea are pressing...

SUBSTITUTION

Manchester City never sit back on a lead. They continue to go at Sunderland, although they have brought off David Silva to be replaced by James Milner.

GOAL

AP

What a game. What a game of football this has been! Burnley level it up again, George Boyd collecting the ball after a strong run from Danny Ings, moving it on to his left foot and crashing across Jak Alnwick and into the far corner. Superb strike.

RED CARD FOR EVERTON

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Everton's day just gets worse as Antolin Alcaraz is sent off, picking up a second yellow for a foul. Hull almost immediately capitalise as Abel Hernandez lofts a shot just wide.

FINAL FEW MINUTES...

All poised at Anfield, where Leicester go close with a wicked cross from the left which skims through the six-yard box, begging for a touch...

GREAT SAVE!

Manchester City are pouring forward now and Costel Pantilimon makes a smart save to deny Fernandinho from inside the area. Frank Lampard has a dig too, but that is deflected wide.

RED CARD FOR SWANSEA

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If Swansea are to get something from this, they are going to have to do it with 10 men, Wayne Routledge is sent off, seemingly for his reaction after a pretty nasty challenge by Karl Henry.

The first corner of the match arrives in the 86th minute and it's easily collected by impressive Hammers goalkeeper Adrian.

INTO THE LAST 10 MINUTES...

Burnley have come from behind already today, can they manage it again?

Potential new Palace manager Alan Pardew looks fed up in the stands. He should have stayed at home and watched The Adventures of Tintin on BBC One instead.

Man City 3-2 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"City have scored goals in all types of ways today. Having been predictable in the first half, their attacking play in the second has been a joy to watch. But Sunderland aren't out of it."

CLOSE!

So, so close for Swansea as Richard Dunne hacks Marvin Emnes's effort, which was dribbling towards goal, off the line. Swansea are cranking up the pressure with 10 minutes left...

GOAL

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Just as I was typing that Burnley look like nicking a winner, they concede! Those are the moments which could spell relegation. Ayoze Perez does brilliantly on the left to weave through two challenges, he picks out sub Adam Armstrong in the middle. The youngster scuffs his shot but it runs on for Moussa Sissoko - who puts his size 11 through it and blasts into the net.

The five goals scored in this match came inside 16 minutes. Crazy. Incidentally, it was Frank Lampard's 176th Premier League goal - taking him one clear of Thierry Henry in the all-time scoring list. Alan Shearer, Andy Cole and Wayne Rooney are the only players ahead of him now.

Arsenal continue to make pretty patterns with the ball but there doesn't appear to be any way through. When do we start taking Southampton's Champions League hopes seriously?

Sorry Everton fans, I can't bring you any good news from Hull. The hosts still lead 2-0 and, to be honest, it looks likely that is how this game will finish with the Toffees offering little in these closing stages.

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

On Manchester City's goal (16:29): "He just does what Frank Lampard has done for 10, 15 years. He just ghosts into the penalty area and he guides his header into the corner - from Gael Clichy's cross I think - he doesn't even have to jump."

Man City 3-2 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"The second half has been breathtaking. Whoever is editing the game for Match of the Day tonight can just leave out the first half."

CLOSE!

It's all happening at the Etihad where Yaya Toure slaloms into the box, Georgi Kinkladze-like, but Costel Pantilimon refuses to commit too early and makes a decent save at the feet of the Ivorian.

CLOSE!

Fabio Borini is on for Liverpool and fluffs his lines, leaning back to meet Raheem Sterling's cutback and screw it into the Kop. The chances still keep coming.

Enner Valencia and Matt Jarvis are on for the Hammers and they almost link up for a winner, with Jarvis's shot being saved by Ben Foster.

With chances at such a premium at Villa Park, the sides need to capitalise on the few that come their way. Christian Benteke is given a golden opportunity to break the deadlock for the home side but he blazes his first-time shot over the bar from inside the box.

Man City 3-2 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"You just run out of things to say about Frank Lampard. It's a fantastic header because there wasn't a lot of pace in the cross. He has made the difference throughout his career."

Swansea's finishing has let them down in this game and Garry Monk decides it is time to introduce eight-goal striker Wilfried Bony for Gylfi Sigurdsson. Just over 10 minutes for him to make a difference, which he almost does with a free-kick that is superbly saved by Rob Green.

GOAL

AP

New York can wait. It's all about bailing the lads out in Manchester for Frank Lampard who, minutes after coming on as a substitute, nods home Gael Clichy's cross, without jumping, to put City back in front. An amazing match is unfolding at the Etihad.

Hold on to your new year hats! Every game is set for a cracking last 15 minutes...

Man City 2-2 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"I can't believe what I'm seeing here. It's a definite penalty, and a great decision from the referee. You've got to tip your hat to Sunderland. They've shown immense character. It sets up a cracking last 15 to 20 minutes."

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Final Score

On Burnley goalscorer Danny Ings (16:24): "As the club has grown he has grown and he looks very, very comfortable at this level. The other side [to this] is that earlier he looked like he may have dived for a penalty. I think he stumbled. He got a yellow card for it though."

GOAL

PA

For the second time in a week, Manchester City lose a two-goal lead. Adam Johnson - like Jack Rodwell a former City player - steps up and sends the keeper the wrong way. What a fightback.

CLOSE!

Alexis Sanchez is so close to scoring for Arsenal! Florin Gardos is a lucky man to only see yellow for chopping down Sanchez, who then flips the free-kick on to the roof of the net.

PENALTY TO SUNDERLAND

It's happening again. Pablo Zabaleta cleans out Billy Jones just outside the six-yard box and it's a penalty!

Everton have improved in this half but not by much and chances of them getting anything from this game are looking increasingly slim. In fact, it is Hull who threaten for a third as Nikica Jelavic sends a free-kick just over.

CLOSE!

Mathieu Debuchy to the rescue this time! Again Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is at fault to flap at ball through and Debuchy scrambles back to head clear.

Man City 2-1 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"Fantastic from Sunderland. What a great response. They've shown plenty of character. Man City have looked vulnerable from set-pieces. Maybe we've got a game on again.

"But are we watching the same two teams we saw in the first half? The football now is fantastic."

GOAL

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Game, set and match? Scrap that. This game is given fresh impetus by Jack Rodwell who escapes his marker - Gael Clichy - to nod home a corner from 10 yards out. The Black Cats are given another life.

GOAL

PA

Thoroughly deserved! Moments after George Boyd tests Jak Alnwick with a stinging drive the visitors do get an equaliser as Danny Ings flicks in a header into the far corner. Burnley have been excellent since the break and are now level. Push for a winner?

GOAL

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Game, set and match? Manchester City double their lead when Gael Clichy plays in a lovely ball from the left and Stevan Jovetic shows a deftness of touch to sidefoot home from six yards out.

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

On Man City's goal (16:13): "It sat up for Yaya Toure from a bobbly pass and he has hit it sweetly on the half-volley. He takes over from Jack Colback for goal of the day."

Both sides are knocking the ball about well now, but there's little sniff of another goal. A time for heroes.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Just how many cats did the Burnley team bus run over this morning? It's not their day at all as Ben Mee hits the crossbar from a corner, the third time they have rattled the woodwork since half-time!

Danny Ings is then booked for a dive as he cuts inside Cheick Tiote.

Well, well, well! Not sure many of you saw that comeback on the cards! Fair play to Leicester who can maybe forget about those penalty decisions after all...

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

On Southampton's goal (16:14): "Mathieu Debuchy picks up a good position and then decides to take a touch in the six-yard box, Wojciech Szczesny and he get confused and Debuchy decides to clear it. Then it's a great finish from Dusan Tadic. Another mess at the back for Arsenal though."

SUBSTITUTION

Crystal Palace have played the Dwight Gayle card. Expect plenty of balls over the top now, in the general direction of the pacy striker.

QPR defenders back off Wayne Routledge on the edge of their area and the winger takes full advantage, opening up space for himself and shooting low at goal, but it is just wide. Marvin Emnes then comes on for Swansea as the striker, a bit-part player since signing permanently in the summer, replaces Nathan Dyer.

MOTD's Guy Mowbray at the Etihad

"There's a real pace to the game now with both teams passing the ball about with real purpose. Sunderland know they need to create something, City just know another chance will come."

GOAL

PA

What a comeback! Leicester are level and it's another fine hit from Jeff Schlupp this time, low and hard into the corner from 20 yards. Simon Mignolet didn't even move. Could he have done better? Liverpool shocked.

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"The goal was brilliant work from City. They've been very patient - I think all the outfield players were involved in that move. I did say earlier that if City couldn't play through Sunderland, it might take a 25-yard shot to get a goal. Yaya Toure is capable of that, and it was a thunderbolt.

"Sunderland have got a problem. They've brought on Emanuel Giaccherini to give them more of an attacking set-up. They're going to have to come out to try to get something, and that will open up the game. Thankfully."

GOAL

Reuters

Oh yes! What a goal that is! Jamie Vardy chests the ball into the path of Dave Nugent on the edge of the area and the one-time England man smashes it home on the bounce! First time, a sort of scissor kick motion into the top corner.

Brilliant hit.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Aaron Cresswell's low curling free-kick from 20 yards comes off the foot of the post, with Baggies keeper Ben Foster beaten.

Leighton Baines has moved into central midfield as a result of Roberto Martinez's half-time changes and Everton are looking much more solid, with Romelu Lukaku proving a nuisance in attack. He draws a fine save out of Allan McGregor after skipping past three challenges in the Hull area.

That came moments after Liam Rosenior went down with an injury and the first-half substitute is replaced by Harry Maguire.

GOAL

Reuters

Terrible, terrible defending again from Arsenal! Mathieu Debuchy cuts out a cross from the right with a heavy touch, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny chooses to stab it away with his feet but only straight to Dusan Tadic, who converts from close range. Just woeful.

GOAL

Getty Images

Just when it seemed there was no way through, Yaya Toure puts his sledgehammer of a right foot through the ball from 22 yards out and smashes it into the top corner. You don't save those.

GREAT SAVE!

What a hand from Fraser Forster! A cross from the right finds its way through to Alexis Sanchez, he shifts the ball on to his right foot and hammers in a low shot which Forster brilliantly keeps out.

Finally a chance of note - Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke rising highest to head a corner just wide of the base of the post.

Villa's Tom Cleverley with a shot with the edge of the area, but a defender sticks out a leg and it is diverted towards the corner flag. Not even close.

As results stand Leicester are looking like being cut adrift again at the bottom. Can they force their way back into the game at Anfield? They've offered precious little so far in this half.

Man City 0-0 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"The type of performance that Sunderland are producing requires a lot of mental strength and focus. I just wonder, as the game goes on, if they will start to lose concentration as the legs fatigue. Will City wear them down? But at the moment, Sunderland are holding on very well."

HITS THE WOODWORK - TWICE!

How has that stayed out?! So unlucky for Burnley! Danny Ings curls a beauty from 20 yards on to the crossbar, and strike partner Ashley Barnes follows up with a header against the base of the post!

You couldn't script it. Sean Dyche holds his head in his hands.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Close for Charlie Austin! His header strikes the post before Leroy Fer's deflected shot is just over. Lightening start to this second half by QPR.

CLOSE!

Burnley will believe they can still win this - they came from 2-0 down at Manchester City don't forget. They forge the first chance of the half too, George Boyd stretching to turn over the top.

Nothing to see here. Let's move on.

