Saturday football reaction

1. FT: Man City 1-1 Hull - Milner levels with late free-kick
2. FT: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea, Swansea 1-1 Sunderland
3. FT: Leicester 0-1 Palace, QPR 0-1 Saints, Spurs 2-1 Arsenal

Goodnight

On that note, it's time for me to head for the hills. Tom Rostance is still live with the Merseyside derby, and I'll be back for tomorrow's triple-header. Have a good night!

Getty Images

It never rains, but it pours QPR fans. Not only did your side suffer a 90th-minute defeat, but your star striker looks to be injured and there are also reports that defender Richard Dunne suffered a cruciate ligament injury today.

BBC Radio 5 live's John Southall: Charlie Austin on crutches, looks like a foot injury. Tim Sherwood a done deal should be in next week.

Defoe for England?

Here's one from left-field. Sunderland manager Gus Poyet is touting Jermain Defoe for England...

"When you pick strikers you pick those in form and scoring goals," Poyet said. "We saw today Harry Kane at Spurs and it's an obvious choice, but Jermain has a chance if Wayne Rooney plays in midfield.

"But that's up to Roy (Hodgson) to decide. I respect the manager of the national team and the only thing the player can do is perform."

Pick that out

Fancy a bit of stunning goal action? Then check out David Cushley's stunning late goal as Ballymena United stun league champions Cliftonville in an Irish Cup match. Unstoppable.

Watch the video here.

Draw specialists

Sunderland have drawn exactly 50% of their Premier League games this season - 12 out of 24. It's working so far though, with Gus Poyet's side 14th in the table after today.

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet: "It was a shame at the end but we were very good in the first half and that can give us the confidence to keep getting results."

On goal-scorer Jermain Defoe: "It's something we were missing, and something he will keep doing because he is Jermain Defoe.

"I am sure that now other teams are going to have to look at us in a different way."

Manager reaction

AFP

Swansea manager Garry Monk: "We did more than enough to score us the goals and win us the game, but we're disappointed we didn't come away with all three.

On Ki's disallowed goal: "It's not conclusive, I was told his head was offside but I'm not sure how that can be right.

"The linesman's flag was up straight away so we just have to go with it."

DR Congo finish third at Africa Cup of Nations

AFP

BBC Africa's Nick Cavell at Malabo: "The third-place game at the Malabo stadium passed off without any sign of a repeat of the problems that marred Thursday's semi-final at the same venue.

"Before kick-off there were a lot more police visible around the stadium complex and 30 minutes before kick-off there only around 200 fans in the stadium. The number slowly increased to between 3000 and 4000 during the first-half and they did their best to lift the atmosphere.

"The black and yellow helicopter that tried to intimidate the fans on Thursday was here again but thankfully much higher above the stadium. Those fans who did come were vociferous in their support of an Equatorial Guinea side who seemed calmer and more composed on the pitch and created more chances. And even in losing the crowd didn't show the same anger as on Thursday and instead showed massive appreciation for their heroes who have defied the odds to finish fourth."

Have your say - lines are open

606 phone-in

BBC Radio 5 live

Lines are now open for BBC Radio 5 live's phone-in programme 606. Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher are coming to you from 19:00 GMT this evening, following the conclusion of the rugby.

Call 0500 909 693, text 85058, or it's @bbc606 on Twitter.

Wage calculator: Global footballers v you

Did you know Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli's yearly salary is equivalent to the cost of 64,010 Liverpool replica shirts with 'Balotelli' printed on the back. And Balotelli earns 82 times more than England women's captain Steph Houghton, who is reportedly on £50,000 a year.

Global football stars earn some of the highest wages in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo's contract at Real Madrid earns him around €350,000 (£265,000) each week. But how much do you get paid compared with a top footballer? Use our calculator - part of the BBC's A Richer World season - to find out here.

Text us on 81111

Dan: Raheem Sterling, Jordan Ibe, Philippe Coutinho behind Daniel Sturridge! Could be an amazing frontline for Liverpool in the next couple of years. Pace, skill and some dance moves judging by Instagram!

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Taarabt's touch map

QPR didn't manage to get a tune out of Adel today, although he did try and get about the pitch in his quest to influence play.

Opta

Manager reaction

Getty Images

QPR caretaker-manager Chris Ramsey: "If I'm honest, I felt we rode our luck a bit in the first half. But the defeat was very difficult to take.

"It gives a lot of hope to the owners and fans to see that the players are trying their best to keep us in the division. We had some good spells of play, but we really need to tighten up on the quality of our passing and our creativity in the final third.

"Myself and Kevin Bond will take the team again at Sunderland on Tuesday."

"I do remember, I played in it"

One you may have missed from earlier here - a BBC reporter unwittingly asked a former Liverpool goalkeeper for his memories of a 1967 derby game with Everton. He was actually talking to Tommy Lawrence, who played in goal for Liverpool for over a decade, and appeared in that very game.

Jim, Chester: On the reporter interviewing Liverpool 'keeper - My wife isn't into football but she worked at Aberdeen when she was younger, and once tried to sell Alex McLeish a ticket to his own testimonial.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

How's stat?!

And here are some key stats from today's game at Villa Park:

• Aston Villa scored their first Premier League goal in 659 minutes. It was the fourth worst run without a goal in Premier League history.
• Jose Mourinho has won his first Premier League game at Villa Park (D3 L2). The only Premier League ground he hasn't won at are the Emirates and St James Park.
• The Blues have lost just two of their last 16 Premier League away games (W10 D4 L2).
• Aston Villa have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games at Villa Park (W1 D4 L5).

Player reaction on Twitter

@oscar8

Chelsea attacking midfielder Oscar: "Come on Chelsea!"

Fair enough to get your team-mates in for a picture after going seven points clear at the top of the table, but not sure why Branislav Ivanovic looks so glum? He did score the winner after all...

I don't want to add to your anxiety Leicester fans, but these stats sum it all up really:

• The Foxes have won just one of their last nine Premier League home games (W1 D2 L6).
• Nigel Pearson's side have netted just three goals in their last eight home Premier League games.
• Leicester City have won none of their last 17 Premier League matches against London clubs (W0 D5 L12).

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

"Leicester are the only team in the Premier League that have humiliated Manchester United and they are bottom. It just doesn't make sense. But you look at their next game away to Arsenal in midweek and you do think they will get something. They are capable of getting a point if they all play to their potential."

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"Leicester have lacked cutting edge all season, with the exception of that freak game against Manchester United, which was a one off. They say the table doesn't lie and I don't think it does because they have been struggling to score goals since that game. United did not take them seriously, which is perhaps why they were so heavily beaten in that early-season match, and then when other teams saw what Leicester did, other teams did start to take them seriously, which has not worked in their favour."

Manager reaction

PA

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman, speaking to BBC Sport: "I think we played well. We played good football and we had the best chances in the game.

"We were maybe lucky that Fraser Forster made that great save 10 minutes before the end, but I think the better team won today.

"Sadio Mane was very good, but Eljero Elia was as well. We spoke about exploiting the space behind QPR's defenders, and I think we did that well, and created some good chances before Sadio scored the winner."

Player reaction

AFP

Leicester City goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer: "I thought we were the dominant side, but didn't take our chances.

"We're not missing chances through lack of effort. Maybe it's that extra little bit of confidence and pressure.

"Today showed we still have the fight, we were just missing that bit of luck."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Stevie Cohen: Manchester City usually have a mid-season dip but have got lucky in the past as other teams have too. Our luck has run out this year.

James Adams: Well, Aston Villa will certainly be winning the 'Month of the Goal' competition...

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'City blew it'

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

Getty Images

"Last week Manchester City did very well against a very good Chelsea side. This week, they blew it. Up until the free-kick from James Milner that snatched a point at the death Hull deserved the victory, and I thought they were going to get all three points. Hull will be devastated but to be fair to City, they got something out of it. However, they are now seven points behind Chelsea."

Full-time stats

BBC

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Harry Le May: A lucky escape for Saints. Graziano Pelle's contributions in the last two games has been woeful. Ronald Koeman's doing a great job but we needed to at least loan another striker in January.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"John Motson says there is a relegation aura around Loftus Road and he should know because he has been to enough matches. We have all said QPR must win their home games, and they haven't done again today. They are without a permanent manager, and there are a lot of questions that need to be asked. They need to get the answers right."

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew: "I think the changes at half-time helped us, because Brede Hangeland came on and was a colossus at the back and he was significant for the goal.

"We should have seen the game out more comfortably. Leicester City have good players, their wide players certainly caused us problems.

"Nigel Pearson will be disappointed not get something but it was a good away performance from us."

Player reaction on Twitter

Reuters

Tottenham forward Erik Lamela: "The London derby is ours. We fought and played to get it! Very happy ... enjoy this beautiful day!"

Tottenham defender Kyle Walker: "Not a bad 10 days... sealed a place in a cup final at Wembley and beat Arsenal. Amazing atmosphere today, fans really drove us on!"

Tottenham forward Harry Kane: "Wow what a game. Atmosphere was incredible. The whole team was different class!"

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"When you look at the margins at the bottom of the table, you wonder what do Crystal Palace need to stay up? I can tell you it is not 26 points I can assure you of that. It will be closer to 36 points. There is a lot of football still to play, and if I was Burnley or Aston Villa I am thinking I am chasing them."

Player reaction

Crystal Palace midfielder Joe Ledley: "It is massive to beat the teams around us. We knew it would be difficult, it's a big three points.

"Away from home we've been pretty good and we need to keep it going. There's a great team spirit in the camp."

Manager reaction

PA

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson: "It was a game that we had chances in, and to come away with nothing is quite tough for us. I don't think they caused us problems.

"We're not taking chances. They didn't have too much in terms of creativity. It's disappointing because we had plenty of good situations. We are talking about the same things again.

"It's about us unable to turn positive displays into results. It's frustrating we can't turn performances into results."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Lewis Wilson: Stevie G. 17 years, 701 games, two FA Cups, three League Cups, 31 Merseyside derbies... one haircut.

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Manager reaction

AFP

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert, speaking to BBC Sport: "I have mixed emotions because I thought we deserved something from the game, we played really well. In the second half it looked like only one team was going to get a win, but we conceded a really unfortunate goal.

"Even last week we had big chances to score. Carles Gil has been a revelation for us, he has been getting better every game. I have to make a decision about where I think we can hurt teams, Gabby Agbonlahor was excellent and his speed caused Chelsea problems. He was a threat, I knew he could not keep it up all the way afterwards, and that is why I changed things.

"We have top players. Our season will not be defined with what happened against Arsenal and Chelsea, it is about from now on in.

On throwing his coat into his dugout in the first half, and possibly tension with the opposite dugout: "You are probably better asking their assistant to be fair. No problem with Jose, whatsoever."

Check out our dedicated Merseyside derby live text here. I'm like a broken record, ain't I?

Former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson, BBC Radio Merseyside

"This is a game Liverpool need to win if they are to get into the top four, come the end of the season. Results haven't gone their way today, but the pitch looks perfect and the atmosphere is incredible. What more could you ask for on derby day?"

Ex-Everton winger Ronny Goodlass, BBC Radio Merseyside

"Liverpool dominate through retaining the ball, so that is something Everton will have to combat. But Liverpool's back three are vulnerable - Skrtl can look awful and Can is a midfield player. So get at that back line and they can be beaten. Everton need to play aggressively in front of this full house - they need to get ball to the likes of Lukaku in order to put pressure on Liverpool."

BBC Radio Merseyside

Everton frontman Steven Naismith: "These are the games all players want to play in. These derbies are part of the reason why you sign for Everton Football Club."

BBC Radio Merseyside

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet: "This is another 90 minutes to be played. No-one will find this a hard game to get up for. I played in derbies for Sunderland, and those were hostile, but I've always enjoyed playing in big games which are full of passion. It's enjoyable to have the spotlight on you."

Shrewsbury Town lost top spot but maintained their unbeaten home record as Tyrone Barnett's late strike secured a 1-1 draw against Southend, who had led through Jack Payne's 54th minute goal.

Burton Albion supplanted the Shrews, who slip to third after second-placed Wycombe beat Cambridge 1-0, at the top of the table as goals from Stuart Beavon, Adam McGurk and Phil Edwards secured a 3-1 win over Cheltenham Town - Albion's first away victory under manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Northampton boss Chris Wilder won manager of the month on Friday and his side continued their impressive form with a 2-1 win over Morecombe to move up to 11th place. Joel Byrom's first minute goal for the hosts was cancelled out by Jamie Devitt's strike before Marc Richards secured the points.

A reminder that the Merseyside derby is getting under way here. All of the dignitaries have taken their seats - Howard Kendall, Roy Keane...

Manager reaction

AFP

Hull manager Steve Bruce: "If you'd offered a point of course I'd have taken it. What we wanted after last week was effort and endeavour. There was a response. In the first half in particular it was a terrific performance. It is a shame because it is cruel. We did enough to win the match.

"It is a soft free-kick (from which City scored). Sergio Aguero is a fantastic player but to me it looks like a tiny arm on the shoulder.

"I suppose they had a big call for a penalty but two wrongs don't make a right.

"Late goals erode a bit of confidence. I think that is five times it has happened now. It is a frustration but the performance was the most important thing. We have shown enough to see we can stay in this division. Let's hope we can keep it up."

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellgrini: "It is frustrating because I think the team worked a lot in the game and had good possession. We did all we could to win but we are not in high performance in the attacking zone.

"We work and run but you need ideas when you play teams like Hull, Middlesbrough or Arsenal when they come with nine or 10 players behind the ball.

"Maybe players coming back from injury - important players will help. We need to try and find other ways to play. It is difficult to know what the reason is for the spark going.

"Every point you lose it is more difficult to recover. But in football you never know. We are not thinking about Chelsea. They are six points clear but can lose games. But we are thinking about our performance."

Leaders Bristol City were denied a seventh consecutive victory as Steve Cotterill's side were held to a 0-0 draw at MK Dons in their top of the table clash. City were reduced to 10 men when defender Luke Ayling was sent off five minutes from time at Stadium:MK.

Swindon Town are the main beneficiaries from that draw and leapfrog the Dons to move into second place following a 2-0 win over mid-table Barnsley, who had won their previous two games. Raphael Rossi Branco and Ben Gladwin got the goals.

Yeovil scored two goals in a match for the first time in 18 attempts to turn things around against Crawley Town and move off the foot of the table with a 2-1 win in their relegation six-pointer. Ajay Leitch-Smith added to Gozie Ugwu's equaliser to move Yeovil up to 22nd.

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

"I actually thought Aston Villa were very good today. If they had played like that throughout the year so far they would be in the top half now. The only reason why they didn't win today is because of lapses in concentration."

Manager reaction

Reuters

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, speaking to BBC Sport: "I like Aston Villa's team. They have very good players. It is difficult to believe Villa are where they are. I wanted to analyse them not because of the points they have, or the goals they don't score, but by the quality of the players. It was a very difficult game, the stadium is a difficult place to go. The referee was very, very good. Very, very good in the way he controlled the emotions of the game.

"Sooner or later Villa had to score and they did it today. They have so many good players, with runners in attack. They put Benteke on in the second half, they had Cole, Sinclair and Gil behind the striker, three very creative players. It makes it very difficult to play against them, so this is a very important victory for us.

"It is one more hurdle in the title race, but there are many more. Every game is difficult. It is possibly the only league in Europe where teams from the bottom can play against the top ones and not just make things difficult but win points.

"I like [that Man City lost] but that was not my concern today. I was never in the game asking for that result. We have to think about us and focus on our matches."

BBC Radio Merseyside

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "I can only talk about our momentum, not Everton's. We're playing well and the balance of the team is really good. I'm happy with how it's going now, considering where we were earlier i the season. But in these games form can go out of the window, because you play with a different sort of emption. But at the moment, as a team we are operating at a really good level."

