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By Jonathan Stevenson
1934: That's a wrap. Congrats to United, but my word they were pushed all the way. Alan Green is on BBC Radio 5 Live taking your calls on 606 right now and Match of the Day is on BBC One and on this website at 2220 GMT. Hope to see you again tomorrow, for a trio of interesting-looking games. Have a good night.
1931: "Not vintage United, but it's three points all the same." Footiefilmfan007 on 606 Join the debate on 606
1929: "United never picked up the momentum after scoring and Blackburn deserved to equalise. But United's defence never looked quite as secure as it has been recently and Blackburn could have had that penalty in the second half too. These are three very welcome points for Sir Alex Ferguson and his team." BBC Radio 5 Live's Jimmy Armfield
1927: That was a frantic end to the game, with Blackburn piling pressure on the United goal and cheers more of relief echoing around Old Trafford upon the final whistle. Great effort from Rovers, that - keep playing in that way and there's no way Big Sam's team will go down.
1925: Full-time Manchester United 2-1 Blackburn
1923: Maybe not. Morten Gamst Pedersen's two crosses are both rubbish.
1923: One minute left, Blackburn have a corner, Paul Robinson is up...
1921: United are picking Blackburn off now and Wayne Rooney runs at pace at their defence, skipping past a tackle before slicing a right-foot shot wide from 22 yards.
1920: We are now into injury time at Old Trafford and there will be about four minutes of it, according to the fourth official.
1919: "1337, the number of minutes United went without conceding, but also geek speak for elite. Coincidence? Probably." Stefan, West Ham fan, Canterbury, via text on 81111
1917: Wayne Rooney's 'head-me-in' cross from the left is, er, headed over by Dimitar Berbatov from seven yards. Shocking effort from the Bulgarian marksman.
1916: "Giggs and Vidic have been suggested for player of the year and rightly so. But why hasn't Carrick even been given a mention? He has been immense for us all season, both defensively and in attack." Mustardo on 606 Join the debate on 606
1914: Cristiano Ronaldo tees up Wayne Rooney properly this time, but the England striker's first-time shot from 20 yards clears the bar by a couple of yards.
1913: United should wrap it up but Cristiano Ronaldo's cross nearly takes Wayne Rooney's head off, it's hit far too hard and the chance goes to waste.
1912: Many people's tip for Footballer of the Year, Ryan Giggs, comes on for fellow veteran Paul Scholes. Blackburn take off El-Hadji Diouf to a chorus of boos and Keith Treacy comes on.
1910: Tomasz Kuszczak punches a corner away but it falls for Tugay, who hits a right-foot volley way over from 25 yards.
1909: Wayne Rooney drags a 20-yard shot wide of Paul Robinson's right-hand post and Blackburn bring on Benni McCarthy for Vince Grella, who has put in a shift for Rovers today.
1907: Paul Scholes finds Cristiano Ronaldo 30 yards out and his right-foot shot smacks against Gael Givet's backside and loops out for a corner.
1904: By the way United fans, Inter Milan warmed up for your Champions League tie in midweek by winning 2-1 at lowly Bologna today, with Mario Balotelli scoring a late winner. "I expect a great match," said the irrepressible Jose Mourinho after.
1903: Blackburn bring veteran greying Turkish midfield schemer Tugay on for David Dunn.
1901: There are 20 minutes remaining at Old Trafford, judging by what we've seen so far Blackburn are by no means dead and buried in this one.
1900: It's a game of opinions...
"Webb you are a disgrace. Just a disgrace. Clear penalty and you were looking right at it." ronmanager on 606 Join the debate on 606
"No penalty. And I don't like Man U. Pedersen felt the hand and fell dramatically." blueybarnes on 606 Join the debate on 606
1856: Morten Gamst Pedseren races into the box and goes down under a challenge from Rafael. There's contact, but he goes down so easily the Norwegian, you can't blame Howard Webb for not giving that penalty. Livid does not even get close to describing Big Sam's reaction.
1856: "See 1750 - the pace-counting thing looked pretty useful that time." David, Chesterfield, via text on 81111
1853: Andre Ooijer hits a right-foot volley sweetly but Patrice Evra is in the right place to head the ball away. Maybe Ooijer's a midfielder, based on his performance today.
1852: Dimitar Berbatov is booked for a high challenge on Stephen Warnock.
