FT: Crystal Palace 0-3 Chelsea

1. Costa bundles in a third for impressive Chelsea
2. Willian drills in stunning second
3. Costa squares for Oscar to steer home the opener
4. Get involved on #bbcfootball and MOTD Facebook

Thanks and goodbye

That is all from me for this game. Be sure, though, to head on over to our Everton v Tottenham live text commentary where, unsurprisingly, you will find live text commentary of Everton v Tottenham.

See you later.

'We have to respond'

And here is some more from Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew: "We were not at our strongest today, we were missing key players and could not play our natural game.

"We will be looking at the market in case something comes through. It is important we kick into gear in the second-half of the season. Things did not go our way today and we have to respond and I have every confidence in this group that we will be in and around the top 10."

'Wipe our nose and move on'

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew had this to say after the game complete with actions...

"It is one of those games where we just wipe our nose and move onto the next game"

'Still a long way to go'

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink: "Do not go over the top it is the first win after a worrying period with two draws so the team desperately needed the win and it was convincing,

"Everyone knows we have a lot of quality in our team, but sometimes champions have a tendency to be complacent and it can be difficult to get back and then wonder why we were champions.

"There is a long way to go, mathematically the possibility of Champions League is still there. The league is so strong but as long as we play like we did today I will be happy."

Magnificent Mikel

In the league table of most likely things to write early in 2016, 'Jon Obi Mikel was superb' sits just below 'That's a great haircut, Mr. Carroll' and 'The new Star Wars film? Didn't care for it'. However, props where props are due because the big fella was indeed superb for Chelsea today. I can't remember him giving the ball away. Once. And when the ball was there to be won, around he did not mess.

As the below heatmap shows, he bossed the area in front of his own defence.

Opta

New year, new Chelsea

Chelsea captain John Terry, taking to Sky Sports: "This was the Chelsea of last year, the football was first class and we kept the ball in tough conditions. A near year, a new start, we just have to keep winning games now. We are delighted and it is the feeling we want.

"Guus has been great since he has come in. It was unfortunate what happened but he has come in and picked everyone up. We are, where we are, we have not dwelled on it. If we can put together a run of games who knows hopefully we can go a long way"

Reuters

Take a bow, Willian

It is undoubtedly the goal of the game, but is not done justice by the medium of graphic. Regardless, here is Willian's thunderbolt to put Chelsea 2-0 up. As Alan Partridge would say, he has a foot like a traction engine. 

Opta

'Chelsea of old'

Bradley Allen

Former QPR striker on BBC Radio London

"It was miserable conditions, pouring with rain and was always going to be a test of the Chelsea players's mettle. they needed to man up. They withstood Palace for 20 minutes and were then the Chelsea of old. They were outstanding today from managing the game, taking their chances and keeping a clean sheet. It had all the hallmarks of last season which returned in just 90 minutes."

Reuters

FULL-TIME

A thoroughly deserved win for Chelsea, who grew in the game to resemble the side who won the league last year. Guus Hiddink remains unbeaten in his second spell as Blues boss.

Palace remain seventh after suffering the heaviest defeat of Alan Pardew's reign. They missed Yohan Cabaye and Yannick Bolasie and look short of firepower. The January window could solve that.

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Looks like Chelsea are going to earn a second clean sheet in a row. That after conceding six goals in the previous four games. Guus Hiddink is doing something right.

Only three more minutes for Palace to endure as the board for injury time goes up.

Reuters

Get Involved

SUBSTITUTION

Off goes Oscar, on comes Nemanja Matic, sporting a protective mask for the cheekbone he recently broke. He might have to get used to appearances off the bench for a bit, as Jon Obi Mikel has been excellent in a holding role for the Blues today.

This is an entirely different Chelsea now. They sweep forward again and create space for Oscar on the edge of the box but the Brazilian's shot is blocked by the sliding Damien Delaney.

Soon after, Scott Dann has to slide in to prevent Willian's ball finding Diego Costa in the box. And a minute after that, Willian does find the striker, who volleys over.

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Almost 4-0 for Chelsea as Diego Costa finds a yard in the box but is denied by a superb sliding tackle from Damien Delaney.

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SUBSTITUTION

Jonny Williams ends a 16-month absence from the Palace first team as he replaces Lee Chung-yong. Seconds earlier, Scott Dann became the third Palace player to pick up a yellow card for hacking down Diego Costa.