BBC Radio Merseyside

Everton boss Roberto Martinez: "I think everyone benefits when a club is able to bring in a player of the pedigree of someone like Aaron Lennon. You can see that everyone in the dressing room now has a spring in their step. He's a player who's put a smile on the faces of all the other players. Not the he smiled in his photos when he joined us! That's something I blame the photographer for, by the way."

And allow me to point out our dedicated live text for the Merseyside derby. We'll bring you updates here, but will focus on post-match reaction from the 3pm kick-offs. We're not quite at the last orders stage yet, but the big party is certainly getting started over here.

I've had my head buried in Premier League, so apologies for the late notice... but Atletico have hammered Real 4-0 in the Madrid derby. Wowzers. Read reaction here.

'Defensively, Everton have been found wanting'

Former Everton, Sunderland and West Brom winger Kevin Kilbane

Football Focus

"John Stones reads the game so well. When Everton don't have him in their defence they look so much poorer, a little disjointed. Distin hasn't been in good form and Jagielka has looked off, as has Alcaraz. Defensively Everton have been found wanting, and they need a settled back four.

"Aaron Lennon, who's just joined the Toffees on loan, is only 27 - he has good years ahead of him. He has good pace and ability, and hopefully he'll fit into that Everton side and do well."

'Big future for Stones'

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson

Football Focus

"You can see John Stones is natural footballer. He could easily play in midfield for me but you don't want him there because he is so good in defence. He will only get better in that position because a lot of it is about experience. He reads the game for fun, he brings the ball out with both feet, he can pick out a pass, he is quick and makes it all look so easy. I think he has a really big future in the game."

There's plenty of love for John Stones ahead of the Merseyside derby...

Callum Wilson scored a brace as league-leaders Bournemouth secured a 3-1 win over struggling Wigan Athletic on a day when five of the top six secured maximum points. Wilson's strikes sandwiched Yann Kermorgant's effort as the Cherries secured consecutive victories for the first time since December.

Second-place Derby County, who have won six of their last seven league games, remain level on points with Bournemouth after a debut brace for midfielder Tom Ince helped secure a 4-1 win over a Bolton side that have now failed to win any of their last five games in all competitions

Meanwhile, new Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman, who replaced Stuart Pearce earlier this week, saw his side battle to a 3-2 win at Brighton on his debut. Lewis Dunk gave the hosts the lead just before the break but Forest hit-back through Danny Collins, Henri Lansbury and Ben Osborn before Beram Kayal hit back in the final moments.

It's also been a good day for Southampton and Manchester United. The Saints have gone three points clear of Arsenal, while United are ready to pounce when they visit West Ham tomorrow.

As it stands

Here's how the bottom half of the Premier League looks following today's matches...

BBC

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Paul Seaton: Manuel Pellegrini gone by the end of the season, then. Tactically out-thought, team out-fought.

Chris Denton: Just off to the Fiat showroom. Those Unos are clearly something else. Thanks for the tip, Gareth from Harpenden (see 16:41).

Stuart Mitchell: As good as the Premier League is it lost my attention towards the destruction of Real Madrid, 4-0 losers to Atletico.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

As it stands

It's not looking good for Manchester City, is it? Seven points behind Chelsea, out of both cups and they face Barcelona in the next round of the Champions League.

BBC

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Joe from Edinburgh: Gareth from Harpenden (16:41), you owe Chelsea two points. Please send by cheque or postal order.

Tom in Glasgow: I hope Gareth from Harpenden is eating a large slice of humble pie after that free-kick!

Gareth in Harpenden (again): Currently not able to say anything right now as a result of my foot being in my mouth...

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

Player reaction

Getty Images

Manchester City midfielder James Milner: "It was not good enough. Coming off the back of a good performance last week we knew it would be tough against a spirited side but we've slipped up at home again. You can look at a few things but over 90 minutes we didn't do what we should have done. It is disappointing again but we need to re-group and come back again.

"You look at our success in recent seasons and it was built on solid home form. It shows we now need to make up the ground away from home. Chelsea have a big lead now."

"Legend" Gerrard doesn't like derbies?

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson

Football Focus

"Yesterday I saw Steve Gerrard quoted as saying he doesn't like playing in derbies and to be honest I don't know many people who do, but he has a fantastic record in them. This will be his last at Liverpool and he has been Mr Liverpool, producing so many fantastic moments to lift the side when hey needed it. I still think his passing is as good as anyone's in the league. I very rarely use the word legend, but he really is a legend at Anfield."

Team News

Two changes for Everton from the side that started the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on 31 January. Left-back Leighton Baines and midfielder Aiden McGeady are replaced by Bryan Oviedo and James McCarthy, who returns after six weeks out with a hamstring injury. New signing Aaron Lennon is on the bench.

Liverpool make three changes from the side that started the FA Cup win at Bolton in midweek, with 19-year-old winger Jordon Ibe in the team. Midfielder Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva are also back.

Everton XI: Joel, Oviedo, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman, Besic, Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas, Naismith, Lukaku.

Liverpool XI: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Moreno, Ibe, Coutinho, Sterling.

Follow our dedicated Merseyside derby live text here

FULL-TIME

DISALLOWED GOAL

A frenetic goal-mouth scramble ends with the ball rolling over the line, but the referee blows for a foul on the keeper. QPR have the ball in the net, but it's chalked off.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Chelsea have been in total control in this second half. Aston Villa could not do anything going forward, they really lacked belief and quality in the final third but they tried their best. Chelsea have done a special job here today. They are seven points clear but they were nine points earlier in the season, so it's not all over yet.

"Manchester City are still capable of going on a run, and a lot of these Chelsea players have played a lot of games already and will tire, especially with the latter stages of the Champions League still to come."

FULL-TIME

Empics

Jose Mourinho gives it the big one, whipping up the crowd an fist-pumping like a 1998 Tim Henman. A big win. A big day.

GOAL

Reuters

What a classy finish. The Southampton juggernaut rolls on and QPR can scarely believe it. Maya Yoshida rolls the ball into Sadio Mane, who spins Nedum Onuoha and lashes a wonderful shot into the top corner.

Text us on 81111

Krish from London: What was that, Gareth from Harpenden (16:41)?

Richard in Hythe: Gareth from Harpenden tempting fate?

Phil from Manchester: Gareth from Harpenden. It turns out the Fiat was a better performer than the Ferrari!

Bob, a very annoyed Chelsea fan: Gavin from Harpenden owes all Chelsea fans an apology for cursing it!

A reminder of Gareth's contribution:

Gareth from Harpenden: Speaking as a Chelsea fan, the words you always love to hear are "James Milner replaces Edin Dzeko". It's like Ferrari saying they are replacing their F1 racing car with a Fiat Uno to win a Grand Prix.

Gareth from Harpenden... you're getting pelters on social media...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Freddy Hare: Oh Gareth from Harpenden (see 16:41). "Speaking as a Chelsea fan, the words you always love to hear are "James Milner replaces Edin Dzeko..."

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

FULL-TIME

Glass half full, or half empty?

It should've been three, it could've been none, it ended up as one.

City clear the corner and boot the ball forward...

FULL-TIME

Hang on... now Hull have a free-kick, out wide on the left.

Chance to kill it for Palace as some cowboy defending from Leicester gives the ball to Yaya Sanogo 20 yards out - but he blazes over!

Hull clear the ball. Manchester City are still battling.

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

"Every single Hull player has been working their socks off, they've shown real resilience but James Milner has scored a goal like Roberto Carlos, exactly the same but with his right foot. Milner never gets the plaudits for how skilful he is, but this is a very special goal."

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"That is a world-class free-kick. Allan McGregor can't see the ball as Milner bends his effort around the role and just inside the post."

And another corner for Manchester City. Alamo.

Manchester City with a corner...

FULL-TIME

GOAL

Getty Images

When all looked lost, James Milner steps up and curls a free-kick home from 25 yards. Three minutes to find a winner...

Reuters

AP

Can Mauro Zarate win this for QPR? No... he hits the ball over the bar.

FINAL FEW

Into the last few minutes...

HITS THE WOODWORK

Sergio Aguero tries to win the game on his own. First he beats five or six challenges on his way into the box, then when that moves breaks down the ball returns to him and he smacks it against the bar from eight yards out. It's just not City's day.

Getty Images

Steady! Palace midfielder James McArthur wins a challenge on the touchline and clatters into Leicester manager Nigel Pearson. Pearson is far from happy about it, he grabs the midfielder and won't let go of his shirt! Steady on lads.

Jamie Vardy then has a shot well saved. Leicester giving it everything.

Manchester City have everyone but the tea lady up front now. Oh, and Joe Hart. Hull standing firm.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Chelsea have been very dominant in this second half. They have controlled the pace of the game and could easily go on and score another. You have to give Aston Villa credit, they have stuck at it and tried to keep their tempo high, but Chelsea have been well on top."

Hull manager Steve Bruce has the look of a man who's forgotten where he parked his car. He doesn't know where to look, where to stand and what to say. He's just a bag of nerves in his technical area.

Ex-QPR defender Clarke Carlisle is at the game today, commentating for the radio.

AFP

Six minutes and counting...

Text us on 81111

Oran in London: Ivan's the man! The best left peg in the Premier League!

Gareth from Harpenden: Speaking as a Chelsea fan, the words you always love to hear are "James Milner replaces Edin Dzeko". It's like Ferrari saying they are replacing their F1 racing car with a Fiat Uno to win a Grand Prix.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter, text in on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ page.

It's one-way traffic at the Etihad, but Manchester City are getting caught up in the bottle-neck. No way through, it seems.

Opta

Leicester throwing everything at Palace now and Jamie Vardy has a header hacked off the line. Can the Foxes find a way through?

Cuadrado debut

Chelsea hand a debut to new man Juan Cuadrado as he replaces Willian.

Read more from Villa Park here.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Andrew Neill: Eight points would be too large a gap to make up for City. Especially if they're playing like this. Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony can't return soon enough.

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Bottom side Yeovil have scored two goals in a match for the first time in 18 attempts to turn things around against Crawley Town and make it 2-1 in their relegation six-pointer. Ajay Leitch-Smith adding to Gozie Ugwu's equaliser to potentially move Yeovil up to 22nd.

Meanwhile, it remains goalless between the top two with MK Dons holding league-leaders Bristol City 0-0 at Stadium:MK.

Third-placed Swindon could be the big beneficiaries, closing the gap to City to one point, with Raphael Rossi Branco's first-half strike giving Mark Cooper's side a 1-0 lead against Barnsley.

AP

Both sides are getting a bit tetchy as the game hangs the balance. Swansea are running around like it's the last two minutes of an FA Cup semi-final. They badly want three points here.

LAST 10

Into the last 10 minutes or so in the Premier League. It's beginning to look bleak for Leicester, while Chelsea are sitting pretty at the top. Can Manchester City find a way back into the title race?

CLOSE!

Sometimes, when you're down at the bottom, your luck is out. Joey Barton drives in a low shot which is diverted by Charlie Austin but it can't quite beat Fraser Forster who sticks out an arm and beats it over the bar.

Merseyside derby

Less than an hour now until the Merseyside derby.

We have another bespoke page just for that game with build-up and team news up and running. Join in here.

BBC Sport's Dafydd Pritchard at the Liberty Stadium: "Swansea were wasteful with their chances in the first half but they are level now thanks to a goal from a former Sunderland player.

"Ki Sung-yueng spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light and, in his first match back since returning from the Asian Cup with South Korea, the midfielder meets Kyle Naughton's inviting cross with a fine diving header.

"The hosts are in the ascendancy with 15 minutes left but, with a league-high 11 draws so far this season, Sunderland will fancy their chances of holding on for a point."

SUBSTITUTION

Here he comes... Hull's new signing Dame N'Doye is finished with the toilet and is ready to flush out City's title chances. He's on for Gaston Ramirez.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Chelsea have really upped the tempo since conceding the equaliser. They have dominated this football match since the first five minutes of the second half. Jose Mourinho's side have been pressing Villa so quickly, and the way they move the ball about, they have just raised it to a higher tempo."

Swansea are having the better of the second half, but when Sunderland do manage to mount an attack Seb Larsson is booked for handball on the edge of the Swans' area.

SUBSTITUTION

Stevan Jovetic doesn't need the toilet (16:28) and comes on for David Silva for an increasingly desperate Manchester City. Just over 15 minutes to go.

LAST 20

Into the last 20 minutes at Villa Park. As it stands Chelsea are eight points clear at the top.

Follow minute-by-minute action from Villa Park here.

New Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman could be heading for a debut win as Henri Lansbury has scored to make it 2-1 against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Forest had been behind to Lewis Dunk's 42nd minute strike.

Gary Hooper has scored from the spot to seal his hat-trick for Norwich, who will move to within one point of the play-offs if they can hold on to their 3-0 lead against bottom side Blackpool.

Meanwhile, Jeff Hendrick's second goal of the game has restored Derby's three-goal lead over Bolton as the second-placed Rams now lead 4-1 at iPro Stadium.

BBC Final Score

Final Score is now heading onto BBC Two and BBC Two Northern Ireland, as today's matches all come to the boil...

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

"Cesar Azpilicueta was allowed down the left hand side, there was a bit of melee with the ball in the box, it came off a few shins, but he picked out Branislav Ivanovic at the far post and he caught it beautifully - like a peach."

Hull want to bring on Dame N'Doye for his debut, but can't just yet... because he's gone to the toilet. Nerves?

Branislav Ivanovic has scored five goals in his last six Premier League starts against Aston Villa. Loves it.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"All the Chelsea fans are trying to get on the pitch in the far corner. The goalkeeper had no chance, Branislav Ivanovic caught the ball sweetly, and for all of Carles Gil's excellent play going forward he was caught ball watching there. That allowed Cesar Azpilicueta in on the left side for the cross."

CLOSE!

QPR's substitution almost pays instant dividends when Matty Phillips picks out Mauro Zarate at the far post, but the shot is straight at Fraser Forster.

SUBSTITUTION

PA

Adel Taarabt's quiet afternoon comes to an end, and the playmaker makes way for Mauro Zarate.

League-leaders Shrewsbury could be losing top spot and their unbeaten home record as Jack Payne has given fifth-placed Southend a 1-0 lead at Greenhous Meadow.

Wes Burns has got a goal back for Cheltenham to make it 3-1 against a Burton Albion side that will succeed the Cherries at top of the league as current scores stand. Phil Edwards had given Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's side a three-goal lead minutes earlier.

At the foot of the table, bottom side Hartlepool, who have taken seven points from their last possible 12, trail 1-0 after Matt Tubbs netted his first goal for new club Portsmouth.

GOAL

AFP

Chelsea back in front! Jores Okore goes from hero to Villan as he can't clear his lines. Lying on the floor, the defender can only chip the ball back to Cesar Azpilicueta. He picks out Branislav Ivanovic in the area and the Serb guides in a cracking left-footed strike. Right in to the top bag.

Follow that game in full here.

SUBSTITUTION

James Milner replaces Edin Dzeko for Manchester City, who are getting a little nervous at the Etihad.

GOAL

PA

Swansea get the goal their play deserves when Ki Sung-yueng nips in front of his marker to bury Kyle Naughton's right-wing cross from close range against his former club.

Wilfried Zaha has been at his electrifying best at times this afternoon, skinning two men at ease again and planting in a left-footed cross which Yaya Sanogo is inches away from burying. Brilliant from Zaha.

SUBSTITUTION

Sunderland bring on Adam Johnson as they look to put this game beyond Swansea's reach. They clearly plan to hit the dominant hosts on the break.

Getty Images

Looking at the Manchester City bench, it seems the only Plan B they have is Frank Lampard. Beyond that, they look a bit short.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Stephen: Hell Freezes Over as Aston Villa Score!

Tariq Khan: So THAT's what it's like to score a goal!

Nick Thompson: Just sang "We're Aston Villa, we score when we want" with the Holte End. Gotta keep that sense of humour ;)

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Swansea are seeing plenty of the ball, but look a bit toothless without Wilfried Bony. Bafe Gomis just hasn't stepped up yet.