Man City 0-0 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"Man City's final ball has been a disappointment today. The cross too often hits the first man, and when they do work it into the box, there's no-one there.

"It still looks as if patience is the key for them. They have to make sure they don't get sucker-punched. It's one of those tricky little games for them at the moment."

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Final Score

"That first half is Arsenal all over: good going forward, a couple of chances, but at the back inept. Arsene Wenger said in his AGM that he would buy a defender in January.

"They have got no leaders - we seem to have this conversation every year. Do they have a defender who is willing to attack the ball and get in the way of shots? No. They are all nice players."

West Brom are taking the game to their hosts now and Saido Berahino fashions room on the edge of the box before firing in a shot which deflects off James Collins before being gathered by Adrian.

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Liverpool almost score from kick-off! Raheem Sterling bolts down the middle, Fifa style, and the ball squirts up off a challenge toward Alberto Moreno. The left-back hammers in a first-time shot which whistles over the top.

Something needs to happen for Everton and Roberto Martinez makes an attacking change, bringing on striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Bryan Oviedo for winger Kevin Mirallas and defensive midfielder Muhamed Besic respectively for the start of the second half. Can they help swing this game in Everton's favour?

Already there is more urgency from Manchester City in the second half, with Frank Lampard warming up on the touchline. An important 20 minutes ahead.

Tony Pulis was in the West Brom dressing room at half-time in this one. What might he have said? His side have fought back well in this game.

KICK-OFF

Time for another set of 45 in our eight 3pm kick-offs.

Check out the average position of the Manchester City players today. Lots of nice stuff inside Sunderland's half but no real threat or presence in the final third.

opta

Everton boss Roberto Martinez can have no complaints with the scoreline in this game, with Hull good value for their two-goal lead. Should they lose today, that's four Premier League defeats on the bounce and, as it stands, they will drop to 13th, just four points above the relegation zone.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gary Lineker

BBC MOTD presenter

"Wait until you see some of the refereeing decisions on MOTD. I reckon some of them may have been celebrating too hard last night."

Arsenal have been behind 11 times this season and are yet to come back to win, while the Saints are yet to lose after going ahead. Home banker then?

Powell Omondi: "Gerrard might get a hat-trick with three penalties."

You may recall that Steven Gerrard had just that opportunity when Liverpool won 3-0 at Manchester United in the Premier League in March, but hit the post with his third kick after scoring his first two.

Oddly, Gerrard saw a penalty hat-trick the first time he went to Anfield - seeing Jan Molby hit three in a 3-1 League Cup victory over Coventry in November 1986.

"Jan's hat-trick was the first ever game that I went to see," Gerrard said in March. "My dad took me. It was against Coventry and it finished 3-1. Jan got three penalties. But Jan's a better penalty taker than me."

MOTD's Jonathan Pearce at White Hart Lane

"Chelsea finished 2014 leading the Premier League for the fourth time, and they've gone on to win the title on the three previous occasions.

"They're also unbeaten in nine league meetings with Tottenham, who've won just four home top-flight matches this season, scoring a mere seven goals in their last nine.

"So you can understand why some bookies rate Spurs as the worst team to back for a New Year's Day home Premier League victory."

The leaders are yet to come...

Tottenham v Chelsea (17:30 GMT)

@ConorMcNamaraIE

BBC Radio 5 live commentator Conor McNamara: Out with the old... They waste no time around Tottenham.

Join Conor and Steve Claridge for full commentary at 17:30 GMT.

After letting Chelsea off the hook last time out Manchester City will be desperate to get all three points this afternoon. Can they find a breakthrough?

HALF-TIME

MOTD's Dan O'Hagan at Loftus Road

"Not a lot to choose between these two. A brilliant strike from Leroy Fer but Rob Green can consider himself a lucky man after handling outside the area."

HALF-TIME

Pat Murphy

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"This game has been a shocker. It's a Gorgonzola of a stinker."

HALF-TIME

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Final Score

On Nikica Jelavic's muted celebration for Hull (15:42): "What is all that about? No goal celebration? You work all week on the training pitch to score the goals and then you score against your old club... celebrate."

HALF-TIME

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"I don't think Manuel Pellegrini will be too upset with the way his team have played. He will be looking for a little more penetration. But if there's any team who know how to break opponents down, it's Man City.

"Sunderland have been defensively excellent. They haven't shown very much going forward, but Gus Poyet will be very pleased so far. If they had a little more belief going forward, they could get something out of this game. Set-pieces could be very important for them."

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

MOTD's Simon Brotherton at Villa Park

"Nothing to set the pulses racing at Villa Park. Yannick Bolasie hit the crossbar for Palace and Julian Speroni saved well twice at the other end but other than there has not been much excitement."

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

On West Brom's goal (15:41): "Saido Berahino's form has curtailed a bit, but he was well set up by Stephane Sessegnon. It was just a little square pass to him and then just a little pass into the net. A good goal for him."

CLOSE!

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The old Beckham to Scholes corner routine almost bears fruit as Steven Gerrard picks out Jordan Henderson in the D, he connects brilliantly and flashes a volley wide from 20 yards!

HALF-TIME

MOTD's John Roder at Upton Park

"Applause from new manager Tony Pulis watching on from the directors' box as Saido Berahino levelled for West Brom shortly before the break, cancelling out Diafra Sakho's ninth of the season earlier in the match."

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

MOTD's Guy Mowbray at the Etihad

"Frustrating for Manchester City. Boss Manuel Pellegrini was upset his team switched off to concede two goals after leading Burnley 2-0 at half-time in their last match. That's not going to happen this time. His team need to stay switched on if they are to get three points against Sunderland whose have defended admirably."

Plan A is clearly not working for Manchester City. This time their possession wins them a corner which is swung into the box but Martin Demichelis heads well wide. What's plan B? Frank?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Robbie Savage

BBC Sport

"Could be a tale of handballs on Match of the Day tonight - some shocking decisions."

SUBSTITUTION

Plenty of injuries around the grounds today and Saints goalscorer Sadio Mane is added to the list. He picked up an injury in scoring the goal somehow and is now off, with the brilliantly named Harrison Reed on in his place.

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Final Score

On Liverpool's goal (15:39): "[It was a harsh penalty]. You can't play football and defend in the box with your hands behind your back, you might as well be a dummy. The other one wasn't a penalty as it hit him in the head."

GOAL

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It is all going wrong for Everton as they concede a second, Abel Hernandez hooks a ball over a static Everton defence and Nikica Jelavic is allowed to run through on goal, before he lifts the ball over Joel Robles. What's going on with Everton this season?

GREAT SAVE!

Southampton should be 2-0 up, and Arsenal are a right mess at the back. Graziano Pelle tees up James Ward-Prowse skulking into space in the area. His shot is low and true but Wojciech Szczesny saves with his shins.

GOAL

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This one's for Tony. West Brom catch the Hammers on the break and Stephane Sessegnon scorches turf as he races forward and squares to Saido Berahino who buries a low shot from 12 yards. Game on.

CLOSE!

Villa substitute Ciaran Clark comes to Villa's rescue with a well-timed last-ditch tackle in his own six-yard box to prevent Wilfried Zaha latching on to a low cross from the left. It is a rare chance in what has descended into a pretty turgid game.

GREAT SAVE!

Sunderland finally venture forward and, from a free-kick on the edge of the area, Seb Larsson goes for goal and forces City keeper Willy Caballero into a decent save.

We've not forgotten about this one. It's just there's nothing happening. It's not in the running to get high up on the Match of the Day pecking order, that's for sure.

CLOSE!

The QPR defence cannot handle Bafetimbi Gomis. The big striker is causing the hosts all sorts of problems with his build-up play but his finishing is letting him down and instead it is QPR who go close to scoring a second when Mauricio Isla's drilled shot from distance is clawed away by Lukasz Fabianski.

GOAL

PA

Simple as you like for Steven Gerrard to double his and Liverpool's tally, into the other corner this time.

PENALTY to Liverpool

Another handball, another penalty! This is a bit more clear cut as Danny Simpson sticks out a hand to stop a Philippe Coutinho cross. Still a bit harsh mind...

MOTD's Martin Fisher at St James' Park

"It's all going wrong for Burnley as injuries bite at St James' Park. Defender Kevin Long's Premier League debut is curtailed as he is stretchered off with an apparent knee injury to join Jason Shackell and Dean Marney in leaving the action early. After picking the same team for six games in a row, manager Sean Dyche has now had to make three changes in the first 37 minutes on Tyneside."

Liverpool now dictating the play after seeing out that early Leicester storm. The Foxes will be fuming about that penalty decision for a long while yet - unless they can salvage this game.

Man City 0-0 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"The game's panning out how Gus Poyet would want it. I look at the Man City bench, and there's not a lot of pace there. But there is one name that sticks out like a sore thumb and that's Frank Lampard.

"It's been boring so far. But it takes two teams to make a game. Sunderland have come to frustrate, and Man City have to find a way to break them down. It may take a mistake or a piece of individual brilliance to break the deadlock."

West Ham, without being truly convincing, remain the better side at Upton Park. There's plenty for new Baggies boss Tony Pulis to think about as he watches on expressionless in the stands.

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

On Southampton's goal (15:33): "Per Mertesacker has got to recognise that goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has come out and get back on the line. It's a good goal from Sadio Mane but Mertesacker has got to recognise the danger."

Win today and Saints fans will really start to believe that they can finish above Arsenal after all...

MOTD's Guy Mowbray at the Etihad

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"It used to be traditional to watch the World's Strongest Man on New Year's Day. Instead we're just watching Yaya Toure today, who looks like he's dragging a train behind him when he drives forward with Sunderland players desperately clutching to the shirt on his back."

GOAL

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Arsene Wenger is fuming on the bench after a really poor goal to concede. It's just a punt into the box which Wojciech Szczesny races out to meet but is beaten to by Sadio Mane. Wide out on the right of the area, there still appears little danger but Mane is able to chip the ball over the keeper's head. Even then, Per Mertesacker should clear but is so slow to wrap his giant limbs around the ball and can only watch it drop into the net. A calamity.

SUBSTITUTION

Burnley have lost two key men to injury in a few minutes. First centre-back Jason Shackell had to limp off and now Dean Marney does the same. The Clarets had gone six games unchanged - too much?

GOAL

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Everton can have no complaints as Hull, the better side in this game so far, take the lead. Ahmed Elmohamady ghosts in at the far post to head in Liam Rosenior's cross.

CLOSE!

David Silva's seen enough. He decides to try and do the business himself but a goal-bound shot from the edge of the area is beaten clear by Costel Pantilimon.

CLOSE!

Cracking play from Adam Lallana as he shifts the ball onto his left foot and bends a shot wide from 20 yards. Lallana scored twice for Liverpool on Monday night and looks in really good touch right now.

Arsenal are a final touch away from a great goal this afternoon. That's the third or fourth time they have moved the ball nicely only to see the final touch take the chance away.

Interesting stuff from Neil Lennon below. But how can you counter-attack if the other side wants to do the same?

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Final Score

On Newcastle's goal (15:24): "Jack Colback's strike never moved. It just never moved. It was like an exocet missile and Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton had no chance."

Man City 0-0 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"Ironically, the best thing Man City could do today is counter-attack - and let Sunderland come at them. Sunderland have been very well drilled and have made it very difficult for Man City to get round the back. If the game opened up a bit more, that might help Man City."