Palace half-heartedly call for a penalty when Wilfried Zaha's cross strikes John Terry in the box. The referee waves away the appeals, and correctly so as well as replays show the ball hit the Blues captain's chest.

If Palace didn't need every towel at their disposal today, they would have thrown it in. The fight has gone from the home side, who continue to chase the ball that is predominantly in the possession of Chelsea, but with nowhere near the vigour they were doing for the first hour.

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Wilfried Zaha sums up his (and Palace's) day with a cross from the right that flies high and straight out of play. He looks to the sky in disgust, as do most of the home fans (mainly because they are watching where the ball has just gone).

It seems like Willian is conducting his own goal of the season competition this campaign.

Seven of the Brazilian's eight goals for Chelsea this season in all competitions have come from outside the box. And there have been some belters amongst them.

AP

Get Involved

The volume has dipped considerably at Selhurst Park. Apart from in the away end, that is. Chelsea's fans haven't had a lot to crow about this season, but they are enjoying this.

'Chelsea are rampant'

Bradley Allen

Former QPR striker on BBC Radio London

"Diego Costa has had his best performance of the season and Chelsea are rampant.

"It was brilliant again by Willian, maybe Hennessey could have done better but Costa stole in.

"The nature of the Premier League is such that Chelsea will swiftly gain points and move onwards and upwards."

GOAL - Crystal Palace 0-3 Chelsea

And that is the game. Willian is again heavily involved as he drives into the Palace box from the right before shooting low towards the far post. Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey is only able to palm the ball straight to Diego Costa, who can't miss from a yard. Chelsea are finding their groove again.

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Get Involved

Wilfried Zaha goes down in the box following a challenge with Branislav Ivanovic. The home players and fans look hopefully towards the referee.... and then scream in fury when the free-kick goes Chelsea's way.

'Unstoppable'

Bradley Allen

Former QPR striker on BBC Radio London

"Unstoppable by Willian, the one Chelsea player who can hold his head up with the consistency he has produced this season. He steps on to the loose ball and blasts it in. He runs over to celebrate in front of the travelling Chelsea supporters, who must be encouraged by what they are seeing."

Reuters

GOAL - Crystal Palace 0-2 Chelsea

Boom! What a strike! Willian doubles Chelsea's lead with an absolute stunner. The build-up play is good, with Cesc Fabregas and then Oscar involved, but Willian's hit is much better as he latches on to the ball and unleashes a rising shot from 25 yards that fires into the roof of the goal. It would still be rising now had it not hit net.

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Big chance for Palace. Diego Costa loses the ball (from what looks like a foul) but it enables the home side to break and feed the ball to Wilfried Zaha in the box, but the forward's shot is weak and easily saved by Thibaut Courtois.

Get Involved

YELLOW CARD

Oscar is dragged down by Mile Jedinak, who gets a booking. The palace midfielder shakes his head but it seemed a fair call. Needless to say, the Palace fans' frustration is becoming increasingly apparent. They can see their side are second-best at the moment.

Reuters

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CLOSE!

Chelsea should be 2-0 up. Simple as that. Kurt Zouma rises highest to meet Willian's free-kick to the back post. He has no excuse for missing the target, but does. And so, somehow, it remains 1-0.

Jon Obi Mikel has had a bit of stick in the past, but he is doing a sterling job for Chelsea today. After two Chelsea corners in quick succession, Palace break through Wilfried Zaha, who would have been clear but for a strong, well-timed challenge from Mikel. Top anchorman work.

Get Involved

Chelsea diffuse the early post-break enthusiasm from Palace with a period of concerted possession that has the home side chasing. They let themselves down, though, by losing the ball and allowing Papa Souare to charge down the left. But a badly over-hit cross ends any chance of Palace forging something from the opportunity.

Palace start on the front foot but Jason Puncheon's cross from the right is straight into the hands of Thibaut Courtois.

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KICK-OFF

The men with pitchforks have done as much as they can. It remains as wet as an otter's pocket. But we are back under way.

Get Involved

'Palace need to make changes'

Bradley Allen

Former QPR striker on BBC Radio London

"I have been impressed by Chelsea since they scored.