Southampton are piling plenty of pressure on now and Sadio Mane is wrongly adjudged offside when he would have been clean through. At the other end, Armand Traore heads into the side-netting.

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

"That is a really poor goal to concede (see 16:12). Nobody was marking Brede Hangeland at the far post, he pops it back into play and Joe Ledley can find the back of the net all too easily. You cannot concede goals like that when you are down at the bottom of the table."

CLOSE!

Pretty, pretty, pretty close! Willian shoots from 22 yards and the Chelsea playmaker is inches away from finding the corner. Brad Guzan was a worried man. Moments later Dider Drogba can't convert a cross from the right.

Follow Villa v Chelsea in full here.

PENALTY APPEAL

Another penalty shout at the Etihad, where Jesus Navas is cleaned out in the penalty area. But the linesman had already flagged for offside.

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

"Really patient play from Manchester City (see 16:11). They are finding the areas to play in now and are knocking on the door. They are pinning Hull back, and with David Silva enjoying so much possession, it is only a matter of time before they work an opening and score."

Tom Ince has bagged a brace on his Derby County debut and the second-placed Rams lead 3-1 against a Bolton side that have failed to win any of their last four games in all competitions - including a tough FA Cup replay against Liverpool in midweek.

Derby will stay level on points with leaders Bournemouth, who are beating struggling Wigan 2-0.

Third-placed Middlesbrough will keep the pressure on at the top as Jelle Vossen has restored their lead to make it 2-1 against a Charlton side seeking their first win in 12 Championship games.

PENALTY APPEAL

Manchester City think they should have a penalty when Alex Bruce bundles into the back of David Silva, who goes tumbling. Referee Jon Moss shakes his head. I've seen them given...

GOAL

Getty Images

It's been coming, and Crystal Palace heap on the misery for bottom of the league Leicester. Brede Hangeland is head and shoulders above everyone at a corner to head across goal and the mightily-bearded Joe Ledley is on hand to head in off the underside of the crossbar.

Great stuff from Yaya Sanogo as he skips past Wes Morgan and gets a shot off but it's well blocked by a recovering Leicester defender. The big man has made a difference.

Former Aston Villa frontman Dion Dublin

Final Score

"Great skill on the right by Gil. He left the defender for dead and lifted it into an area, just hoping someone would be there. Lo and behold, someone was!"

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Paul Lambert now has to make sure his team do not come off the pace and stay on the front foot. Chelsea have not been brilliant today. They have looked leggy and tired. Villa have made a brilliant start to this second half."

GREAT SAVE!

Finally an opening for Manchester City as Pablo Zabaleta puts the ball into the box and Edin Dzeko volleys goalwards but it's turned wide.

'We score when we want!'

BBC Sport's Chris Bevan at Villa Park

"We score when we want" is the chant from the Villa fans after they finally end their Premier League goal drought, just seconds before it would have hit the 11-hour mark. It is fair to say that Jores Okore's header was greeted with wild celebration all around the ground and it has certainly brought the home supporters to life."

Follow the live page for that game here.

MOTD's John Motson at Loftus Road

"I gather Les Ferdinand, QPR's director of football, made a visit to the home dressing room at half-time, so he's obviously exerting some influence."

PA

Up in the Loftus Road stands, a cheeky young schoolboy asks Les Ferdinand for a selfie and the big man obliges. Roy Hodgson leans in too. Good old Uncle Roy.

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"I have to say, I wouldn't like to hear what Jose Mourinho has to say about his defenders. Three of them all misjudged the flight of the ball completely. It was a good ball in, but it's missed all the Chelsea defence and it's allowed the Villa centre-half to get round the back and nod it into an almost empty net. Mourinho will not be happy at all."

That was Aston Villa's first Premier League goal in 659 minutes. Eleven hours, bar one minute.

KICK-OFF

We're back under way at Loftus Road in a game which has been delayed following a first-half injury to Southampton defender Matt Targett.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

Getty Images

"I have got to say I have been impressed by Carles Gil, he's got a trick, he's very nippy, and he moves the ball past Oscar before standing it up at the far post. Jores Okore got a free header (see 16:06) and nods it down into the ground. A great start to the second half from Villa."

BBC Sport Wales's Dafydd Pritchard: "What would Swansea give for a finisher of Jermain Defoe's quality?

"Despite dominating the first half and creating a number of clear scoring opportunities, the Swans find themselves 1-0 down to Sunderland thanks to Defoe's second goal for the club since joining in January.

"The former Tottenham striker's goal came against the run of play, and just seconds after Ki Sung-Yueng had a goal disallowed for Swansea as he was deemed to have been offside.

"As the second half gets under way, Sunderland's acquisition of Defoe looks like one of the smartest signings of the January transfer window."

AFP

Manchester City are still huffing, puffing and failing to blow Hull's house down. They do have a free-kick from a good 35 yards out though, which David Silva hits into the wall.

GOAL

AFP

ASTON VILLA HAVE SCORED! A GENUINE GOAL!

Lovely play from a short corner as Carles Gil skins Oscar on the right and stands the cross up, centre-half Jores Okore is all alone six yards out and he heads into the net. The Holte End erupts. Grown men cry. Dancing on the streets of Villa Park.

Follow full live coverage of the game here.

CLOSE!

Yaya Sanogo has instant impact, spinning in behind the Leicester defence and shooting into the side-netting.

Text us on 81111

Empics

Vince in London: Poor Villa. Where are Darius Vassell and Juan Pablo Angel when you need them, eh?

Jasen from London: I'm wondering what I'll see first, a Villa goal or Avengers: Age of Ultron. The Hulk is looking a good bet at the moment....

Christian in Kent: If Villa do end up sacking Paul Lambert in three months time his name will be touted for another struggling Premier League side. It's just the same old cycle of mediocre managers changing clubs again and again.

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SUBSTITUTION

Here he is. Yaya Sanogo and Brede Hangeland are on for Scott Dann - who had that head injury - and Jordon Mutch. Go direct!

KICK-OFF

Are Manchester City about to go eight points behind Chelsea or will they turn it around? We're getting under way around the country. City, incidentally, have brought on Jesus Navas.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Tom Sharpe: For all the people moaning about Paul Lambert, tell me what you would do differently when your star player is currently garbage?

Ben Storrie: Like last season Hull look much better with a back three and Tom Huddlestone/Jake Livermore/David Meyler in front of them.

Jack Grant: Just seen the Hull goal, it's like Fifa defending!

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Palace striker Yaya Sanogo is going through an extensive warm-up. Expect him on for the second half.

Burton Albion could be going top of the league this afternoon as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's side lead 2-0 against 21st-placed Cheltenham and are on course for their first away win of the season under the Dutch manager.

Leaders Shrewsbury, who are unbeaten at home, are currently being held 0-0 at Greenhous Meadow by Southend, who have not lost in their last eight matches.

Northampton boss Chris Wilder won manager of the month on Friday but his side are being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Morecombe in the battle between 11th and 12th. Joel Byrom's first minute goal for the hosts cancelled out by Jamie Devitt's strike.

League-leaders Bournemouth have taken a 2-0 lead against Wigan after top goalscorer Callum Wilson capitalised on the visitor's dominance at the DW Stadium and then Yann Kermorgant added his 10th goal of the season to double the lead.

Second-placed Derby County are also flying as Tom Ince's curling free-kick on his debut for the Rams, who have won five of their last six league games, opened the scoring and Jeff Hendrick made it 2-0 against Bolton on the stroke of half-time.

Third-placed Middlesbrough could be set to lose ground after being pegged back by a Charlton side seeking their first win in 12 Championship games. Johann Berg Gudmundsson cancelling out Patrick Bamford's opener to make it 1-1.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Chelsea have done enough. They lead without playing particularly well but Aston Villa are lacking confidence in front of goal and that is making things easier for the away side. I do think there are more Chelsea goals to come in the second half."

It remains goalless between the top two in League One with MK Dons holding league-leaders Bristol City 0-0 at Stadium:MK.

Third-placed Swindon could be the big beneficiaries, closing the gap to City to one point, with Raphael Rossi Branco's first-half strike giving Mark Cooper's side a 1-0 lead against Barnsley.

In the battle at the other end of the table, Izale McLeod has given Crawley Town, who stunned promotion-chasing Preston last weekend, a 1-0 lead against bottom-feeders Yeovil, who sacked manager Gary Johnson on Wednesday.

Madrid derby

A big derby in Spain today too - and Atletico Madrid are 2-0 up over Real at half-time.

Happy days for the men in red and white.

You can follow the live action on that on here.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Andy Knowles: About as poor a first half as it gets from Manchester City. Need to stand up and be counted second half otherwise the title race is dead.

Matthew Vins: I think the only way for Aston Villa to generate a goal threat is to get Martin Laursen back...

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HALF-TIME

Get some ice on it Eljero.

Ouch. That's gut-wrenching. Eljero Elia is kicked in the unmentionables from close range by Richard Dunne as the big defender tried to hack the match ball clear. It did not end well. It never would.

BBC

Jose Mourinho may not be too happy, but he's earned over £800 since kick-off. Coining it in.

See how your salary compares with football's biggest names in our wage calculator.

Here's the average position of the Manchester City players in that first half against Hull. As you can see, Hull are doing a good job of shielding their goal.

Opta

HALF-TIME

Still no goals for Aston Villa. Still no smiles from Jose Mourinho.

Follow a separate live text here.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Paul Moore: Manuel Pellegrini is running on borrowed time at the moment. Barcelona will crucify City on this form!

Andrew Neill: Harry Kane the only home goal scorer so far today. Surely that must change..?

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HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

MOTD's Simon Brotherton at the Etihad

"That was a very stodgy first half from Manchester City. They have been disjointed and devoid of inspiration. Very disappointing from City. Hull, in contrast, have played well."

Eden Hazard on another mazy run for Chelsea, who have had an easy 45 minutes so far. His shot is eventually deflected wide.

Injury update

PA

News from Southampton on left-back Matt Targett, who was carried off on a stretcher after a nasty-looking aerial collision with QPR winger Matty Phillips. The 19-year-old has been taken to hospital for a precautionary X-ray.

HALF-TIME

MOTD's John Roder at the Liberty

"The arrival of Jermain Defoe at Sunderland might just be the most astute piece of business of the transfer window, his second goal since arriving having put them ahead in a close, keenly-fought first half."

INJURY TIME

Getty Images

There's seven minutes of injury time at Loftus Road following that injury to Matt Targett earlier.

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"A classic Jermain Defoe goal, making the chance himself and burying it. Sunderland are looking to feed him in and around the edge of the box, and it was a lovely finish."

There's no sign of Manchester City dragging themselves back into this just yet, with Hull's high-energy pressing game working a treat so far.

Palace centre-half Scott Dann has a nasty clash of heads with Wes Morgan and unsurprisingly comes off worse. He needs some careful treatment, looks like he is winded, and he's very dazed. He may have to come off. But he's on at the moment.

GOAL

Getty Images

Moments after Ki Sung-Yueng had a goal chalked off for offside - he tapped home Jonjo Shelvey's free-kick from six yards out - Sunderland pour up the other end and Jermain Defoe runs 40 yards with the ball before smashing past Lukasz Fabianski.

He's still got it - and he's now scored against all 20 of the teams currently in the Premier League.

Getty Images

After Dwight Gayle argues with the linesman about the placing of a corner - just put in the quadrant Dwight - Palace almost take the lead.

Gayle's delivery is excellent and Scott Dann heads into the side-netting.

Swansea remain the better team at the Liberty, without having had too many goal-scoring opportunities.

A little opening for QPR as Adel Taarabt controls the ball in the area and gets a shot off, but a Southampton defender gets across to block it.

It's very scrappy, stop-start stuff at Villa Park right now. Didier Drogba takes a battering and a bruising up top. Ramires almost gets on the end of Eden Hazard's pass.

For a better read on that game, don't forget we have a bespoke page here.

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

"Hull have been on the front foot all the way through this game. Joe Hart came to read it but the communication between him and Vincent Kompany was wrong. Manchester City have had more possession but Hull have been so much more positive with the ball when they have had it. There is confidence."

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"Hull had been unlucky not to take the lead up to this point. They have really held their own. Man City look like a side capable of winning the title, but they look like the need to be kick-started before they start competing in games. Why? Hull look so much brighter, and they are playing through and around Manchester City. Make no mistake, they are worthy of this 1-0 lead."

GREAT SAVE!

Leicester close again! Jeff Schlupp chests down a cross at the back post, he slams his shot into the turf and Julian Speroni makes the stop. Riyad Mahrez gets to the follow-up first but can't keep his effort down. The Foxes almost ahead.

GOAL

AFP

Can you believe it? It's happening again to Manchester City. They go behind at the Etihad after another indifferent first-half display. The defending for the goal is all over the shop too, as they fail to clear their lines on a number of occasions. First Jake Livermore's shot is beaten clear by Joe Hart, then Gaston Ramirez drives a low shot against the inside of the post... then David Meyler slides the rebound into an empty net.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Southampton have done everything but score today and Sadio Mane pokes wide after skinning Clint Hill, before Jose Fonte hits the bar with a volley from a corner.

Text us on 81111

Lee from Warwickshire: Lambert, please please go. You are destroying this great club.

Josh in East Sussex: What can Villa do to break the negative psychology of not scoring a goal for so long?

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An enjoyable game with no end product so far at Leicester. Both sides are looking slick on the break - right up until the penalty area where they fall apart.

PA

Hull are keeping Manchester City at arm's length here. Steve Bruce prowls his technical area, next to his new assistant Mike Phelan. So far so good for Steve and Mick.

Burton Albion are on course for their first away win under manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and could move to the top of the league as Stuart Beavon's strike has given them a 1-0 lead at 21st-placed Cheltenham.

Leaders Shrewsbury are currently being held 0-0 at home by Southend.

Elsewhere, Exeter lead Bury 1-0 in the battle of two promotion hopefuls.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"You have to give Aston Villa credit, the effort is there, their tempo is good but they seem to be lacking confidence and ideas in attack. They have put several good balls into the box but the man who would have loved to get on the end of them - Christian Benteke - is on the bench. Chelsea are in control of this one, without playing all that well."

GREAT SAVE!

PA

A good save from Costel Pantilimon, as Swansea begin to go through the gears. Jonjo Shelvey slides the ball through and Mo Barrow dummies before Pantilimon races off his line to block off Bafe Gomis's shot.

GREAT SAVE!

So close to the opener! Riyad Mahrez dances past a defender and cracks in a low shot, Julian Speroni gets a big hand on it and Esteban Cambiasso is inches away from sliding in to convert the loose change.

Unlucky!

Manchester City win a free-kick on the edge of the area and David Silva tries a clever chip over the wall, but Paul McShane reads it and clears the danger. You've got to get up early in a morning to catch out old Paul McShane.

Raphael Rossi Branco has struck to give third-placed Swindon a 1-0 lead against Barnsley and Mark Cooper's side could close the gap to one point on league-leaders Bristol City, who are being held 0-0 at second-placed MK Dons.

Kevin Davies' 150th career goal has given fourth-placed Preston, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at lowly Crawley Town last week, a 1-0 lead at home to Coventry as they look to get their promotion push back on track.

Elsewhere, Walsall's Jordan Cook has scored and been booked as his side lead 1-0 at home in their mid-table tussle with Doncaster.

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

Reuters

"Hull are having a really good go at Manchester City. They have played some really good stuff, putting the ball into the 'corridor of uncertainty', making defenders and goalkeeper communicate to deal with it. Ahmed Elmohamady had a great chance and should have scored (see 15:17) - with his forehead this time. Hull should be ahead."

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"It looks like Targett is out cold, and considering the current climate surrounding concussion he shouldn't take any further part in the game.

"I've just seen Roy Hodgson in the crowd, sitting next to Les Ferdinand. So he has hot-footed it from White Hart Lane down to Loftus Road. The FA are getting their money's worth today!"

