Premier League reaction

1. Everton hold on to beat Southampton
2. Swansea beat Hull, QPR win at WBA
3. Leicester earn vital win over West Ham
4. Arsenal thrash Liverpool to move second
5. Man Utd defeat Aston Villa

So long, farewell

We're going to wrap this page up for the night now.

Thanks as ever for your comments today - click here to carry on reading the second half from Stamford Bridge and enter the Charlie Adam zone.

Click here for more from Dortmund and the rest of Europe.

Robbie Savage

606 on BBC Radio 5 live

On the subject of Raheem Sterling: "I think now the days are gone when you play for the badge."

HALF-TIME

Stoke City

When Charlie Adam's scoring from his own half you know something's in the air. It's one each at half time.

Former Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington

BBC Radio Stoke at Stamford Bridge

"Charlie Adam's tried that nine or 10 times before but it has come off today. He's had an absolute stinker in this first half but that will go down as one of the best goals in Premier League history. I won't see many better in my lifetime. Absolutely unbelievable."

Robbie Savage

606 on BBC Radio 5 live

"That is better than David Beckham. Beckham was just outside his own half but Adam is outside the centre circle. It is about 65 yards and he has driven it like a wood over the goalkeeper."

GOAL

Incredible! From his own half! Charlie Adam equalises from well inside his own half, lobbing a back-pedalling Thibaut Courtois with a fantastic effort.

One to watch!

Former Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington

BBC Radio Stoke at Stamford Bridge

"You can't say it wasn't coming. The penalty was a soft decision for me, it looks harsh, but Chelsea fully deserve to be 1-0 up. Stoke have been poor and the formation clearly isn't working."

GOAL

He's scored against his former club. Of course he has! Robert Lewandowski heads Bayern Munich into the lead in front of the fans who once adored him.

Follow full coverage of that game here.

GOAL

He waits. It's what he does. Eden Hazard waits for the keeper to move and slots home down the middle.

For full match coverage click here.

PENALTY to Chelsea

Pretty lethargic stuff on display from the leaders Chelsea - but they have a penalty as Cesc Fabregas is tumbled in the area.

HAVE YOUR SAY

BBC Radio 5 live

Dial in, and tune in to 606 starting now.

Lines are open for 606 with Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher on BBC Radio 5 live.

You can have your say by calling 0500 909 693, texting 85058, or it's @bbc606 on Twitter.

German Bundesliga

Twenty-five minutes into Der Klasiker and it's starting to get niggly. Yellow cards a plenty.

Follow that game in full here.

'We were awful'

AP

West Brom boss Tony Pulis: "First half we were awful. The problem is that players listen to social media and they might think it is job done and we are safe.

"But this is a relentless league and we need points. Until you get over the line you can't take anything for granted but it looked that way first half."

On Youssuf Mulumbu's red card: "He has led with his hand, but he hasn't tried to elbow anyone. It looks a lot worse than it is, but the ref has made his decision. He did catch Joey Barton in the face. You can look at it either way but we have to move on."

Former Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington

BBC Radio Stoke at Stamford Bridge

"It's all too easy when Cesc Fabregas and Oscar have time on the ball to get their heads up and pick out passes. Stoke haven't started well at all. They need to get a foothold, otherwise Chelsea are going to take it away from them very quickly."

Follow full coverage of that game by clicking here.

'It was a lot closer than 4-1'

PA

QPR boss Chris Ramsey: "We got three points that we really needed. The foundation was laid in the first half. We have created a lot of chances in a lot of the games we have played but haven't taken them. Today we did.

"West Brom is not an easy place to come so I am very pleased with how the players performed.

"The scoreline was brilliant for us regards goal difference, but it was a lot closer than the 4-1 score suggests.

"We are closer to the teams we want to catch now and this result certainly helps us morale-wise."

'As good as it gets'

PA

Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "It was as pleasing performance as you are going to get. It was a mature, and we were strong defensively. I though it was a good tactical battle and for us to keep a clean sheet was good. It was full of character, guts and desire.

"At times we had to manage the game and defend really well. Tim Howard came up with two magnificent moments and that's what makes Tim special. But overall with the team display we defended well.

"Also it's great to see the sort of display from Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Gareth Barry with the way they all connected, Phil's goal is a magnificent way to top his performance. It's three straight wins for the first time this season which shows the potential and maturity of this squad."

No goals in the opening 10 minutes at Stamford Bridge, where Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic has made one flying save.

Follow that match in full in this live page.

'We have to finish more'

Getty Images

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: "It is always a difficult match to win against a side battling relegation. We have created four or five chances and didn't give any chances away in the first half.

"We scored the first goal at the right time at the end of the first half. The first half was a good performance but we have to finish more. The second half was more controlling."

'It wasn't a red card'

QPR's Joey Barton on Youssuf Mulumbu's sending off: "I didn't think it was a red card at the time. I just went to win the ball and I got hit late. I didn't feel I got done.

PA

"It was quite a sore one and the ref is there to do a job. He has obviously seen something and I couldn't question it because I was flat out on the floor. I don't think he is that kind of player and it wasn't that kind of game."

'We deserved the win'

Getty Images

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "We've had a bit of a frustrating time. We've been involved in some entertaining games, but when you come out on the receiving end, it tests your resolve.

"We deserved to win today. In the first half, we got off to a good start but missed a penalty. The players had a moment of doubting themselves, and it allowed West Ham to have a dominant spell. But we did a good job of taking the initiative, and we deserved to win the game. We hope today's a start of different fortunes for us, but it's one game in isolation."

German Bundesliga

Der Klasiker ist go!

Under way at the always impressive Westfalenstadion. Join Emlyn Begley for full coverage of the Bundesliga game here.

'We're in the rat race'

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: "We are still not certain about Champions League qualification - it is still a rat race.

Getty Images

"But we have given a blow to Liverpool and Southampton also lost. It is a big gap. now we have to wait to see if the gap is too big for Tottenham too. But we have to play the top three - it is still a rat race."

KICK-OFF

We have kicked off at Stamford Bridge.

For full coverage of that game click this link while we continue with tonight's match reaction.

'I scored off my shinpad'

Reuters

Everton captain Phil Jagielka: "The ball went in off my shin pad for the goal but who cares! It was a great team effort, the boys put their bodies on the line today. We haven't played particularly bad but the results haven't come. Hopefully we can finish the season strongly.

"We would have loved to have got this momentum earlier in the season but we are where we are. Hopefully this will be the start and continue it for the remaining seven games."

GET INVOLVED: Lines are open

606 phone-in

BBC Radio 5 live

Lines are open for 606 with Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher on BBC Radio 5 live at 18:06 BST this evening.

You can have your say by calling 0500 909 693, texting 85058, or it's @bbc606 on Twitter.

'The decision went against us'

PA

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood: "I thought we got stuck in and were always in the game until the third goal which killed us off.

"We expected them to give ball back to us from the drop ball because we were in possession. But the referee thought nothing of it and they scored from that. It has gone against us.

"I'm not saying that is the reason we lost the game but it is disappointing. Today Man Utd were much better than us."

Change channels for Chelsea

Almost kick-off at our later Premier League game.

While we round-up all of this afternoon's action and antics, open a new window here for full match coverage of the Chelsea game.

Chris Waddle

On Manchester United on BBC Radio 5 live

"United have hung in there this season and the last few weeks they have been impressive. They deserve the win today. The only way Villa would score was from a mistake or a set-piece. Ander Herrera is a very good player. He links up well with Antonio Valencia and Juan Mata on the right. They got a lot of joy down that side today."

'We deserved better'

PA

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman: "The final result is very disappointing but not with the performance of the team. We played well. We were unlucky with the goal against us. The second half it was more difficult to create.

"Everton were good defensively and it was difficult to score an create chances after the break. However, we deserved a better result because we played well, but it's always about scoring.

"They scored one and we didn't score. If we continue with this level we'll maybe finish in a good position. We had a lot of ball possession, created chances. We did everything. But it wasn't quite enough."

Up at the top

BBC

Are Arsenal genuine title challengers? Arsene Wenger laughed it off earlier on but Martin Keown believes so if his 5 live summarising was anything to go by.

Manchester City are fourth.

'I can't believe it'

Getty Images

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "I just can't believe we missed so many chances. We played a really open game, but we've ended up losing because we've not taken the chances we've created and Leicester have got a goal that's won the match.

"When you're in control of the game, you have to take the chances when you get them. Against a team battling for survival such as Leicester, if you get the lead, it kills them. They start to think: 'Here we go again.' That's how ruthless you have to be. Because we didn't do that, it gave them the chance."

Down at the bottom

BBC

What a day for Leicester and QPR. The bottom two before kick-off both picked up huge wins to give themselves a huge shot in the arm. Leicester are now 'only' four points adrift of safety while QPR can smell safety.

Who do you think will go?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Slowbear: What a result for Leicester! King's goal could be very 'Andy come the end of the season!!

Ada: Villa, Sunderland and Hull are looking over their shoulders now.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

The Kane man

BBC Final Score vote results

PA

Earlier we asked you who you thought should be named Player of the Year this season. Here are the results:

Harry Kane 29.2%

David De Gea 23.6%

Alexis Sanchez 19.7%

Eden Hazard 14.0%

Diego Costa 3.8%

Philippe Coutinho 3.8%

Morgan Schneiderlin 2.1%

Sergio Aguero 2.1%

John Terry 1.7%

Player reaction

Getty Images

Manchester United's two-goal hero Ander Herrera: "Aston Villa are fighting relegation and have to fight hard, so that made it difficult for us. They came to Old Trafford to wait and try to give us few opportunities. We kept the ball and tried to win the game through possession and being patient. That's what we did."

Kick-off just 20 minutes away in tonight's late Premier League game between leaders Chelsea and Stoke.

We will stick with all of the reaction from this afternoon's games here - so move to this page for all of the action from Stamford Bridge.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Johnny Magrinho: If anyone else gets player of the year other than De Gea then I'll eat all the hats in the land. Man U 3rd? Owe it all to him!

Jake Pittman: Joey Barton has scored, Zamora is contender for GOTS and QPR have won away. The world has ended.

Andrews Tawiah: Chris Ramsey now deserves the praise and full support. Good job QPR

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

German Bundesliga

The German version of El Clasico - Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich - gets under way in the next half hour and you can follow the game in our European live page.

Just click here.

'We are on the right road'

EPA

Manchester United's two-goal hero Ander Herrera, who has scored seven times since his summer move from Athletic Bilbao: "Scoring goals was one of the things that I had to improve on. I'm getting better but have to improve still.

"The battle for the top four is going to be very tough but we are on the right road. We are in very good form but have to play seven more games and have to fight a lot."

'Everyone is stunned'

Pat Murphy

BBC Radio 5 live at The Hawthorns

"Start the lap of honour now Queens Park Rangers. Who would have thought this would have been the final score at 15:00 BST this afternoon?

"There are thousands of stunned supporters here, and I expect the Rangers fans are just as stunned as the West Brom fans. What a game to turn things round at the bottom of the table."

FULL-TIME in the Championship

Unbelievable late drama in the Championship! Cardiff equalised in the last minute against Reading to claim a 1-1 draw, while Sheffield Wednesday thought they had won it late on against Huddersfield, but the Terriers equalise in the 89th minute. An equaliser for Bolton - again in the 90th minute - against Blackpool. Eidur Gudjohnson the scorer. You can teach an old dog new tricks.

Meanwhile, Blackburn have got a third at Leeds to win 3-0.

Team News

Chelsea

Chelsea make three changes to the side that beat Hull in their last Premier League match and the big news is that topscorer Diego Costa misses out with a hamstring injury and Loic Remy comes in up front. Cesar Azpilicueta replaces Filipe Luis at left-back and Oscar is in for Ramires.

Stoke also make three changes after losing against Crystal Palace last time out. In come Philipp Wollscheid, Glenn Whelan and Peter Crouch for Erik Pieters, Marko Arnautovic and Peter Crouch.

Chelsea XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Remy

Stoke XI: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Wilson; Ireland, Whelan, Nzonzi, Adam; Walters, Diouf

There have been plenty of talking points and cracking goals this afternoon already - and we've still got the leaders to come...

The 35-point target

Kevin Kilbane

Former Everton midfielder on Final Score

"It was looking last week that it could 33 or 34 points but I think 35 points will probably keep teams up. I feel the current bottom three will still go down."

Text us on 81111

Anthony from Birmingham: Michael Carrick is the victim of poor England management. Eriksson and McClaren were too loyal to 4-4-2 and the notion of "one goes forward and one stays back in midfield (Gerrard/Lampard)." Then Capello ignores Carrick in favour of Barry. Carrick must play at Euro 16.

Harry Le May: I don't think anyone can deny that Southampton have far exceeded expectations this season. However, if they are to progress next season then they desperately need a creative midfield player and Jay Rod to come back firing on all cylinders.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Full-time scores

FULL-TIME

There are big wins, and there are mega wins. This is a mammoth.