1851: Nemanja Vidic comes on for Jonny Evans and Carlos Tevez replaces Nani.
1850: GOAL Manchester United 2-1 Blackburn
Take your hat off - that is absolutely brilliant. The two sides of Cristiano Ronaldo have come to the fore in the last couple of minutes, but that is just genius. From the left-hand corner of the 18-yard box, Ronaldo hammers the free-kick over the wall and into the top corner of Paul Robinson's net. Phenomenal.
1849: Keith Andrew is booked for a foul on Patrice Evra.
1848: Blackburn are piling the ball into the United box and how close is that? The ball falls for Ryan Nelsen, who sees his left-foot half-volley hit the far post, before El-Hadji Diouf's rebound effort is saved by Tomasz Kuszczak. Dramatic scenes - Blackburn are giving this a right good go.
1847: Morten Gamst Pedersen's deflected shot is tipped behind by Tomasz Kuszczak, Blackburn are on top here.
1846: Cristiano Ronaldo is booked for diving on the edge of the Blackburn box, it's a shocking piece of gamesmanship from the Portuguese and referee Howard Webb is bang on with his decision. Ronaldo also appeared to kick out at Gael Givet - he could be off.
1844: "Evans has looked rubbish aerially this game, he could get dominated in the air versus Inter." ronaldoforthewin on 606 Join the debate on 606
Good point. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Adriano are a threat, for sure. United will miss Nemanja Vidic big time.
1841: Blackburn have started the half well. The goal has given them a real surge in confidence and United look a little off the pace, still. Keith Andrews has a looping header saved by Tomasz Kuszczak.
1840: "I think Sir Alex will give them 15 or 20 minutes to get themselves back in front, after that you can definitely expect a United change or two." BBC Radio 5 Live's Jimmy Armfield
1837: Morten Gamst Pedersen's cross from the left so nearly finds Roque Santa Cruz, but Patrick Evra makes a sensational last-ditch tackle to stop the Paraguayan from doubling his tally and putting Blackburn ahead.
1836: Michael Carrick curls a delicious ball out to Cristiano Ronaldo down the United right and he cuts infield, hammering a left-foot shot about a yard wide of Paul Robinson's left-hand post. I wonder what Fergie said...
1835: Morten Gamst Pedersen ran into Sir Alex Ferguson as they both walked out of the tunnel at Old Trafford. The Norwegian saw the funny side, fair to say the Scot did not. We are back under way.
1833: I still can't see United not winning this game, you can imagine Fergie working his magic at half-time and sending his team out to produce the goods, can't you? What a boost it would be for Liverpool, though, if they didn't pick up all three points. The players are back out.
1831: "(See 1812) Is that really irony if it's happened twice and he's their best defender? Still, fantastic for fans of all other 19 Premier League clubs, that goal." Rob, via text on 81111
No, it isn't. Most misused word in the long, not so proud history of misused words?
1828: Tomasz Kuszczak is paying the price for doing the unthinkable - letting in a goal against Manchester United. On Player Rater you lot are slaughtering the Pole, giving him a rating of only 4.87 at this juncture. Wayne Rooney laughs in the face of his less illustrious team-mate - he's flying high on 7.66. Keep those votes coming. Rate the players
1824: "Get Nani out, he's had a few moments but has looked poor and we need to win this game to keep all the pressure on Liverpool tomorrow. Feel sorry for the lad, he looked very promising last season, but has not been performing in this one." 2OleGunnarSolskaer on 606 Join the debate on 606
1820: "I thought United would take over after the goal, but you've got to give Blackburn a lot of credit for getting their goal and stopping the flow of United's play. It was a good finish from Roque Santa Cruz and keeps Blackburn in the game." BBC Radio 5 Live's Jimmy Armfield
1818: Half-time Manchester United 1-1 Blackburn
1818: David Dunn finds some space as he runs towards the United area, but his right-foot shot is dragged wide.
1815: Jonny Evans rises high to head a corner into the Blackburn net, but referee Howard Webb gives a free-kick - it's either a foul by Evans on Morten Gamst Pedersen or Cristiano Ronaldo on Ryan Nelsen. Either way, there didn't look much wrong with it.
1813: Nani has caught the Blackburn disease of rubbish deliveries into the box, with two very poor crosses from the United right.
