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00:00:00Oh, what a goal!
00:00:02Oh, look at that!
00:00:03Absolutely phenomenal!
00:00:05Rudy!
00:00:07Welcome to Match of the Dead.
00:00:50Good evening. It's been a big day at both ends of the table.
00:00:53Five games on the way, two Premier League winners in the studio
00:00:56in the shape of Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney.
00:00:58And we begin with the title race.
00:01:00Arsenal had the chance to move six points clear of Manchester City,
00:01:03albeit having played two games more.
00:01:05They faced Fulham.
00:01:06Your commentator at the Emirates is Guy Mowbray.
00:01:11Busy times for Arsenal, which also means stressful times.
00:01:15But if they keep their nerve, players and fans,
00:01:19they could be just a few sure weeks away from the very best of times.
00:01:24Miguel Arteta has made a whole handful of changes for this one.
00:01:28The game in between their Champions League semi-final legs.
00:01:32Ricardo Calafiore returns from injury.
00:01:35Miles Lewis-Skelly, Everett Chiesa and Leandro Trossard also come in.
00:01:40And Bukayo Saka starts for the first time since the League Cup final
00:01:44and as captain with Martin Odegaard ruled out.
00:01:47For Fulham, a virus affected several of their training ground this week
00:01:51and Sander Verga is still suffering.
00:01:54So Harrison Reid is in the side from kick-off for the first time in the Premier League all season,
00:01:58whilst Anthony Robinson replaces the injured Ryan Sessegnon.
00:02:04Fulham first played away to Arsenal in 1904.
00:02:08They've only visited 33 times in total.
00:02:12They've never won.
00:02:14And now for today.
00:02:19Lewis Skelly.
00:02:20Not ended by Reid.
00:02:25Declan Rice will be in charge of this one.
00:02:29Rice gives the signal.
00:02:34Then one left to it.
00:02:40Lewis Skelly.
00:02:45Saka.
00:02:47He's got the space.
00:02:49Oh, he's now got a position.
00:02:51Brilliant from Saka.
00:02:52And a tap-in for Jokeres.
00:02:55That is just what Arsenal wanted.
00:02:58That's what it means.
00:03:01The nine men's back.
00:03:02The man in the number seven show.
00:03:04Brilliant for Kaio Saka.
00:03:07Two wonderful pieces of work here.
00:03:10There's the first.
00:03:12And then it's a sucker punch with the second.
00:03:15Jokeres doing not exactly what he was brought to the club to do.
00:03:19Score goals.
00:03:20He's got 20 of them.
00:03:23Still he has his critics.
00:03:25Is he good enough to play the central striking role for the team that wants to win the Premier League
00:03:29and Champions League?
00:03:30Well, I would suggest his numbers add up.
00:03:33Mikel Arteta's body language is, and perhaps this is just entirely understandable, getting more and more frantic by the game.
00:03:44Leno has made an early decision to make it his.
00:03:46He's lost it.
00:03:47Play goes on.
00:03:49Good save.
00:03:50Saka wide.
00:03:53And Leno now rushes out to the ref and says, where's my decision?
00:03:56I was impeded there.
00:03:59Was he though?
00:03:59Leno.
00:04:00He got up above.
00:04:02Gabriel wasn't able to complete the catch.
00:04:05And Saka unable to finish.
00:04:07It's a good recovery from Leno.
00:04:10Stage switched on to make the important block.
00:04:15There's a reminder of what it takes to win a Premier League title and the rest.
00:04:20Thierry Henry, double winner 2002 and invincible in 2004.
00:04:26228 Arsenal goals.
00:04:29And Saka again.
00:04:31Pulling it back.
00:04:35And on earth aren't Arsenal 2-0 up or more.
00:04:38Here's Trossard.
00:04:40They might be in a moment.
00:04:41There are!
00:04:43It's Califiori!
00:04:49Now let's see if this will stand.
00:04:51I don't think he will, you know.
00:04:52I think it's going to be one still.
00:04:55Califiori at the point of the ball coming his way.
00:04:57Was behind the line of Fulham defenders.
00:05:00And I think he knows it.
00:05:01I think he stays 1-0.
00:05:03But I think that comes with the caveat of for now.
00:05:09White.
00:05:14There's a delightful pass for Jokeres.
00:05:18A lot to do though.
00:05:19He's got to wait for assistance.
00:05:21It comes from Saka.
00:05:23Saka!
00:05:26Now it is 2-0.
00:05:29No ruling that one out.
00:05:31No stopping Saka.
00:05:36The two who combined for the first goal.
00:05:38Swap rolls for the second.
00:05:41Huge crates of Jokeres.
00:05:42All on his own.
00:05:44But he held it up.
00:05:45He saw the picture developing.
00:05:47He saw Saka arriving.
00:05:48And Leno being at his near post.
00:05:52It would be a lot more comfortable to be an Arsenal fan at the break as things stand now.
00:05:57Every missed chance was just starting to make the nerves jangle a bit.
00:06:07Saka.
00:06:08That might be his first mistake.
00:06:09Gabriel has dug him out of the hole.
00:06:12And he might just have started one last Arsenal attack before half-time.
00:06:16It's Trossard.
00:06:18And Trossard chips it in for Jokeres!
00:06:23Two becomes three.
00:06:25Arsenal have been outstanding in this first half.
00:06:30What a ball forward to Trossard.
00:06:33And a brilliant chip from him.
00:06:36For Victor Jokeres to score his second of the game.
00:06:40Nerves completely settled.
00:06:43Fulham completely shattered.
00:06:45Arsenal have been so hungry in this one half of football.
00:06:50And the goals rack up.
00:06:52That could be important too.
00:06:54That could be important too.
00:07:00Euphoric atmosphere inside the Emirates as Jimenez just tries to quiet things down a bit.
00:07:05But that will be it for the first half.
00:07:08Arsenal's half and then some.
00:07:10They will get some reception as they leave for the home dressing room.
00:07:15Listen to this.
00:07:22A half-time Arsenal change.
00:07:24And it is one of significance.
00:07:26Noni Madweke is on.
00:07:28But Kai Osaka replaced.
00:07:30I think it's a fair bet to say that is purely with Tuesday night's second leg against Atletico Madrid in
00:07:36mind.
00:07:37But we'll find out later.
00:07:41Jimenez!
00:07:43Wasn't a bad effort at all.
00:07:45Had Raya flying.
00:07:47Never going in though.
00:07:52Still not to talk about what he's going to do next.
00:07:55No sign of a new contract to stay as Fulham's boss being signed.
00:08:00Having been their longest serving manager since Bedford Jezzard.
00:08:04Who was in charge from 1958 to 1964.
00:08:09Trosser seems surprised to emerge with the ball there.
00:08:12Plays it through now for Jokeres!
00:08:15And Leno gets enough of a block on it.
00:08:19Mikel Arteta was asked about his players' preparations after Wednesday's exertions in Madrid.
00:08:25He said make sure they eat, sleep and get a lot of love.
00:08:29Looks as though they've had a terrific couple of days.
00:08:33Madweke drifts away from Robinson.
00:08:36And Anderson heads it behind.
00:08:48Madweke whips it in!
00:08:50Calafiori against the bar!
00:08:56Calafiori in front of Bassey, terrific lead.
00:08:59Oh, and he's headed it against his own bar.
00:09:01Leno knew nothing about it.
00:09:02And that's a save.
00:09:04Off-source.
00:09:07I've never seen one of those before.
00:09:12There's no way Fulham are getting three goals now.
00:09:14What you could probably do with the next six minutes and a bit more ticking away pretty quickly.
00:09:20Dowman.
00:09:22Spins clear of Lukic.
00:09:24Kusiasari is tracking back after him.
00:09:27Dowman beats him as well!
00:09:28And puts his shot wide.
00:09:31A glimpse of what he's all about.
00:09:34What was it Mikel Arteta said about his whole team the other week?
00:09:38No fear, pure fire.
00:09:41Well, Max Dowman at 16 years old epitomizes that idea.
00:09:45Well, that might be it for the night.
00:09:48And Klarteta might just allow himself a beaming smile.
00:09:54Arsenal move.
00:09:55Six points clear at the top.
00:09:57And now the focus goes north-west to see what Man City are made of.
00:10:03The Gunners have done what they had to do.
00:10:07And they did it at an explosive first-half performance.
00:10:12In truth, every Arsenal player terrific today, as was every Arsenal fan.
00:10:19Arsenal three, full of nil.
00:10:24Mikel, just tell us your feelings about that, particularly that first-half, 45 minutes plus.
00:10:29Well, I'm extremely happy today.
00:10:32It was a really tough match to play.
00:10:34We came back from Madrid very late on Thursday.
