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Match of the Day - Season 2026 Episode 36 -
30/12/2025
30/12/2025
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00:00:00Welcome to Match of the Dead.
00:00:30Good evening.
00:00:46The festive fixtures continue apace.
00:00:48Six games on the way this evening.
00:00:50The last match of the day of 2025.
00:00:53Plenty of goals and incident for Danny Murphy and for Rob Green to discuss.
00:00:57And we will see the much anticipated clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa.
00:01:01First versus third very shortly.
00:01:04But we're going to begin with a cracker at the London Stadium.
00:01:07West Ham are yet to win a home game.
00:01:09They're up against Brighton in the Premier League in eight previous attempts.
00:01:13Nuno Espirito Santos' side went into this one.
00:01:16Five points from safety.
00:01:17Commentary comes from Vicky Sparks.
00:01:20It's only 23 days since these two last met.
00:01:23When a last gasp Brighton equaliser denied West Ham a precious three points.
00:01:29How desperately the hosts need a victory here tonight.
00:01:33Winless in their last seven.
00:01:34Nuno Espirito Santos brings in Callum Wilson up top in a bid to stop the rot.
00:01:39With Presencio Somerville dropping to the bench.
00:01:42Brighton are without a win in five themselves.
00:01:44As inconsistency continues to play their season.
00:01:48They make four changes.
00:01:49Danny Welbeck is fit enough to start with Mintek, Milner and Feltman also coming in.
00:01:54Algo, Ruter, Hinshelwood, Gruder and Coppola.
00:01:56Nuno's back on the bench after illness.
00:02:08Doubling up there on Callum Wilson.
00:02:10So he gives his hold on play.
00:02:12Throwing, could be in behind.
00:02:14Is he behind?
00:02:15Giggs West Ham the lead!
00:02:17And early joy erupts around the London Stadium.
00:02:29It all starts with that long ball forward from Areola.
00:02:33Van Hecker winning the initial header but then Brighton's don't cover themselves in glory.
00:02:38Bowen too strong.
00:02:39Bowen too fast.
00:02:41Bowen too accurate.
00:02:43West Ham on.
00:02:45Brighton nil.
00:02:46And he's built forward.
00:02:49Filled away by Tadebo.
00:02:50And he's far as Welbeck.
00:02:52Oh, very nicely done.
00:02:53It's Mintek.
00:02:55It's Welbeck!
00:02:56It's a penalty.
00:03:01Well, it was a lovely move by Brighton.
00:03:06Welbeck did eventually get the shot away.
00:03:08But this is what the spot kick was for.
00:03:10But this is what the spot kick was for.
00:03:12Clear contact from Kilman.
00:03:16Righton, and with a way back into this.
00:03:23With Welbeck against Areola.
00:03:26Well, he's still questioning the decision.
00:03:36Maximilian Kilman, perhaps asking whether Mintek was already going down.
00:03:41With a thumping penalty from Danny Welbeck.
00:03:45Draws Brighton level.
00:03:47Wom-wom.
00:03:52It's Mintek.
00:03:53Taking on Walker-Peters.
00:03:56And it will be a Brighton corner.
00:03:58And the other is delivery.
00:04:11Players tumbling everywhere.
00:04:13And it's another penalty.
00:04:16West Ham shell-shocked by two spot kick decisions in quick succession.
00:04:23And how this game has turned on its head.
00:04:26Will it pack it up on dunk?
00:04:31And he does wrestle him down.
00:04:36And again, it's Welbeck.
00:04:39Against Areola.
00:04:43And Welbeck hits the bar.
00:04:46And can't convert the rebounds.
00:04:49And now it's all kicking off.
00:05:01And Templars all of a sudden are flaring.
00:05:05Well, he went for the Penenka this time, Danny Welbeck.
00:05:10Relief for West Ham.
00:05:12And that is why it all boiled over there a little bit.
00:05:20So a yellow card for Danny Welbeck.
00:05:23A yellow card for Matthias Fernandes.
00:05:30Here's Fernandes.
00:05:31Now Bowen Fernandes taking off his toes by the Kuiper, but will fall to Bowen.
00:05:37Calioglu's done really well to read that.
00:05:39It's as though Bowen was wriggling through.
00:05:42Skulls gets it back.
00:05:44It's Callum Wilson.
00:05:45Oh, surely a handball there.
00:05:47And it's all in danger of spilling over again.
00:06:05And Catherine Wilson continues to say,
00:06:08that should have been a penalty our end.
00:06:11But VAR are checking.
00:06:13Well, it's against Lewis Dunk.
00:06:17And there is going to be a video review.
00:06:20And I don't think that's a surprise.
00:06:22You can see why West Ham are appealing for it.
00:06:25Yes, it's close range.
00:06:27But the arm is very much out.
00:06:30Is it a natural action?
00:06:35After review,
00:06:37Brighton number five commits a handball offence inside the penalty area.
00:06:43Final decision is penalty and yellow card.
00:06:47So it is our third spot kick of the game.
00:06:55Penalty,
00:06:56yellow card.
00:06:59Dunk's protesting.
00:07:02As if we didn't have enough going on here.
00:07:05West Ham are making a change.
00:07:07So it will be Lucas Pacqueta who has scored all seven of his penalties in his West Ham career.
00:07:27It's Pacqueta against Verbruggen.
00:07:28That's how you do it.
00:07:39And West Ham are back in front.
00:07:45Now the end of a first half full of drama.
00:07:49Here he is again,
00:07:55Caro Matoma.
00:08:02What a deflection.
00:08:03And it will be a Brighton corner.
00:08:07December is not a happy month for Fabian Herzlac.
00:08:10But he is yet to win a game in December with Brighton.
00:08:19Difficult one to deal with.
00:08:21And it's in.
00:08:21And Brighton are four back to level once more.
00:08:30In this topsy-turvy game.
00:08:32And it's a wicked delivery.
00:08:37Arreola gets something on it.
00:08:39But only as far as Joel Veltman.
00:08:43His first Brighton goal.
00:08:45Since May 2024.
00:08:49Arreola looking to maintain their momentum with Matoma.
00:08:54He's done well.
00:08:56Oh, beautiful.
00:08:57Arreola just does enough.
00:08:59It's a really smart save.
00:09:03But that would have been a beautiful Brighton goal.
00:09:08Arreola getting involved.
00:09:11It's done really well.
00:09:12Fleered away by 18-year-old Ezra Mayers.
00:09:17Mayer finishing this game strongly.
00:09:21He scored late on in the draw with West Ham earlier this month.
00:09:25Can they find a late winner?
00:09:29And to the six-yard box once again.
00:09:31And headed off the line.
00:09:35Arreola stranded that time.
00:09:38West Ham under real pressure trying to clear.
00:09:41And eventually will do so.
00:09:44What a vital clearance by Mavropanos to keep it at 2-2.
00:09:47It's only the second time in Premier League history that three penalties have been awarded in the first half of a game.
00:09:55What was it like watching on from the touchline?
00:09:57It was confusing.
00:09:58I was just thinking.
00:10:00I think, honestly, the referees must, again, speak with the players.
00:10:06Try to really explain to them which is contact, which is excessive, which can be fouled.
00:10:11Because we see so many things, so many contacts in the box now, in set pieces.
00:10:16That is confusing.
00:10:18Not a result we can't be happy with.
00:10:20But in the end, we tried it.
00:10:22We gave everything.
00:10:23And in some moments, we missed a little bit of quality.
00:10:27In some moments, we had a lack of luck.
00:10:31And therefore, it's only a 2-2.
00:10:34So, disappointing from a Brighton point of view.
00:10:36But for West Ham, Rob, this is something you've highlighted before.
00:10:40Is there inability to hold on to a lead?
00:10:42Yeah, it's becoming a real issue.
00:10:44And it has become a massive issue now for Nuno.
00:10:46You're looking at the amount of games that they've got in front and not held on to that 1-0 lead.
00:10:51You're looking at the only game that they have done was against Nuno back in August.
00:10:55And I highlighted it here against Bournemouth.
00:10:58And it was the same again today.
00:11:00In the second half, they came out a goal up and just went back into the shells
00:11:05and just decided to defend, defend, defend.
00:11:08And they're not good enough to do that.
00:11:09They can't do that right now.
00:11:11You look at the errors from Areola, from crosses.
00:11:14You look at Kilman giving away a penalty.
00:11:15His hand in the second goal as well.
00:11:17Paqueta's dealing with dunk for a penalty.
00:11:20There's too many errors within the side, just as an overall picture, to say one goal is enough.
00:11:26So, it's a really difficult quandary for Nuno to come into.