Kevin Kilbane

Former Everton midfielder on Final Score

"They had a couple of chances, Southampton but Everton put in a grinding performance. Tim Howard made a couple of good saves to ensure they got the win."

GOAL

Getty Images

Joey Barton doesn't get many but QPR catch West Brom on the break. Charlie Austin is too strong for some horrible defending, Barton picks up the loose ball and hammers in left-footed at the near post. What a day for QPR and their fans - who got free travel today courtesy of the club. Maybe that's the secret...

Still playing at the Hawthorns...

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Manchester United dominated the game and deserve the win but Aston Villa always carried a threat. I think Louis van Gaal will be happy with the way his side linked up down the right-hand side, with Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Antonio Valencia. They had a huge amount of joy there."

FULL-TIME

PA

A comfortable win for Swansea in the end but, back in the game at 2-1, Hull will not be happy with David Meyler for getting sent off for a stupid tackle early in the second half.

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson looks positively jubilant as he greets his departing players with a beaming smile. You don't often say that about big Nige.

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

PA

Everton hang on to record a fine home win.

Hull fans do not look happy. Deep into injury time and deep in the mire.

FULL-TIME

Into injury time at Leicester. The whistles are being sounded by the home fans. Can they hang on? They are doing more than that as Jamie Vardy, through on goal, has a strike saved by Adrian. That's that. A big win for the Foxes.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Ander Herrera just passes the ball into the net, a great finish just inside the box. A side-foot finish and it's game over."

GOAL

Getty Images

The master of the calm finish, Ander Herrera with his second of the afternoon puts this one to bed. It comes from a rarely-spotted contested drop ball on halfway, Wayne Rooney wins it and sends Juan Mata away down the right. He gets his head up to find Herrera on the edge of the box, and he calmly passes in off the base of the post.

INJURY TIME

FOUR MINUTES added on. Do you believe it Villa? Tim Sherwood will.

GOAL

Getty Images

Game over. Bafetimbi Gomis races through unmarked, as Hull push everyone up, and he dinks the ball over Allan McGregor into the net

Esteban Cambiasso has produced a Rolls Royce of a performance in midfield for Leicester as the Foxes fans party. Still three minutes left though for the Hammers to ruin the mood. They are coming forward.

Southampton have bossed the game in terms of possession but unless they find a cutting edge it's a long journey home with no points. Everton looking like hanging on...

Hull will not have been cheered by news of Leicester's lead. They remain right in the relegation scrap, just three points clear of safety, and don't look like stealing a point as we enter the last five.

Manchester United not sitting back on a lead - they are looking for three...

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"There are lot of nerves around Old Trafford. You feel there are still one or two twists and turns left in this one."

Into the last few minutes around the grounds. Is there drama to come?

RED CARD

Getty Images

West Brom's day goes from terrible to catastrophic as substitute Youssuf Mulumbu is sent off 13 minutes after coming on. It's a straight red fro a challenge on Joey Barton. They go up for a header and Mulumbu certainly makes contact with Barton's jaw with his arm. How much intent was there? It's not a pretty one.

Oh dear. Radamel Falcao lines up a Van Basten style volley, he winds up with style and panache - and then slices it almost behind him. Horrible attempt.

GOAL

Getty Images

That could be absolutely massive. The Foxes fans go wild as Andy King scrambles in one of the ugliest goals you will see today. Andrej Kramaric pulls the ball back to Jamie Vardy, he scuffs his shot and King sticks his toe out and diverts the ball into the net. They all count and Leciester are alive.

Getty Images

QPR may have weathered the West Brom storm.

First Saido Berahino is denied by Rob Green at point-blank range - Berahino heading goalward after Ideye Brown had knocked down Chris Brunt's left wing cross.

Then, seconds later, Brunt again dashes down the left. Ideye meets the cross but again Green makes the save. The visitors have around 10 minutes to see this one out and take a big step towards safety.

CLOSE!

So, so close for Leicester. Andrej Kramaric looks certain to put the hosts ahead but his powerful shot beats goalkeeper Adrian and is brilliantly blocked on the line by Aaron Cresswell. Superb defending.

Championship latest

Two goals in the space of seven second half minutes has put Blackburn in control at Leeds, while Blackpool and Reading still lead.

Goalless in the Yorkshire derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"You won't see a better goal this season than Wayne Rooney's for Manchester United (see 16:36). That is absolutely phenomenal. It was an awkward ball to bring down, but as it bounces Rooney swivels and fires the ball into the top corner. The ball is still very high but he gets right on top of the ball. What a fantastic goal.

"Christian Benteke's in reply looked like a rehearsed move from the training ground. It was well worked from Aston Villa."

GOAL

Reuters

One to keep the Real Madrid scouts quiet as David De Gea makes a complete hash of it! Joe Cole puts a low corner in from the right, Christian Benteke hits a low shot straight at the United keeper but somehow it goes right through him. Woeful keeping from an outstanding practitioner of the art.

A nervy last 10 minutes on the cards?

Last 10 minutes at Leicester. If things stay as they are, the Foxes edge closer to the safety zone. But a six-point gap still looks pretty significant. They would love a winner.

GOAL

Getty Images

That should settle that. Wayne Rooney scores another excellent goal on a day of them. Angel Di Maria skins his man on the left and crosses in, it's behind Rooney but he brings the ball down with an outstretched left foot. The ball bounces almost chest high but Rooney is able to swivel and bury the shot in the top corner. A fine goal.

SUBSTITUTION

Carlton Cole on for West Ham in place of Diafra Sakho in attack. Can the big man be the Hammers hero?

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Aston Villa haven't offered very much at all going forward. They don't want to take a risk and are just doing a very professional job. They've got Joe Cole on now though and maybe he could see a pass."

CLOSE!

Villa win a free-kick out wide, Leandro Bacuna's delivery is a good one and Jores Okore gets up well to head it wide under heavy pressure.

Manchester United misfit Radamel Falcao is on for last year's misfit Marouane Fellaini. Aston Villa misfit Joe Cole replaces Andi Weimann.

Into the last 20 minutes at Swansea and Hull are struggling to make any impression on their comfortable hosts. They need an equaliser or they will be just three points clear of the drop zone with a horrific run-in.

GREAT SAVE!

West Ham coming on strong now and it is Cheikh Kouyate again. The midfielder curls a loping effort from 25 yards and Kasper Schmeichel just about tips it wide.

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

Chelsea top scorer Diego Costa only makes the substitutes bench after missing Spain's last match with a hamstring injury. Loic Remy starts in attack.

Brown Ideye makes a telling connection with a 20-yard strike but it's right down the throat of Rob Green in the QPR net.

Into the last 20 minutes.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Where did that come from? Cheikh Kouyate almost gives a quiet Hammers side the lead with a low shot from inside the penalty area that cannons off the post. A great move, as Kouyate heads down to Diafra Sakho, before receiving the return ball, but no cigar. It has been all Leicester.

Latest scores

Reuters

Southampton still banging on the door. Can they find a way through? Tim Howard is fouled at a corner to take the pressure off.

SUBSTITUTION

Here is a change for United, Angel Di Maria on for Ashley Young. Wayne Rooney pokes a shot wide from 18 yards. A frustrating afternoon for the United captain.

CLOSE!

Getty Images

If at first you don't succeed, then try, try, try again. Jamie Vardy with a third chance in as many minutes and he is getting closer. This time his attempted lob is blocked by the onrushing West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Manchester United should be thinking about a change, maybe bringing somebody like Adnan Januzaj on, somebody to just re-introduce a little bit of a spark into their play. The home fans are becoming a bit frustrated and it's gone a little flat. Aston Villa, well they may as well have a go now."

Still Southampton toil away, still they can't puncture the Everton backline. Sadio Mane wants a penalty for running into Aaron Lennon but there's nothing doing.

YELLOW CARD

How Hull would love an equaliser. At the moment they are on the back foot though and only a desperate lunge from Alex Bruce stops Bafetimbi Gomis from breaking through on goal. A yellow card.

SUBSTITUTION

West Brom bring on Scandinavian giant Jonas Olsson for Chris Baird, I excitedly thought he might be going up front but he signals to Joleon Lescott that it's three at the back.

CLOSE!

Leicester inches away. Ritchie De Laet's mammoth throw is flicked on by Leonardo Ulloa but Jamie Vardy heads into the side netting. Seconds later, Vardy has an even better chance but he strikes wide from inside the penalty area. Two good chances.

If West Brom get another one QPR will be all over the place. Rob Green has to make a scrambling save to keep out Brown Ideye's deflected shot. QPR have half an hour to hang on.

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

"We had a talk about team-talks and Chris Ramsey will have been saying, 'let's get through the first 10 minutes'. Well, 12 minutes in and they have conceded. It is not necessarily great movement from Victor Anichebe. He just holds his position. It was a decent ball but not a great ball. It is a simple finish."

SUBSTITUTION

Kevin Nolan is replaced by Morgan Amalfitano in the centre of midfield. Hammers hoping the attacking Amalfitano can make something happen.

GREAT SAVE!

EPA

Manchester United almost double their lead. Marouane Fellaini is the right man in the right place to meet a chip at the back post, he heads down and the bounce takes the ball up and in - until Brad Guzan stretches up to push it clear.

Don't forget that you can get full coverage of that game in its own live page here.

Hull are certainly more fired up this half, as shown by David Meyler earlier. Another rash challenge - this time from Alex Bruce - clatters Bafetimbi Gomis and the Swansea man is now limping. The Tigers at least have some fight for this.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Aston Villa need to get a player like Carles Gil or Jack Grealish on - somebody who can run with purpose. Yes Villa have been frustrating Manchester United, but they're not hurting the home side. United's pace seems to have dropped. They've lost the quick rhythm they showed in the first half."

GOAL

Getty Images

A lifeline for West Brom! A tester for QPR! Victor Anichebe drags the home side back into the game, planting a header down into the ground and into the net after good work on the left by Saido Berahino. Will QPR hit panic stations?

Skew o'clock from Leicester's Jeff Schlupp. The Leicester winger was played into space on the left of the penalty area by David Nugent but his cuts across the ball and his shot flies into the crowd.

PENALTY APPEAL

QPR hungry for more, hungry for four. Chris Brunt sees a penalty appeal against him after the ball hits him plum on the hand - he's a bit lucky to get away with that.Albion have been wretched so far, Craig Gardner spurning a good chance after Victor Anichebe held it up for him.

Latest scores

SUBSTITUTION

Angel Rangel replaces the injured Kyle Naughton for Swansea on the right. Hull look to have moved into a 4-3-2 formation after David Meyler's daft red card.

QPR still playing like a team full of confidence. Mauricio Isla plays a neat one-two to burst in to the area, he tries to square it for Charlie Austin but a desperate Baggies defender gets in the way.

Leicester are giving this a go. Robert Huth heads wide from Esteban Cambiasso's free-kick from the right.

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on Final Score

"Bobby Zamora's strike is definitely up there for goal of the season. We spoke about Matty Phillips' goal at Crystal Palace but Zamora's is up there."

A QPR clean sweep of the goal of the season awards?

Kevin Kilbane

Former Everton midfielder on Final Score

"That is definitely a red card for Meyler. He has gone over the ball and he could have caused a serious injury. Steve Bruce has probably said he needs more fight but that is over-stepping the mark."

Ashley Young cuts in from the left, backs up a defender and tries to plant one in the far corner, a low curling effort which bounces just wide of the post. United in need of a second goal.

RED CARD TO HULL CITY

Getty Images

Ridiculous challenge by David Meyler. Hull boss Steve Bruce looks furious with the decision but the midfielder's lunging tackle into Kyle Naughton's shin was high and worthy of a straight red. That is exactly what he got. Just seconds after his side got back into the game as well.

Naughton's afternoon is also over as he is carried off and he doesn't look good.

Same story so far, Southampton bossing the play but they can't break through. Have they got a plan B?

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Manchester United gave it away and fair play to Aston Villa, they are committing players forward. Christian Benteke did really well to play in Andreas Weimann but he couldn't reach the cut-back."

CLOSE!

Getty Images

That is a real chance for Aston Villa! Andreas Weimann strolls past Antonio Valencia and into the box, his pullback is fine for Christian Benteke, but he never looks set and slides one over the top. Big chance.

GOAL

The Tigers are back in it. Paul McShane finishes from close range after a wicked delivery from a Robbie Brady free kick.

It all came from a free-kick after Dame N'Doye and Ashley Williams got involved in a bit of handbags at 10 paces. Both cautioned and Swansea are doubly punished.

West Brom need to do some major surgery and decide Victor Anichebe is the scalpel they were missing in that first-half horror show. He's on for Stephane Sessegnon.

Early pressure from Leicester as they force a corner. Is it the perfect start to the second half? No, as Robert Huth heads over the bar. Good tempo from the Foxes.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

James Dale: That Zamora goal reminds me of the one he got against Arsenal in West Ham's great escape... a sign perhaps?

Yusuf Ridwan: What is happening at the Hawthorns? QPR winning emphatically away from. Just when you thought you've seen it all.