Swansea offer up their first response to Leroy Fer's opener as Nathan Dyer wins possession in the middle of the pitch, strides forward before feeding a pass to Bafetimbi Gomis, who is unmarked on the edge of the area. The striker hits a shot with real venom, but it is wide of the far post. Wilfried Bony watches on from the bench, could he have done better?

CLOSE!

West Brom go close again. This time Andre Wisdom pulls the ball back for Stephane Sessegnon who smashes his shot wide from eight yards. He should have hit the target.

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Lovely feet from first Alexis Sanchez and then Santi Cazorla tease open a yard of space down the Arsenal right, the ball is pulled back for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to strike - and he puts it into the stands.

Villa's Leandro Bacuna has a dig from a free-kick 35 yards out but the ball nestles on the top of the net. Worth a crack.

Ouch!

Manchester City are temporarily down to 10 men as Pablo Zabaleta goes off for treatment with blood seeping from under a head bandage which is covering a scar. Sunderland have weathered an early City storm.

Both sides are cancelling each other out after a promising start to the match. Villa are in the unfamiliar position of having to take the game to their counter-attacking visitors and they suddenly look like they're lacking a bit of direction.

GOAL

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This is the expansive play that Newcastle fans want to see! The move starts with Fabricio Coloccini lazering a 50-yard pass out wide to Moussa Sissoko, he feeds it back into the middle and Jack Colback catches a left-footer as sweet as you like, smashing it in off the inside of the post. Wonderful goal. Carver and Stone out of their seats.

Manager reaction

Stoke manager Mark Hughes: "We were the better team, so that shows how far we have come.

"We're disappointed. We were the team that was most likely to score. We had two penalties not given - the obvious one was Peter Crouch, it was an unnatural movement from Chris Smalling. The referee was only three or four yards away.

"Then when Peter headed against the post, if you look closely, Geoff Cameron was taken out."

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

On Burnley's goal (15:18): "It was just a long ball forward and Steven Taylor doesn't not deal with it properly and heads it up in the air. Defender Paul Dummett looks to head it back to goalkeeper Jak Alnwick, who had come off his line, and it goes over him."

An early blow for Hull as they are forced into a change, Andrew Robertson having to come off after suffering an injury in a challenge with Muhamed Besic. On comes Liam Rosenior.

Man City 0-0 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

PA

"Sunderland need to play a little further forward. Man City aren't really peppering the goal. They've had plenty of possession, but are doing little with it.

"Man City haven't been firing on all cylinders this season. I think Alvaro Negredo's been a big loss to them. It's a big opportunity for Stevan Jovetic to make his mark. I hope he'll get a run in the side if he can stay fit."

GREAT SAVE!

Most under-rated keeper in the Premier League? Adrian?

The West Ham stopper makes a flying save to deny Chris Baird's goal-bound volley after good wing-play from Youssouf Mulumbu. Better from the Baggies.

GREAT SAVE!

Santi Cazorla has impressed over the festive period and he should now be celebrating a goal at St Mary's.

The Spaniard runs onto a Tomas Rosicky pull-back and from the penalty spot fires at goal, only for Fraser Forster to pull out a good diving save.

Cazorla shouldn't have given him a chance.

CLOSE!

Leicester react well to falling behind and dangerman Riyad Mahrez is again the catalyst, winning a free-kick 25 yards out which he then hits onto the roof of the net via a deflection. He is having a real purple patch.

Mark Lawrenson

BBC Final Score

EPA

On Liverpool's goal (15:17): "No, it was not a penalty. Wes Morgan slid out to stop Raheem Sterling, his hand was out but it hit him in the nose. Every time you see decisions like this you think why can't we do something about this - why can't we see a replay? By the time the complaining is over you've got it."

City turning the screw now - Sunderland throwing bodies in the way to block Yaya Toure's shot before David Silva shoots wide. It was good build-up play by Jesus Navas who has got the beating of full-back Billy Jones - the defender on a booking already.

GOAL

Getty Images

Oh what a goal! Lovely stuff from Leroy Fer as a weak headed clearance falls to him just outside the area, he brings the ball under control and launches a powerful strike beyond Lukasz Fabianski. You don't save those.

Man City 0-0 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"I think Gus Poyet will be pretty pleased with the way things are going. He's come here with a game plan, and his players are sticking to it without doing anything spectacular. Man City have lost their rhythm a bit, and Sunderland are growing into the game."

Manchester City still on top but they have a slight concern with Yaya Toure hobbling after being crunched by Jack Rodwell. It's a proper hobble. Not his usual amble.

GOAL

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A classic own goal! One for the Christmas DVD collection. Burnley score without one of their players touching the ball as Newcastle have a real defensive meltdown.

Burnley lump it long, Steven Taylor heads it up but not away, the ball is dropping inside the penalty area but Paul Dummett hesitates before reaching forward to head over the keeper and into the net. A shocker!

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

On West Ham's goal (15:10): "It was brilliantly worked move from West Ham, Morgan Amalfitano played in Aaron Cresswell down the left. Diafra Sakho is a great signing, and it was a brilliant finish as it was fizzed into him quickly."

GOAL

Reuters

Wes Morgan continues to rage about that penalty call but Steven Gerrard doesn't take any notice, stepping up to slot home into the corner.

West Ham are in full control of the game at the moment and go close to adding a second through Stewart Downing, whose fierce angled shot is well saved by Ben Foster.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Sloppy play from Aston Villa almost lets Palace into this match. Yannick Bolasie nicks the ball in midfield, drives forward and then smashes a rising shot against the bar with Brad Guzan beaten. Good game this.

PENALTY to Liverpool

Oh dear! Raheem Sterling cuts back a cross which strikes Wes Morgan in the face - and a penalty is given for handball. That is a rotten call.

Charlie Austin has his first chance of the game as a bit of pinball in the Swansea area ends with the ball falling to the striker who, with his back to goal, hooks a looping effort goalwards but it is no trouble for Lukasz Fabianski.

GREAT SAVE!

Julian Speroni shows the reactions of Spiderman to keep Palace on level terms at Villa Park - the keeper racing from his line and jumping in front of Alan Hutton's close-range shot. Villa are indeed forced into a defensive reshuffle, though, with Ron Vlaar succumbing to injury and being replaced by Ciaran Clark.

GOAL

AP

It has been an open and entertaining game, with Burnley's front two of Danny Ings and Ashley Barnes keeping Newcastle honest. But if you can't do the basics, you will be in trouble, and the Clarets defence is nowhere as Steven Taylor heads in a corner from five yards out.

Far, far too easy for the Magpies.

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Aston Villa are dominating Crystal Palace early on. Although they could have a problem at the back with Ron Vlaar requiring treatment for a knock on his knee. He is not moving well at all.

Meanwhile, in the stands sits Alan Pardew, who Crystal Palace are hoping to name as their new boss soon once his contract is finalised. He almost saw his prospective new side take the lead through a shot from Joe Ledley that Brad Guzan tipped over. It wouldn't have counted, though, as the flag was up.

CLOSE!

Great chance for Leicester at the Kop End! Jeff Schlupp leaves Emre Can in his wake down the left wing and pulls over a low cross, it wrongfoots the Liverpool centre-backs and runs nicely for Riyad Mahrez. He is only eight yards out but leans back and slices wide!

Huge opportunity for the strugglers.

All pretty even at Hull as the hosts are denied when Joel Robles does well to keep out Abel Hernandez's stinging effort, before Kevin Mirallas blazes over for Everton.

Man City 0-0 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"City are going to have to be patient. They'll have to break down a block of 10 men in front of them. We've just seen Yaya Toure have a shot from 25 yards, and it may take something like that to break through.

"There's going to be a lot of this, where City have plenty of the ball in Sunderland's final third."

Liverpool coming into the game after that fast start from the Foxes, but the home side are yet to threaten.

GOAL

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Lovely stuff, West Ham. Lovely.

The Hammers attack slices through the Baggies defence like a hot knife through butter. Stewart Downing dinks the ball over the top and picks out Morgan Amalfitano who in turn sets Aaron Cresswell free down the left. The ball comes into the area and Diafra Sakho does the rest. Effective team move, simple finish.

The Saints are coming! Sadio Mane is inches away from converting a dangerous cross from the left before another left-wing cross has the Arsenal defence at sixes and sevens.

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Lucky, lucky QPR! Gylfi Sigurdsson slices open the Hoops' defence with a smart ball to send Wayne Routledge clear, Rob Green races off his line and denies Routledge's dinked effort with his hand, but does so outside the area. How did the referee not see that?

Sunderland are sitting off Manchester City far too much and they are lucky Yaya Toure is yet to find his range in 2015. From 25 yards out, the Ivory Coast midfielder puts the ball into Row Z. City's possession so far? 78%.

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

On Leicester's hopes of survival: "The standout player is Riyad Mahrez for them. He comes to life in spells and he looks untouchable at times when he does that. But I don't think they have enough overall and I think they will go down."

CLOSE!

He should score! Arsenal go to sleep at the back from a quick throw-in, the ball is whipped in from the left and Graziano Pelle floats a soft header against the base of the post. Very unlucky for the Italian.

Seconds later Alexis Sanchez whistles in a low shot at the other end which Fraser Forster pushes away.

Man City 0-0 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

Getty Images

"This could be a long afternoon for Sunderland. Gus Poyet's obviously got a plan, but they've got to get close to Man City in the final third. They're making it far too easy for Man City at the moment.

"Sunderland need to play in Man City's half whenever they can. Instead, they're being pressed high up the pitch."

Crouch on the move?

AP

Stoke manager Mark Hughes on reports linking Peter Crouch to West Brom: "I read the papers. There's nothing in it. People are putting two and two together and making five. He's a big part of what we're doing here. You saw by his performance he wasn't bothered by any speculation. His future is with us.

"We asked the Senegal FA about Mame Biram Diouf. They are within their rights to call him up on what I think is the 5 January. We hoped to have him for Arsenal, but they said no.

"We have had Bojan checked. He has a slight tear, grade one. It can be 10 days or a couple of weeks. Hopefully he'll be back soon. He might have been the difference today."

HITS THE WOODWORK

Leicester come within a whisker of a dramatic opening at Anfield. A curling free-kick from Riyad Mahrez cannons off the near post with Simon Mignolet stranded.

Despite being fit, Mario Balotelli was not included in the Liverpool squad this afternoon, fuelling speculation he could be on his way out. Untried midfielder Seyi Ojo is on the bench instead.

West Brom's players are buzzing about the pitch and snapping into tackles - they are one yard ahead of their hosts early on. The TP effect?

PENALTY APPEAL

Hull have a strong shout for a penalty denied as Abel Hernandez looks to be fouled just inside the area by Gareth Barry. The referee feels it was just outside and awards the free-kick, which Nikica Jelavic drives over. Lucky escape for Everton, who had started brightly.

Good hit at the other end at St James' as Yoan Gouffran moves the ball on to his right foot and fires in a rising drive which Tom Heaton has to beat clear. Excellent start to the game.

Even start on the south coast, with Arsenal looking to get in behind out wide. There are three former Saints in the Gunners squad today.

Not much happening early doors at a very wet Etihad, apart from a few pantomime boos from the home support for former Manchester United defenders Wes Brown and John O'Shea. Ex-City players Adam Johnson, Costel Pantilimon and Jack Rodwell are spared such treatment.

Manager reaction

More from Louis van Gaal, on Manchester United's defending of set-pieces: "We know that is happening. We have had two meetings about that. We knew Peter Crouch was heading the ball to a second player, who was totally free. That was very bad. But, it was good that we kept the spirit and equalised.