1812: How ironic that United concede when Vidic isn't playing - it was the same with Derby too." Chris, via text on 81111
1811: Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo have swapped wings and Nani looks threatening down the United right now, before El Hadji-Diouf gives away a corner in the Blackburn right-back position.
1809: United have almost stopped playing - they look genuinely taken aback that they have just conceded a goal.
1808: "I like Santa Cruz, I can see what other clubs see in him because he's improving at Blackburn Rovers. You give him a chance and he will stick it away." BBC Radio 5 Live's Jimmy Armfield
1806: See 1241: Maybe I over-estimated it a little bit, but on a rubbish day to be me, I'm moderately chuffed with that shout.
1805: "It feels so weird!" Can Manchester United score, they always score... on 606 Join the debate on 606
1802: GOAL Manchester United 1-1 Blackburn
I'm not joking, honestly. 1,337 minutes after last conceding a goal in the Premier League, United are stunned. Andre Ooijer slides a cracking pass through to Roque Santa Cruz and the striker holds off Rio Ferdinand before going around Tomasz Kuszczak and rolling into the empty net. Lovely finish from the Paraguayan.
1801: Blackburn have another free-kick 45 yards out and David Dunn smashes it out of play. That's pathetic, and Alan Green on BBC Radio 5 Live suggests Blackburn fine him for it.
1759: Blackburn's delivery into the United box has been woeful, with both Morten Gamst Pedersen and Stephen Warnock recently finding the first man with crosses along the floor. You've got to make more of any possession you get at Old Trafford.
1756: Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Carrick play a one-two down the right and Ronaldo's left-foot shot lacks power as Paul Robinson makes the save. Another goal and this one's over, if it isn't already.
1754: GOAL Manchester United 1-0 Blackburn
Rafael finds Nani inside the United half and the Portuguese winger curls a gorgeous ball into the Blackburn area - Ryan Nelsen can only manage to get a slight deflection on it and Wayne Rooney is on hand to slam the ball past Paul Robinson from close range.
1752: Blackburn win a corner down the right and El-Hadji Diouf is penalised for an apparent foul on keeper Tomasz Kuszczak. My word they are frustrating decisions - Diouf is just standing his ground for heaven's sake, is he not allowed to stand there?
1750: "Is it really necessary for Ronaldo to do that ridiculous pace-counting thing before every free-kick, just to shank it against the wall?" Anthony, Barnet, via text on 81111
1749: Cristiano Ronaldo's fizzed cross from the right is hooked away by Ryan Nelsen as it seems certain that Michael Carrick is going to nod in, before Patrice Evra drills a left-foot shot wide.
1747: Every time Blackburn get the ball, they just pump it forward aimlessly and give it straight back to Manchester United. That is a very dangerous game to play.
1745: "Haha. All those years of Paul Scholes waiting for those corners to roll out of the box. My old man used to tell me to wait right there on every corner, memories." Sir_Blitzo on 606 Join the debate on 606
1742: Great defending from Gael Givet to stop Michael Carrick powering his way through after Wayne Rooney's delicate pass towards the former Tottenham midfielder.
1741: "You cannot just give United the time and space to gain in confidence by letting them spray the ball around, and that's the problem for Blackburn right at the moment, though they are doing OK, the visitors." BBC Radio 5 Live's Jimmy Armfield
1739: Cristiano Ronaldo ploughs a free-kick from 25 yards straight into the Blackburn wall.
1738: "Radio 5 Live commentators mentioned Fabio Capello leaving Aston Villa early to possibly go Old Trafford... he's at Loftus Road sitting next to Flavio Briatore!" Nick, QPR fan, via text on 81111
1735: "I am pleased to have made my debut but I am not happy with the result. The pace of the match was quick, it is faster than in Russia and you have to play more one-touch football here. But I feel good about the future because I can see I have good players around me." Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin
1733: Warning signs are flashing all over the place for Blackburn as Paul Scholes fires wide from 22 yards.
1731: They are ridiculously good at the moment, aren't they? Nani tries to play a one-two with Wayne Rooney and is so close to getting into the area and having a shooting opportunity.
1731: We are under way at Old Trafford.
1729: "(See 1722) Your statistic is interesting as Blackburn used to beat the top four sides regularly... Sep 05 - Man United 1-2 Blackburn Feb 06 - Blackburn 4-3 Man United Feb 06 - Blackburn 1-0 Arsenal May 06 - Blackburn 1-0 Chelsea Dec 06 - Blackburn 1-0 Liverpool Feb 07 - Blackburn 1-0 Arsenal Toon4Europe on 606 Join the debate on 606
1724: There is something Manchester United are currently second best at, though - they've only scored a paltry 44 goals in the Premier League, with Chelsea top on 45. I wonder how long that will last for?