Rizpey: "Let's not get carried away it's only 0-1 to QPR" Comes back 10 mins later, 0-3. WHAT?!

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

SUBSTITUTION

Villa forced into a half-time change, Leandro Bacuna replaces Alan Hutton at right-back.

KICK-OFF

Here come the teams. And we are getting back under way around the grounds.

Alistair Mann

BBC Match of the Day commentator at the King Power Stadium

"One Leicester change at half-time - Marc Albrighton is on for Riyad Mahrez. I'm sure it's to try to curtail the runs of Aaron Cresswell down the West Ham left."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Dan Walker

BBC Sport

Getty Images

"Lovely goal from Bobby Zamora for QPR's third. Off the bar and everything. Even got a single clap from Ruud Gullit."

It's well worth watching on Match of the Day tonight. Watch on BBC One from 22:30 BST, when Dan will be presenting.

HALF-TIME in the Championship

Michael Jacobs' 10th-minute goal means bottom side Blackpool are ahead at Bolton, while Reading are in front against Cardiff courtesy of Pavel Pogrebnyak's early strike.

Leeds have gone down to 10 men against Blackburn after Rudy Austin was dismissed, but it remains goalless in that match, and nothing to report from the Yorkshire derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Sam Langan: He's a shocking player but that is a GOTS contender from Zamora. A perfect dink over Myhill.

Jay: If only QPR could spread goals from their away quota over more matches...

Shamim_miah_: Not going to lie if Charlie Austin played for a better team he would be in the England squad with 16 goals this season

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

QPR are flying. If it feels like a rare occurrence, it is. Check this out:

Queens Park Rangers are three goals up at half-time in the Premier League for the first time since February 1995 (v Newcastle).

Text us on 81111

Cai M, London: How is Garry Monk not being touted as manager of the season yet!? The job he's doing at Swansea in his first full term in charge is absolutely immense!

The Earl of Jeffs: Two goals in two games, well done Eduardo Vargas!

David, Worcs: Well done QPR, but it won't matter, they are doomed, along with Leicester.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Down at the bottom

BBC

If QPR can hold on for victory it will shake up the bottom seven.

Chris Ramsey's men are set to move within a point of Sunderland and safety, with Albion being dragged back into it ahead of a tricky run in.

Half-time scores

HALF-TIME

Tony Pulis's side have not turned up.

Alistair Mann

BBC Match of the Day commentator at the King Power Stadium

"It's been a breathless first half. Leicester have used the ball well in the final third and have had plenty of plusses going forward, but their vulnerability at the back has been exposed. West Ham will feel that they ought to be in front."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Isaac Wolofar: Ander Herrera ~ kind of Paul Scholes in the making?

Tokunbo: Sherwood should have taken Hutton off a long time ago.

Ashic Mahtab: United badgering Villa till they caved. reminiscent of Fergie era

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

Steve Bower

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Manchester United had to be patient but they are in front. It has not been a vintage performance but Ander Herrera's goal just before half-time has given them the lead. Wayne Rooney thought he should have had an earlier penalty, but his side still lead at the break."

Who saw this scoreline coming? QPR have been fantastic and taken their goals superbly well.

HALF-TIME

Leicester started brightly but West Ham more than deserved their leveller by the break. The Foxes are six points adrift of safety as results stand and, with fourth from bottom in Sunderland in action against Newcastle tomorrow, they know the importance of maximum points.

Wayne Rooney has a shot blocked and Marcos Rojo can't steer in the rebound. United ending the half strongly.

HALF-TIME

BBC Sport's Rob Westall at Liberty Stadium: "Steve Bruce's side have it all to do if they are to get anything out of this match with goals from Ki Sung-Yeung and Bafetimbi Gomis putting the home side firmly in control. Gomis' spectacular strike will be sure to dominate most conversations as the fans here sip on their beverages at the break."

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"It's been coming, and it's a very good goal. Ander Herrera makes it look easy though. Manchester United had been lacking that final bit of quality but this time they got it. Every time Ashley Young gets the ball out wide he goes past Alan Hutton so easily."

GOAL

PA

Manchester United finally breakthrough via the medium of the good old-fashioned toe poke.

Daley Blind gets away on the left, he cuts it back for Ander Herrara who takes a touch and then as he's closed down, toe-bungs one under Brad Guzan and into the net. Breakthrough.

West Ham are pushing as Leicester teeter on the brink. The Foxes are so open, with just two centre backs rather than usual three, and the Hammers are enjoying the space. Still level though.

GOAL

Getty Images

What a goal! Bobby Zamora with a cracker, an absolute cracker! Eric Cantona would be proud of this.

Zamora chases a hopeful ball over the top, outpaces Joleon Lescott and lifts the lob first time over the head of Boaz Myhill, kissing the crossbar on its way in. Tremendous finish.

Daley Blind has a shot with his wrong foot, his right, and it's a fairly tame one, easily held by Brad Guzan. So far, so good for Tim Sherwood's visitors.

The Tigers? Hull are more like pussy cats at the moment. Swansea passing through a very demoralised-looking Hull side and this could get worse for the visitors. Steve Bruce needs half time, Still more than five minutes to hold on though.

Played 14, lost 13. QPR's away record reads like a Stephen King novel. This latest chapter could be the thrilling finale they need though.

A Tony Pulis side have conceded a goal at a set-piece where artisan Niko Kranjcar won the first header. TP will be furious.

Alistair Mann

BBC Match of the Day commentator at the King Power Stadium

"Sam Allardyce may feel his West Ham side should be in front, never mind level. Kevin Nolan's missed opportunity was one of three or four before Cheikhou Kouyate found the net. It's one thing playing in this bold manner, but Leicester look pretty vulnerable when they're out of possession - and they've been out of possession for long periods of this half."

GOAL

Getty Images

Take the cork out, that is champagne football. The ball is headed into the penalty area, Michael Dawson half heads clear, and Bafetimbi Gomis launches himself into the air, before acrobatically volleying into the top corner. Hull are in trouble.

GOAL

Getty Images

Fox in the box! Charlie Austin with a poacher's goal for QPR, who are flying now. A corner from the right is flicked on by Niko Kranjcar, and Austin is unmarked to stoop and apply a flying header into the net. Massive. Massive!

Still goalless at Old Trafford, both sides having just one shot on target so far. Villa full-back Alan Hutton has rolled his ankle clearing his lines but looks like he can continue.

Kevin Kilbane

Former Everton midfielder on Final Score

"The goal Leicester have conceded... credit to Kouyate, but it's more about Leicester being open defensively. Through the whole season, when Leicester have been on the front foot they have been exposed."

CLOSE!

Leon Osman back on the pitch after some treatment and almost grabs the second. Aaron Lennon finds Arouna Kone on the right, his cross is met by Osman but his header deflects off a defender and wide.

From the corner, Phil Jagielka heads over the top.

Phil Jagielka and then Leon Osman both in the wars in quick succession for Everton, who are unhappy with Shane long for the second one. Osman was strong to clear a corner and was clobbered by Long in his follow-through. Long was trying to win the header though.

GOAL

Getty Images

The fun doesn't last for Leicester as West Ham deservedly pull level. Very simple too. Alex Song dinks the ball into the penalty area, Jeff SchLupp makes a cumbersome attempt to head clear, and Cheikhou Kouyate controls with his chest before slotting home.

SUBSTITUTION

QPR make a change as goalscorer Eduardo Vargas is replaced by Niko Kranjcar. Vargas injured his knee landing on the side of the pitch, he then rolled off the pitch, play carried on, so he rolled the other way back onto the pitch and the referee stopped play.

Canny stuff.

SUBSTITUTION

Hull are second best all over at the moment and their fixture list won't give them much room for comfort. They still have Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool and Southampton to play...

Boss Steve Bruce is forced into a chance in the centre of midfield, replacing Gaston Ramirez with Stephen Quinn.

Latest scores

Player reaction on Twitter

@mesutozil1088/Twitter

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil: "Seven wins in a row! So happy! Simply a great day for the whole Arsenal family! #YaGunnersYa."

GREAT SAVE!

Everton indebted to Tim Howard in goal again as he reacts well to beat clear James Ward-Prowse's effort from 20 yards. Southampton must surely score soon if they keep this up...?

ACROBATIC EFFORT

Wayne Rooney launches into an overhead kick after good work from Antonio Valencia - but he miscues his effort behind him. Not got the angles right on this occasion.

WHAT A MISS!

How has he missed that? Kevin Nolan hang your head in shame. The West Ham midfielder looks certain to power home the equaliser but, as Stewart Downing's sweet right-wing cross finds him unmarked yards out, he heads wide. Shocking.

CLOSE!

James Ward-Prowse goes very close to a leveller for Saints, finding the outside of the side-netting with a curling 20-yard free-kick. Tim Howard was beaten there, no chance.

Alistair Mann

BBC Match of the Day commentator at the King Power Stadium

"The atmosphere around the King Power Stadium is terrific. A second Leicester goal would have the roof flying off."

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"That's a fantastic strike from Marcos Rojo (see 15:23), there was nothing on with Aston Villa camped in their own half, two banks of four. Brad Guzan makes a great save with his fingertips. Villa are giving the ball back to United so cheaply at the minute, Tim Sherwood will be frustrated."

CLOSE!

Scrambles! A sigh of relief for Leicester as West Ham cause carnage down the hosts' left. Aaron Cresswell plays a one-two with Kevin Nolan, crosses low to cause an almighty bundle as, first Cheikhou Kouyate and then Diafra Sakho, are unable to force the ball home.

GREAT SAVE!

What a hit! Marcos Rojo lets fly from a full 25 yards, a real beauty of a left-footer, flying into the net until Brad Guzan makes a stunning one-handed tip over the bar!

That was a superb effort. I didn't know Rojo had that in him...

Southampton still looking as pretty on the ball as ever, that early Everton goal not shaking them off their stride. Can they find a way back through though?

Ki Sung-Yueng's seventh goal of the season leaves Hull just three points above the drop zone as results stand. The Tigers need to start roaring. The way they conceded that goal though is not the way to fight relegation. Where were the defence?

Still goalless at Old Trafford, where the hosts remain in charge of possession. Marouane Fellaini wins a big header at the far post but it comes to nothing.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"We've already seen Aston Villa's threat on the counter attack, with waves of white shirts coming forward at speed once they've won the ball. Manchester United have started the better but Wayne Rooney doesn't look as sharp as he has been recently, maybe he's a bit leggy from the international fixtures."

CLOSE!

QPR are just a point shy of safety in the as it stands table. But they'll have to keep a clean sheet to stay there, and they look fragile at the back. West Brom go so close to a leveller as another cross from the right makes its way through to Brown Ideye in the middle, the ball just hits him on the kenee and skids past the post.

GOAL

Getty Images

A big moment at the bottom of the table as Hull start looking even more anxiously over their shoulders. After some patient passing, Jonjo Shelvey takes a hopeful low shot from 25 yards, the ball skids off goalkeeper Allan McGregor and Ki Sung-Yueng is on hand to tap in the rebound.

Championship latest

Bottom side Blackpool, nearly relegated to League One, have gone ahead against North West rivals Bolton through Michael Jacobs.

Reading took a very early lead against Cardiff, as Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak slots home after just four minutes. The Royals are clear of the dropzone with their opposition also safe in mid-table.

Leeds v Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday v Huddersfield remains goalless.

Latest scores

GOAL

PA

Everton scramble their way ahead through skipper Phil Jagielka. It's a Leighton Baines corner which is not cleared correctly, Gareth Barry is able to put the ball back in the mixer and Jagielka steers a low shot into the corner under pressure.

PENALTY SAVED

How costly could that be? David Nugent steps forward confidently enough but his penalty to the goalkeeper's left is parried away by the diving Adrian. The home fans have their heads in hands.

GOAL

Getty Images

That could be a big goal for QPR's survival hopes! It's a cracking strike too, Eduardo Vargas picking up the pieces from a long ball downfield, stepping across his man and then firing an angled shot across the keeper and into the net.

PENALTY TO LEICESTER

Leonardo Ulloa breaks into the box from the left and Aaron Cresswell rashly takes his legs away. Clear penalty and a real chance for Leicester.

Tony Pulis's side settling into their rhythm now, Saido Berahino tries to wriggle clear and get a shot away but QPR just about do enough. A cross then comes in from Darren Fletcher and Brown Ideye heads over the top.

GOAL

Getty Images

Leicester believe. Strikers David Nugent and Leonardo Ulloa combine, the ball cannons off James Collins, and Esteban Cambiasso volleys home sweetly from 20 yards. Brilliant strike.

Getty Images

Swansea beginning to get a bit of control back here as they pass the ball about patiently without really looking to hurt their visitors. Garry Monk's men looking like they are playing a bit of chess, moving players around, waiting for the moment to get check mate.

Manager reaction

Brendan Rodgers denies the Raheem Sterling saga was a factor in Liverpool's defeat and praised the winger for his performance.

"Raheem was outstanding I thought," said Rodgers. "The kid did great. What happened midweek did not distract us."