00:11:29And they're now looking at their next few fixtures as kind of must-win games.
00:11:33This is where they need to start putting a run of form together that can take them out of the bottom three.
00:11:39Are there winnable fixtures in there, do you think?
00:11:41Well, they had winnable fixtures.
00:11:43They had tonight, they have Fulham at the weekend, which they lost one point from two home games.
00:11:47And now you're going to Wolves.
00:11:48And Wolves will be looking at that after tonight's result and saying, we can win a game.
00:11:53We can take a step forwards here.
00:11:54They're looking to improve.
00:11:56So, all of a sudden, the game against Wolves, the game against Forest, you're thinking they're four points behind in the relegation zone.
00:12:03So, from there, just to be in touch, just to attract players to the club in January is going to be critical.
00:12:10So, I think this week is going to be huge.
00:12:12We heard Fabian Herzler's frustration, possibly fuelled by the fact that, at one all, Danny Welbeck had a go at a Panenka.
00:12:20I'm a big fan of Danny Welbeck, but I'm not a big fan of the Panenka.
00:12:24You surprise me.
00:12:25I think maybe Messi, Ronaldo, Zidane type players, but he's got a wonderful opportunity to put West Ham in a real bad position here.
00:12:33I think he's overthinking it because he's already taken one.
00:12:36You know, that's going to be in his head because he doesn't want to do the same thing.
00:12:39And that's not what you do.
00:12:40You either go one way or the other as firm and as hard as you can.
00:12:44If they'd have gone in the lead at that point, I'm not sure West Ham would have been able to come back.
00:12:47But I suppose, look, you can tell that West Ham players aren't happy with it, which is bizarre because he's missed.
00:12:53So you might as well congratulate him for trying to be too cheeky.
00:12:56But I suppose if one player this season's earned the right, maybe Danny has.
00:12:59And Fabian Herzler still not won a league game in December either.
00:13:02That run continues.
00:13:04Now, we will bring you that match between first and third very shortly.
00:13:07We're just waiting for the manager's interviews.
00:13:08But to Stamford Bridge next.
00:13:11Chelsea looking to bounce back from defeat by Aston Villa three days ago against Bournemouth without a win in their last nine.
00:13:17Jonathan Pearce is your commentator.
00:13:19Rumours have been flying about the future of Chelsea manager Enzo Mureska following that Villa defeat.
00:13:26Just 169 days after he took Chelsea to the Club World Cup.
00:13:30Antoine Semenya's much-touted move to Manchester City won't help form with boss Andoni Iriola
00:13:36as he suffers his worst run in three years.
00:13:39Chelsea unbeaten in eight league games against Bournemouth made five changes from the Villa defeat.
00:13:44In come Achimpong, Fafana, Gusto, Estevão and Dilap.
00:13:48Cucuré is missing with a hamstring injury.
00:13:51This is almost certainly then a farewell game for Antoine Semenya,
00:13:54who's had a hand in 44% of their goals this season.
00:13:58Four changes for them.
00:13:59In come Hill for a first start in nearly two months.
00:14:02Brooks, Klaiburtz and Evan Nielsen.
00:14:06Chelsea have lost just one of their last 22 home calendar year-ending games.
00:14:12Cucuré is looking for over Nielsen.
00:14:17He's got beyond the Chelsea defence.
00:14:18It's touched to get very wide.
00:14:21And the block was aired by Fafana.
00:14:28Semenya with a long throw.
00:14:30Again, it's not dealt with very well.
00:14:31Brooks has got it in, has he?
00:14:33Has now!
00:14:34Bournemouth lead.
00:14:36Terrible Chelsea defender.
00:14:38They've failed to cut out the long throw.
00:14:40And Brooks had two stabs at it.
00:14:41Bournemouth needed a bounce back from that horror defensive show at Brentford at the weekend.
00:14:48Lead in six minutes.
00:14:51Look at the number of blue shirts in there.
00:14:53And yet they don't deal with the first one.
00:14:56Brooks' effort is saved by Sanchez.
00:14:58He's hungry to get to the second.
00:14:59Almost got to the second to keep it out.
00:15:03And then Brooks made short.
00:15:051-0.
00:15:06D'Essedo whips one cleanly away to Esteval.
00:15:18Isolated with Truffaut.
00:15:19This could be a key area in the game.
00:15:21He's gone beyond him.
00:15:22Semenya came in.
00:15:24Chelsea founds one to penalty.
00:15:27Run given.
00:15:27And now Bournemouth look to break away.
00:15:32And Evan Ilsen carries on.
00:15:33He was too strong for the defender.
00:15:36Can't beat the goalkeeper.
00:15:37And now it's up to Craig Porton in the VAR booth.
00:15:42To have a check.
00:15:44Good run by the youngster.
00:15:46Semenya seemed to clip his heels.
00:15:48How much contact was there?
00:15:50There's a knock of Semenya's right knee on the back of Esteval's leg.
00:15:55He's been told to go and review it.
00:16:00And I'm pretty sure that Sam Barrett will give the penalty here.
00:16:05There's contact there.
00:16:06Back of his calf.
00:16:07And then Esteval does clip his own legs.
00:16:10There can only be one decision here.
00:16:12I find a decision that the penalty kick.
00:16:15And Donny Ereola thinks that's very, very soft.
00:16:21Now Cole Palmer will take the penalty.
00:16:24Big moment.
00:16:25To it's Palmer against his former club mate Petrovic.
00:16:35Ooh, nearly got there.
00:16:37Nearly got there.
00:16:38But it's 1-1.
00:16:40Not a way he would have wanted to end his former career Semenya
00:16:42by giving away a penalty.
00:16:44Should it end tonight.
00:16:48Don't give a guess right.
00:16:50Might have got a fingertip onto it, but not enough.
00:16:53Oh, that's a poor ball infield by Achenpoch.
00:17:02And it's set up here for Brookford.
00:17:04It's set to good save.
00:17:06Really very good save, Robert Sanchez.
00:17:08Strong left hand.
00:17:09Mistake there.
00:17:12Mistake there.
00:17:14Pecedo doesn't win the challenge.
00:17:15He's on a yellow card, of course.
00:17:16Evan Nielsen.
00:17:17Good ball into Brooks.
00:17:20And it's a good recovery by Sanchez because he was diving away to his other side.
00:17:25And it's a good play.
00:17:25Yes, he's winning the challenge.
00:17:26Oh, that's a good game.
00:17:27Oh, that's a good game.
00:17:28Oh, that's a good game.
00:17:29Oh, that's a good game.
00:17:29Oh, that's a good game.
00:17:30Oh, that's a good game.
00:17:35That's a good game.
00:17:35This is Pecedo.
00:17:36Enzo Fernandes to Garnaccio.
00:17:40That's Enzo Fernandes.
00:17:42Worked the space very well.
00:17:44And scores a lovely goal.
00:17:46And Chelsea are ahead.
00:17:47Smashing finish, that.
00:17:54Oh, they turned the game on its head.
00:17:57Bournemouth initially gave the ball away, never really recovered from that mistake.
00:18:03Arnacho turned inside Jimenez, set up Fernandes.
00:18:07He took the touch to get away from his defenders into that space.
00:18:13Watch out the touch of Fernandes, lovely that, as Scott came across.
00:18:17And it's a fine finish too, and it's 2-1 Chelsea.
00:18:31It's a tournament defending by Wesley Profana, but it's a formless throw.
00:18:38Simone will take it long.
00:18:40It's blocked through the zone penalty area, and in, and Bournemouth are out again.
00:18:52It's Clivert, and Bournemouth are back in the game.
00:18:54Clivert makes it 2-2.
00:18:56Chelsea are hapless, defending their penalty area at set pieces.
00:19:05It was a Chelsea head that nodded it back through his own penalty area, and in came Clivert, all alone, to stab it past Robert Sanchez, who had no chance.
00:19:17Just have a knee around the back.
00:19:25Cusco now, did that come off his arm?
00:19:28Bournemouth are adamant.
00:19:29Very high up on his arm.
00:19:35That's not a handball.
00:19:37I don't think that's a handball.
00:19:39They are checking, because they have to.
00:19:41It's been checked and cleared the ball, comes down off his shoulder area.
00:19:44In comes the corner, headed up by Quesado.
00:19:49Possible breakers on here, Esteval, Parma, look at players running up on the left-hand side.
00:19:53Both sides, Neto is there with him.
00:19:55Parma has a look, releases Neto.
00:19:58Delap's in the middle, beautiful breakaway, no finish.
00:20:02Couldn't quite climb above the ball, and make definitive contact.