SUBSTITUTION

Bad news for Southampton, as left-back Matty Targett is to be stretchered off - and replaced by Florin Gardos - after picking up a serious-looking injury going for a high ball with Matty Phillips. Up in the stands, England boss Roy Hodgson is watching on after dashing across London from White Hart Lane. He's got a real headache if Charlie Austin bags a couple this afternoon too...

GREAT SAVE!

It's Oscar season, and the Brazilian is running the show at Villa Park. Best supporting artist, at the very least. He glides into the box and pulls the trigger but Brad Guzan makes the save.

Gary Cahill wants a penalty moments later for a handball but it's waved away.

Follow that game in full here.

Reuters

Sunderland are coming into it at the Liberty Stadium, with Jermain Defoe denied a close-range chance by a superbly-timed tackle from Federico Fernandez, then Jordi Gomez drills a low effort just wide.

And the away fans are doing their bit for Anglo-Welsh relations in light of last night's Six Nations win for England by singing "Swing low, sweet chariot".

Lovely feet from Wilfried Zaha as he shows the form that once persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to spend £15m on him, dancing past two, three Leicester defenders and battering in a low cross which Wes Morgan defends superbly.

Patrick Bamford has struck to give Middlesbrough a 1-0 lead against Charlton and as it stands Aitor Karanka's side would move to the top of the table. Boro's opponents have not won in their last 12 Championship games.

Norwich could be moving back into the play-off places with Gary Hooper's right footed shot handing them a 1-0 lead against the league's bottom side Blackpool.

Elsewhere, Birmingham's David Coterill has made it 1-1 to ensure Fulham's lead was short-lived after Hugo Rodallega's 11th goal of the season had given the hosts, who have won their last two home games, the advantage.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Aston Villa are getting a lot of joy down the left-wing. They know they have to score to stay in the game and are asking Chelsea questions. It just makes you wonder why they don't start like this though."

Follow Villa v Chelsea here.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Getty Images

Hull City rattle the woodwork and leave Manchester City shaken after Robbie Brady skins Pablo Zabaleta down the left and puts in a fine cross which Ahmed Elmohamady heads powerfully against the bar.

It's another very nice move from Leicester, but you don't win any points for style. The ball ends up at Dave Nugent's feet but his errant chip drifts past the far post.

CLOSE!

It's all Southampton in the Harry Redknapp derby and Eljero Elia stabs wide after Clint Hill had only partially cleared another tip-top delivery from James Ward-Prowse. In other news, Joey Barton has been booked for the sixth game in a row.

MOTD's John Motson at Loftus Road

"Victor Wanyama is sticking very close to Adel Taarabt. I'm not sure if it's a man-to-man marking job, but it very much looks like it."

Thirty-six percent of possession, no shots on goal - it's not been the best opening 15 minutes for Aston Villa. Can they possibly come back and shock the leaders from here?

Follow Villa v Chelsea here.

A swift counter from Manchester City sees Sergio Aguero latch on to a throughball but Allan McGregor rushes off his line to cut out the danger.

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

AFP

"It's patient play from Chelsea (see 15:07). Because Didier Drogba is playing he drags the defence out and leaves gaps behind. There was a nice little two-yard gap for Eden Hazard, and after perfect centre-forward's run across the full-back, he had a tap in."

Good play down the left wing from Jeff Schlupp finds Dave Nugent in the corner of the box, but the one-time England man sees his curler deflected wide. Leicester playing some nice stuff but yet to test Palace keeper Julian Speroni.

Getty Images

Already you can see a pattern forming where Manchester City might struggle to break down Hull's packed defence. Hopefully they've got a welcome home cake ready for Yaya next week.

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"That was a very good Chelsea goal. Villa do seem to play a very high defensive line, and that is high risk against a very talented opposition. Willian, who is very quick, found Hazard to fire it into the back of the net. A very well-constructed goal."

Good forward play from Swansea's Bafetimbi Gomis sees the French striker fire in a low effort which just curls away from goal at the last minute.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Too easy. Eden Hazard just runs across the full-back Alan Hutton, it's not the best of contacts for the finish but Brad Guzan had no chance. It's a terrible goal to give away."

GOAL

Getty Images

Oscar, Willian and Eden Hazard have been brilliant all season for Chelsea and the trio link up to provide the opener at Villa Park. The two Brazilians work the ball over from the right and the Belgian is on hand to slide in a finish.

Villa have to score twice to win...

Follow a separate live page on that game here.

Leicester playing a patient game, but the side bottom of the division need points fast and I'm sure they've targeted today as a home win. At the other end Wilfried Zaha has a shot blocked.

CLOSE!

Getty Images

Close for Southampton as Victor Wanyama sets Sadio Mane through and the striker chips the onrushing Rob Green but the ball goes wide of the far post.

There's no pattern emerging at the Liberty early on as both sides feel each other out.

Graziano Pelle tries his luck from range for Southampton but Rob Green is equal to the shot. Southampton are bossing possession and spreading play out wide rather nicely.

YELLOW CARD

Chelsea's kit is an eye-stinger this afternoon, but the visitors have made a typically enterprising opening, penning Villa back. Tom Cleverley is booked for a nasty lunge.

Don't forget, and you won't because I'll keep telling you, there's a separate live on that game here.

Joe Hart makes the first save of the match - getting down well to deny Sone Aluko's angled effort.

Edin Dzeko is starting for the first time since October today and he wins Manchester City an early corner with a tricky run into the box. Nothing comes from the centre, but bright play nonetheless.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Villa Park

"Aston Villa do like to play on the counter attack but that is what frustrates the fans here. They want to go and attack sides but Gabriel Agbonlahor is on his own up front, and he and Villa will be waiting for Chelsea to lose the ball."

Palace work an intricate corner in the early stages which Jordon Mutch meets on the full, a great volley from 25 yards but the ball sails over the top.

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"There could be shock result this afternoon at Loftus Road. Southampton could do with getting back on track again, but a reaction from QPR would be very interesting and a win for them would be the result of the weekend."

KICK-OFF

Can anyone top Harry Kane's exploits this afternoon? Let's find out...

Derby day in Spain too

It's not just derby day across England this afternoon, but also in Spain as well where Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are minutes away from locking horns at the Vicente Calderon.

Cristiano Ronaldo returns for Real following suspension while Fernando Torres is among the Atletico substitutes.

Follow it all live here in the company of Jonathan Jurejko.

Player reaction

Ryan Mason reflects on Spurs' derby win over Arsenal, telling BT Sport:

"We wanted it all over the pitch, and there can't have been many better atmospheres all over the world today. The fans can have a good night tonight.

"We are buzzing and it's great to get one over on them. We've been on a good run, we have a tough game at Liverpool on Tuesday but we go there full of confidence, and hopefully we can get a result there."

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

"Leicester have to get a result today. They have to. It only takes one result and then everyone is dragged in. There have been lots of individual bits and bobs, and the manager is trying to get them playing a certain way but that wasn't working and they went more direct. They still are to find a style that works for everybody in the side."

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

"Garry Monk has been at Swansea for a long time, and he gets on very well with his players. When Michael Laudrup went the players were still comfortable in the setup. If I'm honest though, I'm surprised he's done so well."

MOTD's John Motson at Loftus Road

"Tim Sherwood's not here today, despite what some of the morning newspapers reported. This managerial partnership of Chris Ramsey and Kevin Bond is only in the short-term at the moment.

"Sherwood is still the only viable candidate to take over, as far as I can gather, but it's been complicated by fact that QPR play away to Sunderland on Tuesday night. After that they've got a 12-day gap because they're not in the FA Cup. It would probably be common sense for the new manager to take over in the latter part of next week, and let Ramsey and Bond carry on for the Sunderland game on Tuesday."

Getty Images

Tunnel vision

Here we go then, teams in the tunnels around the land. Will Villa Park see a home goal?

Player reaction

If I had stocks in Harry Kane, I'd be selling them right now. Surely he is at the apex of his career?

Or will he keep getting better and be La Liga bound? Here he is speaking to BT Sport:

"The fans were incredible, the atmosphere was like lightning and I will remember this for the rest of my career. My first London derby, and to win the way we did by digging deep, it's incredible. I probably won't sleep tonight."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Rory Bradford: Fully deserved victory from Spurs! Spurs to win Capital One Cup, Europa League and finish in top four! Not biased at all of course....

Dan Parry: And to think Kane started the season as Spurs' Europa League striker.

Mickey Wallis: Harry Kane was clinical, but Arsenal's midfield shape was awful. Aaron Ramsey's pass completion must've been less than 10%.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

"City only at 80% but more to come"

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin

Final Score

"Manchester City are still only at 80% of what they are capable of at the moment. They haven't quite reached that quality that we know they have, but if any team can come back and pip Chelsea at the line it's Manchester City. They have the squad capable of doing that."

Getty Images

Surely City will be back to winning ways today?

'Score in a decade, we're gonna score in a decaaaddeee'

Getty Images

The Villains have gone five hours and 42 minutes without a goal in the Premier League at Villa Park.

BBC Radio 5 live

QPR interim manager Chris Ramsey: "Everyone has their own ideas of how things need to be done. But I know the players and what they have to offer. I'm telling them to make sure the fans are off their seats in delight come the end of the game. Make sure you leave everything out there, that you can look at yourself in the mirror tomorrow morning, having tried to stick to the plans we've put in place."

Villa "had to play" Benteke

Former Aston Villa frontman Dion Dublin

Final Score

"I don't agree with dropping Christian Benteke. He is the only one who might become prolific at some stage. Villa had to play him today. It'll be a big blow to his already low confidence. Villa have no natural finisher in their team today."

Follow a bespoke live on that game here.

With the bottom three and the top two all all in action over the course of the next few hours, it promises to be a classic afternoon.

For the avoidance of any doubt, here are our 15:00 GMT games:

Aston Villa v Chelsea

Leicester City v Crystal Palace

Manchester City v Hull City

Queens Park Rangers v Southampton

Swansea City v Sunderland

"A bit of a stink at Loftus Road"

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson

Football Focus

"What's happened at QPR is really strange. Why have Joe Jordan and Glenn Hoddle walked out the door too? Hoddle managed England. I don't get it. It's a bit stinky, for want of a better word. And why cant you appoint your manager straight away if he is available too. What's all that about?"

Leaders Shrewsbury Town remain unbeaten at home this season but that record could be under real threat when fifth-placed Southend visit Greenhous Meadow. Phil Brown's side have not lost in their last eight matches and can move to within a point of their hosts if they can secure an elusive win at Shrewsbury.

Second-placed Burton Albion are level on points with the Shrews and on paper have much the easier game of the weekend as they travel to 21st-placed Cheltenham Town, who are still seeking their first win at Whaddon Road since manager Paul Buckle took charge in November. But while Burton boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has led the club on nine-game unbeaten run they are still to win on the road during his tenure.

The league's bottom side Hartlepool have taken seven points from their last possible 12 and will travel to 18th-placed Portsmouth boosted by their 3-2 win over Plymouth last weekend. Pool remain seven points adrift of safety but could drag a Pompey side that have lost six of their last nine matches well into the relegation battle with them.

The top two go head to head at Stadium:MK and hosts MK Dons can leapfrog league-leaders Bristol City with a victory. But Dons manager Karl Robinson will have to watch from the stands, as he serves the final game of a four-match touchline ban, while Bristol boss Steve Cotterill attempts to cajole his team to a sixth consecutive victory in the league.

Third-placed Swindon, who are one point behind the Dons and trail Bristol by three, can capitalise on any slip from the top two if they can bounce back from last week's 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United with victory at home to mid-table Barnsley, who have won their last two games.

At the other end of the table, bottom side Yeovil Town sacked manager Gary Johnson on Wednesday and will be hoping their new era begins with only their seventh win of the season when they host follow relegation strugglers Crawley Town. However, Dean Saunders' visitors head into the match buoyed by last weekend's surprise 2-1 win over promotion-chasing Preston North End and just two points off moving out of the drop zone.

Former Brighton defender Mark Lawrenson

Football Focus

Getty Images

Dougie Freedman, who played up front for Nottingham Forest in the late-90s, takes charge of his first game away at Brighton this afternoon.

"The new Forest owners have had six managers in such a short period of time. I wish Dougie Freedman all the best, and he was out of work so it's understandable that he'd take the opportunity, but is the Forest job a good one anymore?

"The owners need to start to look long-term. They need a plan, need to invest in managers, and the current instability puts off potential new signings."

The drama doesn't end in the top flight either. Only goal difference separates first and second in the Championship and the top two are both in action on Saturday. Leaders Bournemouth travel to relegation-threatened Wigan, who are yet to win at the DW Stadium in seven games under manager Malky Mackay, looking to secure consecutive victories for the first time since December.

Second placed Derby County have won five of their last six league games and host a Bolton Wanderers side that have failed to win any of their last four games in all competitions - including a tough FA Cup replay against Liverpool in midweek.

Elsewhere, new Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman, who replaced Stuart Pearce following last weekend's 1-0 loss to Millwall, will be hoping to end the 12th-placed club's poor run of just one win in 11 games in all competitions when he travels to face a struggling Brighton side that have two wins and two loses since Chris Hughton took control at the start of January.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jonny Joy: Spurs deserve that. Should've been more. Arsenal were poor, in passing, in challenges. Weak. Not top four quality.

Samuel Harper: Fourth place isn't decided in February...

Jerry Elumeze: I would imagine that the Wenger defensive experiment that started with the win at Man City will end with this defeat to Spurs.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

What a start to the day. A great game - unless you're an Arsenal fan - but will the thrills keep coming?A quick reminder that you can get a separate, full live page on the Villa v Chelsea game here.

What a game, and now here's Tom Rostance to join me for the 3pm kick-offs...

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"Tottenham and Arsenal, I want to say they slugged it out but they both played some superb football. Tottenham's vibrancy kept Arsenal on the back foot. We often talk about high ticket prices but nobody will feel they were hard done by today. It was a wonderful spectacle. Theatre as good as you'll ever see."

Fist pumps from Harry Kane, while Spurs owner Daniel Levy rubs his hands together. Tottenham are in dreamland... and into fourth in the Premier League. They now have won 12 points from goals scored in the last five minutes of the game this season.

BBC

FULL-TIME

AFP

February 7, 2015: the day Harry Kane erased any doubt... this boy is England class.

YELLOW CARD

Aaron Ramsey is booked now. Arsenal's day can't get much worse.

Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks

Final Score

PA

"I didn't see this Tottenham performance coming, if I'm honest. But I'm very pleased. Kane's goals have been very, very good. And I want to spend oodles of time talking about his second goal, because technically you will not see a better finish. He leapt, arches his back and put the ball right back to where is came from. Unbelievable. A beautiful goal.

"When you're on top of your game you enjoy a purple patch. You cannot explain it, and everything just goes for you."

Harry Kane takes the ball into the corner flag as we reach the second of the four added minutes. Not long until the party officially starts.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Ollie Davies: Harry Kane can solve the Ukrainian crisis, Ebola, the NHS and the economy. He can do no wrong!

Henry Whitfield: Harry Kane should already have three, only makes sense he'd nail one eventually. The saviour of Pochettino. Simple as.

Saqueeb Rajan: The derby at Goodison has big shoes to fill after this cracker of a game!

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

Tomas Rosicky from range, but it's straight at Hugo Lloris. In the stands, the Tottenham party is just getting started.

BBC Final Score

Just under way now on the BBC Red Button (and at the top of this page), Final Score kicks into action. Jacqui Oatley is joined by former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks and ex-Aston Villa frontman Dion Dublin as all the goals go in around the country.

Final Score is on 14:30-18:00 on the BBC Red Button and 16:30-17:15 on BBC Two, except in Scotland. In Northern Ireland the programme in on BBC Two 16:30-17:00, with Final Score from NI at 17:00-17:15.