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Manchester United mean business today - they're playing with a great tempo."

Wayne Rooney still thinks he should have had a penalty. At the other end David De Gea doesn't make the best clearance from a high cross and Gabriel Agbonlahor sees his follow-up effort well blocked.

Juan Mata then has a shot blocked at the other end! Decent start.

You can follow that game in further detail in its own live page.

The Foxes fans seem up for this and so the players. A positive start both on and off the field for the hosts as they take the game to West Ham. Not much to shout about at either end yet though.

GREAT SAVE!

What a save! Tim Howard has had his critics this season but the veteran pulls off a fine stop to claw away Graziano Pelle's effort at the near post.

Shane Long had all the pace in the world down the right, his cross was met by Pelle with an improvised lobbed volley, it almost makes it but Howard recovers brilliantly to get there and make the save.

Hull force two corners within the first five minutes as they continue to dominate proceedings. Swansea looking a tad sleepy. You can certainly which team has the more to play for in these opening stages.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Wayne Rooney is going ballistic at the referee and rightly so. He was just about to pull the trigger and was pulled to the floor. For me it's a red card and a clear penalty."

PENALTY APPEAL

Wayne Rooney wants a penalty for a coming together with Ciaran Clark in the middle - he can't believe referee Roger East hasn't given it...

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has conceded it will be "very, very difficult" for Liverpool to make the top four.

"It was a game we needed to take something from," he admits. "Today is a big disappointment but we didn't defend well enough in key moments of the game."

The Reds' boss adds: "Right from the kick off we were too negative. We like to play forward but we put ourselves under the pressure and in the first 10 minutes and they had control.

"I thought after that we started to find our passes and we were the better team and created the best chances. So we were looking to go in at half time 0-0 or maybe in front - but then we defended very poorly for all three goals."

Hull start well as they look to stretch that four-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone. All the pressure with the visitors, although no clear-cut chances created as yet.

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"United have started off at a good tempo already. A good start will get the crowd behind them, which will make it so much harder for Aston Villa. Tim Sherwood's side don't have a great record here but if they defend well and in numbers they could catch United on the break with their pace."

Open start to the game at The Hawthorns as first QPR fail to make the most of a promising break down their right, and then two West Brom players go for the same cross and end up fluffing a tame header nowhere.

First chance of the match falls to Leicester striker Leonardo Ulloa. He gets his 25-yard strike horribly wrong and the rising ball is still rising. Well over.

Shirt-sleeve weather at Old Trafford for the first time in many a month. Can Louis van Gaal's side move above city rivals City with a win?

Saints flying out of the blocks, impressive, slick start ends with Jose Fonte heading a free-kick wide of goal.

Leicester City start today seven points adrift of safety and desperately in need of a fifth league win of the season. Foxes fan Willie Thorne is in the crowd and his club could soon be needing snookers.

West Ham are the team who start the afternoon on the attack though.

KICK-OFF

Game on around the grounds. Who can pick up precious points at either end of the table?

Here we go then...

BBC Final Score vote

On Final Score today we're asking who should win the Player of the Year award this season? Get involved on Twitter using the below hashtags.

#bbcaguero #bbccosta #bbccoutinho #bbcdegea #bbchazard #bbckane #bbcsanchez #bbcschneiderlin #bbcterry

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson: "We need to win games, and at home in particular we've got to be a little more offensive. But I do think that in the last few games, we've looked pretty competent, and in the last outing against Spurs, we were unlucky not to get a point.

"It's horses for courses, as they say, and we need to have a threat going forward, but we certainly need to be solid as well with the threat they have going forward."

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "I think that the top performances against Manchester United and Tottenham away didn't bring the ultimate reward, and then we lost to an offside goal against Chelsea. But we put things right somewhat against Sunderland, so we hope we can continue like that.

"Leicester are in a false position, so it's a dangerous game for us today. It looks like Nigel Pearson's changed his shape. We thought it would be a back three, but it looks as though they'll have a back four."

Nervousness & errors at Everton

Former England defender Phil Neville

Football Focus

"There is a nervousness that has crept in since the start of the season at Everton. Once you go into games nervous then more often than not you make mistakes, and you can then soon find yourself in a rut.

"Tim Howard has been one of the top five goalkeepers in terms of consistency over the past few seasons, he had a great World Cup, but the defending has been wide open at times, and there have been individual errors in the side - that's why they have conceded so many goals."

Getty Images

Stay on your feet Joleon!

Player reaction

Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson admits his team's defending "was not good enough".

"Arsenal started well but we knew they would," he said. "They had some good chances but I thought once we got through that, we started playing better higher up the pitch and we had chances.

"But the last 15 minutes of the half we weren't good enough defending one-on-one and we need to be better.

"We kept fighting second half, played for pride. We felt if we got one goal we could get back in the game, but it wasn't to be."

Player reaction

Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson looks gutted as he's interviewed post-match but he insists the Reds chances of making the top four aren't finished just yet.

"We knew it would be tough to make top four even before we came here. We have to keep fighting and working and if we win our games left them you never know," he says.

On the dismissal of Emre Can, Henderson adds: "I thought it was a little harsh. I felt he just tried to press shim, slipped and went into the player. It is a blow that he is now suspended."

Football League preview

Four matches take place in the second tier at 15:00 BST - with none having a real impact at either end of the table.

But tensions are still bound to be high at Elland Road, where mid-table Leeds United host a Blackburn Rovers side whose chances of climbing into the play-offs are slim.

It is has been another tumultuous week at the West Yorkshire club, with head coach Neil Redfearn suggesting he might walk out after his assistant Steve Thompson was suspended without warning. The natives are restless.

The mood isn't any brighter across the Pennines at Blackpool either. The Tangerines, 17 points adrift with seven matches left, look to provide some cheer by beating north-west rivals Bolton at the Macron Stadium.

Elsewhere, there is a Yorkshire derby as Huddersfield travel to Sheffield Wednesday, while Reading host Cardiff City. Both Huddersfield and Reading are eight points clear of the bottom three, so wins will ease any lingering fears of the drop.

BBC Sport's Rob Westall at the Liberty Stadium: "Today's Premier League match at a sun drenched Liberty Stadium is testament to how football fortunes fluctuate. Nearly 12 years ago these two sides met on the Welsh coast in the old Division Three with Swansea winning to maintain their Football League status. Today Steve Bruce's Tigers will hope to catch the eighth placed Swans off guard, as they aim to open up a cushion between themselves and the bottom three.

"United could underestimate Villa"

Former England winger Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Under Tim Sherwood Aston Villa are starting to show more energy and more belief. I watched them play earlier in the season and they were sitting back home and away, which didn't go down well with the fans at Villa Park.

"Manchester United could underestimate Villa but Louis van Gaal's side are full of confidence. They had a great win at Anfield, and seem to have much more balance and tempo in the side."

Text us on 81111

Chris Kai: Where are the Wenger-out friends? With this display I don't even see Chelsea or Man Utd winning at Emirates.

Tonie, Milton Keynes: Another big game and another no show from Liverpool. No plan B!

James Marshall: All the negative publicity from Liverpool this week been carried on to the pitch. FA Cup replay to come in midweek too.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Player reaction

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud: "Liverpool lost the ball a lot at the back in the first half and we could have scored even more goals in the first 45 minutes, but we were obviously really pleased to back in dressing room 3-0."

Asked about the in-form Gunners' chances of winning the Premier Leaguer title, the Frenchman said "We want to finish strongly but we have to take it game by game and focus on ourselves before looking at Chelsea and Man City's results. We want to win every single game and then we'll see what happens."

Player reaction

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerín is asked can the Gunners surprise everyone and win the title?

"The team is definitely doing really well but we are just looking game by game to do the best we can and get as many points as we can," he says.

"The team is in good momentum and we are continuing to work hard. If we carry on as we are then we could go on to do something really big."

Wayne's world

Getty Images

Chance for United?

So, the starter for the day has been demolished, now here comes the main course.

Manchester United can put a firmer grip on a place in the top four with a win at home relegation-threatened Aston Villa, after Liverpool's spectacular collapse at Arsenal.

We have also have Everton v Southampton, Leicester v West Ham, Swansea v Hull and West Brom v QPR. It should be a good one.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"Arsenal have momentum. They have played as well today as they have all season. The league is in Chelsea's hands but Arsenal just need to keep winning. If Chelsea drop any more points before the game against Arsenal it will blow open the league again. Wenger has everybody fit and on form.

"It will take a lot for Liverpool to bounce back from this today. Arsenal were well ahead of them today. Martin Skrtel was badly missed. They paid a lot of money for Dejan Lovren but he didn't play. Suddenly you can see problems for them."

The place to be

Stay right here on this page for all of the reaction to Arsenal's massive win, and then live commentary on all five 15:00 BST kick-offs in the top flight.

If you just want to read about Manchester United v Aston Villa - duck out to this page here.

Olivier Giroud is the third Arsenal player to score in six Premier League games in a row - after Ian Wright and Emmanuel Adebayor. He has better hair though.

FULL-TIME

Arsenal march on, into second place. Where does that leave Liverpool's top-four challenge? In all kinds of trouble.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Belete Eshetea: BIG G deserves that goal for his hard work!

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

That's 10 goals in his last 10 games for Olivier Giroud. Danny Welbeck gets into the box in search of number five but shoots los and wide.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"Olivier Giroud just has to have the last word. You could tell as soon as it left his foot it was going to hit the back of the net. He showed some great character to come back from the Monaco first leg, when he was blamed for the defeat."

GOAL

Reuters

A topcoat of gloss applied to a very fine day's work for the Gunners. Another peach of a goal too, Olivier Giroud stepping inside a powderpuff challenge from Kolo Toure - the sort of challenge that makes Roy Keane summon his labradors and head to the hills - and fires in from 20 yards, left-footed.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

John Murphy: Well that's the Champions League places secured, and Man Utd haven't even kicked off yet!

You can follow United's match against Aston Villa in a separate live text commentary.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Arsenal make their extra man count, fine flowing stuff between Danny Welbeck and Nacho Monreal, the left-back cutting it back for fellow Spaniard Santi Cazorla and he passes the ball against the base of the post. Unlucky!

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Robin Smit: Surely if Emre Can gets a yellow for that challenge then Hector Bellerin should have received a second yellow for his.

Zred: Kolo Toure man of the match for Arsenal.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location

Mathieu Flamini picks out Olivier Giroud but Kolo Toure does brilliantly to cut it out and prevent a fourth goal for the hosts.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"You have to look back to the first Emre Can booking. It was his reaction to the challenge that got him booked, for indiscipline. The second is such a reckless challenge when you are sitting on a booking."

RED CARD

Getty Images

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin may have been fortunate to escape a second yellow card when conceding the penalty a few moments ago but Emre Can is not. He scissors Danny Welbeck in a silly and spiteful challenge, and is sent off.

He joins Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel on the suspended list.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"Liverpool have the weapons to threaten. Gabriel is new into the team and coming back from injury and Mertesacker is not comfortable with players running at him. But Liverpool cannot get on the ball at the moment."

Not much momentum from Liverpool, despite that penalty. They're not exactly hammering on the door. Referee Anthony Taylor annoys the home crowd for stopping a break to check on Jordan Henderson, who was clattered by an errant Kolo Toure challenge.

Olivier Giroud pokes it away from a man and Danny Welbeck is away on the counter, he gets into the box but his shot is blocked out. Welbeck could be the out ball for the Gunners now.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Scott Duncan: Can anybody explain to me why Bellerin isn't having an early bath? Blatant second yellow!

Lfcway: If there's any team that can choke, it's Arsenal. Come on Liverpool!

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location

Football League results

MK Dons move into third position - at the expense of their opponents - with an impressive 3-0 success at Swindon. Karl Robinson's side are five points adrift of second-placed Preston, while Swindon are two points back in fourth.

In the other early kick-off, Sheffield United strengthened their grip on fifth place with a 2-0 win at South Yorkshire neighbours Barnsley.

Liverpool need to throw the kitchen sink at Arsenal in the final 10 minutes - without getting done on the counter attack. That's the game now.

Team news

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson has decided to go for a more attacking set-up after losing centre-back Matthew Upson to an Achilles injury. Pearson brings winger Riyad Mahrez into the starting line-up - the only change to the side beaten 4-3 at Tottenham before the international break.

Winston Reid is restored to West Ham's defence after recovering from a hamstring injury, and so it looks as though Chiekhou Kouyate will move forward into midfield as Matt Jarvis drops to the bench. Striker Enner Valencia is still recovering from a toe injury, and is not involved.

Leicester XI: Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan, Huth, Schlupp, Cambiasso, James, Mahrez, Nugent, Vardy, Ulloa.

West Ham XI: Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Collins, Cresswell, Noble, Song, Downing, Nolan, Kouyate, Sakho.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"What this was about from an Arsenal point of view was taking Liverpool out of contention for a Champions League place. They have done that if they win.

"Hector Bellerin makes the challenge. He tries to nick the ball away but he is nowhere near and takes the player out. It is a young defender diving in. Ospina got a hand to it and he should be saving it. We talked about this game being over but Liverpool have a lifeline."