"Ashley Young has a hamstring injury. Luke Shaw, I don't think is a problem. That was a planned change.

"We have to play better in away matches. In my opinion, there is no difference in away matches to those at home - our fans are fantastic. We have to do better."

Man City 0-0 Sunderland

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"We're already seeing the pattern of the match. It's going to be a case of Man City dominating possession and Sunderland trying to soak it up. Man City need to win it, so there's plenty of motivation for them today."

An early sighter for Villa, with Christian Benteke being teed up by Andreas Weimann but the big Belgian's angled shot is saved at the near post by Julian Speroni.

HITS THE WOODWORK

What a start for Burnley! Ashley Barnes, excellent at Manchester City last time out, bursts beyond a static Newcastle defence and toe-pokes a crashing shot against the near post. A huge let-off for a nervy Newcastle.

KICK-OFF

LOUD WHISTLE! We are under way in all eight Premier League games.

Alan Pardew is now sat in his seat in the Villa Park stands. A brew and a bag of sweets and he'll be ready to watch the proceedings unfold.

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: "We didn't deserve any more than a draw. They were closer to a winning goal than us. We have seen how difficult it is to defend long balls, both here and in the home game against Stoke.

"We had time and space to build play, but we didn't create much.

"Stoke also had to deal with the wind, but they are used to that. They played long balls a little easier. We had the space and time to play football. The wind was not too heavy. We should have played better today."

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

On Frank Lampard staying at Manchester City:

"I think Chelsea won't be too happy with Frank Lampard staying. All of a sudden he is having a massive say for Man City - scoring goals. He has probably made it clear that he wants to stay, with a realistic chance of winning the Premier League title.

"With Yaya Toure heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations, who better to replace a goal-scoring midfielder?"

The skies have opened at the Etihad, where stewards are busy giving out ponchos to patrons. It's never a good look, but it's better than getting wet. That Mancunian rain soaks you through in no time.

Just five minutes to go until kick-off in eight Premier League games around the land. The weather looks universally grim and gloomy out there. Wrap up warm everyone.

Here come the players...

As the man who signed Eidur Gudjohnsen and Emile Heskey to play together, Neil Lennon gets my vote as a transfer guru...

West Ham v West Brom (15:00 GMT)

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

"Tony Pulis is watching from the stand today, and I suspect that's because he wants to get a good view of things. He'll have watched West Brom on numerous occasions anyway this season, so he'll know who he wants to bring in, because they do need a little confidence.

"When you come in at a club, as I did at Bolton, you need to give the players confidence and get them on your side as quickly as possible. You hope to create uncertainty among your rivals, but you can only do that by winning games."

Liverpool have scored more goals in their past three games (seven) than they had in the previous eight combined (six).

Are the Reds back on form?

No Football League today

There's no action in the Football League as clubs prepare for one of the most exciting events of the football calendar - FA Cup third round weekend. But there is a busy programme in the Conference where leaders Barnet will be looking to extend their seven-point lead with victory at home to Aldershot. However, second-placed Bristol Rovers can cut Barnet's lead to four points if they win at home to Torquay United and the leaders lose. Third-placed Macclesfield are at fourth-placed Grimsby Town, while there is a huge game at the other end of the table as bottom club Telford entertain next-to-bottom Nuneaton.

Conference programme (all 15:00 GMT kick-offs): Telford v Nuneaton, Alfreton v Lincoln City, Altrincham v Chester, Barnet v Aldershot, Braintree v Dartford, Bristol Rovers v Torquay, Grimsby v Macclesfield, Kidderminster v Forest Green, Welling v Dover, Woking v Eastleigh.

Man City v Sunderland (15:00 GMT)

Bolton manager Neil Lennon

BBC Radio 5 live at the Etihad Stadium

"Whenever Gus Poyet needs a result, he seems to dig one out. He'll pack his midfield and try to hit City on the break. They did that very well in the derby against Newcastle a couple of weeks ago.

"City missed a trick being 2-0 up at home to Burnley. They do tend to go through the gears and then switch off. I do think Chelsea are the stronger team mentally and have a better defensive four. But it's going to be a great run-in at the top of the Premier League."

Surely, after Burnley on Sunday, Manchester City won't slip up again? Don't rule it out, according to Neil Lennon.

@PhilCParry

BBC London 94.9 commentator Phil Parry has tweeted his remarkably detailed notes as he prepares to describe Crystal Palace's match at Aston Villa. It's the little kit doodles at the top of the page that make them special, Phil. You put us to shame with our scrawled nonsense.

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Final Score

"The problem with Alan Pardew is that there was an undercurrent around from the Newcastle supporters that they were not happy. Overall he might have felt it is a fresh opportunity to go somewhere he is wanted in Crystal Palace. He is leaving a massive club but perhaps he felt he had no backing."

Pardew watch

Right then, we've got eyes on Alan Pardew at Villa Park. There's a picture doing the rounds on the internet of the Palace manager-elect enjoying some pre-match hospitality. The 53-year-old is wearing his finest designer glasses. First impressions and all that.

Player reaction

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, speaking to Sky Sports: "I said to Mame Diouf is it like this every week [with the wind] and he said it is. It was scrappy, but that was the challenge for us - to get the ball down and play. It kept holding up in the wind and you had to break your stride sometimes to let it drop.

"You have to dig in, we gave away too many free-kicks in the second half. It is a bit of a blow having to defend corners and free-kicks but we did it well.

Is a point a fair result? "Given the way we played, I thought Stoke put us under a lot of pressure and we probably did not play to our usual standard."

Join the debate on Facebook

Southampton can finish above Arsenal says manager Ronald Koeman - is he right?

Ollie Warren: Not a chance. Arsenal with Walcott, Ozil etc.... to return will only get stronger. Southampton will run out of steam and will be lucky to finish above Spurs and Liverpool.

Chris Goodman: Why not? He makes a valid point regarding the Champions League. Arsenal are an incomplete picture, it is they who will fade away, not necessarily Saints. Two more signings in January and Saints will be stronger and more dangerous.

Ruth Mursell: Yes and why not? Ron is a great manager who believes in his team, people just don't like the fact that we are messing up the usual top four in the table! We have done so well this season and I think we will still be in the mix come May too.

The fighting Dutchman

Don't be fooled by his wilting Dutch accent and his always accommodating smile - there is some fighting talk from Saints boss Ronald Koeman this morning ahead of his game with Arsenal. He wants a top-four spot. And no mistake.

"I believe still that we can fight for a top place in the league," he said.

"The Premier League really is a strong competition and Arsenal have to play Champions League again after February or March.

"That means a lot of games for them and it is a challenge to keep the physical freshness in the competition. Maybe we will come and surprise people."

Player reaction

Stoke striker Peter Crouch, speaking to Sky Sports: "We had chances, we hit the post. We would have liked to win but maybe a draw was fair. I won the header cleanly [for the penalty shout], it was on target and I think Chris Smalling had his hands up, for me it was a penalty but I would like to see it again.

"The conditions today meant it was back to the old school days. We used them well and that is a string to our bow. We are always good at set pieces."

Potters defender Ryan Shawcross: "The conditions are hard, it is not enjoyable because we want to get the ball down and play football. We probably dealt with the conditions better.

"To get seven points from nine over Christmas is brilliant. The aim now is to kick on."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Simon O'Reilly: More points dropped by Manchester United against average clubs. Louis van Gaal is simply out of his depth. Tactically clueless.

Charles Kahanji: If you are to challenge for title, the games against Stoke are sort of games you need to win. This is a disappointing result.

Maxim Calver: Man Utd needed to keep the ball on the floor, that's where the advantage lies against a strong tall Stoke team.

FULL-TIME

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"Stoke will be disappointed in the result as they had clear-cut chances. Mame Diouf had the best chance when Stoke were 1-0 up. United got on top in the second half but Stoke had a penalty denied when the ball hit Chris Smalling's hand.

"The disappointment for United is that over the last three away games they have not been clinical enough. They have had all the possession, but sometimes I would like them to be a bit more direct rather than take the extra pass.

"Both teams went for victory in horrendous conditions. I think a draw was a fair result in the end."

It's raining again...

@sunderlandafc

Surprise, surprise. It's a damp start to 2015 in Manchester. Actually, it's lashing down with rain at the Etihad Stadium. But Sunderland's travelling army of fans are in good voice ahead of their team's game with Manchester City. Can the Premier League's draw specialists throw another spanner in City's title charge after Burnley's 2-2 draw at the Etihad on 28 December?

Who's in charge? Part two...

With Alan Pardew seemingly on his way to take charge at Crystal Palace, coaches John Carver and Steve Stone are set to be in charge for Newcastle's next two matches, starting this afternoon at home.

Carver, 49, was assistant to Sir Bobby Robson on Tyneside between 1999 and 2004 before returning under Pardew in 2011.

His only full-time managerial position was in the MLS with Toronto but could he be a contender to take the reins at St James'?

It is Euro 96 legend Stone who is drilling the players in their pre-match warm-ups. The coach to Carver's thinker?

Who's in charge? Part one

Getty Images

Crystal Palace remain officially managerless, for now at least.

After sacking Neil Warnock over Christmas they have set their sights on Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, who played for the club in the 1980s and 90s. Here he is in the 1990 FA Cup final.

Pardew has not yet officially been confirmed as new Eagles gaffer though, so caretaker Keith Millen remains in the dugout at Villa Park this afternoon.

Another draw on the road for Manchester United then - the point leaves Louis van Gaal's side in third place, six points behind Manchester City and nine short of leaders Chelsea. Stoke are rock solid in 10th place.

Final Score

BBC Final Score

Final Score, with presenter Jason Mohammad and guests Kevin Kilbane, Jason Roberts and Mark Lawrenson, is available on the Red Button and BBC Sport website plus mobile, tablet and connected TV from now. The programme is live on BBC Two from 16:30 GMT.

Highlights of all the day's games will be on Match of the Day, of course, with host Gary Lineker and pundits Robbie Savage and Martin Keown from 22:35 GMT on BBC One.

FULL-TIME

Reuters

The corner is headed away and the referee blows for full-time. Probably a fair result, with the strong wind making it difficult for both sides.

Manchester United win a corner, surely the last action of the game. Can they make it count?

Two minutes of added time. Is it enough for one more chance on goal?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Dave W: As bad as Manchester United's defence is, the midfield and strikers haven't caused Begovic any trouble. No cutting edge.

Jerry Elumeze: Utd seriously hampered by their lack of pace. I see more pace from La Liga teams.

Connor Gallagher: What United need in this situation is a poacher. Someone who can create something out of nothing...

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"Not long left now and it looks like United are going to try and press to get forward and score that winning goal, but they can't leave it too open. We have already seen in this game that Mame Diouf can cause problems with his pace and United have to be aware of that."

Stoke are back defending as Manchester United come forward through Adnan Januzaj. He floats a ball into the area which Wayne Rooney knocks into the path of Rafael, whose first time shot smacks Erik Pieters right in the ear. Ouch.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"Ryan Shawcross has blocked and headed everything away for Stoke today. England manager Roy Hodgson has to take a look at him as over a consistent period he has put in solid performances.

"I think he has been the victim of the style that Stoke play, that he has not been selected."

There is not much urgency from either side as we enter the final few minutes, settling for a point? It has been a tough, physical battle in testing conditions, I'd be surprised if either manager would be unhappy with a draw. Still time for a winner, though.