00:20:07But it's a lovely Chelsea break there.
00:20:09It's a big chance too, for young Liam, Delap.
00:20:12Esteval does so well.
00:20:14As does Parma.
00:20:16Strong, positive carry.
00:20:18Perfect release.
00:20:20Early ball in.
00:20:22Lovely move, deserved better.
00:20:32Esteval.
00:20:35Good well, good save, George Petrovic.
00:20:40Another pleasing, in his old club.
00:20:44Chelsea are getting stronger.
00:20:52Sanessi.
00:20:56Cross all the way through.
00:20:58Adley pulls it back.
00:20:59And it's in him.
00:20:59Oh, that was his opportunity.
00:21:03That was his moment.
00:21:05Over it went.
00:21:07Lovely set-up here by Adley.
00:21:10Took it early from an awkward height.
00:21:12Terrific first half, second half, more measured, more cautious, finishes 2-2.
00:21:22The big question now for Bournemouth, of course, how do they deal with the future without Antoine
00:21:29because here he is clearly waving goodbye?
00:21:33I think the points we are getting both games against Chelsea, even the game against United, games where you feel you've had a good performance and it's not a great reward at one point, but it's true that before coming probably is a point that you will have taken.
00:21:52I think we put Bournemouth to defend in one box for many, many minutes, but the final product and the last third to score another goal more to win the game or to kill the game, that was missing today.
00:22:11And it's something that we need to find and we need to improve as soon as they can.
00:22:17At the end, you'll have seen the reaction from the fans towards Antoine Semenya and indeed his teammates as he seemed to be waving farewell to the club.
00:22:25How devastating is that for you?
00:22:27Do you just move on?
00:22:29No, Antoine is a massive player for us and he will be still with us.
00:22:34It's not the last game he has played for us, no, definitely.
00:22:36We'll come to Antoine Semenya's future in just a second.
00:22:41It's yet another high-scoring away game involving Bournemouth, but they haven't won one in ten in a row now, Danny.
00:22:47So, while it might be vastly entertaining, it's not necessarily effective for them.
00:22:52No, but it's great to watch for us.
00:22:53I thought Chelsea actually second half were pretty good.
00:22:55Esther Vau was a joy to watch.
00:22:57But first half, a couple of concerns for them.
00:22:59One was how often Bournemouth opened them up and how well they played.
00:23:03And secondly, set plays is becoming a problem for Chelsea.
00:23:06They conceded two today from long throw-ins.
00:23:10At home, you've got to do better.
00:23:12Well, in any game, but especially at home when you're trying to dominate a team.
00:23:16Semenya, you know, we know he's trying to get as far as he can.
00:23:18There's lots of bodies in there for Chelsea.
00:23:20They don't get the first contact, which is crucial.
00:23:23And then they don't follow runners on the back post.
00:23:26So we can see Hill gets the first contact and then Brooks runs off the back of Garnaccio.
00:23:30He's not watching the man, he's watching the ball.
00:23:31And then they give themselves a mountain to climb, which they climb and do well and get back in the game at 2-1.
00:23:36And then what happens?
00:23:38Once it's happened once, it can't happen again.
00:23:40The target's the same.
00:23:41There's nothing different.
00:23:44Misreads the ball chalebra there, but it's the back post that's the problem.
00:23:47It's the second ball, the runner.
00:23:49And again, unfortunately, it's Garnaccio.
00:23:51And no surprise, really, he was taken off half-time.
00:23:53I think probably because of these two lapses in concentration.
00:23:56You've got to be switched on.
00:23:58You can't give teams goals like that and expect to win football matches.
00:24:01Yeah, one of the biggest strengths of Chelsea this season is Robert Sanchez's ability to come and claim these balls.
00:24:06They have five players in between him and the ball at times there.
00:24:10And completely negated the opportunity for him to come, and they suffered from that.
00:24:15You could look at this as Chelsea having been a goal down and managing to get a point from it.
00:24:19Or you could look at what's been more of a pattern for them this season, which is, you know, dropping points from winning positions.
00:24:26Yeah, I think the game was a nice summary of how their season's gone at times.
00:24:30And it's the chaos that they can't deal with.
00:24:32Bournemouth brought an energy and a chaos to the game, much like Aston Villa did at the weekend in the second half.
00:24:37And it's their lack of ability to respond and keep control of games has been the real issue for Chelsea.
00:24:43Not Antoine Semenya's last game in a Bournemouth shirt, you think, Danny, or certainly that's what Andoni Arala said.
00:24:49Well, maybe they've got a practice match tomorrow or something like that.
00:24:52I very rarely see scenes at the end where someone's saying goodbyes and even hugging his teammates.
00:24:57He's a player in demand for obvious reasons.
00:24:59He'll definitely benefit whichever squad he goes to.
00:25:03Bournemouth are cute and clever in the market.
00:25:05I'm sure they've already got a replacement, but it's hard for the manager to come out and say, yes, he's on his way.
00:25:09Even if they do get that replacement, even if it is the right player, obviously you'd expect they'd take a little while to settle in.
00:25:16Are either of you concerned about Bournemouth this season?
00:25:20I thought the recent weeks, the run that they've had, they've had real difficulty with the energy.
00:25:24They've been void of energy, something very un-Bournemouth-like.
00:25:27This looked more like the Bournemouth of old, more like what we've been used to seeing in the Premier League.
00:25:32If they stick with what they had tonight, they'll be OK.
00:25:34So now to top versus third at the Emirates.
00:25:39With just three points separating the two sides, Aston Villa on a run of 11 straight wins in all competitions.
00:25:46Arsenal's last defeat came against Villa earlier this month.
00:25:50Commentary comes from Simon Brotherton.
00:25:52A mid-season test of title challenging credentials, and it comes just 24 days after they last met.
00:25:59The defeat at Villa Park is Arsenal's only reverse in the last 24 matches,
00:26:04while Villa's 11-game winning run has equalled their club record tally, last achieved 111 years ago.
00:26:12A knee injury means Declan Rice misses the game for Arsenal, but Jurian Timber returns,
00:26:16and a fit against Gabriel starts for the first time since early November.
00:26:21Piero in capier slides across to left-back, and Kai Havertz returns from injury on the bench.
00:26:26Matty Cash and Bubakar Kamara are suspended for Villa, who make five changes.
00:26:31Lamar Bogard plays at right-back, with Luca Dina, Amadou Anana, Oli Watkins and Jadon Sancho all coming in.
00:26:38It's Sancho's first league start since arriving on loan last summer.
00:26:46They're unbeaten on the last two visits here to the Emirates, winning 2-0 a couple of seasons ago,
00:26:51and 2-2 draw last term.
00:26:53He's got away from Sancho, superb play by Incafier, this is good from Arsenal.
00:27:00Incafier's ball in, Jokeres with the header.
00:27:05First sighting of goal for Arsenal, Villa's players protesting.
00:27:10Jokeres there with a clear heading opportunity.
00:27:12That's the makings of a good one tonight, this.
00:27:23Challenge by Concer, who's done superbly here.
00:27:27Watkins is up alongside him.
00:27:28Watkins wide.
00:27:31First chance of the match for the visitors.
00:27:33It was excellent play by Esri Concer, who got in there, whipped the ball of Victor Jokeres.
00:27:41Watkins in an excellent position, and miscueing the shot.
00:27:44A moment of encouragement for Villa with that ball.
00:27:51And now an excellent pass from Tielemans.
00:27:53And here comes Morgan Rodgers with support.
00:27:57The pass into Sancho, the defending was solid from Incafier.
00:28:00But again, a little warning there for Arsenal.
00:28:04Well, what a pass from Juri Tielemans here.
00:28:10Setting Villa on the counter.
00:28:12Taking out Morgan Rodgers.
00:28:1815 minutes in, Villa certainly giving Arsenal something to think about.
00:28:23Both teams with bright attacking moments so far in this first half.
00:28:30Jokeres waits in the middle.
00:28:32Trossard's looking for the angle for the shot.
00:28:36Comfortable enough for Emi Martinez.
00:28:43Arsenal again going down that left-hand side.
00:28:46They're really trying to test the right-hand side of Aston Villa's defence.
00:28:50In the absence of their regular right-back cash.
00:28:52In it comes from Trossard, Jokeres!
00:28:54Almost in.
00:28:55Jokeres getting in, in front of the defender.
00:29:01Esri Konsa.
00:29:04But the header flashing past the post.
00:29:05Here's Inanna.
00:29:11That's a decent-looking ball into Jadon Sancho.
00:29:14Right at the end of the first half.
00:29:16It's Watkins, and it's an absolutely superb defensive challenge by Saliba.