1722: Blackburn haven't scored in their last three away games and haven't won any of their last 20 games against the current top five clubs in the Premier League (see, no 'Big Four' bias here). In the reverse fixture, they lost 2-0 in October, with Wes Brown and Wayne Rooney bagging. That's not a lot of good news for the visitors, is it?
1718: "A lot of natural width in that line-up, I feel a big score coming up tonight for United." Vinan, Man Utd fan, via text on 81111
1715: Big Sam praised United this week (what else can you do?), but he also hinted at a little confidence within the Blackburn ranks. "It's a fantastic run," he said. "But somewhere along the line, they will drop a point, concede a goal and lose a football match." Feeling lucky, Mr Allardyce?
1713: Manchester United have won their last nine Premier League matches. They have won their last 11 at home, one short of their own Prem record. Oh, and they've also kept 14 consecutive clean sheets in the top division. A 15th would set a new European record. Is there any point Blackburn even turning up, he asked provocatively.
1710: "I'm deeply saddened by the way Arsenal played today. No fight. Utterly impotent. Arsene Wenger should kick lumps out of the players, they are simply not trying hard enough." Sethkin on 606 Join the debate on 606
1706: Manchester United make five changes from the team that beat Fulham. Keeper Edwin van der Sar, defenders Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea, midfielder Ji-Sung Park and striker Carlos Tevez make way for Tomasz Kuszczak, Johnny Evans, Rafael, Nani and Wayne Rooney. Blackburn centre-back Christopher Samba is suspended and Danny Simpson is ineligible, so Gael Givet and Andre Ooijer come into the team.
1703: MANCHESTER UNITED v BLACKBURN LINE-UPS Man Utd: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Rooney, Berbatov.
Subs: Foster, Giggs, Vidic, Welbeck, Fabio Da Silva, Fletcher, Tevez. Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Nelsen, Givet, Warnock, Grella, Diouf, Andrews, Dunn, Pedersen, Roque Santa Cruz.
Subs: Brown, Kerimoglu, McCarthy, Khizanishvili, Mokoena, Treacy, Roberts. Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
1701: "See 1649, cruel game? We would have won if it was not for that joke of a ref! Fuming." Dan from Pompey, via text on 81111
1659: Full-time Middlesbrough 0-0 Wigan
1658: Boos reverberate around The Emirates as Arsenal's challenge for a Champions League spot threatens to completely fall apart. That's three league games the Gunners have gone without scoring for the first time since 2005.
1656: Full-time Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
1655: Surely the last chance of the game at Arsenal and it's a fine low save from Marton Fulop to deny Robin van Persie's left-foot drive. After route one football as well - oh, Arsene.
1654: Full-time Bolton 2-1 West Ham
1653: The ball falls to William Gallas on the edge of the Sunderland box, but his right-foot shot is screwed badly wide.
1653: Full-time Stoke 2-2 Portsmouth
1651: There will be four minutes of stoppage time at Arsenal.
1649: GOAL Stoke 2-2 Portsmouth
Hammer blow for Stoke, right at the death of the game. Glen Johnson pumps the ball into the box, Stoke cannot clear and Hermann Hreidarsson volleys goalwards, the ball unintentionally diverted past Thomas Sorensen by Ryan Shawcross trying to clear his lines. Oh what a cruel game this is.
1649: "The Bolton West Ham game has been so one-sided it's unbelievable. How West Ham aren't winning let alone drawing is beyond me." dodger9 on 606 Join the debate on 606
1646: Time is running out for Arsenal, with Kieran Gibbs coming on to make his second Premier League appearance of the season.
1645: "Typical Arsenal. 0-0 and we look to the subs bench and Eboue comes on. I can't help screaming no no no! We won't win anything with a weak bench like that." Adam in Leeds, via text on 81111
1643: Savio crosses for Carlton Cole at Bolton and the West Ham striker's effort bounces down and appears to be going over Jussi Jaaskelainen, but the keeper just manages to gather above his head. The Hammers are piling forward in search of an equaliser.