Ander Herrera sends the ball into the area for Juan Mata, but, not for the first time in this game by a Manchester United player, it is over hit and goes through to Asmir Begovic.

Team News

QPR bring in Eduardo Vargas for Junior Hoilett as they make one change to the side who drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Swansea make three changes to the side beaten by Liverpool as as Angel Rangel, Ki Sung Yueng and Bafetimbi Gomis are brought into the starting line-up. Wilfried Bony is left on the bench.

QPR XI: Green, Isla, Dunne, Caulker, Hill, Vargas, Barton, Henry, Fer, Austin, Zamora.

Swansea XI: Fabianski, Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Britton, Ki, Dyer, Sigurdsson, Routledge, Gomis.

West Brom's joint-assistant head coach Rob Kelly: "Tony Pulis just introduced himself to the players, and he's let myself, [assistant head coach] Keith Downing and [goalkeeping coach] Dean Kiely do the work today."

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

"For Stoke, they have put that much energy in to the game, United do have that quality to make it tell in the last few minutes.

"United have got to stop giving away set pieces - corners and free-kicks - in dangerous areas as I think it is Stoke's best chance to score."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

John Dykes: Dodgy decisions? Under performing? Late ill-deserved winner? United really are back to their best.

Aidan Mifsud: Rafael not too bothered with the pages of notes he was being shown as he came off the bench. "Sure, yes, got it, just get me on."

Michael Devlin: How on earth are Manchester United in third place in the league?

SUBSTITUTION

Stoke boss Mark Hughes makes his first change of the game, throwing on Oussama Assaidi for the final few minutes as Marko Arnautovic makes way.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

On Tony Pulis at West Brom:

"He is tried and trusted. Look at the work he did at Stoke and Palace - he is organised, he will get them resilient.

"And he will do it straight away. I have spent a lot of time with Tony Pulis and he will be straight into those players right way.

"I think in terms of speed he needs to get more into that team and I think that is the first thing he will do.

"If you look at his Palace performance, they were not a long-ball team at all - they played really good football."

Team news

PA

West Ham make two changes with James Collins coming in for the suspended James Tomkins in central defence, while Carl Jenkinson replaces Joey O'Brien at right-back.

West Brom, whose new manager Tony Pulis will be watching from the stands, also make two changes. Saido Berahino starts in attack in place of Brown Ideye, with Youssouf Mulumbu replacing the injured Craig Gardner in midfield.

West Ham XI: Adrian, Jenkinson, Collins, Reid, Cresswell, Song, Amalfitano, Kouyate, Downing, Carroll, Sakho.

West Brom XI: Foster, Wisdom, McAuley, Lescott, Baird, Mulumbu, Brunt, Dorrans, Sessegnon, Morrison, Berahino.

LAST 10

Ryan Shawcross launches a shot from 30 yards or so well wide as we enter the last 10 minutes of this game. Will we see a winner?

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "The West Brom players know they have a new manager and they will try to impress Tony Pulis today - they would want to be picked by him."

Tony Pulis has already taken his seat at Upton Park and is on the phone as we type. After a new signing already?

Team News

Liverpool bring in Kolo Toure for the suspended Martin Skrtel in defence as captain Steven Gerrard returns to midfield. Jordan Henderson will switch to the right as Javier Manquillo misses out.

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson makes four changes to the team that won 1-0 at Hull. Jamie Vardy returns from suspension to lead the line, while Ritchie De Laet, Danny Drinkwater and Dean Hammond are all drafted in.

Liverpool XI: Mignolet, Can, Toure, Sakho, Moreno, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Coutinho, Lallana, Sterling

Leicester XI: Hamer, De Laet, Drinkwater, Morgan (c), Hammond, James, Vardy, Schlupp, Simpson, Mahrez, Wasilewski

Newcastle caretaker-manager John Carver: "The last time I had to be a caretaker manager it was in different circumstances. Bob (Sir Bobby Robson) had just been fired and I had to pick myself up. I am looking forward to it will enjoy it more this time.

"He (Robson) will be looking down on us. I had so many words and wisdom from him and I will use that experience.

"Last night I dug out the tie we wore at the San Siro Stadium and I will have it on after in the press conference."

Great attention to detail there John...

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

On Ashley Young's injury: "That is a hamstring pulled. The minute the ball was played 10, 15 metres in front of him you can see it is his left hamstring that goes. He has been playing so well. That is a fatigue injury.

"You have to admire the substitutions that Louis van Gaal has made he is still playing with three defenders on the pitch and Rafael will play as a wing-back."

Just the thought of Peter Crouch lurking in the vicinity is leading to Manchester United players taking no chances, Phil Jones powering a header behind his own goal with no Stoke player around him. Rafael then heads the resulting corner behind, Crouch this time was lurking.

Team News

Hull City restore strikers Abel Hernandez and Nikica Jelavic to the starting line-up, along with defenders Andrew Robertson and James Chester. Sone Aluko, Robbie Brady, Liam Rosenior and Stephen Quinn make way.

Visitors Everton make five changes, with Phil Jagielka, Muhamed Besic, Kevin Mirallas, Ross Barkley and Steven Naismith coming into the XI following the defeat at Newcastle.

Hull City XI: McGregor, Elmohamady, Chester, Bruce, Davies, Robertson, Meyler, Livermore, Ramirez, Hernandez, Jelavic.

Everton XI: Robles, Coleman, Alcaraz, Jagielka, Baines, Besic, Barry, Mirallas, Barkley, Naismith, Kone.

SUBSTITUTION - YOUNG INJURED

Getty Images

Ashley Young pulls up after leading a Manchester United break, clutching his hamstring. His game is done as he gingerly hobbles off the pitch. On comes Rafael, who slots straight in at right-wing back.

Doesn't look good for Young, as he is helped along the touchline towards the tunnel.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Adam Cordery: Referee had done everything right in his positioning and then just completely messed up on that penalty shout. Inexcusable.

Matt Graham: Deary me, does Michael Oliver even have eyes? Even as a United fan I feel bad about that penalty call.

Kinjal Saurabh: That has to be a penalty. Right in front of the referee, clear handball. If Utd score now...

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

On Stoke hitting the post: "How did that stay out of the goal? It was a wonderful free-kick from Marko Arnautovic. Peter Crouch beat Chris Smalling in the air and David de Gea was beaten there too [as the ball hits the woodwork].

"Then a great strike from Diouf, he struck it brilliantly but it came off Smalling and went wide."

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "We've been desperately needing to get back to winning ways and it was important for us to win at Hull. Today, it's important we back that up with another positive result.

"I don't suppose many people give us much of a chance but let's see if we can give ourselves a chance regardless of what people think. Let's not show them too much respect. They've got good players, they are playing a system that is suiting them well, but let's see what we can do."

Match of the Day

A full Premier League fixture list on Match of the Day tonight (from 22:35 GMT on BBC One) and pundit Robbie Savage is getting ready for a long day in the BBC office and studio.

He tweeted: It's going to be a busy afternoon...

Robbie Savage

There are 10 Premier League matches today

HITS THE WOODWORK

This game has really burst into life now as Marko Arnautovic sends the ball into a crowded Manchester United area for Peter Crouch, who flicks a header on to the post, before Mame Diouf sees a thunderous strike fly just over.

You get the sense another goal is coming, but it could go either way.

Team News

Getty Images

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini reacts to the 2-2 draw with Burnley on 28 December by making four changes to his starting line-up. Argentine keeper Willy Caballero makes only his second Premier League start in place of Joe Hart, while defender Gael Clichy, midfielder Yaya Toure and forward Stevan Jovetic also return.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet recalls former Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell while Will Buckley also starts in the engine room. Lee Cattermole has a groin injury.

Man City XI: Caballero, Zabaleta, Mangala, Demichelis, Clichy, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Nasri, Silva, Navas, Jovetic.

Sunderland XI: Pantilimon, Vergini, Jones, Brown, O'Shea, Rodwell, Larsson, Gomez, Johnson, Buckley, Wickham.

Team news

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman makes three changes, with James Ward-Prowse, Ryan Bertrand and Florin Gardos all starting against the Gunners.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has gone with Alexis Sanchez as a lone striker for the crucial clash with the Saints, and it looks as though Calum Chambers will be starting in midfield against his former club.

Southampton: Forster, Gardos, Alderweireld, Fonte, Bertrand, Ward-Prowse, Wanyama, Tadic, Mane, Steven Davis, Pelle. Subs: Kelvin Davis, Yoshida, Long, Isgrove, Reed, McCarthy, Targett.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Chambers, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Rosicky, Sanchez. Subs: Walcott, Martinez, Campbell, Akpom, Bellerin, Maitland-Niles, Monreal.

Referee: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire)

CLOSE!

Oh so close to a beauty of a goal by Robin van Persie! He's not been involved much in this game, but he almost grabs Manchester United's second with some brilliant improvisation, first chesting Juan Mata's ball down just inside the area before turning and flicking the ball just wide of the far corner.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

On the penalty claim:

"That is a stonewall penalty. As the ball comes in from Marko Arnautovic, Chris Smalling spread his arms to try and give himself some leverage and Peter Crouch's header struck the arm. I can understand why Mark Hughes isn't happy."

On Falcao unhappy at being subbed:

"Falcao has not played too many 90 minute games and when you are on loan you want to play for 90 minutes because you are under pressure and want to sign for the club."

Team News

Aston Villa make three changes from the 0-0 draw with Sunderland. Gabriel Agbonlahor returns after suspension in place of Charles N'Zogbia. Fabian Delph is banned after his red card against Gus Poyet's side so Leandro Bacuna comes in to midfield. The other change is in defence, where Jores Okore replaces Ciaran Clark.

Crystal Palace are without captain Mile Jedinak, who is on international duty with Australia in the Asian Cup. Joel Ward moves into midfield with Martin Kelly replacing him at right-back. Other than that, Palace are unchanged from the 0-0 draw at QPR.

Crystal Palace XI: Speroni, Kelly, Delaney, Dann, Mariappa, Bolasie, McArthur, Ward, Ledley, Puncheon, Zaha.

Aston Villa XI: Guzan, Hutton, Vlaar, Okore, Cissokho, Sanchez, Bacuna, Cleverley, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke.

PENALTY APPEAL

Stoke want a penalty, and it is a decent shout as Chris Smalling, with his arms up, blocks Peter Crouch's header from a corner. Referee Michael Oliver is having none of it, Stoke players are fuming.

Team news

Getty Images

Newcastle caretaker-manager John Carver is without banned striker Papiss Cisse and so selects Emmanuel Riviere, who is yet to score in the Premier League, in attack. Central defender Steven Taylor also returns in place of Mike Williamson.

Burnley are unchanged for the sixth game running as manager Sean Dyche backs his players to keep on giving.

Newcastle XI: Alnwick; Janmaat, Coloccini, S.Taylor, Dummett; Sissoko, Colback, Tiote, Gouffran; Riviere, Perez.

Burnley XI: Heaton; Trippier, Shackell, Keane, Mee; Arfield, Jones, Marney, Boyd; Barnes, Ings.

SUBSTITUTION

This is definitely not going to challenge Real Madrid 0-2 Ajax [see entry at 12:19 GMT] for Louis van Gaal's "perfect" game and the Dutchman makes his fist changes to try and instigate an improvement. On comes Ander Herrera and Adnan Januzaj for Luke Shaw and Radamel Falcao.