00:10:36I thought the team played incredibly well today.
00:10:39Collectively, individually, dominated, show the hunger that we discussed before the game.
00:10:45And, yeah, we engage our supporters.
00:10:47The moment that energy lifts in the stadium, we make it really difficult for the opponent.
00:10:51We know there's pressure.
00:10:52We all talk about it.
00:10:53We make it worse by talking about it.
00:10:55But do you talk about it as players, or is it just you're just doing your job?
00:10:58No, we see pressure as a privilege.
00:11:01Definitely, this is a lot of players' dreams and ambitions.
00:11:04So we just want to relish the moment and stay present.
00:11:07This is where we expect to be.
00:11:09And, you know, we have to take our opportunity now, because it's right there for the taking.
00:11:12We know you've had a difficult week.
00:11:14There's been illness in the camp.
00:11:16Does that go some way to explaining what happened today?
00:11:18This is the easiest excuse.
00:11:20We start with 11.
00:11:23As a whole, we should have done much better.
00:11:25And if you don't do the basic things well, we are not going to be ready to compete.
00:11:29In our box, you have to be much stronger than we defended.
00:11:31And we were not at the level this afternoon.
00:11:34I know you said about your players after Wednesday.
00:11:36They need to eat. They need to sleep.
00:11:39Where is this sort of hunger come from today to get them really revved up at just the right time?
00:11:44For the opportunity.
00:11:45I think you have the opportunity to win two major competitions.
00:11:49We are games away now from achieving that.
00:11:52And that's not the biggest motivation that you can find.
00:11:55Then you have to be doing something else.
00:11:57And these boys, they really want to be on it.
00:11:59And they feel extremely privileged to be in that position.
00:12:02They earn it because of the way that they work.
00:12:04Because they've gone against so many things in this season.
00:12:07And today they show the kind of team that we are.
00:12:10It's been a busy seven days for them.
00:12:11But Arsenal were great today.
00:12:13And there was one man in particular who caught your eye.
00:12:15In fact, you've spoken highly of him all season, Jokeres.
00:12:18So what was it about his performance today, Wayne?
00:12:20Yeah, I think his whole game, I think his whole play obviously is two goals.
00:12:25And I think what he does, he allows the likes of Vese and Saka to get into positions.
00:12:31And I think he's been fantastic all season.
00:12:33And yeah, he's had a little bit of criticism.
00:12:35But what I really like today is positioning in front of the goal.
00:12:39So if you look here, look at the space between him and the Fulham defenders.
00:12:44So normally you see forwards wanting that space in the penalty box.
00:12:47But what he does here, which is really clever, he almost goes and marks himself.
00:12:50He gets really tight with the Fulham defender.
00:12:52And now his run is smaller.
00:12:54So if Saka cross that ball in right here, it's a one-yard run.
00:12:57And then he gets across the defender.
00:12:59But he doesn't.
00:13:00Great skill by Saka.
00:13:01He re-adjusted his body.
00:13:02Now he's in full control of the defender.
00:13:04The defender's flat-footed.
00:13:05And again, it's a little one-yard run.
00:13:07He's wrestling with the defender.
00:13:09But that little one-yard run gets him in the middle of the goal for a nice tap-in.
00:13:14And his movement was very clever today, all day.
00:13:19And as we see right here, this running behind, good centre-forward play,
00:13:23keeping the Fulham defenders on their toes.
00:13:25They have to change position to the defenders.
00:13:27And now you can see there's only Trossard in this picture.
00:13:30And normally what a centre-forward would do here is come towards the touchline
00:13:33and then maybe pass it back to his full-back who might come and support him.
00:13:37But he doesn't. He gets turned.
00:13:38He faces the defender up.
00:13:39And this is really clever.
00:13:41He almost forces Saka to make that movement inside.
00:13:43And it's a really good pass, but it's all about the timing
00:13:45and then a wonderful finish.
00:13:47And if we look here on this touch now, he doesn't look down at the ball again.
00:13:51So this is all about Saka making the run and getting that timing right.
00:13:55And he gets it perfect.
00:13:56And then Saka with a nice couple of touches and a wonderful finish.
00:14:01So when I spoke about his movements in the first goal,
00:14:04this is slightly different, but just as clever.
00:14:07So now Anderson is in a difficult position.
00:14:09He has to go and cover his full-back.
00:14:12And Saka's movement is just a straight line.
00:14:15He doesn't really do anything.
00:14:16So it's very little movement, but it gets him in the middle of the goal
00:14:21where Bassey can't get to him.
00:14:22And it's a great leap and a great header.
00:14:24And he was really impressive all afternoon today.
00:14:27And I'm really pleased for him because he has had a bit of stick.
00:14:30And now we see that as a celebration.
00:14:31Yeah, well, you know when you've kind of resonated with the fans,
00:14:33you saw kids doing that, didn't you, after his performance today.
00:14:36Now there is a counterpoint and you said there has been criticism.
00:14:39These are his goals.
00:14:41And 14 in the Premier League, over 20 this season in all competitions.
00:14:45And this here is who he scored against.
00:14:48And only one of the teams he scored against was in the top ten.
00:14:52And that was Bournemouth who were in eighth.
00:14:54Is that an issue for you?
00:14:56No, it's not an issue.
00:14:57I think it's something which, of course, he'd like to score more
00:14:59against the big teams.
00:15:00But I don't think Arsenal have done that well against the big teams
00:15:04anyway this season.
00:15:05And how you win league titles is being consistent.
00:15:08So I think consistently throughout the season,
00:15:10he has scored goals against other teams.
00:15:12But then if we look here, there's minutes per goal.
00:15:14It's right up there.
00:15:15You know, you see the players who are below him.
00:15:19There's Cesc Owecker, TK, Welbeck is below him.
00:15:22He's had a great season.
00:15:23So it was minutes per goal.
00:15:25The ratio is very good.
00:15:26And I think he's been such an important signer for Arsenal.
00:15:28For his goals but also bringing his other teammates into play.
00:15:31And it was a team performance today, wasn't it?
00:15:33There was an energy, an intensity, the atmosphere today.
00:15:37It was all about settling nerves but also raising expectation again.
00:15:40Yeah, I'd even say it was a stadium performance.
00:15:42Everyone with an Arsenal Gunners badge on today played a massive part.
00:15:46And how Arsenal started that game.
00:15:48Oh my goodness me.
00:15:49Arteta talked about hunger.
00:15:51This guy's always on it.
00:15:52He's never not on it.
00:15:53You know, you can't ever accuse him of not being on it.
00:15:55But his team today.
00:15:56Here we've got the back four highlighted.
00:15:58You just saw before how high Califiori was.
00:16:00Rice highlighted here.
00:16:02Just sitting in and there's the front line.
00:16:04Now look at this message here.
00:16:05Ben White saying Califiori's high.
00:16:07Do you really want me to go?
00:16:08Mikel saying go, go, go, go.
00:16:10Now as we see the play open up.
00:16:12Eze in a really congested Fulham defensive half.
00:16:16Why is that to tell me this?
00:16:17Because I don't know it.
00:16:18But apparently finding space in that is very difficult.
00:16:20And doing it sometimes is by standing still.
00:16:22By having the bottle to stand there and say, this is a really good position.
00:16:27Now Arsenal break through the lines.
00:16:28Get it into Eze.
00:16:30Look, ideally a better touch.
00:16:31But I will highlight here.
00:16:33Arsenal's intent.
00:16:34Straight away.
00:16:35Doesn't matter.
00:16:35Sometimes it happens.
00:16:36You lose the ball.
00:16:37Can you turn it over?
00:16:38Can you attack again?
00:16:39Now here they have another situation.
00:16:41Doesn't quite work out.
00:16:43Recycled yet again.
00:16:44Trossard was excellent all afternoon.
00:16:46Eventually gets his shot off.
00:16:48Gets the stadium on their feet.
00:16:50Now this is Arsenal defensively.
00:16:51Look at that.
00:16:52That is so aggressive.
00:16:53That's daring Fulham.
00:16:54Go on.
00:16:55Pass through the lines.
00:16:56Lewis Skelly.
00:16:57Sharp.
00:16:58Bang.
00:16:59Turns it over.
00:17:00Arsenal are doing exactly what they want to do.
00:17:01Red arrows flying at Fulham.
00:17:03Creating yet another opportunity.
00:17:05And that was happening all afternoon.
00:17:07Especially in the first half.
00:17:09Doesn't come to anything.
00:17:10But you just know it's getting recycled again.
00:17:12Now ironically.
00:17:13Saka who was excellent in the first half.
00:17:15This is his worst pass.
00:17:17Gabriel on the front foot.
00:17:19Turns it over.
00:17:19Into Trossard.