SUBSTITUTION

A final roll of the dice from a very glum-looking Arsene Wenger as Chuba Akpom comes on, while Spurs replace Erik Lamela with Benjamin Stambouli.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"What a great header. The ball was curled away and Harry Kane headed it back across the goalkeeper, perfect. If Roy Hodgson has left the game early - safe journey home Roy - he has missed a superb header, right out of the textbook. But it's not all over yet. There will be an intense Arsenal attack now."

GOAL

AFP

What a player! Harry Kane will not have to buy a pint on the white half of north London for the rest of his days as he rises above his marker to plant a famous header past David Ospina from Nabil Bentaleb's deep cross. Power, poise, precision.

I have to say this again... what a player!

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"Both teams must be very tired but still the pace of the game is unrelenting. It is so competitive. Young Eric Dier is another one who will have impressed the watching England manager Roy Hogson today. He's been excellent at the back."

With the scores locked at 1-1 ticking into the final few minutes, Arsenal fans must be wary of this man...

AP

Christian Eriksen has scored decisive goals in the 87th minute or later four times this season. And all since November too.

FINAL FIVE

Tottenham are doing their best to pin Arsenal back, but the Gunners are keen to switch play quickly and Tomas Rosicky is scheming away in the number 10 role. Either side could win this.

YELLOW CARD

Olivier Giroud is booked for a late challenge on Ryan Mason.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Khael Malik: But for a dodgy defence, Spurs would probably be challenging for the title.

Christian Breyley: Weather update - there's a HurriKane at the Lane!

Philippa Dasher: Harry Kane reminds me of is Teddy Sheringham. Great intelligence, all-round centre-forward ability.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

PENALTY APPEAL

Tottenham might be the better team, but television replays have just picked up on an incident a few minutes ago where Per Mertesacker had his shirt pulled in the area as he tried to chase after a loose ball. Looked like a penalty to me...

Your questions for Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

Earlier, we asked you to send in your questions for former England winger Chris Waddle, who will be co-commentating as BBC Radio 5 live brings you full coverage of Aston Villa v Chelsea, which kicks off at 15:00 GMT.

Question: Are Villa in real trouble? Can they turn it around?

Chris Waddle replies: "You have to believe they can, but if you are not scoring then you are going to be punished. Chelsea have not won at Villa Park under Jose Mourinho in the league, but if you look at the form of the two teams you would say 99 times out of 100 Chelsea would win. Villa have to press Chelsea as much as they can and try and catch them as much as possible, but it will be tough.

You can follow dedicated live text commentary on Aston Villa v Chelsea via our separate page from 14:30 GMT.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

PA

"I haven't seen Tottenham play with such intensity, for such a long period of a game, for a long time. That's over 75 minutes now they have had Arsenal really pushed back. This is as good as Tottenham have played this season, no question. The way they have moved the ball at pace has really made it difficult for Arsenal, who have defended brilliantly. Theo Walcott's pace will frighten Spurs in these last 15 minutes though."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Neil Adams: The most one-side North London derby I've seen. Have Arsenal touched the ball this half?

John Dixon: Kane's having a great season, but people are getting a bit carried away. Pressurising him as the saviour of English football

Chris Fleming: I'm sorry but Atkinson is having a shocker. There are some awful free-kicks being given here.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

When was the last time Arsenal's possession stats dipped below 40%? The Gunners react by sending on Theo Walcott in place of Danny Welbeck.

opta

Arsenal aren't out of this themselves and they flex their counter-attacking muscles with a flowing moves which culminates in Mesut Ozil picking out Olivier Giroud, but the Frenchman can't direct his header on goal.

Your questions for Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

Earlier, we asked you to send in your questions for former England winger Chris Waddle, who will be co-commentating as BBC Radio 5 live brings you full coverage of Aston Villa v Chelsea, which kicks off at 15:00 GMT.

Question: Who will be most aggrieved in the Chelsea team by the signing of Juan Cuadrado?

Chris Waddle replied: Well, you can't leave Eden Hazard out, so I think Juan Cuadrado's signing is made with the right side in mind. If that is the case, then it will be Willian who will be looking over his shoulder.

You can follow dedicated live text commentary on Aston Villa v Chelsea via our separate page from 14:30 GMT.

Team news

Manchester City make three changes from the draw at Chelsea last time out. Right-back Pablo Zabaleta, Edin Dezko and Samir Nasri start as Bacary Sagna, Jesus Navas and James Milner make way.

Hull have received international clearance for transfer deadline day signing Dame N'Doye and the striker is on the bench at City. The Tigers make four changes to their starting line-up from the defeat by Newcastle last Saturday as defenders Alex Bruce and Paul McShane, midfielder Robbie Brady as well as forward Sone Aluko come in for the benched Curtis Davies, Andrew Robertson, Abel Hernandez and Nikica Jelavic.

Man City XI: Hart, Clichy, Demichelis, Kompany, Zabaleta, Fernando, Fernandinho, Silva, Dzeko, Aguero, Nasri

Hull XI: McGregor, Elmohamady, Dawson, Bruce, McShane, Meyler, Livermore, Huddlestone, Ramirez, Brady, Aluko

Get voting

There is a vote open now on this page asking whether Tim Sherwood is the right man for QPR? You know what to do - get voting!

Voting terms and conditions.

AP

White Hart Lane goes momentarily silent as expectant Spurs fans and nervous Arsenal supporters watch Christian Eriksen run up to the free-kick... but the great Dane pops it over the bar.

Tottenham win a free-kick on the edge of the area. Or, to be more precise, in Christian Eriksen range...

Team News

Swansea City manager Garry Monk hands a debut to Jack Cork, a January signing from Southampton and one of three changes from last Sunday's 1-0 win at the Saints. Fellow midfielder Ki Sung-yueng returns from international duty with South Korea at the Asian Cup, while Modou Barrow makes his first Premier League start as he replaces the injured Marvin Emnes on the wing.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet makes two changes from the 2-0 win over Burnley as the injured Adam Johnson and Connor Wickham make way for Ricky Alvarez and Danny Graham, the former Swansea striker who makes his first start for Sunderland since 2013.

Swansea starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Williams, Fernandez, Taylor; Ki, Cork; Dyer, Shelvey, Barrow; Gomis.

Sunderland starting XI: Pantilimon; Reveillere, Vergini, O'Shea, van Aanholt; Bridcutt; Alvarez, Gomez, Larsson; Defoe, Graham.

Your questions for Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

Earlier, we asked you to send in your questions for former England winger Chris Waddle, who will be co-commentating as BBC Radio 5 live brings you full coverage of Aston Villa v Chelsea, which kicks off at 15:00 GMT.

Question: Are Villa in real trouble? Can they turn it around?

Chris Waddle replies: "You have to believe they can, but if you are not scoring then you are going to be punished. Chelsea have not won at Villa Park under Jose Mourinho in the league, but if you look at the form of the two teams you would say 99 times out of 100 Chelsea would win. Villa have to press Chelsea as much as they can and try and catch them as much as possible, but it will be tough.

You can follow dedicated live text commentary on Aston Villa v Chelsea via our separate page from 14:30 GMT.

Harry Kane is absolutely superb. He pops up in midfield, wins the ball, controls it and then sets his team going forward. Moments later he is in the box trying to force the ball over the line. The complete striker? I'm starting to think he is.

Team News

An interesting selection from the QPR caretaker team of Chris Ramsey and Kevin Bond, as Adel Taarabt makes only his second start since August. The forward, you may recall, was deemed not fit enough to play by former boss Harry Redknapp earlier this season. There are three other changes; Steven Caulker, Armand Traore and Matty Phillips come in.

Victor Wanyama returns to Southampton's midfield after three games out with a hamstring injury. That's one of three changes made by boss Ronald Koeman, who also brings in Sadio Mane and England Under-20 left-back Matt Targett - the latter replacing the suspended Ryan Bertrand. Morgan Schneiderlin, fit again after hamstring trouble, is on the bench.

QPR XI: Green; Onuoha, Dunne, Caulker, Hill; Phillips, Barton, Fer, Traore; Taarabt; Austin.

Southampton XI: Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Targett; Davis, Wanyama; Mane, Ward-Prowse, Elia; Pelle.

SUBSTITUTION

Arsenal, perhaps sensing the match slipping away from them, make a change and Tomas Rosicky replaces Santi Cazorla. The Czech scored in two of the three matches against Spurs last season...

Christian Benteke on the bench? That will please those Villa fans waiting for a goal...

Team news

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert opts to start Gabby Agbonlahor ahead of Christian Benteke, who drops to the bench, in one of three changes. Aly Cissokho and Ashley Westwood also start while skipper Ron Vlaar returns from a knee injury to take his place on the bench.

Chelsea new signing Juan Cuadrado is on the bench as Willian starts on the right side of midfield. Gary Cahill comes into the centre of defence at the expense of Kurt Zouma while Didier Drogba leads the line.

Aston Villa starting XI: Guzan, Hutton, Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Westwood, Delph, Cleverley, Agbonlahor, Weimann, Gil

Chelsea starting XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Drogba.

Tottenham are stopped in their tracks when the referee pulls up play following Erik Lamela's arm in the face of Nacho Monreal. No real drama though and we are back in action.

Team News

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson makes five changes from the side which lost 3-0 at Manchester United as Paul Konchesky, Esteban Cambiasso, David Nugent, Riyad Mahrez and Matty James are all recalled. Record signing Andrej Kramaric is on the bench.

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew makes two changes from their 1-0 home defeat to Everton as Wilfried Zaha and Jordon Mutch come in for Marouane Chamakh and Yaya Sanogo.

Leicester City XI: Schwarzer, Simpson, Wasilewski, Morgan, Konchesky, Cambiasso, James; Mahrez, Nugent, Schlupp, Ulloa

Crystal Palace XI: Speroni, Ward, Delaney, Dann, Kelly, Puncheon, McArthur, Ledley, Zaha, Mutch, Gayle.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"A great save from David Ospina to move the ball away after Nabil Bentaleb had hit an absolute steamer. And Harry Kane was on top of it again showing his predatory instincts but was correctly ruled out for offside."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Sarah Morgan: I thought Kane might stick one in - even as Gunner I hope the watching Roy Hodgson puts him in next England squad!

Martin Golds: Of course Kane has just scored another one. Thirty goals this season is a possibility. England call up a certainty.

WoodzHN: Forget rivalries, think about Harry Kane and Daniel Sturridge playing up front together for England...

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

GREAT SAVE!

AFP

That goal by Harry Kane was the 599th scored in the Premier League this season, and we almost see the 600th when David Ospina makes a fine double save to first deny Nabil Bentaleb's low shot and then he gets up quickly to stop Harry Kane at the follow-up. Kane's effort wouldn't have counted as the offside flag had gone up.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"A terrific shot from Danny Welbeck, he bent it to the top corner but Hugo Lloris flew across and turned it away for a corner. Arsenal are coming back into this game. The atmosphere here is incredible. The noise is rising and after the goal people were jumping on their seats. It's like a South American football match."

Who said England don't produce top strikers any more? While Harry Kane is banging them in at one end, Danny Welbeck almost scores a sensational second for the Gunners when he cuts inside and curls an effort which Hugo Lloris tips wide. England manager Roy Hodgson is at the Lane. He might want to start asking for Harry's number.

LIVE! This afternoon

Because, in the words of Depeche Mode, you just can't get enough, we have three separate live text commentaries for your enjoyment this afternoon.

Stick with this page for coverage of all of the day's action, plus reaction and interaction, as per usual.

But from 15:00 GMT you can get full commentary on just Aston Villa v Chelsea right here on this link.

Then, from 16:30 or so, we will have a separate page with all of the build-up to the Merseyside derby.

Oh, and while I'm at it, the Madrid derby as well, that one from 14:45 GMT.

CLOSE!

Ooohhh! it's nearly 2-1 to Tottenham - Harry Kane is a toe-nail away from converting into an empty net after David Ospina had parried Mousa Dembele's low shot. Spurs are rampant now.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

le Zone Ami: Kane. Again. How many times have we said that this season?

Michael Louw: It had to be Kane! What a player.

Jake Fletcher: Harry Kane's the next Alan Shearer.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"Harry Kane was sitting at the back post and just tapped it in. And I have to say it is no more than Tottenham deserve on the balance of play. The game is brilliantly poised now. Two teams going hell for leather in a top class derby."

GOAL

Getty Images

The boy can do no wrong. Harry Kane, the prince of White Hart Lane, delivers a superb leveller when he sidefoots in at the far post after a corner had been flicked on by Mousa Dembele. Spurs have flight.

Reuters

YELLOW CARD

A decent opportunity for Tottenham as Laurent Koscielny brings down Mousa Dembele down the right and the hosts are awarded a free-kick. Koscielny is booked and the free-kick is swung in by Christian Eriksen but it fails to beat the first man at the near post.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Getty Images

Femi John Atoyebi: The clash of the Dannys. One will soon be off for the other...

Carl Harris: Wellbeck was upset at Danny Rose's diving. Again. It's not always the foreign lads.

Andrew Branton: Spurs are poor in the final third, Lamela terrible, no width and not enough support for Harry!

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"A terrific counter attack by Arsenal but Hugo Lloris did well to get down to the shot. In the first couple of minutes of this second half Tottenham have been on top but have over elaborated at times in front of goal. Mousa Dembele particularly seems to want to take too many touches."

GREAT SAVE!

Arsenal are waiting for another opportunity to hit Spurs on the counter and they almost take the first one which comes along when they pour forward and Santi Cazorla's low, curling shot is tipped wide by Hugo Lloris.

Arsenal's defence is congesting the central areas and Spurs are being forced wide as they look to create an opening. Here's what the stats look like early in the second half...

opta

Straight from the kick-off, Tottenham fly at Arsenal but it ends rather tamely when Nabil Bentaleb smashes a shot well wide. No composure.

KICK-OFF

Back under way at the Lane.

Scottish football latest

PA

Another goal in the Scottish Cup and Celtic are now firmly in charge of their tie at Dundee. Leigh Griffiths peels away from his marker to meet a deep cross from Mikael Lustig and his downward header is kept out by the fingertips of Scott Bain. However, the keeper can do nothing as Stefan Johansen is quickest to the loose ball and the Celtic midfielder slams the ball into an empty net.

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Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton is on the White Hart Lane pitch at half-time, being presented with a Spurs shirt. Warburton went to school with Gareth Bale and that shirt, with the number 50 on the back to mark his landmark appearance for his country, should make up for last night's disappointment...

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Jonathan, Oxford: What's all this pessimism/sniping about Spurs? I've rarely seen a half so dominated by a trailing team. Sometimes that just happens. Playing like this gives them the best chance of turning it around.

Tim: Those of you complaining about Arsenal's tactics, have a look at the scoreboard. Tottenham have not created any clear-cut opportunities, and Arsenal look dangerous on the break.

Stuart, Chelmsford: Great that Dan from London (entry at 45mins) thinks Spurs are making progress. Two years ago it was stop the ball getting to Bale and they're an average team, now we've got two world-class players!

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

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MOTD's John Roder at the Liberty

"Sunderland boss Gus Poyet said ahead of the victory over Burnley last weekend that his side needed their season to have a turning point.

"Over the last seven days they may just have achieved that, following up the win over the Clarets with their FA Cup replay success at Fulham on Tuesday night, when they had to come from behind to earn a fifth-round tie at Bradford next Sunday.

"The Black Cats are four points above the relegation zone, and 10 points behind ninth-placed Swansea, who halted a run of four games in the Premier League without a win by beating Southampton last Sunday."

MOTD's Simon Brotherton at the Etihad

"Manchester City have never lost at home to Hull in the league in nine previous encounters and won 4-2 in the reverse fixture back in late September.

"Hull's only win away to City came in the FA Cup fifth round a whopping 85 years ago, so if they do get something here it will be a day to remember. Hull's last two games have ended in 3-0 defeats, with confidence and morale taking further hits.

"Another defeat, which would be their fourth on the spin, probably awaits them."