GOAL

PA

Liverpool just about back in business. Jordan Henderson steps up and just about squeezes it in, David Ospina got two hands to it but couldn't keep it out. Chance for the comeback?

PENALTY to LIVERPOOL

Raheem Sterling sent sprawling by Hector Bellerin - penalty!

Liverpool try the 'Paul Scholes' corner, clipping one high and deep to the edge of the box. But Jordan Henderson is not Paul Scholes, and his shot is horribly wide.

SUBSTITUTION

A generous smattering of applause as Mesut Ozil comes off to be replaced by Danny Welbeck.

This half has been as dull as the first was enthralling. A Liverpool goal could kick-start a revival of sorts, but Emre Can's belter from 25 yards is ill-advised and well over.

Still Brendan keeps clapping.

Team news

Everton manager Roberto Martinez makes two changes from the side which won 2-1 at QPR as the injured Romelu Lukaku is replaced by Ross Barkley. The Toffees also recall Gareth Barry for Darron Gibson in midfield. Kevin Mirallas is considered fit enough for a place on the bench.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is without injured goalkeeper Fraser Forster so Kelvin Davis deputises between the sticks. The Dutchman also includes Victor Wanyama, James Ward-Prowse and Eljero Elia with Steven Davies, Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic the men to make way.

Everton XI: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman, Barry, McCarthy, Osman, Barkley, Lennon, Kone

Southampton XI: Davis, Bertrand, Fonte, Alderweireld, Clyne, Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Ward-Prowse, Elia, Long, Pelle

Team news

West Brom boss Tony Pulis brings back fit-again striker Brown Ideye - five goals in his last eight games - to partner Saido Berahino up front. Craig Dawson serves a one-match ban, after the red card debacle in defeat at Manchester City last time out. Gareth McAuley, who starts today, was mistakenly sent off instead of Dawson by ref Neil Swarbrick, who later admitted he had made a mistake.

QPR boss Chris Ramsey makes one change from the side which lost at home to Everton, with Eduardo Vargas - who scored his second goal of the season in that game after coming on as a sub - replacing Junior Hoilet on the left wing. Bobby Zamora starts alongside 15-goal Charlie Austin in attack.

West Brom XI: Myhill, Baird, McAuley, Lescott, Brunt, Gardner, Fletcher, Morrison, Sessegnon, Berahino, Ideye

QPR XI: Green, Isla, Onuoha, Caulker, Suk-Young, Phillips, Sandro, Barton, Vargas, Austin, Zamora.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Tokunbo: Mathieu Flamini is too clumsy for a defensive midfielder. Little wonder he has lost his place in the team.

Steve Howes: Game-changers are worth £50m or £150k a week. Raheem Sterling is not worth either.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location

PENALTY APPEAL

PA

Raheem Sterling has a penalty appeal waved away after a coming together with Hector Bellerin on the edge of the area, nothing in that for me.

Arsenal had 60% of possession in the first half, Liverpool have had 65% since half-time. Arsenal three up and counting down the minutes until full-time.

Team news

Only one change for Manchester United from the side that won 2-1 against Liverpool in their last Premier League match as Marcos Rojo replaces Chris Smalling in defence. Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao are among the United substitutes.

Tom Cleverley, on loan at Aston Villa, is ineligible to play against his parent side, while Leandro Bacuna and Scott Sinclair also drop out. Matthew Lowton, Carlos Sanchez and Andreas Weimann start and Ron Vlaar is on the bench after six weeks out because of a calf problem.

Manchester United XI: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Young, Rooney.

Aston Villa XI: Guzan, Hutton, Okore, Clark, Lowton, Delph, Sanchez, N'Zogbia, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke.

Team news

BBC Sport's Rob Westall at Liberty Stadium:

Swansea City boss Garry Monk keeps faith with the side that started the win at Aston Villa. Midfielder Matt Grimes and forward Marvin Emnes replace the injured Jefferson Montero and Jay Fulton on the bench.

Hull City manager Steve Bruce makes just one change to the side that began the 3-2 defeat against Chelsea with Robbie Brady coming in for Andrew Robertson.

Swansea City XI: Fabianski, Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Cork, Ki Sung-yueng, Shelvey, Sigurdsson, Routledge, Gomis. Subs: Amat, Dyer, Oliveira, Montero, Rangel, Tremmel, Fulton

Hull City XI: McGregor, Dawson, Bruce, McShane, Elmohamady, Meyler, Livermore, Ramirez, Robertson, N'Doye, Hernandez. Subs: Harper, Rosenior, Chester, Diame, Sagbo, Aluko, Quinn.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"It has been a good five minutes or so for Liverpool. It is always a test when you go down 3-0 in these circumstances but they are still going forward. They only know one way to play."

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"It's all settled down a bit after the mayhem of those closing stages of the first half. Arsenal are protecting their lead while looking to hit Liverpool on the counter.

"And, as is the nature of football fans, you sense Arsenal's fans will only relax when they have a fourth goal."

Getty Images

Philippe Coutinho squeezes a low shot wide from 25 yards at a silent Emirates. This game was done and dusted in the time it took Karl to make his lunch [see 13:45] and now it's all very flat.

Mathieu Flamini is a lucky man though. An ugly lunge on Joe Allen is not carded and it could have been. Referee Anthony Taylor missed out there.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

James, London: Sterling seems to want to shoot from unlikely distances every time he has the ball. A bit of 'headline syndrome' following the media attention recently.

Jon: Brendan Rodgers might not be the best tactician, but has to be the best at clapping his hands on the touch line. Great intensity.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

SUBSTITUTION

Arsenal have got the game won - or so they think - so they bring on Mathieu Flamini for Aaron Ramsey. Shut up shop.

Reuters

You can't fault Brendan Rodgers for optimism. He's still at the edge of his technical area, cajoling and clapping away.

Arsenal don't really know whether to stick or twist, they throw men forwards and lose it cheaply, They've gone empty in midfield and Liverpool counter, Emre Can testing David Ospina for the first real time from range.

GREAT SAVE!

It's almost a fabulous fourth for Arsenal as they pick Liverpool apart with a cracking move, dividing the visiting defence with ease. Mesut Ozil has the final pass and clips in a cross for Olivier Giroud to attack, he meets it powerfully and Simon Mignolet has to make a cracking one-handed save. Mignolet's reaction is pure anger at those in front of him.

Brendan Rodgers out of his seat, clapping away as Liverpool put a neat move together out on the left, it ends though as Raheem Sterling leans back and fires over the bar. Well over too.

Understandably, predictably, the second half has started at a tepid pace.

Player reaction on Twitter

@sergegnabry/Twitter

Arsenal youngster Serge Gnabry enjoyed that first half.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

Reuters

"It looks like Raheem Sterling is wide left and Lucas is deeper. They are pushing the wing-backs high up the pitch. They are going for it. Rodgers is looking for a big response."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Chris, Preston: This could be the game that makes Raheem Sterling's mind up for him. Unlikely he'll want to stay at Liverpool with no Champions League next season.

Ade Williams: It was inevitable that if Liverpool struggled today, Sterling would come under fire, and rightly so.

Rishabh Kapoor: How I wish Markovic and Sterling hadn't messed up before. Here's still hoping for a draw with a Sturridge hat-trick.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

SUBSTITUTION

Interesting change from Arsenal now as Gabriel replaces Laurent Koscielny at the back. I didn't see the Frenchman struggling with an injury at all.

YELLOW CARD

Emre Can is shown a yellow card for stretching and catching Santi Cazorla.

Liverpool also playing a back four now, for the first time in a long time. Emre Can adds right-back to his list of positions.

KICK-OFF

Back under way. Raheem Sterling shunted over to wide on the left now for the visitors.

SUBSTITUTION

Daniel Sturridge is on for Liverpool. replacing Lazar Markovic. Where's that bolted horse?

Classic noodle-based goal updates there Karl. Get yourself some micro chips in as well and we'll try and conjure up some more goals!

Here are the teams back with us. Daniel Sturridge is coming on.

Text us on 81111

Karl, at work: Three goals in the time it takes to do a pot noodle! Went to put kettle on came back 1-0, kettle boils so go back pour over noodles return to 2-0. Read about the two goals, go and get my pot noodle then back 3-0. Lost my appetite now!

Jamie, London. Vintage goal burst from Arsenal! I'm thinking 5-0 or more! We're definitely title contenders now...

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Before kick-off Liverpool had equalled a club record six consecutive clean sheets away from home in the league and had gone nine hours and 19 minutes on the road without conceding.

Never mind Raheem Sterling, Martin Skrtel's contract demands just changed...

Alistair Mann

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"While making predictions at this stage of the campaign can be foolhardy, if Leicester succumb to their 19th league defeat on Saturday even a miracle may not be sufficient to prevent their immediate return to the Championship.

"If Leicester are to defy the odds, this weekend's fixture seems to offer an opportunity to begin their ascent, with West Ham in almost as poor form. The Hammers' tally of just six points from a possible 24 recently has left European qualification well out of reach. They were just four points off the Champions League places prior to it."

Conor McNamara

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Fighting relegation is like battling a large fire. West Brom have an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone, but manager Tony Pulis is not putting the fire extinguisher back on the wall just yet. The Welshman may end up needing most of that safety cushion - four of his last five games are against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"Chris Ramsey has had just one win since taking the reins at Loftus Road, and QPR have taken fewer Premier League points in 2015 than any other side. Charlie Austin scored a hat-trick for QPR the last time these sides met, and the visitors might as well just go for it now. It might be time for QPR to rip the top off the fire hydrant as they approach their last chance to quench the flames."

John Roder

Match of the Day commentator

"Swansea will surely set a Premier League points club record over the next few weeks. Currently on 43 from 30 matches, the Swans need only five more to beat the total of 47 they claimed in the 2011-12 campaign - their first season back in the top flight, under Brendan Rodgers' guidance.

"Steve Bruce's Hull will arrive in South Wales looking for revenge after the Swans won 1-0 at the KC Stadium just before Christmas, a result which at the time left Hull next to bottom in the table."

Steve Bower

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"History shows there can be unpredictable results after international breaks. Louis van Gaal will be hoping this isn't one of them, because Manchester United only have to rewind to December for a timely reminder of what can happen.

"They met Aston Villa on the back of a morale-boosting win over Liverpool, only to draw 1-1 and subsequently drop seven points from the following four matches. Today United face a Villa team with a different mentality to that time though. Tim Sherwood has injected much-needed belief into the squad as they've climbed out of the bottom three."

Martin Fisher

Match of the Day commentator

"If 2014-15 has been a forgettable season for Everton, it has been a memorable one for Southampton - and the next eight games will determine exactly how memorable.

"Saints require just three more points to match their best ever points tally in the Premier League of 56, achieved under Mauricio Pochettino last May, but clearly they have their sights set on the more tangible prize of qualifying for European football next season."

Five Premier League games coming up at 15:00 BST. Team news on the way just after the hour.

'Arsenal can be title contenders'

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"If Arsenal can get the right balance, surely they are title contenders, This is as good as it gets from Arsenal. As a visiting team, you come to a stadium like this and you are looking for quiet and hush. There have been opportunities for Liverpool but Arsenal have hit the ground running after the international break."

Football League latest

MK Dons edge ahead at Swindon in the lunchtime clash between two of the League One teams battling for promotion.

Daniel Powell pounces on a rebound to fire the visitors 1-0 ahead on the hour at the County Ground. If it is stays like this then MK Dons will leapfrog their hosts into third place, five points behind second-placed Preston.

In the other early kick-off, fifth-placed Sheffield United still lead 1-0 in the South Yorkshire derby at Barnsley.

Text us on 81111

Andy, Southend: Sanchez the magician. Always pulls a rabbit out the hat when required.

Jamie, Lincoln: Gabriel and Diaby on at half time. Park the bus, forget revenge, three points we'll take.

James Marshall: You've got to hand it to Arsene Wenger. He knows how to get Arsenal into a Champions League place. Phenomenal record. Look and learn Brendan Rodgers.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"Great jubilation here at The Emirates as the half-time whistle goes. Liverpool's defending has been catastrophic and Arsenal's finishing top class."

Three goals in eight minutes have sunk Liverpool here. Unless we have the most entertaining 45 minutes of the season it looks like Arsenal have wrapped up the win.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Dan Gibbs: Arsenal are out for revenge for the 5-1 last year!

Antileen: This is incredible! What a game! Best Arsenal have been in a decade, since the Invincibles.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

HALF-TIME

What a half from Arsenal. They started and ended brilliantly, but Liverpool had a great chance inbetween to go one up...

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"That is a stunning, stunning goal and it is done at break-neck speed. He must have ABS brakes the way he turns inside Kolo Toure. The speed of his feet... he has hit it in a flash. That is as good a goal as you will see all season. Kolo had roller skates on trying to recover."