00:17:21Here we go.
00:17:21Arsenal are 2-0 up.
00:17:22Are they going to sit on it?
00:17:23Absolutely not.
00:17:24Waz has already talked about the incredible movement in Jokeres.
00:17:27A brilliant ball.
00:17:283-0.
00:17:29Half time.
00:17:30Game over.
00:17:31Well done Arsenal.
00:17:32They're now looking forward to Tuesday night.
00:17:34Of course.
00:17:35We have to ask the question about what is the significance of this result in the title race.
00:17:39Because it's now a six point lead.
00:17:41And there was a difference of opinion in the match of the day office.
00:17:44When this topic was brought up at the end of the game.
00:17:47They're the run-ins.
00:17:48Discuss.
00:17:50Go on Waz.
00:17:50I think Arsenal winning.
00:17:52I think.
00:17:53And I felt this after Man City beat Arsenal as well.
00:17:56I felt.
00:17:58It was maybe an Arsenal's end to having to go to Man City.
00:18:01And you know.
00:18:01Losing in the cup final to them.
00:18:03But I think.
00:18:05Still being there on level on point.
00:18:07After that City defeat.
00:18:09I think the fixtures were more favourable for Arsenal.
00:18:12I think they'll win every game.
00:18:13And I can see City slipping off in one or two games.
00:18:15But there was.
00:18:15There was a worry.
00:18:16That there was a nervousness creeping into their performances.
00:18:18And that I think was a difference today.
00:18:20Wasn't it.
00:18:20That you acknowledge.
00:18:21That today was a really confident performance.
00:18:24Definitely.
00:18:24For you.
00:18:24Does that.
00:18:24Does that not swing it slightly in their favour?
00:18:27No.
00:18:28I honestly.
00:18:28When I think about Manchester City.
00:18:30And I think about Arsenal.
00:18:31And you just asked me.
00:18:32Who do you think.
00:18:33Off air.
00:18:33Who do you think Arsenal are going to lose to.
00:18:34And I thought.
00:18:35I don't care who Arsenal are going to lose to.
00:18:36Because I look at Manchester City.
00:18:38I look at their spine.
00:18:39Their spine is so strong.
00:18:40It's either full of multiple winners.
00:18:42Or people keeping multiple winners out of the team.
00:18:46Donnarumma has won the lot.
00:18:47Look at Cushionov and Gehi.
00:18:49Alright.
00:18:49They've not won everything.
00:18:50But they're keeping out Ruben Diaz.
00:18:52Aki.
00:18:53Stones.
00:18:53They've won the lot.
00:18:54So you think it's the muscle memory of winning.
00:18:55That is the difference.
00:18:56I'm talking Rodri.
00:18:57I'm talking Bernardo Silva.
00:18:59I'm talking Erling Haaland.
00:19:00That is my spine.
00:19:01I want to be a part of an entitled running.
00:19:03And not only that.
00:19:04Don't forget who's behind it all.
00:19:06Another multiple winner.
00:19:07Pep Guardiola.
00:19:07So you don't think they're going to drop any points.
00:19:08I don't think they will.
00:19:09I think they'll do whatever needs to be done.
00:19:11Whether they drop any points.
00:19:12I don't know.
00:19:13I'm not Mystic Meg.
00:19:14But when I look at those two teams.
00:19:16And who I think are going to charge over the line.
00:19:17I think Manchester City.
00:19:18You think they will drop points.
00:19:19How many points will Arsenal win by then?
00:19:21I can see Arsenal being actually quite comfortable.
00:19:23I think maybe three, five points.
00:19:25Why do you think City are going to drop points then?
00:19:27I just do.
00:19:28I just think Arsenal have been fantastic.
00:19:31They've been top of the league most of the season.
00:19:34But I just think Arsenal have got a way of playing.
00:19:39Which doesn't catch everyone's eye.
00:19:41But I just think City with the games they've got.
00:19:44And they've got midweek games.
00:19:46They've got quite congested.
00:19:47They've got a great squad as well for that congested period.
00:19:49Yeah they have.
00:19:50But you know Arsenal have been there all season.
00:19:51And I think it's their year.
00:19:53See you on the 24th of May.
00:19:55OK.
00:19:55To the bottom of the table now.
00:19:57West Ham and of course had a two point lead over Spurs.
00:20:01Ahead of a trip to Brentford.
00:20:02Who's European ambitions took a hit at Old Trafford on Monday.
00:20:07This is a game of significance for both Manchester United and Brentford.
00:20:14Casemiro.
00:20:15Manchester United lead.
00:20:18Fernandes with options.
00:20:20Shesko.
00:20:21Brilliant.
00:20:24Jenson.
00:20:26Who's coming for it.
00:20:27An exceptional finish.
00:20:30Manchester United have beaten Brentford by two goals to one at Old Trafford.
00:20:34Simon Brotherton was at the GTEC Community Stadium.
00:20:39It may be six games without a win for Brentford.
00:20:42But they've only lost once in that time.
00:20:44And are still just two points off sixth place.
00:20:47Unchanged today.
00:20:47They'll be hoping Brazilian striker Thiago.
00:20:50Can add to his impressive tally of 21 Premier League goals so far this season.
00:20:55West Ham look to extend their advantage over Spurs.
00:20:58To five points overnight.
00:21:00In the scramble to stay up.
00:21:01They too are unchanged.
00:21:03Jared Bowen has an excellent record against Brentford.
00:21:05With five league goals in nine appearances.
00:21:08And two more in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
00:21:10When the sides met in March.
00:21:19Somerville lets it run.
00:21:20Pablo looks to get away from Vandenberg.
00:21:23And he has.
00:21:24Pablo for West Ham.
00:21:26Saved by Kelleher.
00:21:29Well for a moment there.
00:21:30Pablo looked as if he was about to score his first goal in English football.
00:21:33And what a moment for him it would have been.
00:21:37Kelleher able to pour the low shot away.
00:21:44Collins.
00:21:50Lewis Potter's ball in.
00:21:51It's not a bad one.
00:21:52And Coyote's there.
00:21:54And it's in.
00:21:55And Brentford have scored.
00:21:57West Ham concede inside the opening quarter of an hour.
00:22:02Mavropanos has stayed on the ground.
00:22:04He may well end up with an own goal that he doesn't want to claim.
00:22:11Everyone's onside there initially.
00:22:13And having bounced off the post.
00:22:15Coyote getting there the same time as the Greek defender.
00:22:20Yeah you can see it's Mavropanos who gets his boot to it.
00:22:24Their team are on the back foot in the sunshine here.
00:22:26Relatively early in the afternoon.
00:22:30West Ham are going to come out and have a go now.
00:22:32They've got no choice.
00:22:33It's due.
00:22:33The good news for them is there's plenty of time to get back in the match.
00:22:37Castellanos looks to tee it up.
00:22:38Oh!
00:22:39So close.
00:22:40Almost an immediate equaliser.
00:22:43Well West Ham having fallen behind.
00:22:45Firing straight back at Brentford here.
00:22:47And very unlucky not to equalise.
00:22:52Fernandes.
00:22:55Well any early caginess has to go out of the window a little bit now.
00:23:00Free kick for West Ham as a result of that challenge.
00:23:06Jeff sends it in.
00:23:07Dangerous looking delivery.
00:23:09And a sensational equaliser from of all people.
00:23:14Konstantinos Mavropanos.
00:23:16Subject to a VAR review.
00:23:19West Ham United our level.
00:23:22It's a tight one.
00:23:27Here it is.
00:23:30Mavropanos.
00:23:31Too far forward.
00:23:33It remains 1-0 to Brentford.
00:23:36West Ham denied.
00:23:39West Ham actually played pretty well having conceded just a few minutes ago.
00:23:43No positive response from them.
00:23:45As indeed there has to be.
00:23:48Here's Bowen.
00:23:50In exchange with Castellanos.
00:23:53Fernandes won't get there.
00:23:55Ahead of Jamaljuk.
00:23:57He's looking for Thiago.
00:23:59And out of his box is Hermansen.
00:24:02And here could be a chance maybe.
00:24:04Hermansen's in no man's land.
00:24:06Damscott's still going.
00:24:07And Damscott's put it wide.
00:24:09And West Ham survive a moment where it looked for all the world as if they were going to concede
00:24:15a second.
00:24:17Here's where it started to unravel at the back for West Ham.
00:24:21And here's the moment when they heaved a huge sigh of relief.
00:24:32Oh, Walker-Peters.
00:24:35Sotek.
00:24:37Combination between the pair of them and Matthias Jensen swiftly across.
00:24:47From Bowen and the header on against the post again!
00:24:50And Castellanos smacks the frame of the goal for the second time in the opening half an hour.