MOTD's John Motson at Loftus Road

"QPR's new manager will have a towering task ahead of him. Unable to bring in any reinforcements, he will have to make do with the players he's got and attempt to turnaround the team's fortunes with less than 15 games of the season to go.

"It's absolutely vital Rangers get a manager with experience of both the Premier League and a relegation battle.

"The chairman, Tony Fernandes, has made it abundantly clear what he's looking for following Harry Redknapp's resignation - someone who can nurture young players and build a team around them."

MOTD's Martin Fisher at the King Power

"Crucially, Leicester haven't been cut adrift. They're only three points from safety but they cannot afford that gap to widen. Successive trips to Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City come next and that demanding schedule surely underlines the importance of claiming all the spoils against Crystal Palace.

"Victories over Hull and Villa since Christmas prove that the Foxes are capable of beating teams in and around them. Palace certainly fall in to that category; despite their impressive resurgence following Alan Pardew's appointment, they're not out of the woods yet."

Robbie Savage

BBC Sport pundit

"Just as I did not expect Burnley to stay up, I never thought Hull would be in trouble at this stage of the season.

"They have had a lot of bad luck with injuries but the question now is whether they can get out of the position they are in. I played under Tigers boss Steve Bruce in a relegation battle at Birmingham and he will be trying to keep morale high on the training ground.

"No matter how bad results are, you need the players to still go in and enjoy training every day and Bruce will make sure of that."

Read more from Robbie here.

MOTD's Guy Mowbray at Villa Park

"This will be Paul Lambert's 100th Premier League game as Aston Villa's manager, and we all know what he wants to mark the occasion.

Goals, ANY goals - just something to get him off his seat cheering after seeing his side toil for 10 hours and 12 minutes of league football without scoring one."

Shall we get the thoughts of the Match of the Day commentators ahead of the 3pm kick-offs?

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"It has been a first half of tremendous quality, a really great advert for the Premier League. Spurs are playing with vibrancy and intensity and they have had goal attempts too, but David Ospina was equal to them and Arsenal are defending solidly. They are always a danger on the counter attack, even though Hugio Lloris hasn't had hardly anything to do."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Henry Morris: Ozil's on fire!

Mathew Penistone: Is this the same Mesut Ozil? Tracking back like an old school wideman, scoring like an old school finisher... and he won a header!

Daniel Fenton: I'm glad Pochettino has kept the great Spurs traditions of high-tempo passing and attacking, coupled with shaky defence.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

HALF-TIME

The players clash as the half-time whistle goes. Danny Welbeck appears to be particularly upset about something.

Tottenham continue to press Arsenal and win the ball when the Gunners take a second too long. If they can keep up this intensity in the second half - and get a bit more quality from Christian Eriksen - they can get back into this.

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Rich in London: Is this the point where Mauricio Pochettino realises he actually needed to sign some quality in the window?

Dan from London: Stop the ball getting to Kane and Eriksen, and Spurs are an incredibly average team.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

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"Harry Kane did well there (see 42 mins), he did a couple of dummies that sold the Arsenal defence and in fact Hector Bellerin played him onside. Kane's shot only went a whisker wide. You know I sometimes think Mousa Dembele has dreams at night about not scoring goals. He just glides past people at times and often reaches the edge of the box, but for some reason he never shoots."

YELLOW CARD

Nacho Monreal is in the book for a blatant obstruction of a rampaging Kyle Walker.

Harry Kane is through on goal, he sidesteps a tackle and drags his shot wide. But it wouldn't have counted anyway because the linesman's flag was up.

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Richard Elliott: How long is Wenger going to allow this Tottenham onslaught to continue before he alters his tactics?

James Taylor: I'm always surprised Tomas Rosicky doesn't get more game time. A class act.

Just Dylan: Arsenal need Carzola, Ramsey and Ozil to start taking control in the middle. Can't keep relying on Ospina and Coquelin to bail us out.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

PENALTY APPEAL

Arsenal keeper David Ospina goes for a high ball and wipes out Harry Kane in the process. He doesn't win the ball and the striker is flattened. Penalty? Not according to Martin Atkinson.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

AP

"The intensity of Tottenham's play is something I have rarely seen this season. They really are playing well but Arsenal are doing equally well to stop them scoring, and the more Spurs try to support their front players, the more space they leave behind."

MOTD's Jonathan Pearce at White Hart Lane

"Harry Kane only started five games in Tottenham's first 15 league matches. Where would they be if the manager had shown faith in his young striker earlier?"

Earn it like Ozil

BBC

Mesut Ozil earns an estimated £8m a year playing for Arsenal, which equates to roughly £15.50 a minute, or £1,395 a game. Not including half time.

Amaze your friends, wow first dates and thoroughly depress yourself by comparing the salaries of the world's greats on our new wages calculator.

Hours of fun/woe.

Tottenham fans cry foul play when momentum takes Danny Welbeck into a collision with Hugo Lloris and the Frenchman is felled. That's a red card on Fifa that.

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Tottenham switch focus and attack down the right. Kyle Walker beats his man and pulls the ball across but Erik Lamela slips and skies his effort over the bar. Mauricio "Danny Dyer" Pochettino looks frustrated.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"Tottenham area playing with the same vibrancy that we saw in their game against Chelsea. They rocked Jose Mourinho's side in those early minutes but Arsenal are defending very well, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny combining to stop Spurs playing those tight passes splitting the Arsenal defence - we often say through the eye of a needle."

As Spurs pass the halfway line, they run into two banks of four which are being superbly married together by Francis Coquelin. That forces Christian Eriksen into a speculative shot from distance which troubles nobody but the ball boy.

CLOSE!

You nearly tempted fate there, Ben Turner. Ryan Mason almost draws Spurs level with a fine strike from distance which David Ospina turns round the post.

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Steve Sprange: Harry Kane has one of the best first touches of any English player.

Ben Turner: Ryan Mason's rough style of play and lack of technique reminds me of Emanuel Frimpong, someone Arsenal discarded years ago.

Jordan Mundy-Gill: Lamela is working really hard and looks dangerous on the turn, but Dembele is anonymous. Get Chadli on and move Eriksen into the number 10 position.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

If Arsenal win today, they will go third in the table with Manchester United to play on Sunday. They will be eight points behind leaders Chelsea going into the 3pm kick-offs. Title contenders still?

Former Tottengam midfielder Jermaine Jenas

"Lively start from both teams. I have to say, great finish from Ozil. Plenty more goals in this game!"

Scottish football latest

A goal to tell you about in the Scottish Cup match between Dundee and Celtic. Mikael Lustig strode forward and delivered a fabulous cross for Leigh Griffiths to meet at the near post and the striker deftly steered a header into the far corner to put the visiting side ahead.

You can follow the action on our Scottish live text commentary.

This match is being played at a ferocious tempo as Tottenham really try and unsettle Arsenal. The Gunners are not helping themselves by playing the ball out from the back against a team as adept at pressing as Spurs.

BBC Sport's Chris Bevan at Villa Park

BBC

"The most appropriate item on sale in Aston Villa's club shop? An official club duck, which sums up their recent woeful record in front of goal.

"Paul Lambert's side are yet to score a Premier League goal in 2015 and, in total, it is 612 minutes since they last found the net in the league, enough time to watch all of either the Godfather or Lord of the Rings trilogies.

"They could also surpass the seven Police Academy films (total running time 627 minutes) in today's game against Chelsea, but I suppose some Villa fans might argue they have been already been watching a more inept bunch of recruits than the ones who served under Commandant Eric Lassard."

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Matt from Newcastle: On the odd occasions when I've watched Spurs, Rose has cost them a goal. Lively going forward, worrying when defending.

Mich in Leeds: I thought Danny Rose was quick, but Welbeck had him on toast in the build-up to the goal...

Andy in Wrexham: Get Bentaleb off, he's a waste. Stambouli should be in there.

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

How many chances? Danny Rose again pops up on the left wing for Spurs and, from 12 yards out, flashes an angled shot just wide of the Arsenal goal. He could have had a hat-trick now.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"Hugo Lloris has only had one touch of the ball so far - and that was picking the ball out of the net - while David Ospina has made three saves already. It is a fast game, a very 'ebb and flow' game. If Tottenham can find that final pass behind Per Mertesacker, who has made three vital interceptions, then they might be in with a chance of making their excellent approach play count for something. But Arsenal do look dangerous on the counter attack."

Tottenham are having plenty of possession, but Arsenal are content to keep bodies back knowing they can strike hard and fast on the break through their main outlet Danny Welbeck.

MOTD's Jonathan Pearce at White Hart Lane

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"Does Mauricio Pochettino look like Danny Dyer to you?"

AFP

White Hart Lane is shellshocked following that early Arsenal goal. Spurs have enjoyed 64% possession, but there's only one stat which counts. Both Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen are being direct as they try to haul their side back into it, but the Arsenal defence looks well organised today.

PENALTY APPEAL

A bit of a penalty shout for Arsenal when Ryan Mason hits the ball against his own arm in the area. Martin Atkinson is not interested, and rightly so.

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Peter Collins: Wow. Just wow. What a goal. What a finish. That was class.

Kerry Peter Parvin: Ozil's been putting them away since being back from injury.

Tokunbo: Danny Rose is not only bad defensively, he offers nothing going forward as well. Get a proper left-back in!

Send us your thoughts using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

GREAT SAVE!

Tottenham almost respond immediately and Danny Rose is given acres of space on the left to drive forward and arrow a low shot towards the bottom corner, only for David Ospina to make another good save.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"Brilliant play from Danny Welbeck down the right to storm past Danny Rose. There was a mistake in the Tottenham defence that allowed the ball to run and Mesut Ozil volleyed the ball in superbly well. Hugo Lloris looked as though he wanted to appeal for an offside but there was no doubt about the finish."

GOAL

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From nowhere, Arsenal take the lead via a devastating counter-attack. Danny Welbeck drives down the right, skinning full-back Danny Rose, and picking out Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman mis-hits his effort in the area, but the ball lands nicely for Mesut Ozil to volley home from six yards out. The Gunners have lift-off thanks to the revitalised German's third goal in as many games.

Reuters

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AFP

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, missing today because of a hamstring injury: ‏Good luck today, team! I would love to be there with you! Come on!

Still Tottenham take it to Arsenal in these early stages and Danny Rose flies down the left flank but steers his cross straight into the chest of David Ospina.

Tottenham won a corner following that Harry Kane strike, but they are pressed back after taking it short. Poor - why weren't they whipping it into the box underneath the nose of the injured Arsenal goalkeeper? Short corners are my personal bugbear.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

"After a brilliant, fast attack from Tottenham, David Ospina turned Harry Kane's shot past the post. It was a fine save, but Ospina looks like he just caught his finger as he made it. Or perhaps it is his knee, but he certainly suffered a problem making the save and Wojciech Szczesny was told to warm up straight away."

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Oh dear, David Ospina looks to have hurt himself in making that save from Harry Kane. After a minute or so of treatment, he is back to his feet.

GREAT SAVE!

First chance of the game... who else? The darling of the Lane, Harry Kane, picks up the ball on the edge of the area and curls a right-footed shot towards the bottom corner but it's turned round the post by David Ospina.

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Are Tottenham on the verge of a successful few years under Poch? I reckon they are. The improvement they are showing week after week must be pleasing to Spurs fans. They continue to pen Arsenal into their own half without creating a chance.

Spurs are hogging the ball early on and Erik Lamela, wearing gloves, is already keen to drift in from the right flank onto his left foot. Nothing doing so far though.

Former Tottenham manager David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live at White Hart Lane

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"There is an incredible atmosphere here as you would expect. This will always be a big game. This area of north London is massive and the bragging rights are so important to its people. Arsenal have a fine record against Spurs, almost too fine to discuss at times. Arsene Wenger has done brilliantly since he came here, and as he strolls down below us in his technical area, he might be putting his long coat on before too long, it's quite nippy."

A cacophony of noise greets the referee's whistle. Tottenham enjoying plenty of early possession.

KICK-OFF

The big day is finally here. The recurring dreams of victory are no longer, bets have been struck with work colleagues and the happiness of your weekend hinges on the next 90 minutes. The north London derby is under way.

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Cheers and jeers as the players enter the field. Now for some handshakes. Always a little strange before a derby. Plenty of palm slapping going on.

The players stand side by side in the tunnel. Harry Kane is almost snarling as he stares firmly into the distance. Can his season get any better? Of course it can...

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BBC Radio 5 live

Today we'd like to hear your predictions, opinions and expectations ahead of some of the afternoon's big games in the Premier League as Tottenham host Arsenal at 12:45 GMT before Chelsea travel to Aston Villa and QPR play Southampton at 15:00.

The games between Tottenham and Arsenal and Chelsea at Aston Villa are both on BBC Radio 5 live.

Daniel Stack: What's Fazio doing on the bench? Our record with Fazio and Vertonghen at the back together is exceptional.

Charlie Smith: Arsenal are collectively in ominous form. Collectively Spurs are not, but Kane and Eriksen are.

Kiriama16: I have always panicked ahead of visiting the Lane but am so calm today, total destruction I predict.

Send us in your thoughts and hopes using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live:

"You would expect Tottenham, as the home side, to enjoy a lot of today's possession, but then Arsenal are so good on the counter-attack. The Gunners have a nice midfield triangle with lovely balance, and it working very well at the moment. But most interesting for me is that I think Arsene Wenger will play Welbeck right up front with Giroud. But Tottenham have nothing to fear, they have players full of skill, and we have a great game in prospect. There's a wonderful atmosphere here already. Tottenham versus Arsenal is always a great day."

BBC Radio 5 live

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"Tottenham going with a classic back three of the Sausage Roll, Steak & Ale & Chicken Balti versus Arsenal..."

I'm not sure if the traffic problems which delayed the arrival of the Arsenal team have also impacted the two sets of supporters, because they are still streaming through the turnstiles. The atmosphere is pretty good now - plenty of 'bantz' between the two sets of fans.

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey on coping with the intensity of today's game on BT Sport: "I think it is hard but it is something we need to be focused on doing and keeping all our men on the pitch.

"We cannot let the occasion get to us. We are focused on what we need to do today."

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live:

"It has been a remarkable fairytale story for Harry Kane. He is dragging Tottenham along at the moment, which is quite incredible when you consider Spurs are paying a lot of money to Adebayor, who is not involved today, and Soldado, who still hasn't established himself."

Adebayor is not in the Tottenham matchday 18 today.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

BBC Radio 5 live

Today we'd like to hear your predictions, opinions and expectations ahead of some of the afternoon's big games in the Premier League as Tottenham host Arsenal at 12:45 GMT before Chelsea travel to Aston Villa and QPR play Southampton at 15:00.

The games between Tottenham and Arsenal and Chelsea at Aston Villa are both on BBC Radio 5 live.

Flair Fair: More scared of the Aston Villa fixture than facing Manchester City or Real Madrid. Teams in trouble thrashed last weekend are tricky.

Send us in your thoughts and hopes using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

Giroud has that... je ne sais quoi

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson

Football Focus

"Olivier Giroud gives something different that Arsenal don't have. He is much maligned but he does have a great record. It takes all sorts of different players to make a team, he holds the ball up, is good in the air, and Arsenal need a player like that with their midfield runners. I think he is really underrated."

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Woody in High Wycombe: Hopefully they won't be partying on the streets of Woolwich tonight. Tense occasions, these North London derbies.

Send us in your thoughts and hopes using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

LINE-UPS

Just joining us? What's your excuse? I hope it was a good night! Anyway, here's a reminder of the two teams:

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose, Bentaleb, Mason, Lamela, Dembele, Eriksen, Kane. Subs: Paulinho, Soldado, Vorm, Fazio, Chadli, Stambouli, Davies.

Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Welbeck, Cazorla, Ozil, Giroud. Subs: Szczesny, Gibbs, Gabriel, Rosicky, Walcott, Flamini, Akpom.

Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)

'Play with your brain'

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino on BT Sport: "I think it is a very intense and passionate game. But we are ready to compete.