Getty Images

GOAL

Reuters

That is top class, top, top class! A wonderful third goal for Arsenal, Aaron Ramsey finding Alexis Sanchez 20 yards out, he makes a fool out of Kolo Toure with a lovely touch to leave the defender's slide in vain. The Chilean then sets himself for the strike and goes for pure power, lacing one past Simon Mignolet and into the roof of the net. Simon Mignolet barely saw that one...

Arsenal moving into second as it stands. Liverpool slipping five points shy of the top four.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

James Hammond: Poor positioning from Mignolet. Three minutes of Gunners brilliance may just have killed our top four hopes. Well played.

Gavin Pereira: Someone needs to let Toure know he's playing for Liverpool now.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Panic on the streets of London! Kolo Toure gets himself in a real muddle dealing with a routine ball over the top and he very nearly shanks it into his own net. Comedy stuff.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"I just had the feeling that Mesut Ozil had the keys for an Arsenal victory. You could see in his body language that he wanted that free-kick. A move to the left from Mignolet cost him. He has beaten himself, but it is a lovely strike from Ozil."

GOAL

Reuters

Liverpool with real work to do now, as Simon Mignolet is beaten in the same corner. It's a cracking goal from Mesut Ozil, the German World Cup winner bending a perfectly-judged free-kick past Mignolet and into the side-netting from 25 yards. He hit it true, he was off celebrating while the ball was still arcing into the corner...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jerry Elumeze: Spanish magic from an unlikely source. Beautiful goal.

Nathan Blackman: Moreno at fault for Liverpool's last three goals scored against them now, not good enough!

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"It was an excellent move. Mesut Ozil the orchestrator, plays a lovely pass out to Aaron Ramsey and then Hector Bellerin comes in on it. It opens up for him and he tucks it into the corner. It is a lovely finish. Arsenal desperately needed that goal as Liverpool were growing in confidence."

GOAL

Getty Images

What was that I was saying? Arsenal conjure a fine goal out of nothing. The ball is sprayed out to the right, Aaron Ramsey finds teenage right-back Hector Bellerin on the underlap, he jinks inside on to his left foot, thinks about it for a moment and then curls a shot into the far corner. Fine finish!

Arsenal's early fluidity and zip have disappeared as their attacks now get bogged down 30 yards from goal. Olivier Giroud feeding off the scrappiest scraps.

Bold Brendan

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

you have a young player in Francis Coquelin who, if he was a senior player, would say that he needs someone to come in and play alongside him to provide more security. That is not happening at the moment. Credit to Brendan Rodgers who is prepared, with his three at the back, to give him numbers in midfield. He is bold enough to do that."

Text us on 81111

Benji, Surrey: Sterling posing no threat against the height and physicality of Mertesacker. Sturridge should replace him at the break - nobody should start after what he has done, taking on the club that made him in the media aged 20.

Ashwin, London: The kind of manager Brendan Rodgers is, he probably thought starting Sterling up top would be playing the ultimate mind game with Arsenal, with the interview and all.

Mo, Manchester: I can't help but laugh at Rodgers. In a game so widely open he leaves his best finisher on the bench and plays possibly his worst.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"Liverpool have recovered very well from that uncertain start and are now on top, resulting in some frustration from Arsenal's fans. Raheem Sterling is presenting a problem for Arsenal with his darting runs in behind their defence - but he has yet to find the finished product."

Groans as Mesut Ozil pulls out of a tackle in midfield, but then he shows his class, beating two men down the right with a bodyswerve and injection of pace. Liverpool now look the side in charge, Arsenal guilty of not capitalising on their dominant opening 10 minutes.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Simon Bates: If that's Daniel Sturridge and not Lazar Markovic it's 1-0. Why oh why would you pass?

John, Isle of Wight: Raheem Sterling wisely refusing to score against his next club.

Ajaya Neupane: The mishaps of not playing a regular striker. Two clean opportunities missed.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"Arsenal leave these huge pockets for the opposition to run into. It is food and drink for Liverpool as the likes of Markovic and Coutinho love to run into those areas. It is about set-up for Arsenal."

Liverpool working some really neat triangles on the edge of the Arsenal box now. Great move ends with Raheem Sterling clipping the ball over from the left, Jordan Henderson times his run well to beat the offside trap but again, it's just too long for him.

Better final balls and this could be 2-2 now...

Getty Images

Liverpool centre-back Mamadou Sakho rolls his ankle making a tackle and looks in a bit of trouble. He's back on his feet but wincing, and Dejan Lovren is despatched to warm up.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender for BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"If there is an area Raheem Sterling needs to improve on, it is scoring goals. He ran through there but couldn't hit the target."

CLOSE!

Reuters

Raheem Sterling may well end up having a say on this game after all. He grabs a poor pass in midfield from Santi Cazorla, nutmegs Laurent Koscielny and then fires just wide from 20 yards.

Liverpool couldn't pass the ball in the opening 15 minutes, now it's Arsenal's turn to give it away cheaply. Contagious.

Another great run through the middle from Emre Can. Where will he end up? He's a strange player to watch. Very effective though.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Hugh in France: Anyone seen a defender on the Emirates pitch?

Callum Johnstone: Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker haven't a clue where each other are, pathetic defending!

Reece, Hartlepool: Embarrassing from Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge should have started, too much fuss over Raheem Sterling.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Football League half-times

Only one goal to report from the pair of important third-tier matches currently under way - and that has been bagged in the South Yorkshire derby.

Steven Davies' looping header puts fifth-placed Sheffield United ahead at neighbours Barnsley, who are only four points outside of the top six themselves.

The other big match sees third-placed Swindon host the team directly below them, MK Dons. The visitors, who started the day a point behind Swindon, have looked the likeliest to open the scoring with home keeper Wes Foderingham twice keeping them out.

Shades of Gazza v Germany in Euro 96 there as Raheem Sterling desperately stretched - but the ball rolled under his studs. Philippe Coutinho then shoots wide from 25 yards, Liverpool now on top.

Excellent game to watch so far.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"I think Liverpool can see there is a bit of weakness from Arsenal at the back. Coquelin is the deep-lying midfield but he needs the other two central midfielders to come back and create that screen in front of the defence. Liverpool are growing in confidence. It is just the quality of the pass from Lazar Markovic to Raheem Sterling that stops Liverpool taking the lead."

CLOSE!

Getty Images

And now Liverpool should score! A few minutes of composed possession and they carve Arsenal open with a wonderful move, Philippe Coutinho picks out Lazar Markovic through the middle, he's clean in on goal but tries to square to Raheem Sterling.

It should be a tap-in - but the pass is overbaked and Sterling can't reach it! Golden chance.

Emre Can breaks clear from his defensive berth and starts a decent Liverpool attack. Philippe Coutinho shuns the pass out wide when it could have gone, and the move ends with Raheem Sterling crossing to nobody in the middle.

When your sole striker goes out wide, someone has got to get in the box.

Arsenal first to every ball, they are bullying Liverpool so far. Aaron Ramsey - playing very wide on the right so far - has been excellent. He still should have scored earlier though.

Text us on 81111

Sam, optimistic Manchester United fan in Liverpool: Arsenal doing to Liverpool what United did two weeks ago. Penned in. Draw please.

Rory, Bristol: I'm worried for Liverpool. We play best when we go at teams, but with Martin Skrtel out it seems the game plan is to defend. Arsenal 3-0.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Emirates Stadium

"Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is gesticulating furiously at his players to move further up the pitch - a complaint he made after their home defeat by Manchester United. They are currently being overrun by Arsenal and Kolo Toure looks like an accident waiting to happen in defence."

Kolo Toure gives the ball away again, but then covers his tracks to make a fine block on Olivier Giroud.

Reuters

Raheem Sterling v Per Mertesacker. Give them space and open grass, and it's a non-contest. But make them fight for a cross or ball forwards, and it's equally one sided. The German colossus manhandles Sterling to the floor and clears on halfway.

Sterling up front on his own? Can he hack it?

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"It is about that balance for Arsenal. They are controlling this game but they don't want to concede a goal on the break. However, at the moment you can only see one team scoring the opening goal and that is Arsenal."

Without wishing to sound like everything that is wrong with the English game, sometimes you can't play it across your six-yard box at the back, can you?

Liverpool do actually mount an attack though and win a corner, Raheem Sterling holding his foot after an awkward landing. He'll try and run it off.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Dan, London: Brendan, you can play out from the back if you have the players of Barca, Real or Bayern but that's it. When will he understand this?

Tokunbo: Liverpool are all over the place.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

I don't think Raheem Sterling has had a touch yet. Liverpool are guilty of hugely overplaying at the back so far and are lucky not to be down.

This time Mamadou Sakho is caught on the ball and Olivier Giroud is in until the offside flag goes up...

Get in Row Z!

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"Sometimes, when you come here, Arsenal almost need to go a goal down before they start playing to the level they can. But they have started passing the ball very quickly today. We talked about pressing high. Arsenal should be taking advantage there. It was on a plate."

GREAT SAVE!

Getty Images

Arsenal should lead! Calamitous from Kolo Toure, caught on the ball on the edge of his own area, shocking, and Aaron Ramsey is in. The Welshman should bury it but is tentative with his left-footed strike, Simon Mignolet is able to claw it out, Santi Cazorla is in for the tap-in but Toure recovers to clear away.

Liverpool are ponderous and nervy at the back, Arsenal pressing them down and hunting in packs.

GREAT SAVE!

Arsenal are up and running right from the off. Francis Coquelin hunts down the loose ball in midfield, wins it and finds Santi Cazorla on the right of the box, he fires in an early shot and that's a strong save from Simon Mignolet, one-handed.

The Gunners well on top.

Martin Keown

Former Arsenal defender on BBC Radio 5 Live at the Emirates

"Arsenal's intention will be to press high. Liverpool like to play the ball out, sometimes to their detriment. Arsenal will want to try and win the ball as high up the pitch as possible. Kolo Toure will play in the middle of the three at the back for Liverpool."

Arsene Wenger puts his coat on, doesn't bother with the zip though thankfully. Arsenal starting nicely, one-touch stuff zipping through the midfield.

KICK-OFF

Under way at the Emirates, Liverpool all in black. Alexis Sanchez shoots wide inside 30 seconds.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Football writer Amy Lawrence: "Straight to the point banner in the away end: "£1BN and what do we get? £64 a ticket."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Terry, Winchester: The truth is Philippe Coutinho is the superstar of this. Now in the Brazil squad, signed a five-year contract with no fuss. Raheem Sterling should take note.

Shane Duly: As a Manchester United fan, I want the game at the Emirates to be a draw. 9-9 would suffice.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Getty Images

Supporters from both sides were planning to miss the first 10 minutes of today's game to protest against rising ticket prices - but it looks pretty full to me..

LINE-UPS

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

Liverpool: Mignolet, Can, Toure, Sakho, Henderson, Allen, Lucas, Moreno, Markovic, Sterling, Coutinho. Subs: Jones, Johnson, Lovren, Sturridge, Manquillo, Borini, Brannagan.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)

AFP

Coming up on BBC radio

BBC Radio 5 live

BBC Radio 5 live begins its coverage of Saturday's football programme with commentary from the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal host Liverpool in a 12:45 BST kick-off.

That will be followed by full match commentary of the 15:00 start between Manchester United and Aston Villa, plus updates from around the grounds as the goals go in.

And later this evening you can have your say on the big football stories on 606 with Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher. That's on from, you guessed it, 18:06.

The international break is over! Rejoice.

Can Arsenal win and go second the table? Or can Liverpool source a fine away win and close back in on that top four? The teams are gathered in the tunnel.

'Where else could Sterling play up front?'

Former England defender Phil Neville

Football Focus

"If Raheem Sterling wants to play centre forward then he's at the best club for that. If you look at Chelsea's team there's Diego Costa, if you look at Manchester City there's Sergio Aguero and at Manchester United there's Wayne Rooney. Liverpool have stood by him and given him a platform to play. He should just be concentrating on his own football."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on BT Sport: "We have to continue this run, the job is always the next game and it's a big one against a very good team.

"They are dangerous on the counter-attack and we must find a very good balance. The title race doesn't depend on our results, all we can do is focus on trying to do the best we can and we can take advantage of any blips from those around us.

"I was apprehensive about Danny Welbeck's knee but he looks OK in training, we just wanted to play one more in midfield so he's on the bench."

AFP

Steve Wilson

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Despite the feel-good factor around the Steven Gerrard versus Jamie Carragher charity match, which saw Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres return to play at Anfield, it has not been the best couple of weeks at Liverpool.

"Arsene Wenger's side are certainly looking at the possibility of overhauling Manchester City to take second place and, on current form, will fancy their chances of upsetting champions-elect Chelsea when they face them at the Emirates at the end of the month."

Text us on 81111

Muhammad, Birmingham: Rodgers does not come across as a manager with bottle or steel, hence the aborted title chase last season and the beginnings of the same this season after a damaging defeat to Man Utd.

Ganibhai, London: So Rodgers put the striker in the squad who he never plays over the £16m striker who needs games like this to prove his worth...?