00:24:58It's not too often you hit the inside of the post and the ball doesn't go in.
00:25:07Socek into Castellanos.
00:25:10Going for goal!
00:25:11And it's another superb effort and a very fine save indeed from Quivin Kelleher.
00:25:17West Ham certainly knocking on the door.
00:25:25Damscott in possession.
00:25:28And Duf with the header clear only as far as Watara.
00:25:37Challenged by Duf right on the edge of the box.
00:25:40It's a penalty.
00:25:45Duf penalised by referee Craig Pawson.
00:25:47It was right on the edge of the penalty area.
00:25:53How close?
00:25:55Well, very.
00:25:57Maybe just inside.
00:26:02The check is complete.
00:26:04It will be a penalty.
00:26:05What a big moment in the afternoon this is now.
00:26:09It's Thiago against Hermansen.
00:26:15And it's 2-0 to Brentford.
00:26:17And there was never really any doubt about it.
00:26:21Thiago has been simply outstanding this season.
00:26:25It's his 22nd Premier League goal of the season.
00:26:28It's a 2-0 lead for Brentford.
00:26:30And it's quite a way back for West Ham this afternoon.
00:26:40Somerville finding Fernandes who picks out Joff.
00:26:43And it was a dangerous ball in which Vandenberghe puts behind for a corner.
00:26:48That penalty kick from Thiago will have been music to Tottenham fans' ears as well.
00:26:55A two-goal advantage for Brentford here.
00:27:00Headed by Collins.
00:27:02Just actually trying to hook it back in.
00:27:03And Eby Brentford with the opportunity to break here as Watara sends it forward.
00:27:09And Yarmou Yuki's there.
00:27:10There is a check ongoing for what's just gone on in the penalty area at the other end of the
00:27:14field.
00:27:14As Brentford venture forward.
00:27:17Damskar.
00:27:18Watara wants it and gets it.
00:27:20Time to pick a spot for the shot.
00:27:21And he does.
00:27:22And he very nearly makes it three.
00:27:25We're having a look at a possible check for a penalty at the other end of the field while this
00:27:30was going on.
00:27:31Just watch 23 there.
00:27:32Lewis Potter, far side of the six-yard box.
00:27:35Wrestling with Thomas Socek.
00:27:38Check complete, no penalty.
00:27:46Socek losing out to Damskar in the air.
00:27:49But Mavropanos stepping in for West Ham.
00:27:52Owen will get there first.
00:27:54And Somerville provides support for Asensio Somerville.
00:27:58And still looking for an opening.
00:28:00Oh, it's slammed off the crossbar.
00:28:03Socek!
00:28:04And it's wide.
00:28:05Pablo is asking the question of the referee for a challenge inside the penalty area.
00:28:12The player slipping.
00:28:14That's why West Ham haven't been awarded anything yet.
00:28:29Lewis Potter.
00:28:32Tidy turn from Damskar.
00:28:34There it is.
00:28:37There won't be any coming back from that for West Ham today.
00:28:40It's a big blow to their survival hoax.
00:28:43And it's an excellent three points for Brentford.
00:28:46Who are set to win in the Premier League for the first time since the end of February.
00:28:51There it is.
00:28:52Nicol Damskar.
00:28:54With a very precise.
00:28:57Finish.
00:28:59Beyond Hermansen.
00:29:01What a day it's turned into for Tottenham.
00:29:03They haven't even played.
00:29:07Somerville.
00:29:13Yamalyuk is on the ground.
00:29:15They are looking at this for possible serious foul play.
00:29:21Just watch Pablo here.
00:29:23Watch his right foot.
00:29:24Just above the ankle on Diego Yamalyuk.
00:29:28So they have confirmed the on-field decision of no red card.
00:29:34Well, Josh De Silva is about to come onto the field for his first appearance since the 31st of January
00:29:432024.
00:29:45He's been out for so long with a knee injury.
00:29:48And Josh De Silva, much to the delight of Brentford fans everywhere, is onto the field.
00:29:5698 minutes played.
00:29:59It's a big win for Brentford.
00:30:01And it's a woeful afternoon for West Ham.
00:30:04It's finished.
00:30:06Brentford three.
00:30:07West Ham United nil.
00:30:08Be quite confident at half-time given what you'd seen that your team would be able to get something.
00:30:13Yeah, that was the feeling.
00:30:15That was the feeling among us.
00:30:17We knew that we were playing a good game.
00:30:19That could change and come to our side.
00:30:22But the penalty hurt us.
00:30:24I think the problems they caused us were from our own doing.
00:30:28Set pieces.
00:30:30We didn't deal with them well enough, as well as we should have.
00:30:33We definitely tweaked that at half-time and dealt with them better in the second half.
00:30:37And on transition, they're always a threat with the likes of Bowen and Somerville.
00:30:42I thought there was more of an edge to our play in the second half.
00:30:44A little word about Josh De Silva.
00:30:46Josh is one of a kind.
00:30:47You don't get many players that come around like him anymore.
00:30:50What he's gone through is nothing anybody will ever be able to experience.
00:30:54And I hope no one has to experience what he goes through.
00:30:56To show how strong he is, to show how much faith he had to get back in.
00:30:59And what he does for this club, off the pitch as well, he deserves every moment he gets.
00:31:04And he's one of the best lads of men.
00:31:05Let's stick together.
00:31:06We have three games to go.
00:31:07He's going to go to the wire, to the last one.
00:31:10So we have to be better and perform so we achieve points.
00:31:14Yeah, it was a really bad day for West Ham.
00:31:16And Brentford took advantage, didn't they, Wayne, of some very poor West Ham defending.
00:31:20They did. I thought Brentford were good.
00:31:22And West Ham's defending was shocking.
00:31:24And when you're trying to stay in the Premier League, you can't concede goals the way West Ham did today.
00:31:31And the first goal here, if you look at this, West Ham are actually in a very good shape.
00:31:37They're in a 4-4-2 shape.
00:31:40They're allowing the ball to go out wide.
00:31:41So it looks like it's something they've worked on in training.
00:31:45The two wingers are in a good position so they can get to the Brentford wingers or full backs.
00:31:50And now Bowen is showing them out wide and it's really important that he keeps them going out wide
00:31:55because then the defenders in the middle of the box know where he's going, but he doesn't.
00:31:58He allows them to cut back.
00:32:00And then we've got a 3-1 in the middle of the pitch.
00:32:03They're very narrow, the West Ham defenders.
00:32:05And then once the ball comes into the box, the youth gets caught underneath the ball.
00:32:12And now, really important, he doesn't react.
00:32:14If he reacts, he maybe clears that.
00:32:16He doesn't react.
00:32:17And then Brentford get a slice of luck in getting the own goal.
00:32:21And then the second goal, it's a little chip cross into the back post.
00:32:27The youth gets a header.
00:32:28And now he has to sprint.
00:32:29He has to keep him going towards the touchline and not allow him to turn.
00:32:32Because the minute he allows him to turn, the attacker's got the upper hand and then a good bit of
00:32:38skill.
00:32:39And then it's a stupid, naive tackle to give the penalty away.
00:32:43And Thiago is excellent on penalties and very cool.
00:32:4922nd goal of the season, 2-0.
00:32:51And this is the worst one they lost.
00:32:52So, West Ham are chasing the game.
00:32:54They've gone to three at the back.
00:32:57And if you look at Wan-Bissaka, he switches off.
00:33:00He allows Thiago to run inside him.
00:33:02But then he gets back into a good position.
00:33:03He gets back goal side.
00:33:05The ball comes in, the floated ball to the back post.
00:33:08And this year, if you're fighting to stay in the Premier League,
00:33:10and Wan-Bissaka is known for his defender, his 1v1 defender,
00:33:15and then you're showing this body language.
00:33:17It's a bad first touch.
00:33:18Again, like the last one, he has to get out to the ball and try and keep him going towards
00:33:21the touchline.
00:33:22He does nothing.
00:33:23He ambles out.
00:33:24Tayore allows the runner to run off him.
00:33:27Wan-Bissaka is walking.
00:33:30Thank God, shot through the legs.
00:33:31No real attempt to block the shot.
00:33:34And it was an appalling defensive display from West Ham.
00:33:38And when you're trying to stay in the Premier League,
00:33:40if I was then West Ham fans, I would be really concerned after seeing that.
00:33:43We'll address the relegation battle in just a moment.
00:33:45But in terms of Brentford, Joe, is this their best ever Premier League season?
00:33:49They're in the hunt for Europe.
00:33:51Look, I'm definitely going to take into account this season the fact they lost Thomas Frank,
00:33:55Brian Mbwemo, Visser, Norgard.
00:33:58They're a massive, massive loss for them.