Crystal Palace caretaker boss Keith Millen: "I've had to focus on staying in charge. It is not done and dusted yet with Alan Pardew. I have kept the players in the loop as to what is going on.

"Villa came to us a month ago and that was a close game and they punished us for one mistake. It was a tight game here last year as well."

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni: "We have gone through the same preparation after the change of manager. We were focusing on the QPR match a few days ago and now we focus on Aston Villa in the same manner.

"I think it is going to be very tight. We need the points. These are big games but all the games in the Premier League are big games. We are only halfway through the season, nothing is going to be decided today but it is another important match."

BreakingBREAKING TEAM NEWS

Getty Images

Joe Hart and Frank Lampard are both on the bench for Manchester City this afternoon as Willy Caballero gets a rare start in goal.

Full team news to follow,

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"I don't think it is Juan Mata's type of surface today. I wouldn't be surprised if Adnan Januzaj or Ander Herrera comes on and Louis van Gaal makes a change.

"Also, it's going to be important for the United back three to be strong in defence to make sure the likes of Peter Crouch don't get a run on them."

Half a chance for Manchester United as Radamel Falcao is felled by Marc Muniesa just outside the Stoke area. Juan Mata, who has not been involved as much as he would have liked, sends the free-kick into the middle of the area but Asmir Begovic punches clear.

Good stuff from Stoke as they put pressure on the Manchester United defence. Erik Pieters swings a cross into the area from the left and Peter Crouch rises to meet it, but is beaten in the air by Chris Smalling, who heads clear.

Join the debate

On Tony Pulis as West Brom manager:

Joe Pickstock: Why would he accept a head coach role when he left Palace because he didn't have a say in the transfers?

Chris Sheldon: He's in a win win situation..... if they stay up he's the hero if they go down he blames the last manager.

Jed Varah: Crystal Palace must be thinking they should have kept him!

BBC Match of the Day on Facebook

Other

Who would have guessed?

Team news is imminent for our eight 15:00 kick-offs...

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"It's a big second-half for United in terms of challenging for the Premier League title. They need to win at places like Stoke. They need to sort their away form out.

"For Stoke it's more of the same: put that pressure on the three United defenders. They competed really well and Mark Hughes will say to his front men they need to be clinical when they get the chances."

Juan Mata is caught ball watching by an alert Mame Diouf, who powers forward with the ball but Manchester United get back to snuff out the attack. So far, so scrappy in this half.

The wind remains as strong as it was in the first half as Asmir Begovic places the ball for a free-kick, it rolls slightly and his subsequent kick is carried beyond Jon Walters and out of play.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Getty Images

Richard Darko: Part of United's problem is Van Gaal. Rooney in midfield is nonsense. Herrera should be playing and Rooney pushed up. Simple.

Albahry Hassan: Man Utd need to count on their strikers here if they are to get anything - defensively they are pathetic.

Immsy: Can't believe Jones, Evans and Smalling are still playing for United. Might as well play Wilson as defence.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"We saw Ryan Giggs come out into the technical area and what he was saying to the defence was to get that ball into the midfield. United can exploit possession in there, they have an extra man, and we did not see it in the first half."

New West Brom boss Tony Pulis is at Upton Park this afternoon - I've just seen him suited and booted in the tunnel. The Hawthorns club shop will have to stock up for his first appearance in the dugout.

KICK-OFF

Radamel Falcao positions his hairband, rolls the ball to Robin van Persie and the second half is under way. No changes from either side at the break.

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MOTD's Paul Walker at the KC Stadium: "Many of those who descend on the KC Stadium on New Year's Day will be nursing hangovers but a couple of hours in the fresh air should at least help the recovery process. It will take more than that to help the two men in the dugout, who might benefit from a few hours in a darkened room.

"Both Steve Bruce and Roberto Martinez are suffering with major headaches at present and will no doubt be glad to see the back of 2014 after failing to build on last season's hard work."

MOTD's Alistair Mann at Anfield

"Twelve months ago, as now, Liverpool began the New Year outside the top four. They had been league leaders on Christmas Day but two defeats to end 2013 saw them fall from their lofty perch.

"Inspired by Luis Suarez, they then embarked on a stunning run which not only saw them unbeaten until their fateful defeat to Chelsea at the end of April but even included a sequence of 11 straight victories to raise hopes of a first Premier League title.

"Eighteen points adrift of Jose Mourinho's side this season, a title challenge would appear fanciful, and Champions League qualification may well depend on an upturn in results akin to last year."

MOTD's Guy Mowbray at the Etihad

"Both camps were left cursing the dastardly "missed chance" on Sunday. Manchester City's golden opportunity to move to just one point behind leaders Chelsea was quelled by Burnley, whilst Sunderland drew yet another game despite having an extra man for most of the second half at Villa.

"If Sunderland had turned just three of their 11 draws into wins this season, they'd be level on points with rivals Newcastle in a healthy mid-table position, and we wouldn't be mentioning the dreaded 'R' word in connection with them.

"No wonder 'draw' has become the worst four-letter word you could utter in Gus Poyet's presence!"

MOTD's Martin Fisher at St James' Park

"A New Year and a new start for Newcastle United. After four turbulent years on Tyneside, Alan Pardew has left the building but instead of being forced out he's been able to leave with his head held high and walk straight in to another job at a Premier League club.

"Few anticipated things ending this way three months ago when he couldn't buy a win and his side were stuck in the relegation zone.

"There were banners, placards and even websites devoted to demanding his exit, while radio phone-ins, local and national, were dominated by the same theme.

"And yet the great survivor hung on in there, results improved dramatically, and he leaves the club in the top half of the table."

MOTD's Dan O'Hagan at Loftus Road

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"I was at the Liberty Stadium less than a month ago to see Swansea comprehensively beat QPR . On a night where the duel between Wilfried Bony and Robert Green made for compelling viewing, the only issue in doubt was the margin by which Swansea were to win.

"That this return match is much harder to call is further testimony to just how good QPR are at Loftus Road, and how awful they remain outside of W12.

"Without a single point away from home, it's the worst away record in any of the major European leagues."

MOTD's Alistair Bruce-Ball at St Mary's

"With Arsenal the only one of the top six to collect maximum points from both Christmas games, Arsene Wenger can be entitled to have a spring in his step entering the new year.

"The Gunners are looking for a third consecutive win for the first time in this season's Premier League, and Wenger is confident that the second half of the season will prove more successful than the first.

"Ronald Koeman's Saints have steadied the ship with seven points from the last nine. Those two wins and a draw vindicate Koeman's refusal to panic, and his unwavering belief in his squad and his tactics."

MOTD's John Roder at Upton Park

"When Bobby Gould was fired by the club he was managing on 28 December 1984, he came out with the line: 'All I got from Coventry City for Christmas was the sack.'

"It's the same story for Alan Irvine and Neil Warnock 30 years later, with Alan Irvine shown the exit door by West Bromwich Albion on Monday night after a poor run of seven defeats in their last nine matches.

"West Brom come into 2015 two places and one point above the relegation zone, and have half a season to ensure survival."

MOTD's Simon Brotherton at Villa Park

PA

Pardew - Palace look set to appoint their former player as their new manager

"Until the last few days, this match looked a very strong candidate to be introduced by Gary Lineker with the words "and finally" on Match of the Day. It may still be, of course, but Alan Pardew's impending arrival at Crystal Palace has considerably changed the dynamic.

"Palace can expect a lift from the arrival of their new manager, but as with every appointment his popularity will ultimately depend on results.

"Villa will be desperate to get something from this game and the trip to Leicester next time out before facing Liverpool (h), Arsenal (a) and Chelsea (h) in a row after that."

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Robin van Persie has seen less of the ball than any other outfield player, with all but one of his six touches in the first half coming outside the box.

The wind is causing major problems for both sides, with Manchester United's forward play hampered in particular as balls over the Stoke defence from Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney are being carried beyond the likes of Van Persie and Falcao and through to Asmir Begovic.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"Stoke will be disappointed not to be ahead. The game changed after that chance Mame Diouf had to make it 2-0. United started to dictate the play after that. In the second-half, with United playing against the wind, I think they will capitalise on it. They can play the little balls over the top and they will hold - for the runs of Falcao and Robin van Persie."

HALF-TIME

MOTD's Steve Bower at the Britannia

"A first half that ends all square. Shawcross had Stoke ahead early and Diouf should have made it two before Falcao equalised. Eventful and level."

Chris Smalling produces a well-timed tackle to deny Mame Diouf from pulling the trigger, stabbing the ball behind for a corner which comes to nothing. One minute of added time.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"He's not happy, Robin van Persie. As the ball goes in, Asmir Begovic has lifted his studs and Van Persie has every right to be angry.

"There was no need for him to do it. He had the ball under total control. He lifted his studs up, which was a little bit naughty.

"It was actually a very good move and if the wind had not caught the ball Van Persie was in."

Robin van Persie tries to get to a Wayne Rooney ball over the defence but Asmir Begovic strides out to claim it ahead of the striker, but in doing so stretches out a boot towards Van Persie, prompting the Dutchman to remonstrate angrily at the referee. A frustrating afternoon so far for Van Persie, who has managed just six touches of the ball.

A moment of excitement for the home crowd as Mame Diouf peels away from the defence to chase a Marko Arnautovic ball, but he is flagged offside.

Two efforts on target, two goals. Not a classic by any means, but the strong wind is no doubt playing a part in the quality of football on offer from open play.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Sushant Shetty: This is the Falcao which I had heard of. Supreme predatory skills.

Peter Malath: Every time Jonny Evans receives a ball, it feels like a five-year-old running with an egg on a spoon. Ticking time bomb.

Marko Arnautovic sends a cross towards the far post from the left and Luke Shaw, under pressure from Jon Walters, manages to hook the ball behind. Not the most convincing defending from Manchester United again, though.

Other

That's the 11th goal Stoke have conceded from a set-piece this season, the most in the Premier League in 2014-15. Manchester United have been getting no change out of Stoke's defence in open play, meaning corners and free-kicks would look to be their best chance of snatching three points today.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a brilliantly worked corner. Wayne Rooney drifted the ball into the near post and Michael Carrick made a clever run. The flick from Carrick and Falcao has just rifled it in - a great poacher's goal.

"The way he got his left foot over the ball - sort of like a scissor kick - it was a brilliant finish.

"But United are going to have to work hard from set pieces as Stoke are a tall side."

GOAL

Reuters

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Finally a Manchester United corner proves telling as Wayne Rooney whips the ball in from the left, Michael Carrick flicks it on and Radamel Falcao pokes home.

Juan Mata mixes up his corner taking as he sends Manchester United's third of the day to the near post, but it is headed clear.

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"Mame Diouf should have scored. It was a brilliant ball forward from Marko Arnautovic. Evans should not have let it bounce and Diouf was past him. He should have just passed it into the net. A wonderful chance for Stoke that.

"Evans was in a bit of a tizz. It was a good old fashioned knock the ball forward and run after it. United look like they have a problem with the three at the back."

Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"The early goal has allowed Stoke to drop deep and let United to have all the possession, but they are not hurting them. Stoke can play on the counter-attack and they are better at that.

"Van Gaal is man of great experience but he won't have experienced conditions like this at the Britannia Stadium and they are going to have to learn fast if they want to get something out of this game."

CLOSE!

PA

Manchester United are very lucky not to fall further behind! Mame Diouf puts pressure on Jonny Evans inside the United area and it works as he steals the ball and has just David de Gea to beat, but he compounds to bend his shot wide when it would have surely been easier to score. Lucky escape for the visitors.