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

"Reds have to play hardball with Sterling"

Former England defender Phil Neville

Football Focus

"The Raheem Sterling situation has just been horrifically mismanaged. Liverpool just have to pay hardball with him now. He should be concentrating on playing football, because he's at the best club for him, a club that's helped him develop.

BBC

"It's fine having agents but there comes a time when you have to take ownership of your own career as well, and sign a contract that you want to sign. If in two years' time he wants to go and play for Real Madrid he can still do that, so long as his career continues in the right direction.

"In terms of today's match, Arsenal are in the driving seat for me. They are in form and I think they'll win today."

'I never considered not playing Raheem Sterling'

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers on BT Sport: "I've reminded the players that we have built up a level of confidence over the last three months and the Manchester United defeat was a bitter disappointment. We have had time to reflect and now it's time to improve.

"Lucas comes into midfield as an adaptation of our personnel, and Raheem Sterling through the middle is very good at applying pressure. Daniel Sturridge is still a long way off full fitness, he had five months out with a serious injury.

"There is no concern with me and Raheem Sterling. Never once has the kid said he wants to leave, I speak with him every day.

Has he put himself under pressure by speaking out this week? "Well, as a young player you make mistakes... But I know him very well, he's a very strong character and there's no way I ever thought of leaving him out."

'Raheem needs to get his head down'

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on Football Focus

"Raheem Sterling has been badly advised to do the interview this week. Not asking for the club's permission is also wrong. But he has 27 months on his contract so the club can say he is not going. He is still learning and playing in different positions. Whether he plays up front, I don't know. But my advice would be to get your head down and continue improving, the money will come. But if he doesn't play well today they will be after him.

"It is a modern day transfer saga but it needs someone old school, get in the office and 'Get your head down and we will talk in the summer'."

Manchester United winning the title next year? We'll see...

"Next season United have to win a title"

Former England defender Phil Neville

Football Focus

"Juan Mata is a fantastic footballer. He can play in any position, but that's his problem. His best position is number 10 but at every club he has been at, he's played in every position. Now Angel Di Maria is back he has a big job to do to get Mata out of the team though.

"Manchester United have to finish in the top four, but I like the way Louis van Gaal is aiming a bit higher. Manchester City are within their distance. But next season they have to win a title."

When Juan met Dan

Football Focus

BBC Sport

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has been talking to Dan Walker on Football Focus. Here is some of what he had to say...

BBC

On his two-goal display in the recent win at Anfield: "It was one of the best days of my career. Playing at Anfield and winning and scoring two goals it is a day I will never forget. We are playing 4-3-3 and I am playing right wing. People were saying I couldn't but you see how I played at Liverpool.

"I have had a lot of managers in my career and by the end I was always playing and had the confidence of the manager. I believe in myself more than anyone."

On Louis van Gaal's philosophy: "I can tell you what I think... I think he likes to play offensive football and is focused on the shape. Playing quick, between the lines and trying to go forward.

"I always have known this club winning. Hopefully we can reach that level again."

Under pressure?

Reuters

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling should stay at the club but is now "under pressure" after talking about his future, says former Reds defender Mark Lawrenson.

The 20-year-old England winger told BBC Sport he is motivated by trophies and not money after rejecting a contract worth £100,000 a week.

Sterling says he will address a new deal at the end of the season.

"He's come a long way in a very short period of time and he needs to remember that a little bit," said Lawrenson.

"I have to feel that he will sign a contract at Liverpool but whether it's haggling for money, whether it's over his own place in the team, I'm not sure.

"He's 20 and not going to Real Madrid or Barcelona or Paris St-Germain. He's not at that level and he has a lot of work to do."

Stat attack

Liverpool have won just one of their last 18 away games in all competitions against Arsenal, and this fixture has seen more hat-tricks than any other match in Premier League history (five).

The Gunners have won their last eight Premier League games at the Emirates. The last time they were on a longer run was in November 2005 (13).

Where will the match be decided this lunchtime? Raheem Sterling running at Per Mertesacker? Problems there.

Alexis Sanchez tearing past Kolo Toure? Aaron Ramsey or Jordan Henderson bossing midfield?

STARTING NOW

Football Focus

BBC Sport

Football Focus time. Crack on with BBC One or watch at the top of this page. Lovely.

BBC

'You need to argue'

AFP

In an interview with the Independent, Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker reveals that strong words in the dressing room have helped the Gunners to regain their confidence.

"You need that arguing culture," he says. "We lost that at times. It gets personal, and someone gets upset too quickly, but you have to face the truth and have a proper argument. That was normal 10 years ago and it has slightly changed.

"We lost that a bit, what is the intention of argument? It's really important, not only in general, but in a footballer's life. It has to get louder sometimes. We need to discuss, to find solutions, to get everyone in one direction."

League One latest

Getty Images

There are two early kick-offs in League One this lunchtime. and both concern the promotion race.

Barnsley face Sheffield United at 12:15 BST, with the Tykes hoping for a win which would put them within one point of the play-offs. United are certain to end the day in the top six whatever happens.

And the other game is a massive one. Third v fourth as Swindon host MK Dons, with both sides hoping to stay in the chase for the top two.

Preston - in second - have a seven-point cushion but this is the first of Swindon's two games in hand...

Getty Images

Coming up on BBC TV

Football Focus

BBC Sport

Join Football Focus for a preview of the weekend's action on BBC One from 12:10 BST.

You can watch reaction as all the goals go in around the grounds with Final Score, live on the Red Button from 14:30 and on BBC One from 16:00, except for viewers in Scotland who can watch Sportscene from the same time.

And of course later there'll be Match of the Day - today it's on at 22:30 on BBC One.

Raheem Sterling has filled the international break news vortex single-handedly this week, and he needs a strong display this afternoon to live up to the hype.

Brendan Rodgers has said that he never had any doubts about starting him this afternoon - and in fact he starts up front.

Text us on 81111

Mo, Manchester: Sterling over Sturridge as a striker?? Surely Rodgers can't be that desperate to keep him.

John: Arsenal win today: Wenger safe for another two years?

Bryan Cooper: Sick of the Sterling-bashing. A 'money grabber' would've taken the lucrative deal offered to him. Ambitious? Yes. Greedy? No.

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Good afternoon!

It feels a long old time since we had the Premier League in our lives but it's back, and back with a bang.

Third v fifth, two of the biggest clubs around, a Raheem Sterling contract 'furore', a fans' protest, and a chance to see Kolo Toure in action once more. What's not to like?

Getty Images

It is time to hand over the live text baton to Tom Rostance, who will guide you through the afternoon's drama.

Getty Images

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

James Marshall: No win today then no Champions League for Liverpool next season. The Raheem Sterling issue is not helping. This is the down side of the Sky TV contract. Too much money floating about.

Nathan: If I was a Liverpool supporter I'd be worried looking at that line-up.

Lfcway: We need a sterling performance from Raheem!

Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Getty Images

Full team news

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger makes three changes from the side which won 2-1 at Newcastle as Per Mertesacker and Hector Bellerin replace Calum Chambers and Gabriel in defence. Striker Danny Welbeck drops to the bench with a recall for Mesut Ozil.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers includes Raheem Sterling in his starting line-up as he makes three changes from the side which lost to Manchester United. Kolo Toure comes in at centre-back for the suspended Martin Skrtel and Lucas comes into midfield for the injured Adam Lallana. Lazar Markovic starts ahead of Daniel Sturridge, who drops to the bench having only just recovered from a hip problem.

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

Liverpool XI: Mignolet, Can, Toure, Sakho, Allen, Lucas, Moreno, Henderson, Coutinho, Markovic, Sterling

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Emirates Stadium

"The debate surrounding the future of Raheem Sterling after his exclusive BBC interview has overshadowed the vital importance of today's meeting with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.

"Liverpool's defeat at home to Manchester United left them five points adrift of Louis van Gaal's side in fourth place - and six behind Arsenal in third.

"So defeat is not an option for manager Brendan Rodgers, who will have to do without captain Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel, who both picked up three-match suspensions for stamping against United.

"And with one of the clouds over Sterling appearing to be a desire to play Champions League football, this only increases the significance of this game against The Gunners."

Getty Images

Breaking team news

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil comes in for Danny Welbeck, who picked up a knock during England's European Championship qualifier against Lithuania and starts as a substitute.

Raheem Sterling starts for Liverpool and will be up front for the Reds with Daniel Sturridge, who missed England's two games against Lithuania and Italy because of a hip injury, on the bench. Kolo Toure replaces the suspended Martin Skrtel.

Coming up soon

Just a reminder, our first game of the day is the mouth-watering match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium (12:45 BST). And the teams are in.

Getty Images

History is against Stoke

If you look at recent history, then you are going to be lumping on a Chelsea win in the evening game against Stoke.

Since gaining promotion to the Barclays Premier League in 2008, Stoke have played Chelsea away eight times in all competitions. and lost all eight. In fact, they haven't got a league point at Chelsea since a 1-1 draw in 1984.

"Our record there hasn't been great, but that could be said of most clubs in the Premier League recently," said Stoke boss Mark Hughes.

"I'm told that the last time we got a positive result there in the league was 1984 and my first-team coach (Eddie Niedzwiecki) was in goal for Chelsea. But we have been able to go to the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham this year and get results and our away form for the most part has been good."

Stoke defender Marc Muniesa on Twitter: Tough game today at Stamford Bridge. We have to give our 100% every minute.

'We need six wins and a draw to be champions'

BBC Sport

A few weeks ago Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said his side were going to win the Premier League. Well, on Friday, he insisted the job had not been finished just yet, and that four teams were involved in the title race.

"At this moment you have to say four, not five teams because there's a gap between fourth and fifth," said Mourinho. "We need six victories and one draw in nine matches.

"It's a good situation for us and a situation other clubs would like to be in."

Today's newspapers - Sport (Spain)

Sport

The front page of Spanish newspaper Sport will be interesting to Chelsea fans as the paper says that Jose Mourinho's side are interested in signing former Manchester United central midfielder Paul Pogba.

The paper also reports that Barcelona are also after the France international and are willing to pay 70m euro (£51.1m) to sign him.

Join the debate on the Match of the Day Facebook page

We've linked up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and are after stories of the shortest and longest times you've spent in a football ground.

Jack Mcleod: About 43 seconds. 2005 York City, Bootham Crescent. Climbed in via an old abandoned school, jumped a fence but landed right in front of a police officer. Took less than a minute to evicted.

Christopher Taylor: My very first match was a game at Ayresome Park. We had to leave before half time because my little brother was bored!

Ciaran Colton: About five hours a day, two days in a row at the Emirates Cup in 2008.

Send us your stories using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the MOTD Facebook page. Extra marks for photographic evidence.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

So which Ross Barkley will we see today? The one that impressed for England in their games against Lithuania and Italy, or the one that has been criticised for not performing consistently enough in the Premier League.

AFP

"I think Ross is a young man who is used to having to deal with extremes," said Everton boss Roberto Martinez.

"When he plays well he is probably the best footballer that England could have and when he has a bad game it is the end of the world. It doesn't surprise me he made a very good impact when he came on in both games for England."

Everton looked to be slipping into the relegation zone, but wins over Newcastle and QPR have made Everton fans sleep easier at night. They may not be safe yet, but a home win against Southampton today will be another huge step towards survival.

AFP

Eighth in the table, not going to go down, not going to qualify for Europe. So Swansea have nothing to play for then? Well, maybe not.

They need five more points to register their highest Premier League points campaign and if they remain eighth at the end of the season then it will be their highest placing since they came sixth in the old Division One in 1981-82.

In one of those quirky stats you see from time to time, Swansea have not picked up any points immediately after the international break.

"International breaks are never easy because it does disrupt your preparations but we have to put that right," said Swans boss Garry Monk. "A lot of the players come back later on in the week and you might get only two or three days preparation with some of them."

Meyler certain of Hull survival

Hull may be in a lowly position, but midfielder David Meyler is not worried. Not one bit.

"We are not going down," said Meyler. "We just have to get into the mentality that it is not good enough to accept the 3-2 defeat to Chelsea, even if they are likely Premier League champions.

"We had some great chances and we need to win these games when you get into those positions. We're down to the last eight games now and this is where we have to earn our money.

"This is the period when everything will be decided so we've got eight games to make sure we finish as well as we can and that is what we aim to do. "We finished 17th last season and at the moment, we're 15th this season so we're a little bit ahead."

Hull are only three points above the relegation zone and travel to Swansea City today. This may be a bad sign...

PA

Text us on 81111

We've linked up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and are after the shortest and longest times spent in the ground. Here are some of your texts on the subject...

Chris, Newcastle: Newcastle v Arsenal 2011, the 4-4 game. Walking out after the first 30 minutes when RVP bagged Arsenal's fourth. I still get stick from my Arsenal supporting brother in law.

Rob in Sheffield: Studying abroad in Russia a friend and I stumbled on Kuban Krasnodar's stadium. As soon as we got our cameras out and before we could get inside, a security guard accused us of spying and sent us packing. Went to watch a local handball game instead.

