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

Image source, Getty Images

"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

Image source, PA

"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."

Image source, Getty Images

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."

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.

Image source, PA

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

Peter Malath:, external 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.

Image source, 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."

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

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."