"Surprinsingly in the key moments and their spell of dominance Palace lacked attacking conviction and didn't turn the screw.

"The Terry and Zouma partnership and goalkeeping of Courtois helped withstand the onslaught and Chelsea have the all important goal. They can now play deeper and catch Palace on the counter-attack.

"For Palace changes need to be made if I were Pardew I would go for it. He has nothing to lose. They need to take a risk and if they can get a goal and the crowd onside they might be able to turn this game on it's head but that is a big ask."

How significant is the absence of Yohan Cabaye in Palace's midfield? I'd suggest it is very significant. They are missing someone with the composure and creativity that the Frenchman possesses. Lee Chung-yong has barely been in the game and, for all their running, Wilfried Zaha and Fraizer Campbell have been underserved. This is where Alan Pardew earns his corn.

The key to Chelsea's well-worked goal was an inch-perfect pass from Cesc Fabregas (4) to find Diego Costa (19). The striker's unselfish pull-back was finished easily by Oscar (8).

Opta

Chelsea have been the more patient side, willing to play the ball around at the back and wait for an opening, which is reflected in their greater share of possession.

Opta

HALF-TIME

And there is the whistle. Oscar's goal separates the sides. And it gives Chelsea a deserved lead in awful wet conditions. Since the goal, the Blues have managed the game well. Palace need something different. They have not challenged the away defence anywhere near enough.

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Get Involved

Into two minutes of added time and Palace have a free-kick just inside the Chelsea half. Once again, it is swung into the box in the direction of Scott Dann but headed clear by a Chelsea defender. That's not good enough from Palace. They'll need a lot more of they are going to trouble the away defence.

Diego Costa is being a menace in a good way today. He uses all of his strength to muscle past a couple of challenges en route to the Palace box before Damien Delaney proves a man too many. On the subject of the Spanish forward, today's assist was his first in his last 20 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea. (Stat courtesy of Opta).

AP

Chelsea are just that bit quicker to the ball at the moment, particularly in midfield. And they are more than content to play a bit of keep ball at the back. They are controlling this game now.

PA

Was that the Chelsea fans singing 'We are staying up'? You've got to love the humour of football fans.

GREAT SAVE!

Superb save Wayne Hennessey! Joel Ward gets caught out by a long ball forward, which finds Cesar Azpilicueta down the left. The Chelsea full-back drives into the Palace box and fires low but Hennessey gets down and blocks before Scott Dann heads away the lose ball. Chelsea firmly on top right now.

Chelsea suddenly look a real threat. Pedro, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa link up well to earn a corner but they are unable to make anything from it as Willian massively over-hits it.

'Against the run of play'

Bradley Allen

Former QPR striker on BBC Radio London

"It was a loose first touch by Puncheon, Chelsea pounced on it and it was a brilliant run from Costa. He was going away from goal but had the awareness to unselfishly cut the ball back to Oscar who arrived and slotted it home. I would say that was slightly against the run of play."

No doubt angered by falling behind, the Palace fans voice their frustration as Pape Souare is penalised for a foul on Branislav Ivanovic near the right corner flag in the Chelsea half.

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GOAL - Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea

Lovely goal. Really well crafted. Cesc Fabregas' superb pass takes Damien Delaney out of the game and releases Diego Costa down the right. The striker beats one challenge and closes in on goal before pulling back for Oscar to side-foot into the empty net. The Blues have been on the back foot for the last few minutes but they have hit back with a vengeance.

Reuters

CLOSE!

Oh, that is the best chance of the game so far. Palace keep up the pressure and Jason Puncheon swings in a cross that beats Scott Dann but finds Frazier Campbell at the back post. The striker is unable to control his shot, though, and slices past the post.

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Take a bow Kurt Zouma, that was an immaculately-timed tackle. It had to be as well as Wilfried Zaha collected the ball in the Chelsea box. Again, Palace are unable to fashion anything from the corner.

As you'd expect from a side with such pace, palace look a big threat on the break. Willian has to resort to tripping Wilfried Zaha to stop him reaching the Chelsea box. From the free-kick, Damien Delaney again offers a looping header for Thibaut Courtois to claim.

Reuters

Get Involved

The tackles are flying in now. John Mikel Obi is strong to beat Jason Puncheon to the ball but a bit high on Mile Jedinak and a Chelsea attack comes to an end.