00:34:00But for when it comes to their actual best season,
00:34:03the way that they've consolidated in this Premier League,
00:34:05some of those performances, some of those finishes in the Premier League,
00:34:08and establishing themselves as a top, top club, I don't know.
00:34:12Look, if they go on and finish in Champions League or Europa League,
00:34:15then of course that's a massive achievement.
00:34:17They've never done that before.
00:34:18But just what they've done over these past five or six years,
00:34:22I think you've just got to give massive credit to Brentford Football Club.
00:34:25How they've recruited, how they've applied themselves,
00:34:28they've kept themselves out of any relegation battle, and they're moving forward.
00:34:31So I think I just want to credit them for what they're doing.
00:34:33Well, West Ham very much are in a relegation battle,
00:34:35and we know Leeds won last night.
00:34:37You're going to see them a little bit later on.
00:34:38Sorry if that was a spoiler for you.
00:34:40But these are the three teams that are still very much in it.
00:34:45Forest, West Ham and Spurs, their run-ins there.
00:34:49Has anything changed for you today?
00:34:50Has that door just opened on Spurs, who play tomorrow, Wayne?
00:34:53Is this a big opportunity for them?
00:34:56It is, and it's a difficult game, obviously, against Aston Villa.
00:35:00So last week I was saying Spurs,
00:35:02but this week after seeing West Ham and Audi were defensively today,
00:35:06I'm really worried for them.
00:35:08And if you look at the fixtures, they've all got tough games.
00:35:10So I think Forest will just have enough points,
00:35:15and I'm worried for West Ham.
00:35:18Yeah, it doesn't look good, does it?
00:35:20But it's just going to ebb and flow.
00:35:21Last week, like you say, whereas we're looking at both teams,
00:35:24West Ham have been absolutely flying.
00:35:25Difficult performance.
00:35:26They've got Arsenal coming up.
00:35:28But look, it's how did Tottenham hurt?
00:35:29Which Tottenham turns up tomorrow at Aston Villa?
00:35:31Big day.
00:35:33OK, Fabian Hertzler said this week he'd brought in an MMA fighter
00:35:37to help his team defend set pieces.
00:35:39Newcastle players have been MIA in recent weeks.
00:35:42Martin Fisher was at St James' Park.
00:35:46It's bottom six versus top six,
00:35:48and I doubt many would have had it this way around just a few months ago.
00:35:52Brighton now pushing hard for a European spot,
00:35:55while a run of nine defeats in 12 means Newcastle are on course
00:36:00for their lowest finish since relegation nine years ago.
00:36:04Eddie Howe welcomes back Joel Linton after his two-match ban.
00:36:07Anthony Gordon available off the bench after his hip injury.
00:36:11Just the one change for Brighton as well with the return of top scorer Danny Welbeck.
00:36:16Five goals in his last eight games.
00:36:22Brighton do enjoy coming to St James'.
00:36:26They won twice here last season.
00:36:29Another defeat for Newcastle would make it five in a row.
00:36:32Their worst run since 2021 under Steve Bruce.
00:36:38Here's Matoma.
00:36:39Steps in away from Miley and sets up Hinshelwood,
00:36:42and it's a good save by Pope.
00:36:44What a glorious opportunity.
00:36:47Hinshelwood's effort,
00:36:48and Pope alert enough to force it away.
00:36:57Here's Belieber though.
00:37:00He'll have a go,
00:37:01and strikes the crossbar.
00:37:04Carlos Belieber,
00:37:05of all people.
00:37:07One way out,
00:37:09Pope was at full stretch.
00:37:11The crossbar comes to Newcastle's rescue.
00:37:15The owners and PIF executives,
00:37:18all here today after their annual meeting earlier this week.
00:37:22Eddie Howe says that they remain ambitious,
00:37:24and he is under no illusions that results must improve
00:37:27over the final weeks of the campaign.
00:37:32It's on Ali.
00:37:34Willock's layoff for Joel Linton.
00:37:36Belieber's after him.
00:37:37It drops for Bruno Gimaraes,
00:37:39looking right for Murphy.
00:37:41Now comes for Brookend,
00:37:42he's lost his footing and he's slipped.
00:37:44Murphy went down momentarily,
00:37:46but his cross finds Isula!
00:37:48Magnificent!
00:37:51Isula the scorer,
00:37:52but that is wonderful play by Jacob Murphy.
00:37:57He could have gone down and stayed down,
00:38:00and asked for a foul against Babroken,
00:38:03and possibly further ramifications for the goalkeeper.
00:38:07But,
00:38:08he got on with things,
00:38:10and delivers a wonderful cross for Isula who couldn't miss.
00:38:14Babroken got it horribly wrong,
00:38:16and it's an excellent header from Isula.
00:38:19Seven goals for him this season.
00:38:22Newcastle one, Brighton nil.
00:38:28Pope looks to find Isula,
00:38:30who lets it run intelligently now.
00:38:31Can Willock get there first? He can.
00:38:34Joe Willock for Newcastle, bursting into the box.
00:38:37Well, he was trying to lift that in towards Isula,
00:38:40Belieber was in the way.
00:38:44Newcastle have four beyond the far post,
00:38:47looking to attack this as Bruno Guimaraes swings it in,
00:38:50dangerously near post,
00:38:51punched away by Babroken against one of his own defenders,
00:38:54and out for another corner.
00:38:57record delivery from the Brazilian.
00:39:03Burn's header, 2-0.
00:39:08The former Brighton man makes it two to the tune.
00:39:14Excellent training ground routine, works to perfection.
00:39:17Burn just runs away from his man,
00:39:20and nods home.
00:39:22Newcastle two, Brighton nil.
00:39:24The form book at the moment turned on its head.
00:39:30Otoma takes over.
00:39:37Ooh, and it's against the post!
00:39:40What a huge slice of luck for Newcastle.
00:39:43When your luck's in, your luck's in.
00:39:47And Newcastle's luck was certainly there for all to see.
00:39:54Murphy.
00:39:57Put from behind by Kalioglu.
00:40:03Well, we've been recently reminded of the quality
00:40:06this man can produce from set pieces.
00:40:09He's pulled it square for Miley to lift in.
00:40:12Bottman across, and it's a tap-in!
00:40:15For Brookham with a fabulous save.
00:40:17Chow denied initially,
00:40:19and then over the bar by Bottman.
00:40:23Well, lots of evidence today that Newcastle have had a lot of work
00:40:27on the training ground this week on set pieces,
00:40:29because they completely undid Brighton there.
00:40:34Brighton were out very early for the start of the second half,
00:40:38as though they'd been given a rousing address from Fabian Ertzler.
00:40:43Belieber.
00:40:44Gross.
00:40:45Hincherwood.
00:40:46Welbeck.
00:40:47Hinchwood again.
00:40:49Welbeck, Hincherwood, what a goal this will be!
00:40:51Hincherwood thumps it home,
00:40:53and Brighton are right back in this game.
00:40:57Such a wonderfully fashioned goal,
00:41:00as Brighton knock it around with great confidence.
00:41:05And it's a great take from Hincherwood.
00:41:09One touch to get it out of his feet,
00:41:11and then blasts it beyond Pope into the roof of the net.
00:41:15And Newcastle will come under great pressure now,
00:41:18and the nerves will intensify all around St James' Park.
00:41:28There's a busyness about Brighton now with the introduction of those three substitutes.
00:41:33Minte now back on the right-hand side up against Hall,
00:41:36Burnie's in his way too.
00:41:39Carioglu.
00:41:41Really whipped that one in.
00:41:43Brought down beautifully by Gross.
00:41:44Was that handball?
00:41:45What a save by Pope!
00:41:47Magnificent to keep out the effort.
00:41:49The overhead kick from Costolas.
00:41:54How about this save from Nick Pope?
00:41:56Spectacular athleticism keeps Newcastle in front for the time being.
00:42:05And Tonali has lost it.
00:42:07Ruter, it's Albrighton.
00:42:10That's Ruter, clever skills,
00:42:11and it's over the bar from Minte!
00:42:14What a chance!
00:42:17On his return to St James' Park,
00:42:20Yankuba Minte skies a very presentable opportunity.
00:42:27And now it's Hall for Newcastle.
00:42:31A surging run from the England man,
00:42:33Wisser is the option in the middle, Wisser!
00:42:37My word, what a miss!
00:42:41Kinda sums up his time at St James' Park, that for Johan Wisser.
00:42:46Just couldn't keep it down.
00:42:53Burn for Wisser.
00:42:57Oh, it's short from Van Eker.
00:42:59And Wisser with another chance to wrap it up.
00:43:02It'll come for Barnes.
00:43:04Barnes takes his time and rifles it home!