Stoke are coping well with Manchester United, who have not managed a shot on goal in open play. Their first effort of note comes from a free-kick, which Wayne Rooney curls over.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Yullaw: First match of 2015 gives us the opportunity to mount another memorable comeback.

Liam McColgan: Loving the atmosphere at the Britannia Stadium. #Stoke fans seem well up for this! Hopefully they will do us Gunners a favour.

Dave W: LVG says he doesn't need to buy a CB as he has lots of them. Problem is, none of them are any good.

Another corner for Manchester United and it is another poor one as Juan Mata's inswinger is too close to Asmir Begovic. Ashley Young then tries to find Falcao with a ball down the wing but over hits it and it rolls out of play to ironic whistles from the vocal home crowd. So far so good for Stoke.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

John Dunthorne: Well , sleepy defence against wide awake Stoke City, = no contest.

Jacob Bridgwater: I want to know who's idea it was to let Luke Shaw mark Peter Crouch.

Manchester United win their first corner of the game but it is an easy claim for Asmir Begovic, who then tries to start a quick Stoke break as he finds Geoff Cameron, but his pass forward strikes Wayne Rooney and goes out for a throw.

Terrible defending from Manchester United for that goal, with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling seemingly failing to join the rest of us in moving from 2014 to 2015.

Since falling behind United have seen plenty of the ball but lack penetration as Juan Mata sprays the ball out to Luke Shaw, but his knockdown into the area is cleared.

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Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"It was Phil Jones that lost Ryan Shawcross. We talked about their physicality in the air - with Mame Diouf up front with Peter Crouch - and it's just what they needed, an early goal from a corner.

"Crouch got a good header on the ball, but it was great anticipation from Shawcross and Jones was caught ball watching."

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GOAL

PA

Well how about this then? Disastrous start to the year for Manchester United as Peter Crouch heads a corner goalwards and Ryan Shawcross, a former Manchester United trainee, is on hand to divert the ball into the back of the net. What will United's response to that be?

KICK-OFF

Off we go then with the first English game of 2015, with Stoke getting us under way.

PA

Stoke boss Mark Hughes, speaking to Sky Sports about the absence of Bojan: "He has been checked out. There is something on the scans so we are hopeful it is not too long a period. We had to tweak things a little in attack and we are going with Crouch and Diouf up top."

On recent back-to-back wins: "We are pleased with our return over the Christmas period. Back-to-back wins is gold dust for the likes of ourselves in the Premier League, we would like to carry that on against Manchester United. We have always given a good account of ourselves against top teams."

Reuters

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, speaking to Sky Sports: "It is an open stadium with a lot of wind today, so it is always difficult.

"They have won the last two games with a clean sheet, that says everything. We had a very difficult match at home. I hope we have improved, I am saying that every week and I think we have to show that."

On playing games in quick succession: "I don't want to change the culture of England, but it is not right. I have read that I have to change [the players] but when you say something like that you have to know if we can change and we have too many injured players."

Out stroll the two teams on to the pitch at a breezy Britannia. Luke Shaw's return to the Manchester United side means Ashley Young swaps left-wing back for right, will he prove as effective there?

LINE-UPS

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The two teams have just wandered off the pitch and back into their respective dressing rooms with kick-off in the first Premier League game of 2015 a little under 10 minutes away. Time for a quick reminder of the line ups.

Stoke: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Muniesa, Pieters, Nzonzi, Whelan, Arnautovic, Walters, Diouf, Crouch. Subs: Bardsley, Huth, Wilson, Adam, Butland, Assaidi, Shenton.

Man Utd: De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Evans, Carrick, Young, Rooney, Mata, Shaw, Falcao, van Persie. Subs: Da Silva, Januzaj, Lindegaard, Ander Herrera, Fletcher, Blackett, Wilson.

Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland)

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Mark Armstrong: Get rid of points and have teams' standings in the league decided by goal difference.

Felicity Main: Neither side gets a point for a scoreless draw - team should share in supporters sense of pointlessness!

Original Jumpman: Extend the 18-yard box from touchline to touchline. No offside in that area once ball enters. Like the blue line in hockey.

Dreaming of the Britannia

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While you lot were knocking back the champers and toasting the start of a new year, Manchester United players were tucked up in bed dreaming of a trip to Stoke.

At least, that is what Louis van Gaal hoped anyway.

"You have to be busy with yourself, with your preparation, and the imagination of the game," he said. "All the players have to do that - dream of the game already, you have to play the game already in your bed."

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Phil Neville

BBC Radio 5 live

"I think Louis van Gaal, on the 26 December, made a big thing about not being able to play two games in three days and sometimes when you hear that it goes in your mind.

"From his news conferences, all he kept going on about was this tough schedule so he put the seed of doubt in his player's minds.

"I was surprised that he went so far, I can understand why he was saying it, it was a thinly veiled attack at the FA."

There can be only one?

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Louis van Gaal won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995

Cheers Tom! Louis van Gaal is currently stood on the touchline at a windy Britannia Stadium, surveying his team as they go through their pre-match warm-up.

Despite his side being unbeaten in their last nine games, Van Gaal is yet to be completely happy with a Manchester United performance this season. In fact, he has only ever had one "perfect" performance in his 27 years as a manager - Ajax's 2-0 win at Real Madrid in the Champions League in 1995.

"That was a perfect game - the only one in my eyes," Van Gaal said. "I have not achieved that with Manchester United."

Could today's game at Stoke make it onto the list? I'm sceptical, but you never know...

And on that statistical bombshell, I hand you over to Gary Rose for the day's early game...

Manchester United have won 11 and lost just one of the 13 Premier League meetings with Stoke.

Robin van Persie has scored 10 goals in 10 Premier League appearances against the Potters, including four in five for Manchester United. Ominous signs for the Potters...

Ryan Giggs shakes hands and has a brief chat with Stoke forward Mame Diouf. Diouf had a brief, unsuccessful spell at Old Trafford, scoring one goal but not making a league start for United. Could he make them pay today?

David de Gea goes through his warm-up routine at the blustery Britannia Stadium. He starts the new year as arguably Manchester United's best player. Certainly the most improved.

Could a new contract for the Spaniard represent their best signing of 2015?

Almost universal approval from everyone this morning when it comes to the Tony Pulis appointment at The Hawthorns. Much may depend on how he gets on with the club's backroom set-up.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

On Tony Pulis being appointed West Brom manager:

Pacifist: Tony Pulis is the perfect match for Albion, top 10 finish for them beckons

Disco Stu: I really think if Pulis was given a good squad he'd be a star and there would not be a long ball in sight. He's a realist.

Terry Mahoney: No new Premier League managers for ages then three come along at once, just like buses.... or coaches even. Sorry.

Team news

Stoke knew that Bojan was likely to miss out after picking up a hamstring injury in the win against West Brom, but the confirmation of his absence doesn't soften the blow. Jon Walters comes into an otherwise unchanged XI.

Manchester United freshen up the defence that played in the 0-0 draw at Tottenham. In come Phil Jones and Luke Shaw for Paddy McNair and Antonio Valencia as Louis van Gaal sticks with three centre-halves. Angel di Maria, back in training, is not involved.

Stoke XI: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Muniesa, Pieters; Walters, Nzonzi, Whelan, Arnautovic; Diouf, Crouch.

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Young, Jones, Smalling, Evans, Shaw, Carrick, Mata, Rooney, van Persie, Falcao.

Tune in

BBC Radio 5 live

You can follow all the scores, results and news on Radio 5 Live, who have live coverage of Stoke v Man United (12:45 GMT) with John Murray and Philip Neville, Man City v Sunderland (15:00 GMT) with Ian Dennis and Neil Lennon and Tottenham v Chelsea (17:30 GMT) with Connor McNamara and Steve Claridge.

The day's coverage starts at midday though so get the radio on, or tune in on this page.

Not forgetting Sports Report at 17:00 GMT and 606 with Jason Mohammad and Kevin Kilbane from 19:30 GMT.

Plenty of attacking players on display from both sides at the Britannia today then. There has to be goals in this one, surely?

Team News

bad news for Stoke as instrumental Catalan Bojan does miss out with injury. He is replaced by the industry of Jon Walters in the only change.

Stoke XI: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Muniesa, Pieters, Nzonzi, Whelan, Arnautovic, Walters, Diouf, Crouch

Team news

Manchester United make two changes from the team which drew with Spurs. In come Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw. Ashley Young at right wing-back?

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Young, Jones, Smalling, Evans, Shaw, Carrick, Mata, Rooney, van Persie, Falcao

Join the debate

A de Randle: Games reduced to 60 minutes but with the clock stopping when the game stops or the ball goes out of play. No injury time, no point time wasting, no pointless last-minute substitutions.

Michael Arscott: Red cards for diving, followed by a five game ban.

Terry Brooker: A wage cap to stop the greed being a factor in players decisions to move clubs

Russell Baker: Cheaper tickets so more people can get engaged in such a historic sport. This would be a good business option too because surely it would be better to have a stadium brimmed with supporters?

BBC Match of the Day on Facebook

Manchester United have arrived at Stoke. Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney all in the dressing room. We should have team news for you shortly.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

On Tony Pulis being appointed West Brom manager:

Craig Walker: Pulis is like the Jose Mourinho of the bottom clubs - always gets the job done.

Tatenda Chakaduka: West Brom are not playing fair, appointing Tony Pulis is the equivalent of using an 'avoid relegation' cheat code.

Geoff Naylor: I know, if I was a Palace or Albion fan, who I'd have more faith in to make sure my club avoids relegation: Pulis or Pardew.

A word of warning to anyone planning on getting the train to Villa Park this afternoon - if my Twitter timeline is anything to go by it looks like there are all sorts of issues with trains in the Birmingham area. One to check before you head off.

Four points for an away win! A maverick approach. I quite like that one Kevin.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jimmeh: I'd like to see Hawkeye used for offside calls with similar rules to tennis, where if you're wrong, you lose that call.

Kevin Joseph Collinson: Great idea for the future of football would be four points for an away win.

Tony Dickinson: Referee appeal system: One protest allowed. One goal if you're wrong.

Scottish Premiership

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Aberdeen will replace Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership - if only for a few hours - should they defeat St Johnstone at Pittodrie. Derek McInnes's side trail the leaders by two points but will leapfrog the Hoops with victory in the 15:00 GMT kick-off game. McInnes started his managerial career at St Johnstone. Celtic, without a win in their previous two league games, are away at Partick Thistle in a 17:30 GMT game. Third-placed Dundee United entertain their rivals from over the road Dundee in the early kick-off at 12:15 GMT.

Scottish Premiership fixtures: Dundee United v Dundee (12:15 GMT), Aberdeen v St Johnstone (15:00 GMT), Hamilton v Motherwell (15:00 GMT), Ross County v Inverness (15:00 GMT), St Mirren v Kilmarnock (15:00 GMT), Partick Thistle v Celtic (17:30 GMT).

That was the year that was...

PA

Steven Gerrard's slip, David Moyes' exit, Ronaldo v Messi, Gareth Bale's cup wins, two epic penalty shootouts, Brazilian capitulation, the return of Emile Heskey, THAT James Rodriguez goal, dire England World Cup fare, bye bye Suarez.

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Wilfried Bony outscoring everyone, Tony Pulis to the rescue, Germany winning the World Cup, Manchester City winning the title, Manchester United spending the earth and Arsenal finally winning a trophy. Any trophy.