SUBSTITUTION

Off goes Hazard, on comes Pedro. And the winger is quickly into the game, cutting in from the left before seeing a shot from 20 yards blocked by a Palace boot.

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It is a poorly delivered free-kick, but Scott Dann salvages the situation at the back post to win a corner. Dann's centre-back colleague Damien Delaney meets the corner but loops his header into the hands of Thibaut Courtois. Neither keeper has been properly tested yet.

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It does not look good for Eden Hazard. He has signalled to the bench that he is not fit to continue. Pedro is getting stripped. Big blow for the Blues.

Palace have a dangerous free-kick on the right. Can they add to Chelsea's problems?

YELLOW CARD

There's a battle taking place on and off the field at the moment as the Palace fans sing 'You're not special anymore' at the Chelsea supporters and get a rendition of 'Championies' in return.

Palace's Damien Delaney is the first man into the book for going through the back of Diego Costa.

Get Involved

Palace on the break... but they waste the opportunity. A better cross-field pass from Jason Puncheon to Wilfried Zaha would have put the winger in on goal but it was over-hit to begin with and once it hits the surface it skips out of play on the left.

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Chelsea finally get a period of possession, which ends with Eden Hazard cutting in and firing a deflected shot past the far post. Worryingly, the Belgian limps around after his shot. One to keep an eye on.

Oh, Kurt Zouma gets a tad lucky as he slices a Palace cross from the right out for a corner. Fraizer Campbell was sniffing around. The corner comes to nothing, but soon after Wilfried Zaha rifles a long-range shot past the post. Well worth a go on a slippy surface like this.

Cesar Azpilicueta takes a blow to the face and needs a bit of treatment. Her continues to hold his jaw as he gets top his feet, but looks to be OK to continue.

Meanwhile, down in the Palace technical area, a hooded Alan Pardew is losing his battle with the rain.

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A strong run from Diego Costa into the Palace half is ended by an equally strong challenge from Damien Delaney. No reaction from the Chelsea striker. New Year resolution? Normally, he is up and snarling in those circumstances.

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Jason Puncheon plays the corner to the edge of the area, where Scott Dann is on the charge, but it clears the defenders head and Chelsea clear.

Quick as a flash, Palace have a corner.

KICK-OFF

And we are under way.

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Get Involved

Will Crystal Palace do the league double over Chelsea or will Guus Hiddink earn his first win in his second spell in charge of the blues?

Get involved and let us know your thoughts on the match via Twitter #bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only).

The brollies are up, the floodlights are on and we are about four minutes from kick-off at Selhurst Park. Just enough time to stick a brew on.

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No standing still

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew on Palace's 2015 and opponents Chelsea:

"We've had an unbelievable year but you can't stand still in the Premier League. I'd like a striker in the window.

"The results suggest my first year has gone well. I've bonded with the chairman and we have a fanbase second to none.

"The foundation of Chelsea's team is a bit better now, they have two deeper lying midfielders. They have great players." 

PA

The underdogs are coming...

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Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has been talking about the emergence of the underdogs in the Premier League this season.

What with Leicester flying, and reigning champions Chelsea struggling, it's been unpredictable so far.

And Pardew said: "Suddenly the opportunity has come to get past them and, because we have been able to go out and buy better players, we can compete.

"It hasn't totally happened yet, but the opportunity is there. We have definitely upped our game.

"It's been an astonishing year and probably in terms of the other clubs the Premier League has been shaken up a bit.

"It must give big clubs like Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday hope as well. They must be thinking 'we can do a Crystal Palace or a Southampton or a Leicester'."

London losses

BBC Sport

Seven without a win

BBC Sport

Listen live

BBC Radio London

You can listen to live commentary of all the action from Selhurst Park by clicking the live coverage tab at the top of this page.

Jonathan Pearce

BBC MOTD commentator

"This will be tight and low scoring. Palace without Yannick Bolasie have lacked zip in successive goalless draws. They need a new striker. Patrick Bamford, Fraizer Campbell, Marouane Chamakh, Dwight Gayle and Connor Wickham haven't scored a league goal from open play.

"Injuries haven't helped. Now the suspension of Yohan Cabaye will also hit hard. But Scott Dann, statistically the most impressive English Premier League centre-back this season, could keep Chelsea at bay.