00:43:09Cheers of jubilation and some relief.
00:43:17As Newcastle return to Winnie Ways in front of their home support.
00:43:22Their first win here for two long months.
00:43:27Collective roar of relief, I think, around the ground when that went in.
00:43:30That's understandable from the crowd.
00:43:32I thought they were really good with us today again.
00:43:34And I'm delighted for them, of course.
00:43:35They've witnessed and seen everything in the last few weeks.
00:43:37And they've stayed with us.
00:43:39They've stayed very loyal to the team.
00:43:40And I thank them greatly.
00:43:42Extra important given the owners were there today?
00:43:44I think it's always nice to win for them and with them.
00:43:48And I think that they've been really supportive.
00:43:49It was great that they were here today to see the lads give so much in the game.
00:43:52And I think we're all together a very united football club.
00:43:57The two goals we conceded in the first half sort of what killed the game.
00:44:00And so we need to look at those, what we can do better, how we can prevent them.
00:44:05Because I think we showed a great response.
00:44:07Three games to go. It's still so, so tight to clinch a top-six place.
00:44:10And that's going to be the message to your players, I guess.
00:44:12Exactly. So if I can borrow you, you can send the same message again in the locker room and we
00:44:17will go on.
00:44:18Obviously, pressure comes with defeats on a regular basis.
00:44:22How difficult has it been to remain relatively calm throughout proceedings?
00:44:26I immediately, in difficult moments, try and take my focus to what's going to put it right rather than sort
00:44:32of anger and blame.
00:44:33And as I've said all along, I take that responsibility myself.
00:44:37It's been hard for my family, I think, more than anyone else because they see me, sort of the intimate
00:44:41side of me and behind closed doors.
00:44:43I haven't been a bundle of joy the last few weeks, so I'm pleased for them as well.
00:44:46I hope Mrs Howe's happy tonight.
00:44:48And the fans as well, because they haven't seen a home win there in the Premier League for a couple
00:44:52of months.
00:44:53To be fair to Brighton, they came back into it in the second half, but all the good work was
00:44:56done by Newcastle in that first half.
00:44:57No, definitely. And Eddie Howe's talked about his household.
00:45:00I'm sure they'll be the same for most people in St James' Park recently.
00:45:03But the least you expect for St James' Park to get rocking is a front foot team.
00:45:07Now look at this, Denali breaking out. And this was a real sign from the off. Newcastle were absolutely flying
00:45:12at Brighton.
00:45:13And Brighton could be forgiven for being surprised because they wouldn't have expected this today.
00:45:17But they were just absolutely on it. Front three consistently on it.
00:45:21Willick playing up there, Murphy backing him up. Asula was an absolute bundle of energy, backed up by every single
00:45:28line that Newcastle played in.
00:45:29They were just turning it over, aggressive, just looking to create spaces, create chances, get the atmosphere going.
00:45:35Here, top football. They've earned the right now. They're bouncing it through the lines.
00:45:38All they're trying to do is free up. If they can free Bruno up, and he can get it in
00:45:42behind because of that high Brighton line.
00:45:44Now look, Murphy could take the easy option here. Make the referee make a decision.
00:45:48Gets up, whips in a great ball. Brilliant header. St James' Park is rocking.
00:45:52Now look, recently, this would have got a groan. Newcastle having an opportunity to whip it in.
00:45:58But Bruno takes responsibility. And he doesn't just pass it into Miley.
00:46:01He thrashes it into him. Smashes it straight into there. Miley, head up.
00:46:05Bottman round the back. Well executed. Dangerous.
00:46:08Nearly put Newcastle out of sight, but for a very good save from Bart Verbruggen.
00:46:12But this was the signs. This was the signs of what was going on.
00:46:15Down to ten men here. Willick's off with a small injury. You've got to dig in.
00:46:19You're up against Brighton, who are looking for top six.
00:46:21So every now and again, you're going to have to take that aggressivity into your defending.
00:46:24Chow's on it. No nonsense. Get rid of it. Getting back on the pitch.
00:46:29Here we go again. Looking. This is what I love about this clip.
00:46:32Now Newcastle playing back would have got groans recently.
00:46:36Joel Linton plays back, but what does he want? He wants it again.
00:46:38Because he wants to free up his partner Bruno.
00:46:41Now he gets his head up. Now he'll get the crowd on their feet again.
00:46:44Asoula's looking to get him behind and get the crowd rocking.
00:46:47And that is what Newcastle were like all first half.
00:46:50They absolutely dominated and won the game in those first 45 minutes.
00:46:54£130 million worth of goalscoring talent on the bench for Newcastle
00:46:58that was brought in last summer. And it's Willie Asoula
00:47:00who's been given his opportunity lately. And he's taken it.
00:47:02What do you like about him?
00:47:03Yeah, well, I think first he deserves to be on the bench.
00:47:05I mean, nowhere near good enough. But Asoula, I think,
00:47:08he's a little bit unorthodox. But he plays with great energy.
00:47:13We see him score a goal like the skates Manchester United,
00:47:15but always willing to run in behind him.
00:47:17The one thing that defenders don't like is forwards who are willing to run in behind.
00:47:21And this is a really good header, actually. Murphy does incredible.
00:47:26It's a great ball. And he just stays in the middle of the goal.
00:47:28It's a good leap. And directs the header into the back of the net.
00:47:32But here, he uses his body. Brighton win the ball, but he doesn't switch off.
00:47:36The ball goes forward. He carries on his run again.
00:47:38Willing to run in behind. And then this is a nice little touch.
00:47:42I think this is where he can get better. But it's a nice little touch.
00:47:45And they're unlucky not to score on this occasion.
00:47:48But once again, here, great run. Great time on the run.
00:47:51Goes through. And he does everything right.
00:47:53He composes himself. He slows himself down.
00:47:56And I don't normally like giving credit to goalkeepers,
00:47:59but I think that was a good save.
00:48:01And here, I think this is where he can get better.
00:48:03So now, direct, raw, energy. Can you chop it? Can you, you know,
00:48:08come out and maybe bring one of your teammates into play?
00:48:11But he was always willing.
00:48:12He's trying to get across to the defender on this occasion.
00:48:15It's an early ball, so he can't.
00:48:16So he readjusted his run to try and get off the back of him.
00:48:20And he was unlucky not to get on the end of that.
00:48:22But, no, I think he's showing signs of being a really good player.
00:48:26He needs to, you know, to learn and improve, as all young players do.
00:48:30But I think he's showing really positive signs.
00:48:32Excellent stuff.
00:48:33OK, three games in Sunday's match of the day.
00:48:38Let's go.
00:48:40Brilliant.
00:48:41Wouldn't you just know it?
00:48:44Aston Miller got out of joy.
00:48:47Enormous goal for Spurs.
00:48:50Junior Kruppi.
00:48:54Mateta at the double.
00:48:58Five Live Premier League Sunday will be across all the action from 2 o'clock.
00:49:01You can listen on BBC Sounds.
00:49:03Watch highlights of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday,
00:49:0510 o'clock on BBC Sport website and 10.40 on BBC One and iPlayer.
00:49:10This week's football interview is Elliot Anderson.
00:49:12That follows us on BBC One or watch on iPlayer.
00:49:16And the final of the World Snooker Championships begins on Sunday, BBC One at One.
00:49:22And if you missed the start of the show, it's available now on iPlayer,
00:49:25along with edits of every match.
00:49:27Sunderland were chasing a top-half Premier League finish
00:49:30for just the second time since the year 2000.
00:49:32Relegated Wolves, their opponents today at Molyneux.
00:49:35Steve Wilson, watch this one.
00:49:38The first top-flight meeting of Wolves and Sunderland here in 15 years
00:49:42will be the last four, well, who knows how long.
00:49:46This is Wolves' penultimate Premier League game at Molyneux
00:49:49of a relegation season.
00:49:52Three changes for them.
00:49:53Jose Saar's ankle means that Dan Bentley is in goal.
00:49:57Arakadari and Moschera replace Rodrigo Gomez and Matt Doherty.
00:50:02Sunderland beaten 5-0 at home by Forest last weekend.
00:50:06Recall Reynaldo and Talbi for Rigg and Diara.
00:50:09A mathematical pedant will tell you that they still need one more point
00:50:14to be certain of staying up.
00:50:17Both sides with a bit of making up to do after some poor results of late.
00:50:24Arakadari is heading.
00:50:26Andre for João Gomez, Lefe for Siddiqui.
00:50:29This might open up.
00:50:30It's Brobby.
00:50:31Brobby deflected.
00:50:33It's going to be a corner kick.
00:50:34First chance of the game, really.
00:50:38Totti Gomez and Andre making life difficult for Brian Brobby.