"The derby is a special game and you need to play with your brain and your heart. Arsenal have good momentum, but so do we. It will not be easy. We need to be better on the ground to get the three points.

"You need to play with emotion and passion. This is football. This is how we understand this job. We need to be clever."

Smoking Gunners

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Another week, and another Arsenal player has been caught smoking. This time it's Jack Wilshere...again.

Having been reprimanded by his manager Arsene Wenger twice before for being photographed smoking, a picture emerged on social media of the midfielder holding a shisha pipe.

But Wenger says: "One second of your life does not define who you are.

"He is not a smoker. He is sorry about what happened but he has to master his own life."

'Eriksen is outstanding'

Former Everton, Sunderland and West Brom winger Kevin Kilbane

Football Focus

"Christian Eriksen is outstanding, and his stats speak for themselves. We know he has ability from free-kicks, and he's probably the best dead-ball specialist in the Premier League at the moment. His overall ability, the positions he takes up, are so hard to defend against."

It might have gone slightly under the radar this week, after that big deadline day move involving Keith Andrews, Bolton Wanderers and MK Dons, but Arsenal fans must be pretty chuffed with the news that Francis Coquelin has signed a new contract at the club.

The Frenchman has been a real positive in the last few weeks - offering an assured shield in front of the back four - and he says it was a no-brainer to stay at the Emirates.

"This is what is magic about football: one day you are unknown and the next day you are a bit bigger," Coquelin said. "I'm really pleased, I've been here since 2008 so it feels like a second home for me.

"It wasn't really a tough decision, I have been here long enough and I know everyone here."

Coming up on BBC TV

Football Focus

BBC Sport

If you switch your TV screens to BBC One, Football Focus should come into view. Or you can watch at the top of this live page.

That will be followed by Final Score, which gets under way at 14:30 online and on the Red Button, before joining BBC Two at 16:30, except for viewers in Scotland, who can watch Sportscene.

Later Match of the Day will bring you highlights and analysis from 22:30 on BBC One, but viewers in Scotland can watch from 23:30 following the conclusion of Sportscene.

And finally the Football League Show will be on BBC One at 00:00, except for viewers in Scotland, who can watch from 00:55.

So, where does the north London derby rank against other top rivalries? How does it stack up against the Manchester derby? The Old Firm? El Clasico? Exeter v Plymouth?

Former Spurs winger Gareth Bale is preparing for the Madrid derby this evening, and he says Arsenal against Tottenham is every bit as good as Real versus Atletico.

"I think they are both equal to be honest," said Bale. "They are both amazing derbies to play in, both sets of fans are both feisty enough for the game as well as the team.

"They are both very big derbies in the of football and I've obviously lucky enough to play in both of them."

No police escort for Arsenal? Was the policeman Arsene asked for a favour a Tottenham fan?

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on BT Sport: "You have to have the intensity from the start and to keep it going as long as you can. But you need to contribute that with being lucid and not losing your nerve.

On his team's difficulties getting to White Hart Lane: "We were blocked by police because the road was closed by an accident. The police refused to give us support for a while. So we left late and could not speed up to get here. It is not a problem, though. We have time to prepare.

On selecting Danny Welbeck: "Welbeck is I think suited to the kind of game we want to play today. Theo is getting sharper so it was a difficult choice.

Walcott one of the best?

Is it any coincidence that Arsenal seem to have hit top form now Theo Walcott is back in the team after a long injury lay-off? The England forward is making his 200th Premier League appearance this afternoon, and he'll do so with words of praise ringing in his ears.

"Theo's first quality is the quality of his reception," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. "The timing of his runs, and the area of where he gets the ball.

"The timing and the movement is absolutely exceptional - one of the best in the world, with the timing of his movement and where he goes. When I say quality of receptions, it's the area where he will get the ball.

"In that, he is certainly top, top, top, because he has the pace behind it as well. I think he is not completely there yet. It's normal because he's been out for a year but you can see week after week, he gets better."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

BBC Radio 5 live

Today we'd like to hear your predictions, opinions and expectations ahead of some of the afternoon's big games in the Premier League as Tottenham host Arsenal at 12:45 GMT before Chelsea travel to Aston Villa and QPR play Southampton at 15:00.

The games between Tottenham and Arsenal and Chelsea at Aston Villa are both on BBC Radio 5 live.

Hugo Viner, Balham: Big chance for Ozil today to prove he can deliver in the important games. Walcott will also hopefully make an impact coming off the bench.

Dani Riley: I thought Emmanuel Petit had made a return when I saw the golden retriever (see 11:55).

Send us in your thoughts and hopes using #bbcfootball on Twitter or text in on 81111 (UK only) and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day.

If you got a pie chart, some crayons and were asked to plot Arenal and Tottenham's leading scorers, it might look like this:

BBC

David Pleat

Former Tottenham manager on BBC Radio 5 live:

"Arsenal have been ruthless recently. Tottenham have not had such good overall form, but in Kane and Eriksen they have a couple of players that have pulled them out of the fire in recent times.

"Arsenal are two points ahead of Tottenham, but local derbies are a great leveller. But if the Gunners win this game today I don't think Tottenham will finish above them this season. But if this game is drawn or won by Tottenham then I think Spurs will have made a real statement, because they will still be in the hunt for fourth."

MOTD's Jonathan Pearce at White Hart Lane

"This will be my 40th north London derby as a commentator and it promises to be one of the tastiest yet. It's a massive game at the start of a month that'll define the season for both clubs.

"Tottenham have lost just twice in 14 games, Arsenal have won 12 of their last 15. Both sides have picked up 19 points from a possible 24 and they're neck and neck in the race for a top-four place."

A reminder - tune in now

Football Focus

BBC Sport

A reminder Football Focus is about to get under way over on BBC One. Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson and former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane are joining Dan Walker in the studio today.

And don't forget you can also watch online, at the top of this page, from 12:10 GMT.

Sherwood no-show

Moving away from White Hart Lane for a brief second, we're hearing that, contrary to reports, ex-Spurs boss Tim Sherwood is NOT at Loftus Road today. Sherwood has been linked with the manager's job at QPR...

Stat's a penalty

There's a fair chance we could see a penalty or two today, if the pre-match stats are anything to go by. Tottenham have conceded a league-high six penalties in the Premier League this season, while Arsenal have won the most (six). It could be an interesting afternoon for referee Martin Atkinson.

Scottish football latest

We're down to the last 16 in the Scottish Cup, with each division in the Scottish Professional Football League still represented along with Spartans from the Lowland League.

Half of the Premiership sides are gone already, with two more guaranteed to follow and at least three teams from outside the top flight certain to progress to the quarter-finals.

Celtic, with aspirations of a domestic treble, travel to Dundee for the lunchtime kick-off.

You can follow the action on our Scottish live text commentary.

Head to head

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It's fair to say Arsenal have traditionally held the upper hand in this fixture, but if Tottenham win today it would be their 50th league victory over their closest rivals. This is the 156th league meeting.

Those with a half-decent memory will already know that Arsenal won 1-0 at White Hart Lane last season, courtesy of Tomas Rosicky's second-minute goal. It ended a five-match winless streak away at Tottenham (D2, L3).

How will Spurs respond?

@spursofficial

Tottenham Hostpur official Twitter feed: "#THFC legends left, right & centre here to wish legend Cliff Jones a Happy Birthday & cheer us on v Arsenal. #COYS"

Football Focus presenter Dan Walker

Has anyone ever arrived early at White Hart Lane? Stuck in traffic...

Home and away

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Tottenham just about have the edge in North London derbies at White Hart Lane in the Premier League but it is nowhere near as emphatic as Arsenal's record in the reverse fixture. The Gunners have only lost two home derbies in the league in the Premier League, winning 17.

Get involved - your questions for Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

Today we're asking you for your questions for former England winger Chris Waddle about the match between Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Big hopes for Cuadrado? Villa to beat the drop?

Chris will be in the commentary box with BBC Radio 5 live for the match, which starts at 15:00 GMT.

Send them in using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or text us on 81111 (UK only) before 13:15 GMT and we'll put the best few to Chris as part of our build-up to the game.

Thanks Mandeep, sterling work as ever. How is everyone? Ready for Premier League derby day?

We've got a great afternoon ahead with the 3pm kick-offs - which feature both Chelsea and Manchester City - being bookended by the north London derby and Steven Gerrard's final Merseyside derby.

It could be more exciting than a night out with Mario Balotelli. Or pretty close.

If there's someone I would want in my corner for a derby it's Marc Higginson and he will be seeing you through the rest of the afternoon. So thanks for your company and enjoy.

Your questions for David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live

Earlier, we asked you to send in your questions for former Tottenham manager David Pleat, who will be co-commentating as BBC Radio 5 live brings you full coverage of Spurs v Arsenal in today's 12:45 GMT kick-off.

Question: How do you see today's game going?

David replied: "There will always be tension and excitement, much more than normal. Sometimes the pressure is on the home side because they are cheered on by the majority of the crowd, urging them to win with a sense of expectation. The record of Arsenal in recent derbies is in their favour and they have done very well at Tottenham. This game is very difficult to analyse and one would have to think it will be very close. But the odds would have to favour Arsenal because on their recent form they have been ruthless."

Team news

Nabil Bentaleb returns to the Tottenham side having completed his Africa Cup of Nations duties with Algeria. He replaces Paulinho and will partner Ryan Mason in midfield. The only other Spurs change from the 3-0 win at West Brom sees defender Eric Dier come in for Federico Fazio, who drops to the bench. Striker Emmanuel Adebayor is nowhere to be seen.

Alexis Sanchez has been unable to prove his fitness, so Arsenal make one change from the 5-0 win over Aston Villa. Theo Walcott drops to the bench, with Danny Welbeck replacing him in attack.

Tottenham XI: Lloris, Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose, Bentaleb, Mason, Eriksen, Dembele, Lamela, Kane.

Arsenal XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Welbeck, Cazorla, Ozil, Giroud.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

BBC Radio 5 live

Today we'd like to hear your predictions, opinions and expectations ahead of some of the afternoon's big games in the Premier League as Tottenham host Arsenal at 12:45 GMT before Chelsea travel to Aston Villa and QPR play Southampton at 15:00.

The games between Tottenham and Arsenal and Chelsea at Aston Villa are both on BBC Radio 5 live.

@nealcol

Neal Collins: The long suffering 'Goalden' Retriever says Arsenal 3-1.

Bob: Been saying all week that the north London derby has got score draw written all over it, then I remember what Spurs did to Chelsea and I think what if? As always with Spurs, it's the hope that kills you.

Ollie Blake: Prediction 3-1 to Arsenal. Theo, Giroud and the mighty Rosicky, he always performs in the big games.

Send us in your thoughts and hopes using #bbcfootball on Twitter and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day - with live commentary to come on Tottenham v Arsenal and Chelsea v Aston Villa.

Alternatively you can text us on 81111 (UK only) - but don't forget to include your name and location.

Crossing the divide

Getty Images

There's no Emmanuel Adebayor for Tottenham but what a record he has in the North London derby, having scored eight goals for Arsenal and two for Tottenham. He is only one of two players to score for both sides in one along with Jimmy Robertson.

One thing he hasn't done though is score a treble in a derby between Arsenal and Tottenham, with only three players having achieved that feat. Any guesses?

Terry Dyson is the only Spurs player having done so on 26 August 1961, in a 4-3 win for Spurs, while the Arsenal players to have done so are Ted Drake (20 October 1934) and Alan Sunderland (23 December 1978).

Panic over. Arsenal are at White Hart Lane after being stuck in traffic.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS

Nabil Bentaleb goes straight into the Tottenham side after coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Harry Kane is up front for Spurs. Arsenal are without Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott is on the bench as Danny Welbeck starts up front.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Today we'd like to hear your predictions, opinions and expectations ahead of some of the afternoon's big games in the Premier League as Tottenham host Arsenal at 12:45 GMT before Chelsea travel to Aston Villa and QPR play Southampton at 15:00.

The games between Tottenham and Arsenal and Chelsea at Aston Villa are both on BBC Radio 5 live.

Reuters

Mark O'Brien: Villa v Chelsea. I predict that Villa won't score, if you call that a prediction.

Tommy T-Rex: Am I the only one out there who thinks Villa will score today? Maybe even steal it 1-0?

Kwasi Boafo: Juan Cuadrado to score the last of five goals in a rout today. The boy will be the man today. Watch this space.

Send us in your thoughts and hopes using #bbcfootball on Twitter and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day - with live commentary to come on Tottenham v Arsenal and Chelsea v Aston Villa.

Alternatively you can text us on 81111 (UK only) - but don't forget to include your name and location.

Coming up on BBC TV

Football Focus

BBC Sport

Mark Lawrenson and Kevin Kilbane will be joining Dan Walker for Football Focus, online and on BBC One from 12:10 GMT.

That will be followed by Final Score, which gets under way at 14:30 online and on the Red Button, before joining BBC Two at 16:30, except for viewers in Scotland, who can watch Sportscene.

Later Match of the Day will bring you highlights and analysis from 22:30 on BBC One, but viewers in Scotland can watch from 23:30 following the conclusion of Sportscene.

And finally the Football League Show will be on BBC One at 00:00, except for viewers in Scotland, who can watch from 00:55.

London traffic

Just hearing that Arsenal are stuck in a bit of traffic on the way to White Hart Lane for the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. No-one is immune to the London traffic, it seems.

Your questions for David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live

Earlier, we asked you to send in your questions for former Tottenham manager David Pleat, who will be co-commentating as BBC Radio 5 live brings you full coverage of Spurs v Arsenal in today's 12:45 GMT kick-off.

After several people on Twitter alluded to Arsenal enjoying more success than their local rivals of late the question was put: 'Arsenal have finished above Spurs for the last 19 years - could this change this season?'

David replied: "It is a possibility but Tottenham have to set something in motion by making a big statement and winning today would do that. It would take them one point above Arsenal. But Arsenal are in top form and from Tottenham's point of view it is important not to lose. They must stay in the race. If Arsenal win and go five points clear that would be a massive statement for the Gunners that they will once again finish in front of their rivals in the pecking order."

Text us on 81111

The Danny Baker Show

BBC Radio 5 live

This morning as part of our tie-in with The Danny Baker Show we want to know about things you have run into or tripped over while playing football. And we don't mean the opposition defender's outstretched leg.

Marc in Cheshire: Playing for my local Under 13s team, great ball in to the box from one of my defenders. I met it sweet as a nut with a diving header into the bottom corner of the onion bag... only for their goalkeeper to follow through and try to clear my head off my shoulders with his boot. Much blood and trip to hospital with concussion!

James from Cardiff: A collision of sorts. When playing local park football one very hot and sweaty Saturday afternoon in West Wales I collided with one of the opposition. Our arms got entangled and as I drew mine away it wiped all under his armpit. The stench was gross and all afternoon I could smell his hyper-sweaty armpit on my hand. I just wanted to chuck up. I was glad to get home for a shower and it was then, and only then, that my massive sweaty armpit-induced headache went away...

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.

No Sanchez, no worries

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident his side will still have the "offensive power" to blow away rivals Tottenham even without Alexis Sanchez.

We'll find out in about 10 minutes if Chile international Sanchez, who has plundered 18 goals already in an impressive debut campaign, has passed a late fitness test on a hamstring strain.

Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil have scored in their last two games and Wenger has plenty of options as he prepares for a 45th north London derby and a 700th Premier League match in charge.

"For me, the challenge is to find the balance between creative players and the real strikers," said Wenger.

"We had too many players because think of who was available (before). Now (Lukas) Podolski is out on loan, so is (Yaya) Sanogo and (Joel) Campbell, and still we do not have (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain (who is injured).

"So you could see that at the start of the season, I had even more offensive power."

Your questions for David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live

Earlier, we asked you to send in your questions for former Tottenham manager David Pleat, who will be co-commentating as BBC Radio 5 live brings you full coverage of Spurs v Arsenal in today's 12:45 GMT kick-off.