00:29:21Wouldn't have counted anyway.
00:29:22Flags up on the far side.
00:29:24That was excellent play all round.
00:29:26Brilliant from Villa.
00:29:28And superb from Saliba.
00:29:29Saliba.
00:29:31Given as offside.
00:29:32Very tight.
00:29:34But Villa almost springing clear to take a late first half lead.
00:29:44Arsenal with a clean sheet again so far.
00:29:46David Raya's kept a clean sheet in exactly half of the Premier League games this season so far.
00:29:51That's better from Jokeres.
00:29:52There's support here from Timber.
00:29:57Block made by Lindelof.
00:29:59It's going to be a corner for Arsenal.
00:30:01First corner of the match for them.
00:30:06Saka to take.
00:30:10Gabriel right in Emi Martinez's grill there as it's in.
00:30:14Martinez doesn't get hold of it.
00:30:16The ball's in the back of the net, and Arsenal have scored.
00:30:18It was Gabriel who caused the real problem.
00:30:22He was right there on top of Emi Martinez, even before the ball came in.
00:30:27It was Gabriel who caused all the issues for Martinez.
00:30:31It's messy, but it matters not for Arsenal, because they all count.
00:30:36It just rolled in, rolled down Gabriel's leg, and then into the net.
00:30:41What a start to the second half.
00:30:44Flags liven things up here.
00:30:45And yet another test for Unai Emery's team, who so often find themselves behind, particularly away from home.
00:30:58Bogart into Tielemans.
00:31:00Looking for Jadon Sancho.
00:31:02Won by Martin Odegaard.
00:31:04He was quicker.
00:31:04He was sharper.
00:31:05He was keener.
00:31:06And Zubemendi makes it two.
00:31:09Oh, what a lovely goal from Martin Zubemendi.
00:31:12And it all came, and Odegaard got there ahead of Jadon Sancho.
00:31:21And played it through.
00:31:22Zubemendi finished it off.
00:31:25Stunning start to the second half.
00:31:28Arsenal in danger of running away with it here all of a sudden.
00:31:32Villers' defence breached again.
00:31:34Arsenal 2.
00:31:36Aston Villa 0.
00:31:36And what a test this is going to be for Unai Emery's team to try to get back in the match now.
00:31:45Well, there were plenty of furrowed brows in the first half.
00:31:49But they are absolutely loving it now.
00:31:55Pressure on.
00:31:57Rodgers.
00:31:57Villa lose the ball.
00:31:58Marino into Odegaard.
00:32:01Odegaard looks to get the ball past Martinez, who gets a hand on it.
00:32:06Martinez with a vitally important fingertip save.
00:32:12Arsenal can sense a third goal might be coming.
00:32:17Saka.
00:32:23Lovely play.
00:32:25No penalty, says the referee.
00:32:27Arsenal still on the attack.
00:32:28They are going to double-check it, so...
00:32:32We await the verdict on that, but Arsenal continue on the front foot with Martin Odegaard.
00:32:39That's a terrific ball in.
00:32:41Saka can't get his head on it.
00:32:43Timber.
00:32:44Toss-up.
00:32:453-0.
00:32:46Game set match, Arsenal.
00:32:49There'll be five points clear at the end of 2025 at the top of the Premier League table.
00:32:56It is being checked for offside.
00:33:00It was given as disallowed on the field for offside.
00:33:05It didn't look like it was offside as the ball was played in there.
00:33:10It's just one more pass.
00:33:12They're looking at a pass out to Hink-Affier.
00:33:14They're saying Saka's onside, so they're checking Hink-Affier, who I think is onside.
00:33:20It's going to be a goal, and the crowd will find out in a moment.
00:33:27Arsenal 3, Aston Villa nil.
00:33:29And what an end to the year it is going to be for the league leaders.
00:33:35Villa's 11-game winning run, surely at an end now.
00:33:40What a run it has been.
00:33:46Away to Odegaard.
00:33:50Garcia's been beaten by Zubamendi.
00:33:53Plenty of red and white shirts racing forward here.
00:33:56Trossard leads the way.
00:33:57Into Gabriel Jesus.
00:33:59Oh, it's his first touch.
00:34:03Oh, he's waited a long time for this.
00:34:07He's missed most of the calendar year with a crucial injury.
00:34:12He's only recently come back.
00:34:15And he's only just come on the field tonight.
00:34:18It's brilliant from the Brazilian.
00:34:23Arsenal finishing 2025 in style.
00:34:27They are the team to beat in the Premier League title race.
00:34:36Here's Marlon.
00:34:37The ball into Watkins.
00:34:46Saved by David Raya.
00:34:50Goodness me, that was astonishing.
00:34:53How on earth did Villa not get a goal there?
00:34:55Again on the follow-up.
00:34:56David Raya.
00:34:58It's like there's some sort of magnetic field around his goal.
00:35:01Good play by Jimbo into Marlon.
00:35:04That's Gabriel Jesus back and Daniel Marlon still going here.
00:35:09Superb play from Daniel Marlon and Watkins scores on his 30th birthday.
00:35:14Another goal for Oli Watkins against Arsenal.
00:35:19Watkins who has scored six league goals against the Gunners over the years.
00:35:25Has himself another one here.
00:35:29Sweeping it home from close range.
00:35:32It was excellent play from Daniel Marlon who somehow got it through David Raya's legs.
00:35:37Oh, what a second half that was tonight.
00:35:43Yeah, it was amazing.
00:35:45Yeah, we knew we played against a team that won 11 games in a row.
00:35:48They're in a great emotional state.
00:35:51They are a really fabulous team.
00:35:53They keep you on the edge in a reaction.
00:35:56And in the first half, in the first ten minutes, we missed time a few things.
00:36:00And they opened us up and they are really dangerous there.
00:36:02After we had some more control, we came up in the second half.
00:36:05And I thought we were outstanding.
00:36:07Today we did very good first half.
00:36:10Differently than the last match in Chelsea.
00:36:13And of course we were more or less competing well.
00:36:16And even getting our momentum and creating chances.
00:36:20But the second half, the first goal changed everything.
00:36:23And we finished losing.
00:36:25But now with the players, my analysis, of course, is after the match, how we did here in 90 minutes.
00:36:35But overall, the most important for us is to understand overall how we are.
00:36:41Well, Arsenal have had the results of late, if not necessarily the performances.
00:36:46What a time for them to put in, particularly that second half performance, Danny.
00:36:51Absolutely, their performance was a big statement.
00:36:54It was powerful, full of quality, showed their strength in depth.
00:36:58And let's not forget, they didn't have Declan Rice, one of the most important players.
00:37:02But I thought in the first half, when Villa were pretty good, actually, and caused Arsenal problems,
00:37:08that partnership that's backed together of Gabriel and Saliba gave Arsenal the platform to then go on to have that wonderful second half performance.
00:37:17Now, Villa played through the press beautifully at times in the first half.
00:37:20And look at the pace of Gabriel and Saliba there, to then get Rodgers to play a poor ball, and Capier sees out the danger.
00:37:30Again, you can see Villa waiting to win the ball back on the transition, which they do really well, and then they play through.
00:37:37And once they do, because Arsenal go after teams at home, which is right as well, because they really dominate teams at home generally.
00:37:44When they get into these positions, the two are always close together, they're always communicating, the distances are good.
00:37:50And here, basically, the angle's really difficult there for Watkins to do.
00:37:54And because Saliba's so patient, he's just got this calmness, he doesn't panic.
00:37:59There they are on the press that we're talking about, the commitment forward.
00:38:01And the reason they do it is because they believe and trust their defenders to play one-on-one and to cope.
00:38:08And there's none better, really, than Saliba, you know, when he's on top of his game.
00:38:12Right position again, he's got the athleticism and pace, calm, no danger, OK, the ball could have been better.
00:38:17But time and time again, we saw them break on Arsenal, and the Arsenal back forward don't panic.
00:38:24I mean, this here from Saliba, he doesn't know that this is going to be given a couple of inches offside.
00:38:28Look at this. That is just phenomenal.
00:38:31And that's what you get when you get those two together.
00:38:33You get the athleticism, the calmness, and the fear factor.
00:38:37I think it gives them a great platform to really go after teams.
00:38:40And, of course, the game they lost at Villa, neither of them were playing, of course.
00:38:43And while Gabriel and Saliba provide that platform for Arsenal on the pitch,
00:38:48there's also the way in which the goal was conceded that allowed them to take advantage.
00:38:53In fact, the Villa were then trying to get back into the game.
00:38:56And it was an error from Emi Martinez.