"The atmosphere at the fallen champions has improved under Guus Hiddink. They're unbeaten in three. Hazard's form is returning. Diego Costa will be back to bully Palace. This could be their first away win since August."

SUBSTITUTION

Aimee leaves us now and I, Phil Dawkes, am tagging in, full of energy like Marty Jannetty and ready to swing some haymakers (while slamming my boot on the canvas to make them sound harder than they are) at Crystal Palace v Chelsea.

I can report that like across much of the country it is currently slinging it down at Selhurst Park. It makes for one of those slick surfaces that can cause comedy and chaos in equal measure. Excellent.

Chelsea line-up

BBC Sport

Crystal Palace line-up

Wilfried Zaha makes his 200th appearance for Crystal Palace, making him - at 23 years and 54 days - the sixth youngest player to reach a double century for the Eagles. 

BBC Sport

Breaking team news

Breaking team news

Cesc Febregas returns to the Chelsea midfield, while Diego Costa's suspension is over which mean he can start against Palace. 

'Give Bamford a go'

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on MOTD2 Extra

"Jose Mourinho let Patrick Bamford go, but he is not here anymore so it is a clean slate. Hiddink will want to have a look at him. Chelsea are in a position to just throw him in. You never know with strikers until they are thrown in.

"They need strikers, it makes sense to keep hold of Bamford for the next six months."

'Chelsea need a striker'

MOTD2 Extra

Burnley midfielder Matt Taylor: "It will be difficult for the manager to plan for summer as we don't think he will be there. This window, I think they need to sign a striker. They have just got Patrick Bamford back and it would be nice to see him given a chance. Getting into the top four will be difficult but they are still in the Champions League. But if they are not in that next season, what can they offer a top striker?" 

Hiddink looks for Chelsea leaders

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Back when Guus Hiddink was last in temporary charge of Chelsea, he had a host of seasoned internationals at his disposal.

And now, six years later, with Chelsea at the wrong end of the table, the Dutchman is looking for the his current crop of players to step up and take command. 

"This team is a bit different to 2009. I'm not going to say worse or better, but different," said Hiddink, who replaced Jose Mourinho last month. 

"Look at the spine of that team - Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, John Mikel Obi, Alex. The centre was strong. It was a different team with different personalities.

"What I'm asking now of players, is that they take the lead from central defence into midfield."

'City fight to the end'

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on MOTD2 Extra

"I feel that Manchester City pull right till the end. They had the late goal against Swansea, again against Watford and it took two fantastic goals, I feel City come on in the second half of the season and keep going and they get their rewards for it. But it is pivotal for them to keep Sergio Aguero fit."

City's huge win at Watford

MOTD2 Extra

Burnley midfielder Matt Taylor: "For Manchester City to win the game in the way they did, it was the look of great championship teams of the past, especially with Watford having done so well. Going into a dressing room after that, it will give them a big relief and boost their chances."

At the other end of the table, Manchester City's late comeback against Watford suggests they are about to string a run of results together, says the experts on Match of the Day 2. 

Adios, Aston Villa?

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Aston Villa, you imagine, need fresh faces in their squad this month if they are to at least put up a fight for a place in next season's Premier League. It's looking bleak for the league's bottom side.

They were thumped 3-1 by Sunderland on Saturday, leaving them with only eight points from 20 games.

But manager Remi Garde wasn't feeling despondent. "In life and football you have to believe. If you don't, you have no chance," he said, optimistically. 

'Players have to be professional'

MOTD2 Extra

Burnley midfielder Matt Taylor: "As a footballer in the modern game, you have to accept there are periods where the window will cause a furore. It always surprises me that the main business doesn't get done until the end of the window. But you have to accept that this is part of your job. You have to be professional. There is nothing else you can do."

'Always an avenue for an agent'

MOTD2 Extra

Burnley midfielder Matt Taylor: "I don't think you'll see a lot of transfers between Premier League teams because of the pressure to stay in the division. But you may seems teams at the bottom taking players on loan from those at the top.

"The world we live in now is so media based, and with the technology we have, it is one text or call, there is always an avenue you can go down as an agent, dropping hints about a move."

'An important transfer window'

John Hartson

Former Wales striker on MOTD2 Extra

"The league is so open. West Ham are chasing fourth place, Spurs are my outsiders to win the title, Manchester City have done their business I'd be surprised if they add to their squad. Arsenal have been linked with players and another one or two could help kick them on. It could be a very important window."