Some very edited highlights of a brilliant 2014 of football. Can 2015 deliver anywhere near the same level of gold? Let's hope so...

Rugby league/NFL style video refs? That is one improvement that is at least feasible. Could each manager have a 'challenge' per game?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

We have 'vanishing spray' and goalline technology, but what's next? Robot goalkeepers? Balls that catch fire?

Harry 'maverick' Thompson: Referees with speaker phones like rugby, to give the players more respect for the ref.

Rob Watts: When a match finishes as a draw the team with most shots gets two points (encourages more shooting, therefore more goals)

Joe Anjilivelil: Instant reviews - a referee who has the power to overturn the on field referee's decision after reviewing the video.

BBC Match of the Day on Facebook

'Unbelievable Burnley'

PA

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal seems to be enjoying the unpredictable nature of the Premier League. Whether he still will do at full-time today is another matter...

He said this week: "Against Aston Villa, 1-1, we had to win against 10 players. Against Tottenham Hotspur, 0-0, when you create so many chances, then you have to win but it's not always that the best team is winning, and that's also nice in football I think.

"You never can predict. I could not predict that Manchester City, at home, allows Burnley - last, or one of the last on the table - to come back. I could not imagine. But when I read it, it was true."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Man City extend Frank Lampard's move from New York City:

Darren Turner: Disgraceful! Those New York fans that have spent hard earned cash on season tickets to watch Lampard play must feel let down.

Graham Prince: Diabolical. Chelsea let him go to give him a final swansong in the USA and then Man City do this. If they knew what they know now Chelsea would never have done the deal. Hope he can look himself in the mirror when he plays Chelsea on 31/1 and know he has done the right thing.

Jack Orton: Chelsea thought he couldn't do a job for them anymore, he wouldn't fit into their side. Now he is playing in a side with some of the strongest players in the world and still proving he can do a job. It was simply bad judgement on Mourinho's part. But it has hardly ruined Chelsea's season. Fair play Lamps! Top man.

BBC Match of the Day on Facebook

I was chatting to a United fan last night who maintained that if they can beat Chelsea and Manchester City then there is no reason why Louis van Gaal can't win the league this year.

He had had a few drinks mind...

'United's aim is for the title'

MOTD's Steve Bower at the Britannia

"Manchester United could have had a more comfortable start to the new year as they look to embark on a more productive and positive 12 months than they experienced in 2014.

"Louis van Gaal's squad are making progress and are well on course to achieve the target of a top-four finish this season, but as the United manager has already stated publicly, their ultimate goal is to be winning the title again."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

On Tony Pulis' appointment as West Brom manager:

Alan Fraser: Probably the best appointment we could've made - but I shall be making sure that my ticket for Saturday is in the upper tier!

Jake Hawker: West Brom are going to have a good 2015. What a brilliant manager Tony Pulis is!

The Stoke team and staff have arrived at the Britannia. No late night shenanigans for this lot. Life as a Premier League footballer doesn't have too many drawbacks - but maybe a quiet new year is one of them.

You'd still swap though wouldn't you...?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

What's next? Robot goalkeepers? Balls that catch fire when someone scores a hat-trick?

Benhard Naweseb: The goal should be moving on a rail, from one corner flag to the other during the game, it will even keep Manuel Neuer awake.

Jay: Award fractional points for possession. Will improve pressing and ball retention skills. Would be good for England too.

Andy Canavan: Balls that know which player has touched it last.

Manchester City and their fans may well be happy to secure the signing of Frank Lampard for the season - but the boys in the Big Apple aren't best pleased.

Fans of Major League Soccer's New York City are "outraged" by Lampard's decision to stay, which means he could miss the first three months of the MLS season.

New York fans group the Third Rail said it "publicly denounced" the decision.

In a statement, the independent supporters group added: "Many fans, including our members, decided to support the team, committed to season tickets, and bought merchandise under the impression that Frank Lampard would be playing for New York City Football Club, not Manchester City.

"Many of those fans are rightly outraged by this decision, and we support any course of action they take to voice their discontent over this decision."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

On Tony Pulis' appointment as West Brom manager:

Gaz Sloane: ‏It's more than just about survival - this is an appointment that will give us a chance of long term stability too.

Andy Baldwin: As a Palace fan I do wish Pulis well, but why are so many talking like he's a saviour with guaranteed success? Hyperbole.

Cliff Johnson: ‏Tony Pulis is the best thing to happen to West Brom, He will bring steel to the defence and only buy in players the team need.

How have City 'signed' Lampard now?

David Ornstein

BBC Sport

"Frank Lampard 'signed' for New York City FC in July but with the new MLS season not starting until March, he joined Manchester City - who part-own New York City - until January. Crucially, this was not a loan deal but a short-term contract signed as a free agent. It is understood the contract was for the entire season, with a break clause that was agreed would be activated at midnight on 31 December.

"City needed that break clause removed if Lampard was to remain with them, which happened on Wednesday."

You're not a loan...

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Some good news to wake up to if you are a Manchester City fan - the champions have extended the contract of midfielder Frank Lampard until the end of the season.

The 36-year-old's deal from New York City was due to expire at midnight on 31 December but he will now stay until the summer and miss the start of the MLS season.

Former England international Lampard is available to face Sunderland in the Premier League today.

I've been to New York, Frank. And I live in Manchester. No contest for me either...

Rooney stat attack

AP

Wayne Rooney needs two more goals to become the first player in Premier League history to score 10+ goals in 11 consecutive seasons.

Rooney has provided five goals and two assists in his last seven Premier League appearances. Not bad from midfield...

Just over two hours until kick-off in the first day of Premier League football of the new year. Referee Michael Oliver and his assistants are already patrolling the pitch in their suits. Like cup final day. Except for the fact that it looks freezing. Typical Britannia wind whipping across the ground...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

We have 'vanishing spray' and goalline technology, so what is next? Robot goalkeepers? Balls that catch fire when someone scores a hat-trick, like on NBA Jam? Manchester United to complete a training session without picking up any new injuries?

Wez Blackett: Anti-gravity boots that allow divers to fly further through the air than ever before.

Denis Lobo: The best thing that could happen is the FA resign and a new set of referees are appointed with transparency.

Who's on the shopping list?

PA

The window may not be quite open just yet then, but every Premier League boss scout, boss and director of football will have compiled a wishlist to take to the chairman.

But who needs what? Robbie Savage has had a look at all 20 clubs and drawn up a list.

Whose shopping needs are 'The same old story?' Who needs 'quality, not quantity?' And which clubs just need to keep hold of their key men?

Have a read and see what you think...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Phil Neville

BBC Sport

"West Brom just guaranteed their Premier League status with Tony Pulis appointed today!"

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Disco Stu: Critics of Pulis are crazy. He gets the best out of what he has, the number one requirement for any manager.

John Dykes: As a Stoke fan, I've always wished the best for Pulis and his teams. This however....

Joshua Roberts: 2015 is looking a lot brighter than 2014 thanks to Pulis. The best decision WBA have made since Hodgson.

Ajar - but not yet open

It may well be 2015, but like a frustrated child on Christmas Day afternoon, Premier League chairmen will have to wait a few more days until they can officially spend any money.

Why? Well because in England, Wales and Scotland the transfer window actually opens on Saturday.

The window opens at different times across Europe - here's a useful link.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Two thousand and fifteen. 2015. We are officially in the future.

OK, so we may not have hoverboarded into the office, in fact we still work in an office, and I didn't have to do a single retina scan to get into the building.

But out on the pitch we do now at least have 'vanishing spray' and goalline technology.

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So what is next? Robot goalkeepers? Balls that catch fire when someone scores a hat-trick, like on NBA Jam? Manchester United to complete a training session without picking up any new injuries?

Let us know your visions of footballing utopia.

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Gary Neville escaped a penalty appeal when he brought down West Brom's Graham Dorrans on his last match for Manchester United

Former Manchester United defender turned pundit Gary Neville was in the mood for reminiscing this morning, tweeting: "Four years ago today I trotted out for the last time for United! What a shambles of a performance! @rioferdy5 trying to stick up for me at HT!

Sir Alex Ferguson to me: 'Gary what are you playing at out there.'

Rio: ' It was me boss, should have seen the run.'

Me thinking: 'Get me out of here I've gone.'"

Neville bowed out of his illustrious career with a less than sparkling display against West Brom in 2011.

New Year's Day games

Our first new managerial appointment of the year then, kicking off a busy day nicely. Here's a rundown of today's games in the top flight. They're sprinkling the pitch at Stoke! A sign of the times.

All games 15:00 GMT unless otherwise stated

Stoke City v Manchester United - 12:45 GMT

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

Hull City v Everton

Liverpool v Leicester City

Manchester City v Sunderland

Newcastle United v Burnley

QPR v Swansea City

Southampton v Arsenal

West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea - 17:30 GMT

TP on board

New West Brom manager Tony Pulis: "I'm absolutely delighted to accept the job and I do so with a simple but important message for the Albion fans and everyone at the club.

"Every successful club is built on unity and that is what I shall strive to help bring to Albion. We need everyone together from top to bottom - the supporters, all the staff, the players, everyone who has an interest in the club's welfare.

"With that, we can go forward together and hopefully take this club up the Premier League."

The Pulis lowdown

Former Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham

Danny Higginbotham - who played under Tony Pulis at Stoke - told BBC Radio 5 live why Pulis will be the man to make a difference at West Brom.

"Man management is the key to it. That's what modern day football is all about because you've got so many different characters that you have to deal with. You can't treat them all the same and that's why he gets the best out of players and he certainly did that at Stoke, especially the first season in the Premier League. If you look at our squad, no disrespect to any of us, but you would've looked at us and thought they're going to get relegated straight away.

"He's a manager that looks at players and doesn't ask them to do things they can't do. He gets the best out of them and puts that winning mentality into them as well."

Merry Managerial Merry-go-round

Only a few days ago we were congratulating the Premier League clubs for their restraint this season when it came to sacking managers.

Well, it only took one and the domino effect came well and truly into force.

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Crystal Palace were the first to reach for the festive panic button, firing Neil Warnock the day after Boxing Day.

Former Eagles boss Tony Pulis had long looked likely to take the first job which came up - but it was a case of anywhere but Selhurst Park for him.

Instead, Palace made the maverick, unexpected move and went calling at Newcastle for a former player in Alan Pardew.

Pards was granted permission to speak to his old club and as a result is not in charge of the Toon Army against Burnley today.

Tony Pulis has now been confirmed at West Brom, so that just leaves the Newcastle job up for grabs for now. Any more for any more? You bet...

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

Some breaking news two minutes into the new year! That's what we like.

West Brom have confirmed the appointment of Tony Pulis on a two-and-a-half year deal.

More to come on that one...

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Same old routine for 2015...

BONG! Happy New Year from all at BBC Sport.

BONG! We appreciate that your head may be fuzzy, your living room may be a shambles and your neighbours may be fuming.

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BONG! But 2015 cannot be allowed to grow any older without your first taste of live football.

BONG! So go on, put down the dishes, kick the pizza boxes under the sofa and get back to the Premier League.

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BONG! All 20 top-flight sides are in action today, with seven hours of live action to keep you ticking over.

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BONG! Can leaders Chelsea start the new year in typical form? Is the start of Leicester's great escape? Any idea where Alan Pardew will end the day?

BONG! That's enough now. Let's get this party started...