00:38:57Yeah, and it was Gabriel. It was one of the two of them getting in the way,
00:39:00making any use of it themselves.
00:39:03As he always does.
00:39:04As he does, yeah. And Unai Emery says it himself. It changed the game.
00:39:07And that's what got the ball rolling.
00:39:09And we knew it was coming.
00:39:11We've seen it before at Brentford this season.
00:39:13We've seen it at Leeds.
00:39:14And we saw it on Saturday at Chelsea,
00:39:16where Martinez just gets preoccupied with the players around him.
00:39:19He's got two there. He's fighting there.
00:39:21And he can't come for the ball because he's just worried about what's around him.
00:39:24And, again, tonight, he's preoccupied. He's worried.
00:39:28And from there, you know he's going to be there.
00:39:31You know he's going to be there.
00:39:32Saliba's around you. You can see him. You can touch him.
00:39:34And as a keeper, if you're going up amongst bodies
00:39:37and you're going to bring it down amongst heads,
00:39:41you've got to punch it.
00:39:42He doesn't do that.
00:39:42Two minutes later, Villa reacts.
00:39:45And they've got their men in around the players protecting Martinez.
00:39:49Now, this has been going on for weeks.
00:39:51This has been going on since the start of the season.
00:39:53So I don't know why it takes mid-game against Arsenal
00:39:57for it to happen again three days after it happening at the weekend
00:40:00for them to react.
00:40:02It seems like it's a bit of a miss.
00:40:03And the manager said it cost them.
00:40:05That said, it was a stunning performance from Arsenal
00:40:08in the second half in particular.
00:40:10They then open up that six-point gap over Aston Villa.
00:40:13Suddenly, it starts to look a lot more comfortable.
00:40:16And yes, Manchester City have got a game in hand
00:40:18that they'll play on on New Year's Day.
00:40:20But it feels like a big one, that, in terms of the title race.
00:40:24Have they seen off one of the main contenders?
00:40:27Not just yet, but they've shown everybody they mean business
00:40:30and a couple of bad results or a couple of draws
00:40:32and one loss doesn't define their season.
00:40:35Look, they're wonderfully physically, defensively brilliant.
00:40:41There's been a little bit of criticism recently
00:40:43on lack of creativity and too many goals offset plays.
00:40:46But they've got so many players now who are fighting for positions
00:40:49in the forward areas.
00:40:51You're going to see an uplift, I think,
00:40:52and more intensity from the forward players.
00:40:54Jesus is coming on scoring.
00:40:56We don't think we saw Eza today.
00:40:57You know, they've got so much talent.
00:40:59I think they'll just spur each other on to do more and more.
00:41:02And yes, it's a big day for them and a big statement.
00:41:06I think each win like this, each big win they have,
00:41:09is a massive hurdle, particularly at the Emirates,
00:41:11where they get really, really nervous.
00:41:14They're waiting for that trophy.
00:41:15And that feeds onto the team.
00:41:17And you saw it in previous seasons.
00:41:20We saw it last season in the Champions League.
00:41:22They get nervous.
00:41:23So big statement wins like this, big moments.
00:41:26You look in the next one, possibly the League Cup,
00:41:29coming up against Chelsea.
00:41:30That's another big statement in there.
00:41:32It's going to be each one brings on that little bit more belief.
00:41:35Yeah, it's a huge night for Arsenal.
00:41:37Huge night at the top of the table.
00:41:39Burnley have drawn their last two.
00:41:41But Scott Parker's side were on a run of nine without a win
00:41:45ahead of the visit of Newcastle.
00:41:47Guy Mowbray was at Turf Moor.
00:41:50Burnley need a win, but then Newcastle do too.
00:41:53They've only won one of their last five.
00:41:54And that was against Burnley three and a half weeks ago.
00:41:58For the Clarence, three changes from Saturday against Everton.
00:42:01Maxime Esteve returns from injury.
00:42:03And Florentino and Loom Schauder also come in to start.
00:42:06For Newcastle, four changes.
00:42:08Nick Pope plays for the first time since November.
00:42:10Joe Linton, Harvey Barnes and Johan Wisser also brought into the team.
00:42:18This traditionally is a very happy place for Newcastle to visit.
00:42:22They have won their last three here, but life on the road has not been easy for Toon fans this season.
00:42:31There's Anthony Gordon.
00:42:35And Fabian Scher.
00:42:36It's a really good return to Gordon.
00:42:41Controlled it nicely too, up against Kyle Walker.
00:42:43And he beats him once.
00:42:46Crossing towards Joel Linton, who's hooked it in.
00:42:48It's taken Newcastle only just over a minute.
00:42:54Brilliantly finished that by the Brazilian.
00:42:56His 200th appearance in the Premier League.
00:42:59And his first goal in the competition this season.
00:43:04Gordon's delivery.
00:43:05Maybe not what he was looking to do with it.
00:43:08I think it may have taken a deflection and looped up to Joe Linton, but what a connection that was.
00:43:15It's caressed it into the corner.
00:43:17Burnley 0, Newcastle 91.
00:43:19Just sets the tone.
00:43:26This puts a downer on the turf more atmosphere from the very start.
00:43:30Apart from in the visiting section, which is bouncing.
00:43:34But couldn't hold on.
00:43:36Lucas Spires has wrestled the ball free of him.
00:43:39Gordon came in though with a good tackle for Newcastle.
00:43:42Bruno Gimorais into a crowd.
00:43:44Gordon out of the pocket.
00:43:47Gordon again.
00:43:48Trying to combine with Barnes.
00:43:51Here is Barnes.
00:43:52Saved by Dubravka.
00:43:54Trying to get back up.
00:43:55It's an almighty mess for Burnley.
00:43:57And Johan Wisser has put it in for number two.
00:44:02His first Premier League goal in the black and white stripes.
00:44:07Burnley is surrounding the referee, Rob Jones.
00:44:11They feel there might have been a foul in the midst of all that melee.
00:44:15It will of course be looked at.
00:44:16The more worrying concern for Burnley is the absolute mess that they got themselves into.
00:44:24I just wonder there though if there was a barge in the back.
00:44:30Was Josh Laurent fouled by Bruno Gimorais?
00:44:35I think there's going to be a secondary Newcastle cheer though.
00:44:37The goal is going to be allowed to stand.
00:44:40Burnley 0.
00:44:41Newcastle 2.
00:44:43Let's not forget that very recently they were 2-0 up against Chelsea and drew 2-2.
00:44:54Edwards.
00:44:56Edwards trying to get a sight of goal.
00:44:58Denied that by Wisser.
00:44:59That was blocked by Ekdahl.
00:45:02Put back in by Lucas Pires.
00:45:04That's a goal.
00:45:05Brilliantly taken.
00:45:07Josh Laurent has given Burnley some hope.
00:45:11And maybe started another Newcastle wobble.
00:45:16Josh Laurent's first Turfmoor goal.
00:45:18It's a night of firsts.
00:45:23Lucas Pires with the first shot.
00:45:26Might be a question there about the positioning of Breuer.
00:45:30Was he offside?
00:45:31It was his help on to Josh Laurent who has done what he needed to do.
00:45:37The check is complete.
00:45:40Laurent has scored.
00:45:40And it is Burnley 1.
00:45:42Newcastle 2.
00:45:45Gordon.
00:45:49Where's Gordon going?
00:45:51Nowhere fast is the answer.
00:45:53Here's Breuer.
00:45:55Breuer's shot deflected.
00:45:58Schauner.
00:45:59Schauner finds Edwards.
00:46:02And Edwards!
00:46:03That's his shot cleared off the line.
00:46:06Fabian Scher getting back to crucial effect for Newcastle.
00:46:11Burnley keep coming.
00:46:12Edwards has another go.
00:46:15Well wide.
00:46:18Newcastle and Anthony Gordon in particular have Fabian Scher to thank for still being in front.
00:46:26Laurentino.
00:46:28Schauner.
00:46:29Nicely touched through to Breuer.
00:46:31Edwards is with him.
00:46:34Breuer's pass is a good one.
00:46:36Marcus Edwards for Burnley.
00:46:38Straight against the leg of Nick Pope.
00:46:40Big chance goes.
00:46:43Burnley have started the second half the better team here.
00:46:50Humphreys.
00:46:52Humphreys again.
00:46:54Breuer.
00:46:55Trying to battle through with Humphreys' help.
00:46:59Lucas Pires.
00:47:00That's not a bad ball.
00:47:04And it's off the woodwork with Pope stranded.
00:47:08Laurent nearly got himself another.
00:47:11Lovely chip this from Lucas Pires.
00:47:15Laurent's header.
00:47:16Pope had given it up.