00:50:43And I think it was Totti Gomez who got the touch.
00:50:46It's a corner.
00:50:50Granit Xhaka will deliver this.
00:50:52It's a lot of pace on that and it's in.
00:50:57Mukhieli's head up.
00:50:59Sunderland in front.
00:51:00It's an excellent delivery from Granit Xhaka.
00:51:05And all Mukhieli really had to do was to use the pace on the cross
00:51:11and redirect it into the corner of the Wolves net.
00:51:14Pedro Lima didn't really get anywhere near him.
00:51:18And Mukhieli nods in his third goal of the season.
00:51:25Forward from Bentley.
00:51:30Pedro Lima.
00:51:36It's got through to Hugo Bueno.
00:51:41Mukhieli doing his defensive work well.
00:51:44There's a check going on here.
00:51:47I think they're just questioning whether there's a hair pull
00:51:51by Dan Ballard on Arakidare.
00:51:53That's what Paul Tierney is waiting for.
00:51:57And I don't know who the referee's assistant,
00:51:59the VAR referee, is looking at this.
00:52:01Well, might be in trouble here, Ballard.
00:52:05Well, it's been very well established this season
00:52:08that a hair pull equals a red card.
00:52:11And Paul Tierney's going to come and have a look here.
00:52:15Very few people in the ground will have any idea what he's come to look at.
00:52:21But I, having seen that replay, would be very surprised if Dan Ballard isn't sent off here.
00:52:29And it looks like a hair pull to me.
00:52:33And it looks like a hair pull to Paul Tierney as well.
00:52:39So Dan Ballard is sent off.
00:52:43Midway through the first half of this game.
00:52:45And Sunderland are down to ten.
00:52:53It's short.
00:52:54Siddiqui's onto it quickly.
00:52:56Nicely played.
00:52:57Talby here for Sunderland.
00:52:58No power.
00:53:00Well, he chose not to touch it into the path of Broby.
00:53:04And having made the decision to go for goal,
00:53:07he then made a very unconvincing contact on the shot.
00:53:13But Sunderland's response to the red card for Ballard has been a good one.
00:53:25Well, in the end it's a throw in to Wolves.
00:53:28Or is it a free kick?
00:53:33He's given a free kick for holding by Granit Xhaka,
00:53:36which when you see that is fair enough.
00:53:41Mane to deliver.
00:53:43Granit Xhaka missed it, Trihulme didn't.
00:53:45Andre puts it back in.
00:53:47And Moschera's put it wide.
00:53:50Looks like a really good chance, however.
00:53:53Andre hits it back in, the deflection.
00:53:55And it looks certain to be coming to Moschera.
00:53:58And Aldo Reiter did brilliantly.
00:54:02Last time Wolves won a game, it was here at Molyneux against Liverpool.
00:54:07Late winning goal, you may recall.
00:54:092-1 victory.
00:54:12Here is Rodrigo Gomez.
00:54:13That's Reynaldo with the block in the corner.
00:54:17To the home side.
00:54:22Hugo Bueno is going to take this corner kick.
00:54:27And it's in!
00:54:30Santiago Bueno at the header at the back post.
00:54:35Wolves have scored for the first time since mid-March.
00:54:40And it's Santiago Bueno with his fourth of the season.
00:54:45Well, Sunderland aren't happy, but VAR are not convinced that that's a foul.
00:54:52And Santiago Bueno nodded it into the back of the Sunderland net.
00:55:02Matthias Mane.
00:55:05And quite lively, second half.
00:55:06Oh, it's a great ball, Arakadari.
00:55:10Couldn't make any contact on it, but he got himself in front of Trae Hulme with a really good bit
00:55:15of movement.
00:55:17He missed the ball by how much?
00:55:19Not much.
00:55:21Not much.
00:55:25Talby the Sunderland.
00:55:26Uh!
00:55:30qualify.
00:55:33Oh!
00:55:34chasher!
00:55:34Oh!
00:55:37Granichak is arriving.
00:55:39Hit it first time and hit it wide!
00:55:43Wolves were a bit lucky to get away with that.
00:55:48Le Fay rolled it into the path of Kranichakia, Sunderland couldn't quite accept the gift.
00:55:56Here's Angel Gomez.
00:56:04Oh, Armstrong's header, tipped up and over by Roos.
00:56:12Decent little ball in by Joao Gomez, good header Armstrong, a save you would expect Roos to
00:56:18make and he did.
00:56:24Angel Gomez, forward ball, Armstrong's header, and it's kneed over the top of the bar by
00:56:30Arakidare.
00:56:32And that's a really big opportunity to win the game, Arakidare off his knee and over the
00:56:40top.
00:56:41I think it's a game that we should win.
00:56:43In the end we've created a number of big chances, scrambles, some big opportunities and we've
00:56:49not taken them.
00:56:50It was difficult.
00:56:50We got the one goal and we pushed.
00:56:52We tried to get more.
00:56:53We did end up with a lot of attacking options on the pitch but it wasn't enough to get the
00:56:58win.
00:56:59Obviously I'm interested in your opinion of the red card.
00:57:02Hair pulling has been an issue lately.
00:57:05Yes, I understand the rule and the referee has to execute the rule but it's hard to understand
00:57:14in that condition especially because it wasn't an intention, it wasn't a violent conduct.
00:57:19In fact, the rule is the rule and I think it's important for the referees and probably the
00:57:25Premier League to be clear with this rule because in that case you can't play a duel because
00:57:32you will grab something at times even if it's not intentional and it wasn't the case.
00:57:36But it is what it is.
00:57:37I hope we'll have conversations with the referees to adjust this rule and to make it better.
00:57:43Well, Regis Labrie has opened the debate so let's have it.
00:57:46Are all hair pulls the same?
00:57:48No, they're not.
00:57:49And I completely agree with him and I sympathise with him and I sympathise with the Premier
00:57:53League.
00:57:53The Premier League that we love for its physicality.
00:57:56Look at that battle that we saw the other week between Gabriel and Haaland.
00:57:59It was unbelievable.
00:58:00It was so physical.
00:58:01It was grabbing.
00:58:02It was gripping.
00:58:03But look, let's start with the one today and try and clear that one up because it's
00:58:06obviously a frustration.
00:58:07This is in the 24th minute.
00:58:09Ballard is a physical defender.
00:58:11Arakadari is a physical striker.
00:58:12He's very aware of the rules.
00:58:14You're telling me that Dan Ballard is specifically going for his hair.
00:58:16I don't think he is.
00:58:17I think he's just looking to get a hold of his striker.
00:58:20Arakadari is really strong.
00:58:21One of the strongest in the Premier League.
00:58:23And look, that is damning.
00:58:25Of course it is.
00:58:25When it comes to actual rules, that's a red card.
00:58:28But in the 24th minute of a Premier League game, do you want someone getting sent off
00:58:32of that for violent conduct?
00:58:34I've seen a lot more violent things happen this weekend and nothing punished for it.
00:58:37It's the violence in particular and the fact it's violent conduct for you because
00:58:41there are other examples where hair is involved and hair isn't involved.
00:58:45100%.
00:58:46And look, it's just, it's the physical nature and we're going to get to it at the very end.
00:58:49It's just people looking for it to get hold of their centre half or their centre forward
00:58:53so they can win the battle.
00:58:55And ironically, this makes no sense because Tete and Semenyo, that is a red card as the
00:59:00ruling goes.
00:59:00But then you look at this today.
00:59:02Look at this.
00:59:02This is what you want to see.
00:59:03I'm not saying I want a red card for this.
00:59:05Let me be very clear.
00:59:06But that is a physical battle.
00:59:08Anderson up against Jocheres.
00:59:10What's the difference here?
00:59:11So if he just catches a little blade of his hair, then that's a red card.
00:59:15But as he doesn't, it's just a foul.
00:59:17Like, it doesn't make any sense.
00:59:18That is so much more physical and aggressive compared to what happened.
00:59:20If Jocheres had a ponytail there, it would have been undeniably caught, wouldn't it,
00:59:24within that battle?
00:59:25That's why I didn't grow a ponytail when I was there.
00:59:28And that's not the only reason, let's be honest.
00:59:30I can't believe that I'm shut on matches.
00:59:33They're talking about players getting tented off for pulling hair.
00:59:36I think it's ridiculous.
00:59:37I think if that's the rule, the rule has to change because it's getting absolutely ridiculous.
00:59:44Because there is a grey area, there has to be some nuance.
00:59:47And of course, at the moment, it sits in violent conduct.
00:59:50And there will be some which is violent, but not all.
00:59:53Yeah, when you're playing, it's a physical game.
00:59:55And you do, you grab onto the shirt.