Gossip, gossip, gossip

January also means the transfer window is wide open, which means lots of gossip and tittle-tattle. Here's our selection of the best gossip in today's national papers:

• Southampton and Senegal striker Sadio Mane, 23, could be a target for Manchester United with his future at the Saints in doubt after he turned up late for a team meeting and was dropped on Saturday.(Mail on Sunday) 
• But Southampton manager Ronald Koeman says that Mane would cost £62.5m. (Sun on Sunday) 
• The Old Trafford club could also look to Lazio's Brazilian forward Felipe Anderson, 22, and are prepared to pay £30m plus add-ons.(Daily Star Sunday) 

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Starting now

MOTD2 Extra

Just when you thought January was just a dour month which gave nothing, Match of the Day 2 Extra starts...

Mark Chapman is joined in the studio by former Celtic striker John Hartson, Burnley midfielder Matt Taylor and the Independent's chief sportswriter Ian Herbert.

They will be discussing all of Saturday's action, taking a look at the morning papers and looking ahead to Sunday's games as Crystal Palace host Chelsea and Tottenham visit Everton.

You can also listen to the programme on Radio 5 live.

Greatest backheel goals

Andy Crawford: Joe Hamill scored a beauty of backheel volley for Livingston v Clyde in 2009, made up for two abandonments and a postponement

Byro: what about last week from Heung Son Min?

Frankie Noose: Lauren Robert, Newcastle v Fulham

Some great entries coming in, keep sending them in via Twitter using the hashtag #bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only).

Greatest backheel goals

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Bhavin Makwana: Not during a game, but still...Ravel Morrison.

Yep, Morrison scored an incredible backheel volley in training for England Under-21s in 2014.

And you can watch the former West Ham and Manchester United forward score that goal right here.

Carroll turns the screw

Here's a stat for you: Andy Carroll has scored in consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time since January 2015. 

Carroll has endured some dark days at West Ham since joining for £15m in June 2013 thanks to injuries, but this was an afternoon to remember for the former Reds player. 

He produced a trademark header to meet a wonderfully weighted cross and celebrated as though his goal had decided the title.  

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Geordie Hammer

Perhaps predictably, it was Liverpool's record signing Andy Carroll who inflicted the killer goal against his old club on Saturday. 

"Geordie Hammer," posted the West Ham striker on Instagram after the victory moved the Hammers to sixth in the table. 

Don't make him angry

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"This is not a day to be disappointed, this is a day to be angry."

Is there anything worse than starting the new year with a dismal defeat? That enthusiasm for a fresh start blown out of the window with the year just two days old... 

Jurgen Klopp turned into the Incredible Hulk on Saturday (sort of) after Liverpool's 2-0 defeat by West Ham on Saturday.  

"I'm really angry because we could have got so much more," said the German."But I don't want to talk about what we could have done because we didn't."

Coming up...

If you're not sure how to handle the first Sunday of the year, don't worry because we've got a few things planned:

• 12:15-13:00 GMT: MOTD2 Extra on BBC Two and BBC Radio 5 live 

• 13:00-16:00: 5 live sport, including updates from Crystal Palace v Chelsea, BBC Radio 5 live
• 16:00-18:06: Live commentary of Everton v Tottenham, BBC Radio 5 live 
• 18:06-19:30: 606, football phone-in, BBC Radio 5 live  
• 22:30-23:35: Match of the Day 2, BBC One  (23:25-00:30, BBC One Scotland)

The greatest backheel goals

Good suggestion from Chipperhull.

It was perhaps fitting that Wayne Rooney surpassed Denis Law's goal tally for Manchester United with a backheel.

Law scored 237 goals in 11 years at Old Trafford but he then rejoined rivals Manchester City on a free transfer in July 1973.

The final goal of his career came towards the end of a derby match when his backheeled shot  for City effectively sealed United’s relegation from Division One in 1974.

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The greatest backheel goals

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Paul Cobbler:  Kanu vs Middlesborough, before it was popular.

Richard Brown: Roberto Mancini's back heel flick from a corner for Lazio.

Mackey: Lee Sharp for #mufc v Barcelona in Champions League in 1994.