Simon, Bromham: I had three brief visits to sports grounds in 18 months. Dagenham v Exeter city (abandoned floodlights), Fulham v Blackburn (frozen pitch at kick off on stag do) and then England v west Indies (test match whilst on honeymoon), abandoned after 9 balls, unplayable pitch. Must be jinxed.

Send us your stories using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the MOTD Facebook page. Extra marks for photographic evidence.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

A win for QPR today would be a welcome one for boss Chris Ramsey, who admits he is not enjoying a tough season.

He moved up from coach to manager in February after Harry Redknapp quit the club, and Ramsey says he would be happy to go back to the role he had.

Getty Images

"I wouldn't feel aggrieved to have to go back to do what I did before," said Ramsey.

"My road in life is to look after my family and make sure I don't end up selling newspapers outside Leicester Square station.

"If a new manager was to come in and I had to take a different step - not a backwards step, a different step - it would depend on how that manager would see having a shadow around the place."

Even more painful than listening to a Glenn Hoddle / Chris Waddle duet, is being a QPR fan this season - and following your team away from home.

The R's record on their travels in the Premier League in 2014-15 is, to be frank, absolutely garbage.

Played 14. Won 1. Lost 13. Goals 10. Conceded 32.

The long-suffering QPR fans are on their travels again today and face a trip to the Hawthorns where they will play West Brom.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Earlier, Chris Waddle was discussing the plight of English football with Danny Baker and criticising the academy system (10:18) in operation at many clubs. Here are some of your responses...

Lee Lee: Chris Waddle is right. Academies have ruined individuality in players and coaching across board is pretty poor.

Richard Elliott: Waddle - a man talking sense. He should put his words into song.

Send us your comments using #bbcfootball on Twitter.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Getty Images

Steady on Richard. I don't know if the world is ready for more Diamond Lights (a horror song with former England team-mate Glenn Hoddle from the 80s - You Tube it).

Reuters

'Staying up would be like winning a trophy'

Right, we said we would talk about the battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, so let's go back to that - and time is running out for the bottom side Leicester City.

Esteban Cambiasso has had some great moments in football. He has won the Champions League title, La Liga, Serie A and played for Argentina more than 50 times.

Getty Images

"For me, winning a cup or winning the league with another team is the same now as having the possibility to save Leicester in the Premier League," said the 34-year-old Foxes midfielder.

"It's a difficult situation but I think we have our chances to win matches. There's a quarter of the Premier League left to finish.

"I think some people think for Leicester all is finished. But I'm sure, because I watch my team-mates every day, we can save Leicester and stay in the Premier League."

'Sterling should commit future to Liverpool'

Chris Waddle

Speaking to Danny Baker on BBC Radio 5 live

This week, Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling told BBC Sport he was not a "money-grabbing 20-year-old" after turning down a new £100,000-a-week deal at the club. Chris Waddle has had this to say on the subject to Danny Baker...

"If it was me I'd say, 'make your own decision'. He is a young kid. He needs to think, 'do I enjoy it here? Do I like playing at Liverpool?' At the minute, I think he should commit his future to Liverpool.

"The style suits him and he is doing well. It is difficult for him because he is surrounded by people saying he can get this and that. But he should just enjoy playing. The money will come if you do well."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

We've linked up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and are after the shortest and longest times spent in the ground. Throw in a picture, and you're more likely to succeed and appear on this page.

Send us your stories using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the MOTD Facebook page. Extra marks for photographic evidence.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

A decent back-up option

There's going to be some bragging in the Hallam bars on Sundays if you have played well enough to keep Chris Waddle on the bench. Not a bad option to bring on for your Sunday League team if you need a late goal.

Chris Waddle

Speaking with Danny Baker on BBC Radio 5 live

"You never stop missing playing. I'm lucky enough that I still play on Sundays. I have a Sunday league team called Hallam. They are all honest lads, who want to play. We play three at the back and pass the ball for fun.

"I've been on the bench but most of the time I don't get on because they have done really well. I used to dream a lot about playing and wake up in the morning and think 'wow, what a goal I scored last night'. That bug about playing football is there."

'The imagination has gone out of the game'

BBC Radio 5 live

Chris Waddle is currently talking to Danny Baker on the latter's BBC Radio 5 Live show. And he has some very interesting views on football in this country, particularly with regard to young players...

"It is all about bibs, and cones and two-touch football. The imagination has gone out of the game. The academies were the worst thing that ever happened to football.

"Why bring a five-year-old in to train? He should be out playing with his mates, his school, his local boys team. When you say to six, seven kids "go and play" they will organise themselves. A captain will step up, skilful players will go on the wing, quick players up front. Let them enjoy it."

Waddle on the radio

BBC Radio 5 live

But before we look closer at the battle for survival, whatever you are doing, stop it. And listen to Ex-England winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 live right now. Click on the live coverage tab at the top of this page.

Who is going down?

We will come back to the battle for Champions League places later on, but let's now have a look at the bottom of the Premier League table. Six of the bottom 10 are in action, including the bottom two.

BBC Sport

We're going to Wembley - and never leaving

Danny Baker has just interviewed someone on BBC Radio 5 live who spent three days in a row inside Wembley Stadium working on the Horse of the Year show. That's going to take some beating. Any advances on three days inside a ground? Anyone?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

We have linked up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and we're asking for the shortest and longest times you have spent inside a ground.

Here are some of your comments.

Joe Allsopp: Worcester v Scunthorpe earlier this season for longest ever FA Cup penalty shootout. Gone 11 finish, worth it for the atmosphere

Paddy C: Bayern vs Man City at the Allianz. Hour and a half before and hour after the game, crazy!

Alex Leithead: Arsenal v Middlesborough at Highbury in the mid-90s. Given a free ticket by a tout with ten mins to go. Saw all three goals.

Send us your stories using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the MOTD Facebook page. Extra marks for photographic evidence.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Rooney says England will win Euro 2016 - Mata

BBC Sport

In that Football Focus interview, which is on BBC One at 12:10 BST, Juan Mata reveals his Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney often brags about England's chances of winning Euro 2016.

Speaking to Football Focus, Mata said: "Maybe the next Euros - as Rooney is telling me every day - you will do a great job. Rooney keeps telling me, 'we can win, we can win'."

United can come second - Mata

Southampton have an outsight chance of qualifying for the Champions League. But they need Manchester United, who are currently fourth, to slip up.

Getty Images

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is not thinking of missing out on European football's biggest party again. Instead, he says his team can overhaul neighbours Manchester City and claim the Premier League runners-up place.

Chelsea are top of the table by six points, while the contest for the Champions League places remains tight. Back-to-back wins against Tottenham and Liverpool have put fourth-placed United two points behind second-placed City.

"We are one point and two points from City and Arsenal and I think we can do it," Mata told the BBC Football Focus. "We can even be second if we win the direct games against them."

Today's newspapers - Daily Express

Daily Express

Here's another newspaper back page for you. And it is worrying news for Everton fans as the Daily Express suggests that Romelu Lukaku, who has just signed up with a new agent, may well be leaving the Toffees.

Power struggle

BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season by predicting the scores of the Premier League matches. Lawro's opponent for this weekend's fixtures is 16-time world darts champion Phil 'The Power' Taylor.

Getty Images

You can see all of Taylor's predictions on Football Focus at 12:10 BST on Saturday on BBC One.

Despite being a Port Vale fan, Taylor says he does not dislike their main rivals Stoke City, and would love to see them win the Premier League.

Taylor then suggests Mark Hughes will be a happy man tonight and predicts his side will get a draw at Chelsea.

Who is Savage's Player of the Year

Getty Images

So we are coming up to that stage of the season when players will be voting for their player of the year. Well, we didn't want to miss out so we asked our BBC Sport analyst Robbie Savage for his views.

In his regular BBC Sport column, Savage reveals his Premier League Player of the Year and explains why he thinks his choice will pick up the prize later this month.

He has picked his six nominations as well as revealing who he thinks deserves the award.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

We have linked up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live and we're asking for the shortest and longest times you have spent inside a ground. Here are some of your early comments.

Michael Colledge: Arsenal v Newcastle. Cup game. Newcastle fan got through turnstile as Arsenal scored second goal inside 10 minutes - walked out never made it to seat.

Prince Potter: Approximately 90 seconds at Hanwell Town for me. Get in at 2:44, ref calls it off for waterlogged pitch at 2:45.

Mike Clarkson: Was visiting Meadow Lane and someone left the back gate open. Wandered in and took a couple of photos before briskly escaping. Here are the pictures.

Mike Clarkson

Send us your stories using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page. Extra marks for photographic evidence.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

How they stand

BBC Sport

So this is how they stand in the Premier League. Can Arsenal fans dream of a Premier League and FA Cup double? Well, it looks unlikely but a Gunners win and a shock Chelsea defeat later on will leave Arsene Wenger's side only four points off the top at the end of the day.

For Liverpool, a Champions League place will look a long way off if they fail to win at Emirates Stadium in the early kick-off.

'Liverpool is the best place for Sterling'

In his Daily Mail column, former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Carragher criticises striker Raheem Sterling after his midweek interview with the BBC.

"What Sterling's camp are struggling to see is that Liverpool is the best place for him," says Carragher.

Today's newspapers

The Times

The Times is another paper not believing Brendan Rodgers's claim that Raheem Sterling is going to stay at Liverpool. The paper goes on to suggest that today is an "audition" for Sterling, with today's opponents Arsenal a possible destination if he leaves Anfield.

Today's newspapers

The Sun

The Sun goes on to suggest that Raheem Sterling is now a £50m transfer target for Manchester United.

"One of the most audacious moves in transfer history," screams the paper.

Today's newspapers

The Daily Star's back page features quotes from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who says every player is available if they want to leave their club.

Daily Star

"Every player has a price. It doesn't matter which player," said Mourinho.

"I also understand the philosophy of managers and clubs who want to keep the players at any price, who want just to say, 'there is no price to sell - the player stays, whatever'.

"My philosophy is not better than that - it's just different. Either way, when a player has a contract with a club, the club, the manager and the board have the power to decide what to do."

Nothing to see here

So, there's nothing to see. Sterling is going nowhere, apparently. Well, let's just say today's newspapers are not convinced.

Sterling going nowhere - Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Raheem Sterling, who has two years left on a contract worth £35,000 a week, will not be leaving the club.

Reuters

"Liverpool are one of the superpowers of football and if the owners don't want to sell, they don't have to," said Rodgers.

"His concentration should be on his football. If his ambition is to win trophies that's aligned with what we do here. I think the kid has tried to put off all talk about contract and money. For now hopefully the focus will be on football."

'Sterling remains a work in progress'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

"Raheem Sterling is very good with the potential to be outstanding - but is nowhere near the finished article. He remains a work in progress in the manner of any 20-year-old with a career almost in its infancy.

"He is blessed with natural pace that makes even the best defences and defenders take a step back, allied to a talent that plays on the opposition's nerves.

"His finishing is still not his strong point and he has struggled at times this season to reproduce the brilliance he showed alongside Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge when Liverpool almost claimed their first title in 24 years last season."

BBC Sport

'It's never been about the money'

What a couple of weeks it has been for Liverpool and England forward Raheem Sterling.

Reuters

Only five days after scoring his first international goal, Sterling was in the news again after an exclusive interview with BBC Sport. He confirmed he had rejected a new £100,000-a-week Liverpool deal, but insisted he was not a "money-grabbing 20-year old".

"It's not about the money at all," said Sterling. "It's never been about money. I talk about winning trophies throughout my career. That's all I talk about.

"I don't talk about how many cars I'm going to drive, how many houses I've got. I just purely want to be the best I can be."

Get involved #bbcfootball

Getty Images

As is now the custom on a Saturday morning, we've teamed up with The Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live to plumb the depth of your best footballing anecdotes.

The topic for conversation today is: The shortest and longest time you've spent in a ground.

Have you had a lock in at Loftus Road? Turned up at White Hart Lane with only 10 minutes to go? Or maybe you've spent the night under the floodlights at Boundary Park?

Send us your stories using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page. Extra marks for photographic evidence.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

Today's fixtures

So what have we got for you today?

BBC Sport

Will Raheem Sterling be in Liverpool's side to face Arsenal? Can Chelsea take another step closer to the Premier League title? Can QPR pick up only their second away league win of the season and move out of the bottom three? Well, I don't know.

But stay with us and we will find out.

Welcome

Hello, good morning and hope you are all well. Welcome to BBC Sport's live coverage of another busy Saturday of Premier League football.

Five of the top six are in action today and today could be a vital day in deciding the four qualifiers for next season's Champions League.

So no time to waste, let's go.

A big day for Brendan

A club legend has already decided he will leave at the end of the season.

Getty Images

Their best young player has refused to sign a £100,000-per-week contract and questioned their chances of winning trophies.

Getty Images

Now, they face an in-form Arsenal side and need a win to keep their hopes of Champions League football alive.

AFP

Today is a huge day for Brendan Rodgers. Today is a huge day for Liverpool.

Reuters