00:47:17And it nearly dropped in.
00:47:20Nick Pope is increasingly a busy goalkeeper.
00:47:27Edwards.
00:47:29Dummies Gordon.
00:47:29takes on Hall.
00:47:30And gets the crossover to Schauner.
00:47:35Once again.
00:47:36Burnley have had their chances.
00:47:39Once again.
00:47:41They have largely failed to convert.
00:47:43Murphy.
00:47:49Bruno Gimeraj.
00:47:50Corner.
00:47:53Right in front of the Newcastle fans.
00:47:55Hannes Hall.
00:48:00Dubravka.
00:48:01That's two hands on it.
00:48:03Joe Linton happy to let it bounce.
00:48:05And Dubravka's beaten to it.
00:48:07Humphreys off the line.
00:48:11That one was dipping under.
00:48:12Bashir Humphreys with some good defensive work.
00:48:15Just wonder if Burnley have had their chances now.
00:48:21They could.
00:48:22And probably should have drawn themselves level.
00:48:25Hall.
00:48:26Gets past Ekdahl.
00:48:28And gets it back from Wissar.
00:48:29Here's Jacob Murphy.
00:48:31Oh goodness.
00:48:32The three points were there on a plate for him to win.
00:48:36Jacob Murphy.
00:48:38Really ought to have dispatched that.
00:48:41Pretty much in his sleep.
00:48:45Miley to Murphy.
00:48:50To Nali.
00:48:52Ekdahl has Voltemada breathing down his neck.
00:48:55And Dubravka has given it straight to Bruno Gimeraj.
00:48:58And Newcastle have won the game.
00:49:02It ends as it begun.
00:49:05With Burnley all over the shop at the back.
00:49:09Bruno's sixth goal this season.
00:49:11His first one that's come away from St. James' Park.
00:49:15And it's put the seal on what will be only Newcastle's second Premier League away win of the season.
00:49:23It's Burnley one.
00:49:25Newcastle three.
00:49:27The positives are that we showed a real spirit, a real commitment, a real fight.
00:49:34And sometimes in these moments, like anything in life, in adversity and certain hardship, which that was the case tonight.
00:49:41That's something that can go disappearing very, very quickly.
00:49:44Default position can be hiding and certainly not stand up to the challenge.
00:49:48My team never did that.
00:49:50And I don't think they ever will.
00:49:51I think that's been proven over some time now.
00:49:53In the second half, we controlled the game well.
00:49:56We managed to the time and play well and still create chance.
00:50:01I think we could have more goals today.
00:50:03But at the end, I'm really, really happy with the three points because that's the most important.
00:50:08We needed to win.
00:50:09We know we were under pressure today.
00:50:12I thought the lads responded really well.
00:50:13I thought it was a really fast start.
00:50:15I thought we scored some really good goals.
00:50:18And then us being us at this present time, we made it difficult for ourselves.
00:50:22You know, there's a couple of moments there where Nick made massive saves for us.
00:50:25But overall, I thought we showed real resilience and character in that second period to get over the line.
00:50:30Eddie Howe said Newcastle made it difficult for themselves.
00:50:33In the end, it looks like a relatively comfortable scoreline.
00:50:36But it wouldn't be fair to say that Burnley put up no resistance to them.
00:50:40No, it wasn't routine.
00:50:41And you think here, Newcastle, away from home, they've been poor this season.
00:50:45Guy touched on it in commentary, just a second away win.
00:50:48They were rocking at times.
00:50:50And Joel Linton can say what he likes after the game.
00:50:52They were in trouble at moments.
00:50:53And you look at the chances that they had at Burnley.
00:50:56And you think about all the good play that they had.
00:50:58It's just critical moments.
00:51:00And then players, you know, the instincts of share.
00:51:02A momentary lapse in concentration at the back for themselves.
00:51:06But when they did attack, they attacked with conviction.
00:51:09They came up against Nick Pope, who came back and was in good form.
00:51:12And Eddie Howe, who said it himself, he said, you know, he came up with big moments.
00:51:17That was key tonight.
00:51:18And you're looking, thinking, well, is he going to come back and play?
00:51:22Because A, Ramsdale had done okay.
00:51:24Was he still the number one?
00:51:25I think now we know Nick Pope's back and he's playing well.
00:51:29Really sharp at moments.
00:51:31But around this, Burnley created opportunities in and amongst congested area, in and amongst when they could break.
00:51:36See, coming away from it, Scott Parker's thinking, it's pretty much everything we can do in a game.
00:51:42And from here, you look at these chances, you've got to score them.
00:51:46You've got to take these moments because things like this happen.
00:51:49A moment's indecision.
00:51:50The game's still in the balance.
00:51:52It's horrible for Dubravka.
00:51:54He's up against his former club.
00:51:56Nick Pope was up against his former club.
00:51:58One rule for one keeper, one rule for the other.
00:52:00It's a tough night again for Burnley.
00:52:02Having said everything that you have in sort of defence of Burnley, if you like,
00:52:06the fact is that they haven't won in the last ten games.
00:52:09There are more than grumblings around turf more about where the club is heading this season.
00:52:16Where do you think we stand in terms of the amount of pressure that's on Scott Parker at the moment?
00:52:20I don't think they can stay up.
00:52:22I don't think they can survive.
00:52:23That's first and foremost.
00:52:25It's then you're saying, where do you take the club?
00:52:27Much like Wolves, they're in a better position than the Bulls.
00:52:29But where do you take them from now?
00:52:31What's the vision?
00:52:32How much damage can they sustain for the rest of the season?
00:52:35If runs continues, it's got to stop at some point.
00:52:38What about from Newcastle's point of view?
00:52:40Eddie Howe talked about the problems that they've caused themselves at times this season.
00:52:44But in terms of their attacking prowess, how much does the return, the full return of Wyssa make to that?
00:52:51I think it's really positive for them.
00:52:53Great stats.
00:52:53Look, they're first in all of those.
00:52:55Scored when he came back into the team in the League Cup against Fulham.
00:52:58Scored today.
00:53:00He's reliable in the build-up.
00:53:01He's quick.
00:53:01He's got different attributes to Volta Marder.
00:53:03Of course he has.
00:53:05But it gives Eddie Howe an option to change them or mix them.
00:53:07They've got good options in wide areas, actually.
00:53:09So I think for Newcastle fans, that's something exciting for them to look forward to.
00:53:13His impact on the team in the next few months.
00:53:16To the city ground now.
00:53:17Nottingham Forest coming off back-to-back defeats against Everton without a win or a goal in their last three.
00:53:24Chris Wise was at this one.
00:53:25Outside of the bottom club, Wolves, these two are the lowest scorers in the league.
00:53:32And between them, they have strikers that are either out-injured, out of luck, or bang out of form.
00:53:39Nottingham Forest will finish 20-25 above the relegation zone.
00:53:42The steady signs of encouragement are there.
00:53:45Sean Dyche freshens it up at full-back.
00:53:48Oleksandr Zinchenko comes in for Nikolo Savona.
00:53:51Everton's 3-0 win over Forest at the start of the month remains their biggest victory of the year.
00:53:55But the absentee list is getting long.
00:53:58The latest to join it, Michael Keane and Carlos Alcaraz, neither in the Everton squad tonight.
00:54:04Income Patterson and Ruel, and Grealish is back on the bench.
00:54:09So a very different challenge for Nottingham Forest tonight compared to the visit of swashbuckling Manchester City three days ago.
00:54:17It is David Moyes' Everton.
00:54:20Garner.
00:54:21He managed to find the out-ball as well.
00:54:24There might have been a little touch on roll, but Klay's going to go on with Everton anyway, because Barry's got it.
00:54:31Dibbling one of the supporting cast.
00:54:34Here he is, Tyler Dibbling.
00:54:35Patterson for Iribunum.
00:54:44He has the power to keep Dominguez away from here.
00:54:48McNeil for Garner.
00:54:50It's in!
00:54:50James Garner against his former club for Everton.
00:54:56Well, out of respect, he doesn't celebrate, but the Everton fans do.
00:55:02James Garner taking it quickly and striking it low across John's goal, who got the merest fingertip to it, but nothing more.
00:55:11There's only two players on the pitch for Everton tonight that have scored Premier League goals this season, and he's one of them.
00:55:19That's number two for James Garner.
00:55:22And in terms of Everton's night, that's number one.
00:55:24Nottingham Forest nil, Everton one.
00:55:26Williams.
00:55:31It's a great ball, and it is a fluff finished at the back of the queue from Callum Hudson-Odoi.
00:55:38Really good opportunity, that, for Nottingham Forest.