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On Twitter, jedimonkey asked: "What is your favourite memory of managing Spurs?"

David replied: "I have fond memories of the 1986-87 season. We devised a new system that season, we started it at Oxford who were in the top division then. We played it there and it was successful and we went on to be ruthless for the rest of the campaign. We finished third in the league, and reached the semi-final of the League Cup and the final of the FA Cup. I got a call from John Lyle at West Ham who said how proud I must be of managing that team. I said that it was all about the players. You can tinker with tactics but when they go out on to the pitch it is up to them."

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The two players who got yellow cards in six Premier League matches? Ciaran Clark for Aston Villa in 2010/11 while Cheik Tiote also got booked in six across 2010/11 and 2011/12.

Robbie Savage

BBC Sport pundit

"Tim Sherwood is favourite to take over as QPR's next manager but I don't think it will matter who gets the job - they are down.

"Charlie Austin is their only player scoring goals - he has scored 13 of their 24 league goals.

"But their biggest problem is how bad they are at the back."

Read more from Robbie here.

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Reeling R's?

It's been a busy week down/up at QPR. Harry Redknapp resigned as their manager on Tuesday because of his dodgy knee, with the club second-from-bottom of the Premier League.

Tim Sherwood is the favourite to take over with the bookies, while Derby boss Steve McClaren and Real Madrid assistant coach Paul Clement are also in the frame.

In the meantime, QPR caretaker manager Chris Ramsey, who a coach at Tottenham during Sherwood's brief reign at White Hart Lane last term, is in temporary charge and will lead the side against Southampton today. Redknapp's former assistant Kevin Bond will work alongside Ramsey.

Mind your step

BBC Radio 5 live

This morning as part of our tie-in with The Danny Baker Show we want to know about things you have run into or tripped over while playing football. And we don't mean the opposition defender's outstretched leg.

Getty Images

Chris Bannister: In the street during Fabrizio Ravanelli's Boro stay. Scored, did THAT celebration, and ran bang into the back of my uncle's Ford Capri.

Jamie-Lee Kent: A bitter sweet moment playing for Farnborough U14s. Through on goal, I slipped on a randomly placed oven mitt, and scored.

Pranav Madabhushi: Slipped on moss and my back landed on the ball. To make matters worse, the ball popped as well!

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.

Coming up on BBC radio

BBC Radio 5 live

BBC Radio 5 live begins its coverage of today's footballing action at 12:00 GMT with build-up from White Hart Lane, where Tottenham host Arsenal in the north London derby, a 12:45 kick-off. Former Spurs manager David Pleat will be in the commentary box with John Murray for that one.

Then former England winger Chris Waddle joins Ian Dennis at Villa Park for live coverage of Aston Villa v Chelsea, a 15:00 kick-off.

And of course later you can have your say on all the hot topics on 606 with Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher, that's on today from 19:00.

Stones on Sturridge

Daily Star

Derby day is dominating the back pages and the Daily Star has a piece with Everton defender John Stones ahead of his side playing rivals Liverpool in the 17:30 KO.

Stones could be marking England team-mate and Reds striker Daniel Sturridge in the game but says: "I know Sturridge has just come back from a lengthy time out and he scored the other day but it's just another game for us and for him.

"You could say he's up there in terms of movement. There are a lot of Premier League strikers who have good movement but can't score, there are a lot of things that come together in his case.

"I knew him well from watching his clips, watching him with England and training with him.

"Obviously his pace and his goalscoring ability is massive, that's why he's up there with the best."

Text us on 81111

BBC Radio 5 live

This morning as part of our tie-in with the Danny Baker Show we want to know about things you have run into or tripped over while playing football. And we don't mean the opposition defender's outstretched leg.

Phil Smith from near Oxford: 1990 playing football for the RAF in Hong Kong. Had a 50/50 ball with a Gurkha and thought he would bottle it (as if....). The crack I heard was a combination of my shin pad and shin bone.......I still have a pin inserted inside the shin bone as reminder....

Mark, Edinburgh: Playing footy while staying on a farm with the Scouts years ago, my mate was flying down the left wing when he tripped over a mole hill and landed face first in a cow pat!

Ash, London: playing in an abandoned warehouse with my brothers, I fell down an open drain cover.

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.

Foxes heading down?

Robbie Savage

BBC Sport pundit

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"The Foxes make too many mistakes at the back and they are not good enough in that department.

"Leicester manager Nigel Pearson brought in Robert Huth from Stoke on deadline day to try to change that but Huth has played only three minutes of Premier League football this season.

"Going down."

Read more from Robbie and his thought on the relegation battle here.

Have your say on the day's big games

BBC Radio 5 live

Today we'd like to hear your predictions, opinions and expectations ahead of some of the afternoon's big games in the Premier League as Tottenham host Arsenal at 12:45 GMT before Chelsea travel to Aston Villa and QPR play Southampton at 15:00.

How much will Arsenal miss Alexis Sanchez if he misses out? Just how much of an impact will Juan Cuadrado have at Chelsea? And as for QPR - what have you made of events there this week?

Send us in your thoughts and hopes using #bbcfootball on Twitter and the best few will be read out as BBC Radio 5 live brings you coverage throughout the day - with live commentary to come on Tottenham v Arsenal and Chelsea v Aston Villa.

Alternatively you can text us on 81111 (UK only) - but don't forget to include your name and location.

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Quality over quantity?

Leicester will be hoping quality not quantity in the transfer window is the name of the game as they made three signings compared to the eight arrivals at Crystal Palace.

The two teams face each other today and, even though the Foxes are bottom of the top flight, they are only six points behind 13th-placed Palace.

However, saying centre-back Robert Huth came in on loan to Leicester from Stoke on transfer deadline day but is banned for the second of two games for comments he made on social media.

Mind your step

BBC Radio 5 live

This morning as part of our tie-in with The Danny Baker Show we want to know about things you have run into or tripped over while playing football. And we don't mean the opposition defender's outstretched leg.

Twitter

Oli Starr: Tripped over a goalpost and ran into an oak tree becoming unconscious. I was quite an accident prone youngster.

Jamie Frier: Playing football in the garden. Dad skins me, runs toward the goal laughing, ends up flat on his back having slipped on a slug.

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.

Busy Eagles II

Crystal Palace on Twitter

One of the more unusual stories of transfer deadline day earlier this week was Crystal Palace's acquisition of striker Keshi Anderson.

The 19-year-old scored a six minute hat-trick in a trial match against the Eagles while on-loan at Brentford from Barton Rovers.

Palace liked him so much they signed him for a fee believed to be around £30,000 and he made the leap from the Southern League Division One Central - the eighth tier of English football - to the Premier League.

Busy Eagles

The busiest Premier League club in the January transfer window in terms of players signed has been none other that Crystal Palace.

Not only have they appointed a new manager in Alan Pardew but the Eagles have done deals for (take a deep breath): Shola Ameobi, Yaya Sanogo, Pape Souare, Jordon Mutch, Lee Chung-yong, Wilfried Zaha, Keshi Anderson, Andreas Breimyr.

Zaha moved to Manchester United in a £15m deal but that switch did not work out and he's back at Selhurst Park after turning his loan to palace into a permanent switch.

Mind your step

BBC Radio 5 live

This morning as part of our tie-in with The Danny Baker Show we want to know about things you have run into or tripped over while playing football. And we don't mean the opposition defender's outstretched leg.

Mark, Edinburgh: Playing footy while staying on a farm with the Scouts years ago, my mate was flying down the left wing when he tripped over a mole hill and landed face first in a cow pat!

Hugo, London: While running the line, the half-empty can of lager the left-back had been saving for half time.

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.

I can feel the hate - Gerrard

Daily Mail

Ahead of the Merseyside derby, departing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard tells Jamie Redknapp that the fixture against Everton is his "favourite game of the season".

"I can feel the hate, the bitterness," said Gerrard, reports the Daily Mail. "If there is one ground where I could pick a win, it is Goodison Park.

"They are great supporters — and I have a lot of respect for them — but for the hell they give me, this is the place."

Derby day

So, with Tottenham taking on Arsenal at White Hart Lane and Everton playing Liverpool at Goodison Park, it's derby day in the Premier League.

Where can I find out about all the statistics when it comes to games between the two sides? Well, it's funny you should ask that (I know, I'm talking to myself again!!)

Anyway, you can read BBC Sport's 'Derby day in numbers piece' here.

BBC

Wage calculator: Global footballers v you

BBC

Global football stars earn some of the highest wages in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo's contract at Real Madrid earns him around €350,000 (£265,000) each week, But how much do you get paid compared with a top footballer? Use our calculator - part of the BBC's A Richer World season - to find out here.

Mind your step

BBC Radio 5 live

This morning as part of our tie-in with The Danny Baker Show we want to know about things you have run into or tripped over while playing football. And we don't mean the opposition defender's outstretched leg.

Sam Parry: Playing football tennis, went for glory and stepped on the ball, broke my wrist. I'm a pianist and it was wedding season.

Jon Knight: Eyes on a long ball, just as I turned around - BANG straight into a tree support and knocked myself out! Lump was huge!

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.

Best of the best

Guardian

Manchester United don't play until Sunday when they visit West Ham. In the build-up, the Guardian has United boss Louis Van Gaal saying his side will be top dogs in the English football when they consistently find their best form.

Asked if he was confident that if United perform at their best week-in and week-out they will be the Premier League's finest team, Van Gaal said: "That's a difficult question - because we can improve still a lot of things in our matches. But when I see where we are now - we are already third, and we have to improve still a lot, in my opinion - yeah, at the end maybe we can see we are the best team.

"But it's also dependable on the process of Chelsea and Man City because you have to compare always."

Robbie Savage

BBC Sport pundit

"Gus Poyet got Sunderland out of trouble last season and I am confident he will do the same again this year.

"The biggest reason for that is Jermain Defoe - he has hit the ground running, and he is the goal poacher that the Black Cats badly needed."

Read more from Robbie here.

Shooting hoops

Daily Mirror

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has got his players shooting hoops as part of a new training regime, reports the Daily Mirror.

The 47-year-old had a hoop installed at the Academy of Light and has been to watch the Newcastle Eagles as he believes his players can learn from the way basketball players defend and use their body shape to block.

"I was talking a lot about basketball. You see how players mark and how they move. I think you should play a bit more basketball, even if you are a ­football player," said Poyet, whose father Washington competed in the sport for Uruguay at the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games.

"The way you turn depending where the ball is, and where the basket is, it is very similar."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

BBC Radio 5 live

This morning as part of our tie-in with the Danny Baker Show we want to know about things you have run into or tripped over while playing football. And we don't mean the opposition defender's outstretched leg.

Tomz'd Akins: While playing football on the street with pals, a friend ran into the drainage. He's got a big scar on his chest.

Zed: Running the line for our tour game, I managed to veer off course and tripped over all the players bags. Still gave offside tho!

Roman Bolton: A septic tank cover, which I then fell into, put a downer on the match.

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.

Anything is possible

Aston Villa haven't scored in 10 hours and 12 minutes in the league but can they stay unbeaten against Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at Villa Park?

Villa midfielder Fabian Delph scored as Villa beat Jose Mourinho's side 1-0 in March last season.

"Anything is possible in football, it is one of those things where you could have 85 minutes under the cosh and then nick a goal," he says.

"I have been looking at this fixture, it is always a nice fixture when you play against the big boys.

"Last season [against Chelsea] was a great night for me and the team - a well-needed three points when nobody actually gave us a chance of winning. If I could do it again it would be fantastic."

Get involved - your questions for David Pleat

BBC Radio 5 live

This morning we're asking you to send in your questions for former Spurs manager David Pleat, who will be in the commentary box for the north London derby with Arsenal at White Hart Lane this afternoon.

Send them in before 11:00 GMT and we'll put the best to David during our build-up to the game, which you can here in full on BBC Radio 5 live.

Get in touch on Twitter using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or text us on 81111 (UK only).

Winless at Villa

Getty Images

When I say Villa fans should not worry as it's only Chelsea they're playing today - I am being serious in part. Villa and Newcastle United are the only two Premier League teams Jose Mourinho has visited with a Chelsea team without having at least one league victory.

Text us on 81111

BBC Radio 5 live

This morning as part of our tie-in with the Danny Baker Show we want to know about things you have run into or tripped over while playing football. And we don't mean the opposition defender's outstretched leg.

Colin Graves, Southampton: Things I have run into while playing football - Playing on the wing when I was 15 years old for my club team Dibden metros (30 years ago now) I was focussing on a high ball from our centre back when I collided with a disabled mobile. He only decided to take a short cut at our local playing fields and went straight across the pitch. I suffered a fractured hand and a cut on the side of the head. The OAP suffered damaged pride and a broken side mirror. It was painful at the time but I see the funny side now.

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.

Give me a goal, any goal

A little question for Villa fans - do you remember the date 20 December 2014? I'm sure you do because that was the last time you saw your team score a league goal. It came in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Last year!! Before Christmas.

In the six league games since then the Midlands club has lost four and drawn two, while letting in nine goals. Overall, Villa have gone eight top-flight games without a win.

Not to worry though, as Villa have only got Premier League leaders Chelsea today.

Exciting news - today from 15:00 GMT we will have a separate live on Aston Villa v Chelsea which will run alongside this live covering the 15:00 GMT's kick-offs. More details will follow later.

Moody Mourinho

Independent

The Independent's chief football correspondent Sam Wallace was at Chelsea manager Mourinho news conference on Friday and writes: "The return of the Chelsea manager to his media duties was always likely to be a painful affair, with Mourinho hamming up his status as the helpless victim of an unforgiving system.

"And so it was that for much of the televised section of his Friday briefing he essayed the look of a man who had just returned to his parked car to find a large dent in the door.

"Mercifully, he gradually seemed to snap out of it and by the time his newspaper briefing came around he was warming to familiar themes, like what he sees as the lenience shown to Manchester City over Financial Fair Play rules and his latest complaint about Manuel Pellegrini."

Silence broken

Getty Images

Let's start with a bit of Chelsea. I'm sure you will all be glad to hear that Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has broken his silence. Phew.

On his return to speaking, you won't be surprised to hear he's had a pop at someone and his target is - funnily enough - title rivals Manchester City.

The Portuguese suggested City should not be allowed to be league champions because they broke Financial Fair Play regulations.

"I enjoy the challenge of the English competition," said Mourinho. "The only thing that is not nice is that you compete against the ones who don't follow the same rules."

Let's get ready

Right, it's going to be a big one today so, as preparation is apparently the key to success, we'll do our best to make sure you are ready for the day of football ahead.

We'll take a look at what the newspapers are saying, go through some of the top stories doing the rounds as well as look at the fixtures in a bit more detail. Nice.

Mind your step

BBC Radio 5 live

This morning's theme from Danny Baker is a familiar one to the recreational player. It's simply:

"Things you have either run into or tripped over while playing football."

So let's hear them.

Whether it's your common or garden beer bottle, a dog, fox, sheep or other animal, or something altogether more unexpected - let us know.

PA

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.

It's going to be big

That's a big build-up in my opener and I may have talked the talk but I'm confident today's Premier League fixtures will walk the walk.

So, what have we got on the agenda today? Two of English football biggest derbies as Tottenham play Arsenal in the early kick-off at 12:45 GMT and Everton host Liverpool from 17:30 GMT. I know...BBIIIIIGGGGG.

But that's not it. Oh no. In between, we have title contenders Chelsea and Manchester City in action against Aston Villa and Hull respectively. There's a 'six-pointer' with Leicester City v Crystal Palace, while QPR v Southampton and Swansea v Sunderland complete today's line-up. I know again...masseeev.

Various

Tension, trauma and....bants

If transfer deadline day didn't provide you with the action and excitement you were craving then worry not.

Why? Well, because today's Premier League games will get the pulses racing, tensions rising and the nerves wracking like few events can.

Fingernails will be bitten like never before, fans will be sat on the edge of their seats and there will be an unbelievable level of - as the Inbetweeners would say - bants.

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