00:59:57You're trying to get the upper hand on your opponent.
00:59:59And sometimes, if there's a big flock of hair there, you're going to grab it at some point.
01:00:05So, yeah, I just think it's ridiculous.
01:00:07OK, thank you very much.
01:00:09Time for last night's action now.
01:00:11Burnley parted ways with Scott Parker in midweek.
01:00:13Mike Jackson took charge for the trip to Leeds,
01:00:15who knew that victory would all but guarantee safety.
01:00:18Tom Gale was at Ellen Road.
01:00:20Daniel Farker says Leeds' Wembley FA Cup semi-final disappointment hasn't been discussed.
01:00:27Joe Rodon and Anton Stack start for the first time in five and a half weeks.
01:00:32Noah Okafor has five goals across his last seven matches.
01:00:36Burnley need four more points to ensure they don't set the lowest tally in the club's Premier League history.
01:00:42Kyle Walker makes his 500th English League appearance.
01:00:46Substitute Hannibal returns following injury.
01:00:49He received a four-match ban for spitting at Leeds fans during October's reverse fixture.
01:00:55Well, no talk of Leeds being safe in the build-up from Daniel Farker.
01:01:00His clear message, 12 more points to fight for.
01:01:05There's the Leeds captain, Ethan Ampadu.
01:01:09Justin, looking for Calvert-Lewin.
01:01:11Almost brought it down and Stack was close to getting on the end of it.
01:01:15What can Bogle do with the cross?
01:01:18Hartman's defensive block.
01:01:21Leeds still have it.
01:01:24Good spot.
01:01:26Strike from range.
01:01:28Brings about an emphatic opening goal.
01:01:34Anton Stack once again scores from range in the Premier League.
01:01:43Let's have a look at Dubravka here.
01:01:45Can't get across quick enough.
01:01:49Stack's fifth Premier League goal of the season makes it Leeds 1, Burnley 0.
01:01:58It is the second time Mike Jackson's taken interim charge of Burnley.
01:02:03He oversaw the final eight Premier League games following Sean Deitch's departure back in April 2022.
01:02:13Bogle.
01:02:14Stack.
01:02:16Moving at speed here.
01:02:17Bogle.
01:02:18Skipping away from challenges.
01:02:20Tanaka.
01:02:21Didn't hear the cries of Manon.
01:02:23And Chowne looking to get in behind Leeds United here.
01:02:28Bloom Chowne.
01:02:30Goes against Strouk.
01:02:32His cross.
01:02:33Anthony heads into Zean Fleming.
01:02:39And there's clearly no communication there between Fleming and Anthony.
01:02:44And a chance goes begging for Mike Jackson.
01:02:50For those into their XG data, Burnley's was 0.05 for the first half.
01:02:57That will have to improve considerably if they want to leave here with something.
01:03:03Possession gifted to Leeds United.
01:03:05Dominic Calvert-Lewins all alone here.
01:03:09Bogle.
01:03:11His cross.
01:03:13Okafor!
01:03:15Noah Okafor continues his rich vein of goal-scoring form.
01:03:23It's terrible from Burnley.
01:03:25They give possession to Calvert-Lewin, who's supported really well there from Bogle.
01:03:31What composure to pick out the Swiss international.
01:03:36Daniel Farker knows that's an extra step towards Premier League status being secured.
01:03:44Leeds 2.
01:03:46Burnley now.
01:03:49So Hannibal is a Burnley change.
01:03:52He replaces Josh Laurent.
01:03:54Greeted by boos from the home supporters.
01:04:04A growing sense that Burnley could be on the ropes here.
01:04:08Ethan Ampadu.
01:04:11Leeds United's captain.
01:04:13Ready to launch the ball in the direction of Martin Dubravka.
01:04:20Towards a six-yard box.
01:04:23Okafor.
01:04:24Tanaka sits up nicely.
01:04:26Good save!
01:04:28And Poteau!
01:04:30Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
01:04:33Surely puts this result beyond doubt.
01:04:37Ten minutes into the second half.
01:04:41And Leeds United have a three-goal cushion.
01:04:48It's Tanaka's effort here that's sent straight back into danger by Martin Dubravka.
01:04:56And just where any top striker should be, Dominic Calvert-Lewin inside the six-yard box.
01:05:03Pokes it home.
01:05:05His 12th Premier League goal of the season.
01:05:09Makes it Leeds 3.
01:05:11Burnley now.
01:05:15It's a good response here from Burnley.
01:05:18Not just going to roll over.
01:05:20Fleming.
01:05:23Finds Humphries.
01:05:24Who lashes it!
01:05:25And it's in!
01:05:25On the line!
01:05:26But no!
01:05:28The assistance flag over the far side has been raised for offside.
01:05:37And it looks as though it's going to be a tight one.
01:05:42The on-field decision stands.
01:05:46Lucas Perez was offside.
01:05:54Esteve picks out Anthony.
01:05:56What a first touch that is.
01:05:57And he's slipped in.
01:05:59Lume Chouna here.
01:06:00Lume Chouna!
01:06:03Scores once again against Leeds United.
01:06:09It's an awful long way back.
01:06:13But it's a start.
01:06:16Job done for Daniel Farker.
01:06:18His side move.
01:06:19Nine points clear of the relegation zone.
01:06:22Full-time.
01:06:22Leeds 3.
01:06:23Burnley 1.
01:06:27It's been a difficult 24 hours or so with the departure of Scott Parker.
01:06:31I know you're an interim charity.
01:06:33What's your sort of remit?
01:06:34Let's just strip it all back.
01:06:36It's about trying to win a game of football from now to the end of the season.
01:06:39Give our supporters something to hold onto to go into next year.
01:06:45It's difficult when you're down there like this and what's happened.
01:06:48But that's no excuse for some of the errors and start the game.
01:06:53It's just our responsibility and the players' responsibility to start the game better.
01:06:59I'm just proud of the boys.
01:07:00To be already on 43 points at this stage feels amazing.
01:07:04Sometimes it's like a bottle of ketchup or it comes all at the same time.
01:07:09And I hope it will also come further on in the upcoming games.
01:07:13It might be hard for others below them to catch up right now, won't it?
01:07:16On 43 points.
01:07:18They've been very, very impressive all season.
01:07:20And they've built this team on some great acquisitions from the summer.
01:07:24And if you look at the three goalscorers from last night are in the top four goalscorers for Leeds United
01:07:29all season.
01:07:30Which is very, very impressive, Wayne, that they've integrated so well.
01:07:34Yeah, I think the recruitment was really good in the summer.
01:07:37And I think the Cavalum one was a little bit of a gamble with his injuries.
01:07:40But he's been fantastic all season.
01:07:42And what they've gone for, they've gone for big, powerful players.
01:07:45And you mix that with the atmosphere at Ellen Road.
01:07:48If you get them players running and working half the team, then that's half the battle.
01:07:52But I think he's been fantastic, especially over the last few weeks.
01:07:54Wayne mentions their athleticism there, Joe.
01:07:57And actually, impressively, Leeds.
01:07:58And this is quite a blunt tool to analyse by.
01:08:01But they have covered more distance than any other team in the Premier League this season.
01:08:05But that's almost like a non-negotiable on a team.
01:08:08If you've got a team who are fit enough to run in this Premier League,
01:08:10one of the fittest leagues in the world, that's a great start to any game.
01:08:14And like you say, especially at home, Ellen Road, when they see their players playing like that,
01:08:17they'll rise in confidence, play to their potential.
01:08:19They've had a really good season.
01:08:21Not mathematically safe yet, but can you assure Leeds fans tonight
01:08:24they'll be in the Premier League next season?
01:08:26I don't think it might as well want to do that, but I think they've got a good chance, yeah.
01:08:30Yeah, no, I think they will.
01:08:31No, I think they will, so...
01:08:33Thank you. OK, that's a yes, then.
01:08:35Let's have a look at the table.
01:08:36Arsenal have a six-point lead at the top.
01:08:39Manchester City, who have two games in hand, can cut the gap to three points on Monday
01:08:43if they win at Everton.
01:08:44Brentford are up into sixth after their first win in seven games,
01:08:47moving above Brighton after their defeat at Newcastle.
01:08:49And for the bottom half, Newcastle jump to 13th after ending their five-game losing streak.
01:08:54They trail rival Sunderland by just two points.
01:08:56And defeat for West Ham opens the door for Tottenham on Sunday,
01:08:59with the Spurs at Aston Villa would lift them out of the drop zone
01:09:01and plunge the Hammers into it.
01:09:03Thank you very much to Joe and to Wayne.
01:09:05Arsenal put the heat on Manchester City thanks to a Jokeres double.
01:09:09To the victor, the spoils. Bye-bye.
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