00:55:4213th time that these two managers have pitted their extensive wits against one another.
00:55:47The very first time, actually, nine years ago tomorrow, when Dutch's Burnley beat Moises Sunderland by four goals to one.
00:55:57Maybe just the touch initially from Garner.
00:56:00Sent Anderson into Iribunum, and Iribunum giving away the free kick.
00:56:04They've almost sent Anderson off course, that initial challenge by Garner, and into the path of Iribunum.
00:56:12So Forest's free kick, and their two full-backs are over this.
00:56:16Nico Williams and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
00:56:19It's Zinchenko, it was on target.
00:56:21I think on most occasions, Jordan Pickford probably would have caught that.
00:56:26The last Forest win against Everton here, more than 30 years ago.
00:56:29Steve Stone plays, and Ian Woen scored what would prove to be the winner in that game.
00:56:34Nottingham Forest beating Everton by three goals to two.
00:56:38Coming up to the hour then at the city grounds.
00:56:40Forest continue to probe.
00:56:42Gibbs-White.
00:56:42Brian was too strong for him, but then he's given the ball away.
00:56:47Igor Jesus.
00:56:49Has he got hold of it?
00:56:50He has.
00:56:50He nearly scores a special goal.
00:56:53It was a poke towards Pickford's goal from Igor Jesus.
00:56:56And it ends up whistling past the right-hand post of the Everton goalkeeper.
00:57:08Garner.
00:57:11Corner is the call.
00:57:12And in the second corner of Everton's night.
00:57:20But right in front of their feverish supporters.
00:57:28Now a knee there to clear the corner away.
00:57:33Back in it goes.
00:57:34That's a better ball.
00:57:35That was nearly 2-0.
00:57:36Tarkovsky heading it wide of the post.
00:57:42Really was close, wasn't it?
00:57:43That header from Tarkovsky.
00:57:48And now Everton are coming at Forest.
00:57:50And Jack Grealish has got a lot of space here.
00:57:56Grealish still.
00:57:58Dwight McNeil.
00:58:02Back to Grealish again from Garner.
00:58:04Barry and Dibleem patiently waiting.
00:58:08Garner's hit.
00:58:10Was travelling.
00:58:11Really was travelling.
00:58:13Scored one very nicely taken goal tonight already, James Garner.
00:58:25Squeezed for room, Douglas Luiz.
00:58:27He's lost it.
00:58:28And all of a sudden, the gaps are beginning to come a bit more frequently for Everton.
00:58:32Garner, what a spin that is.
00:58:37And the ball as well.
00:58:39For Barry.
00:58:40For 2-0 Everton.
00:58:46Tiano Barry scores against Nottingham Forest again.
00:58:50And while he takes plenty of praise, plenty more needs to come the way of James Garner.
00:59:00What a fabulous assist from the Everton midfielder.
00:59:03And the relief etched across the face of Tiano Barry to add another to his Premier League tally.
00:59:14Most Nottingham Forest fans are still in here, but there are one or two red seats that are beginning to appear.
00:59:20Backward.
00:59:24Oh, he's got the room.
00:59:25Backward.
00:59:25Oh, it's gone all the way across.
00:59:27It's an Everton away win that will rejuvenate hopes of a European charge this season.
00:59:35And they have done the double over Nottingham Forest in the space of a few weeks.
00:59:39That is three straight defeats now for Sean Dyche's side.
00:59:43I always saw tonight have been a really difficult game because Nottingham Forest are probably pushing really hard for the points.
00:59:50I thought they played really well against Manchester City at the weekend and were a bit unlucky not to take something from the game.
00:59:56So it was never going to be an easy game for us.
00:59:58And then, obviously, with the players we have missing.
01:00:00But great credit to the ones who come in.
01:00:02They've done a great job.
01:00:03Really did.
01:00:04We've dominated the game in many ways tonight, but not with that real edge and that cutting edge.
01:00:07And certainly, if you're going to dominate, don't lose the game to two really poor goals defensively.
01:00:12Like, not enough edge from us, you know, and I think that's the next step.
01:00:15You know, when the expectation grows, what about us growing?
01:00:18I think that's the next step.
01:00:19This club's played a massive part in my career, so I was never going to celebrate if I scored.
01:00:25I definitely enjoyed the second goal way more.
01:00:28You know, the work that I did and then the pass.
01:00:31I was just praying that he put it in the back of the net and he did.
01:00:34So I was really happy.
01:00:36And, you know, that makes it a lot easier going into the final five or ten minutes, two up rather than one.
01:00:42Well, no wonder James Garner was happy with a goal and an assist against his old club.
01:00:47Well, he goes under the radar a little bit.
01:00:49I mean, Dewsbury Hall, Grealish and Jai tend to get a lot of the headlines whenever they've done well this season.
01:00:54But he's been terrific.
01:00:55And today was arguably his best performance of the season.
01:00:58He's filled in in various positions.
01:01:00He's playing in midfield at the moment.
01:01:02He's enjoying it.
01:01:02He's technically very good.
01:01:03We know that.
01:01:04This is a brilliant finish.
01:01:05First chance Everton had in the game.
01:01:08Really, really good finish, that is.
01:01:10I like the fact he can play quick.
01:01:12He knows when he's got time on the ball.
01:01:14He travels with the ball nicely.
01:01:16He can get Everton up the pitch at times and just release that pressure.
01:01:21He's a clever footballer.
01:01:22He's not physically that big and doesn't rely so much on the aggressive side of the game.
01:01:27But this, this is what he's capable of.
01:01:30We've seen him score a few long ranges.
01:01:31That's a close effort.
01:01:33And he does the hard work.
01:01:34You can't play in the middle of the park unless you're prepared to do that.
01:01:36Get back into defensive areas and block crosses and stick with your runners.
01:01:41And this is the highlight for me.
01:01:42I mean, as a midfielder, this type of assist is the most pleasing.
01:01:46Lovely bit of skill.
01:01:48And then can you find a way to the pass?
01:01:49Beautiful.
01:01:51Into Barry.
01:01:51He gets his second goal and pleases those Evertonians who go more.
01:01:57But this is, this is top midfield play.
01:02:00And it deserved a goal for the brilliance of the Panthers.
01:02:04Yeah, it's his fifth game.
01:02:05It's centre midfielder in a row now.
01:02:07Yeah.
01:02:07And you're looking at, you touch on it there.
01:02:09Keenan Drewsby Hall stepping out through injury.
01:02:11They've been a depleted side.
01:02:13Who's going to step up?
01:02:14He's stepped up now.
01:02:16And Everton fans are looking at him kind of over the course of this season.
01:02:19How good are you?
01:02:20What are you?
01:02:21I think we're starting to see the picture.
01:02:23And he's got to get his contract.
01:02:24So he's out of contract, but apparently for the end of the season, which is unbelievable, really.
01:02:28Talking about a plan for the game, it was very clear what Nottingham Forest and Sean Dyche intended.
01:02:3446 crosses from Nottingham Forest in this game.
01:02:38But it says here only eight successful.
01:02:41But you would read it slightly differently, Danny.
01:02:43Obviously, watching the game, you see the quality of the crosses.
01:02:47And the only reason the successful number there is low is because of the performance of O'Brien and Tarkovsky, who were absolutely outstanding.
01:02:54There was a couple of poor headers from Forest when they did get the first contact.
01:02:57But a lot of quality from Forest in wide areas.
01:03:00And something, I think, is a positive for them moving forward.
01:03:03I wouldn't see that stat as a negative.
01:03:05Just keep getting it in there.
01:03:06And, of course, they'll be having Chris Wood back sooner rather than later.
01:03:09Now, Manchester United beat Newcastle in the only game on Boxing Day.
01:03:15They were back at Old Trafford for the visit of Wolves, who are still yet to win and on a run of 11 straight defeats.
01:03:21Your commentator, Steve Bauer.
01:03:25Manchester United have lost just twice in the last 12 games.
01:03:29They're there without Mason Mount due to a muscle problem.
01:03:32It takes the unavoidable list of Ruben Amrim to eight players.
01:03:36So, Joshua Zertzky starts for only the fourth time in the Premier League this season.
01:03:41Wolves, who are on the third longest run without a victory in Premier League history,
01:03:45are missing the suspended Andre and the injured Santiago Bueno.
01:03:50So, Tachua and Arias both come in.
01:03:53And it has been pointed out quite correctly that Wolves have pushed Arsenal and Liverpool away from home very closely indeed recently.
01:04:05And their last away Premier League win was here at Old Trafford in April.
01:04:12Dorkin over Szczesko.
01:04:13Now, I can't go back for Cezo-Saar.