Tom Wilkes: Tony Popovic's own goal has to be up there.

Get involved with the debate via Twitter #bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)

Fighting talk from Aguero

Captain proud of team

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, absent because of a persistent calf problem, was proud of his team's comeback against Watford. 

'Header out of this world'

The header is out of this world - the way Aguero times it, the direction - it is just perfection. The cross takes out three defenders but for Aguero to get in between two defenders and then get direction and power on the header, it is superb from him."

Match of the Day's Alan Shearer

Normal service will resume - Pellegrini

Injuries have meant Sergio Aguero has been below his best for City this season, but his manager Manuel Pellegrini believes he will have an in-form Aguero for the title run-in. 

The winner over Watford was Aguero's 10th goal of the season, though five of those came in October's game against Newcastle. 

"I'm sure we'll see in the second part of the season the performances of Aguero we're used to," said Pellegrini after the match. 

"He needs two to three games to return to his normal performance. The goal that he scored tonight was important for him. Before that he made a lot of good movements - better than the last game."

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Aguerooooooo

Speaking of Sergio Aguero (it's like we plan it, isn't it?) the Argentine's brilliant late header against Watford means City's pursuit of the league's top two is hotting up. 

The title contenders were eight minutes from falling six points behind league leaders Arsenal, before Yaya Toure and Aguero struck for goals which could prove pivotal this season.  

Now just three points separate City and leaders Arsenal, which makes things interesting. Very interesting indeed. 

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Mane for United?

Mail on Sunday

The Mail on Sunday reports Manchester United are eyeing a move for Southampton's Sadio Mane, after the winger was left out of the Saints squad on Saturday for missing a team meeting earlier in the week.

The paper also mentions Sergio Aguero's last-gasp winner against Watford. 

Klopp's strop

This might be the last time you see a picture of Wayne Rooney on this page. But it might not. 

"Roo to the rescue," declares the Sunday Express while the paper also pictures an animated Jurgen Klopp. "Klopp blows his top" after a lackluster 2-0 defeat by West Ham. 

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"Heeling United"

The Sunday Telegraph picture the moment Wayne Rooney's sublime back-heeled flick gave Manchester United the lead over Swansea. "Heeling United," the paper says. 

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Wayne's World

.Star on Sunday

We've not mentioned Wayne Rooney enough yet so let's have a look at what the national papers are saying. 

The Star on Sunday re-use the classic "Happy Roo Year" after Wayne Rooney's winner.

The paper also claim United and cross-city rivals Manchester City are ready to make £100m worth of transfer deals in January. 

The greatest backheel goals

Being as we've mentioned Wayne Rooney and his backheel once or twice, let's talk about the best backheel goals. Where does Rooney's rank? 

Is it better than Zlatan Ibrahimovic's strike against Italy in 2004? Or Alessandro Del Piero's in the Champions League final? 

Then there's Thierry Henry and Gianfranco Zola and, well, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Zlatan Ibrahmiovic...

Tweet us your thoughts using the hashtag #bbcfootball or text 81111.

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Ibrahimovic scores against Italy in 2004

Rooney the heeler

As we've already sort of mentioned, Wayne Rooney soothed a troubled Manchester United on Saturday with a wonderful late winner against Swansea. 

The victory was United's first in nine games and their first in the Premier League at Old Trafford since they beat West Brom on 7 November.   

And there's more to tell you because the captain's goal had a historic resonance as it was his 238th for United, one more than Denis Law to put Rooney alone in second place on the club's all-time list and 11 short of Sir Bobby Charlton’s benchmark.

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Hello! Welcome to our live coverage of today's Premier League skirmishes. 

What's in store? First Chelsea take on Crystal Palace, then we will turn our attention to Everton's clash with Tottenham. 

What's required from you? To just enjoy yourselves. Go on, lose yourselves in live sport. 

Is the unpredictable season about to conform?

A new year and the old order is restored. 

Wayne Rooney is back scoring brilliant goals, Sergio Aguero is the master of late winners once again... Arsenal are top of the league, Manchester City are in pursuit... 

Is this wonderfully unpredictable season about to conform? 

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Welcome to our live page for Crystal Palace v Chelsea. We’ll have live local radio and text commentary here from 12:30 GMT. You can follow Everton v Tottenham Hotspur here.