01:04:16He immediately finds Hwang.
01:04:19Brilliant from here.
01:04:20Now, can he set something moving?
01:04:26Zertzky.
01:04:27And they go again.
01:04:28Joshua Zertzky deflected.
01:04:31And Manchester United get the break and they get the lead.
01:04:36And that's a tough one on Wolves, the way they've started this game.
01:04:40It was congested in those central areas.
01:04:43But when it came back to Zertzky,
01:04:46it hits Krejci.
01:04:47And deflects off the Czech Republic International.
01:04:51Past Jose Sarr.
01:04:53And into the back of the net.
01:04:56His goal has given his team a 1-0 lead.
01:04:59Vigate.
01:05:03And to Zertzky.
01:05:05Kenya demanding it.
01:05:06He's going to go the other way instead to Dorgun.
01:05:09He's up against Chachua.
01:05:11And he's got Shaw bursting forwards.
01:05:15Deflected along the way.
01:05:17Well, after his first ever goal.
01:05:18From Manchester United on Boxing Day.
01:05:22He fancied another go.
01:05:23And Chachua.
01:05:28Just managed to deflect that wide.
01:05:31From Manchester United's second corner.
01:05:35Off the post from the Slovenian.
01:05:38Jose Sarr beaten.
01:05:40Almost 2-0.
01:05:42His eighth game in charge tonight.
01:05:44Two of them against Manchester United.
01:05:46And he's lost all seven.
01:05:48The Wolves have lost their last 11 in a row.
01:05:52Mane.
01:05:54And he's found.
01:05:56Maracadoa.
01:05:58In turn finds Bueno.
01:06:01And Lammens denies him.
01:06:04With a save with his legs.
01:06:06Here's Mane.
01:06:08And that's taken by the Belgian cleanly.
01:06:12Decent contact from Bueno.
01:06:14It's not with that left leg from Lammens.
01:06:17No room for Bueno to deliver as yet.
01:06:21But there is now.
01:06:23No chances taken by Dorgut.
01:06:26And that is Wolves' first corner of the game.
01:06:31Manchester United's turn to have everybody back.
01:06:33It came off Zertski.
01:06:34What an excellent header.
01:06:351-1.
01:06:38And it's Creighton.
01:06:39Who the goal deflected off.
01:06:42For Manchester United.
01:06:44To equalise for Wolves.
01:06:47Right on the stroke of half-time.
01:06:50Inadvertedly flicked on by Zertski.
01:06:52But what a perfect header.
01:06:55From Creighton.
01:06:57Right in the corner.
01:07:00And that was a sweet moment for him.
01:07:05Manchester United's half-time change.
01:07:07Which is the introduction of Jack Fletcher.
01:07:10In place of Joshua Zertski.
01:07:14But apart from Dallon.
01:07:16Now Fletcher.
01:07:19It's heaven again.
01:07:21And he's off a block by Doherty.
01:07:22Now Casemiro.
01:07:25That's nice.
01:07:26Cescco.
01:07:28He was offside anyway.
01:07:31And he'd be relieved.
01:07:32Because he should have done better.
01:07:36Who was he?
01:07:36And that's a nice in the end.
01:07:41And that's the first winning.
01:07:44Eight Premier League games without Bruno Fernandes on Boxing Day.
01:07:47Manchester United.
01:07:49But he's pegged back tight without their skipper.
01:07:53It's direct towards Dallo.
01:07:56Doherty's head out.
01:07:57Oh.
01:07:57And it's going to be an own goal is it?
01:08:01Jose Sartre has prevented it.
01:08:04With a miraculous recovery.
01:08:07The GDS watch hasn't gone off.
01:08:10And it looked as though it was going to beat Jose Sartre.
01:08:13With the determination.
01:08:14The flexibility.
01:08:16To get back and recover that situation.
01:08:19Outstanding.
01:08:20This is how close it was.
01:08:23To 2-1.
01:08:24Look at that.
01:08:25Goodness me.
01:08:31Jean Gomez.
01:08:38Peter Byrne.
01:08:39Didn't get there.
01:08:41Brilliant from Lammans.
01:08:42And somehow.
01:08:44The follow-up.
01:08:46From Mascara.
01:08:48Didn't go in.
01:08:50Well this is a real let-off for Manchester United.
01:08:53Crecci's effort denied.
01:08:55And Ammonster's well on the floor you know.
01:09:00Recognising.
01:09:01From Mascara.
01:09:02And indeed his manager.
01:09:07Crecci.
01:09:09Mascara kept it in.
01:09:18Mascara kept it in.
01:09:20Mascara has beaten Shaw here.
01:09:23And it's back towards Arias.
01:09:26And it's back towards Arias.
01:09:29He was under excellent pressure.
01:09:31Kondalo.
01:09:32From Dalo.
01:09:32And it's back to the floor.
01:09:34And it's back to Cunha.
01:09:34Here we go.
01:09:34And it's back to the goal.
01:09:35From Dalo.
01:09:36And it's back to the goal.
01:09:36Here we go.
01:09:37for Wolves. I saw the headlines there, Shashko, get it back from Cunha, trying to go around
01:09:51Doherty, Cunha to keep things moving, Casemiro, Shashko, and the follow-up's in from Dorgo,
01:10:01but he's offside, the flag is up, the celebrations will be cut short, and the Boxing Day hero who was
01:10:13hoping to write another script, looks like he's going to be denied, yes he's off, no goal, still
01:10:211-1. Another night of frustration for him, more drop points than they were least expected.
01:10:32Rob, well done, your first point, I mean, if you're getting greedy, could it have been more?
01:10:36Potentially, I think it's the least we deserved, you know, it's another good performance, it's progress,
01:10:42you know, I know that's been slow in terms of results, but our performances, especially away
01:10:47from home have warranted, I think, more than the points and what we've got, it's nice to take
01:10:52something away from the game, I feel we deserve that. Ruben, just a point in the end, how did you
01:10:55see that? I think it was a strange game, we already knew it, that would be a different game if you
01:11:04compare it to Newcastle, we needed more imagination today, but we tried, but the quality was not there,
01:11:12but also because the characteristics is not the right characteristics in this moment, but
01:11:16we tried, we need to recover to the next one.
01:11:21If Manchester United had one, they would have moved up to fourth in the table, but Wolves
01:11:25losing one comes to an end at Old Trafford, just their third point of the season, and Amorim
01:11:31looks as though he was reverting to type, going back to that 3-4-3 rather than the back four
01:11:37he tried against Newcastle.
01:11:38Yeah, I mean, you can put the formations up, you can put the personnel up for me, Laman's
01:11:42played well, you're looking at a continuation of a problem in consistency, in terms of just
01:11:48an overall performance of intensity that's there, and there's two managers from tonight
01:11:53for me, and one that's worked with the team for a short period of time, and you can see
01:11:58small grains of improvement for Wolves, and small crumbs of comfort and energy to come from
01:12:04the results. And then you're looking at Manchester United, and Amorim has spoken at length over
01:12:08a period of time, saying, last season there were too many games for us to work on the
01:12:13manager, on the training pitch for the manager. Now, he's had half a season on this, and he's
01:12:19gone back from one formation to another, and back again. I'm just not seeing the positional,
01:12:23the formational improvement, or the performance improvement.
01:12:27And they didn't get the result. Xerxes did get the goal, but came off at half-time, a tactical
01:12:36substitution. Is he just someone who's waiting to be sold?
01:12:41I think so, yeah. He's had enough chances, the fans haven't really taken to him. He'll
01:12:45probably say he's not been given as many opportunities as he thinks he deserves, but for the quality
01:12:50United need, he's probably not up to it, and I think we'll see him go in this window, probably.
01:12:54Let's take a look at the last table of the year. Arsenal begin the new year, five points
01:12:59clear at the top. Manchester City not in action until the 1st of January, when they travel
01:13:03to Sunderland. Aston Villa's run of eight Premier League wins comes to an end. Bournemouth's
01:13:0810-game winless run is their longest in the Premier League for more than two years. Wolves end
01:13:13a run of 11 defeats by earning a first point since the 5th of October.
01:13:19Thank you very much to Rob and to Danny for your company. So, Arsenal end 2025.
01:13:24Top of the Premier League table. But however you're celebrating this new year, have a wonderful
01:13:30new year, and we'll see you on New Year's Day. Bye-bye.
01:13:32Chaplain
01:13:42Haplain
01:13:43Chaplain
01:13:44Chaplain
01:13:45Chaplain
01:13:48Can
01:13:53Chaplain
01:13:53Chaplain
01:13:55Ha Coalition
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