1641: Carlos Vela is having a shocker. Robin van Persie plays the ball across the box to the youngster and he once again completely mis-kicks, this time from about 15 yards.
1638: Carlos Vela finds himself in acres of space inside the Sunderland area, but he drags his left-foot shot badly wide. Emmanuel Eboue comes on for Arsenal for Alex Song.
1638: GOAL Stoke 2-1 Portsmouth
That is quite unbelievable. Andy Wilkinson crosses from the right, Danny Pugh volleys into the floor and to the back post, where James Beattie looks miles offside but heads the ball into the net - and it's allowed to stand. Remarkable scenes in the Potteries.
1636: GOAL Stoke 1-1 Portsmouth
Like London buses aren't they, Premier League goals? Pompey aren't best pleased - Glen Johnson appears to chest the ball down in his own box, though for some reason he did stick his arm out in the process, not sure why. Referee Michael Jones books Johnson and James Beattie steps up to coolly dispatch the penalty past David James.
1634: PENALTY TO STOKE
1633: GOAL Stoke 0-1 Portsmouth
That's more like it. Pompey get a crucial goal at Stoke thanks to David Nugent's cute pass into the box and Niko Kranjcar's lovely finish past Thomas Sorensen.
1632: Three games all tantalisingly poised at 0-0 with about 20 minutes remaining. Nope, I just cannot make that sound interesting.
1629: One change each at the Riverside. Mexican striker Hugo Rodallega replaces Olivier Kapo for Wigan. Tuncay is on for Boro, replacing Adam Johnson. Tuncay's first contribution is to try to win a penalty by tripping over Titus Bramble's leg. Referee Mike Dean, unlike Tuncay, doesn't fall for it.
1628: "(See 1535) 7-0 to Rushden & Diamonds now. However, you have to say well done to Weymouth for actually putting a team out. I hope you find a miracle saviour like we did with Sir Steve Gibson." Boro Fan in The Capital on 606 Join the debate on 606
1626: GOAL Bolton 2-1 West Ham
It's been coming for an awfully long time, but West Ham get their goal thanks to Jonathan Spector's cross from the right and Scott Parker's sweeping finish from eight yards. Game very much on now.
1625: Andrey Arshavin's Arsenal debut comes to a premature end - don't forget he hasn't played for quite a while. Mexican Carlos Vela comes on in his place.
1624: Portsmouth's Peter Crouch gets on the end of another Jermaine Pennant right-wing cross, but he can only nod over the bar. Poor, from the big striker.
1624: West Ham's record signing Savio comes on for Jack Collison. The second half has been lively but ragged so far, with neither side really taking control, and plenty of heavy challenges going in from players on both sides.
1621: Andrey Arshavin's little dinked ball into the Sunderland box looks like it is falling on the head of Nicklas 'I should play every minute' Bendtner, but Marton Fulop gets off his line sharpish to collect ahead of the Dane.
1620: I'd pay £10 for a goal in the Premier League right now. Not sure who I'd give the money to, though.
1618: "Cattermole needs to have a word with himself. Not content with seriously injuring Joey Barton and Habib Beye, he's now taken out Digard. Tough tackling is one thing, but putting fellow players in hospital on a regular basis is another." Keith, via text on 81111
1617: Boro boss Gareth Southgate makes his second change of the afternoon, this time a tactical one, as Jeremie Aliadiere replaces Julio Arca. According to Boro's website, Didier Digard has been taken to hospital as a precaution with a suspected thigh injury. So encouraging news after how he went off.
1616: The game at The Emirates is falling perfectly for Sunderland, they have slowed it right down the the Gunners are becoming more and more frustrated. The Black Cats are working unbelievably hard, too.
1613: Someone on 606 just labelled the Premier League the 'new Serie A'. I think you'll find there are comfortably more goals in Italian football than we're seeing at the moment. Are goalkeepers getting better, or what?
1611: Come on Bolton (I never just said that), keep little Wigan's European hopes alive." LaticsValencia on 606 Join the debate on 606
1609: Not the most popular man in the north-east today, Lee Cattermole gets us under way at Middlesbrough.
1607: Matty Taylor clears Carlton Cole's goalbound header off the line at Bolton.
1606: The ball is played through to James Beattie at Stoke by Mamady Sidibe, but his touch is poor and the chance goes begging. Under way at Arsenal and Bolton.
1604: Stoke and Portsmouth get back under way at the Britannia Stadium.
1604: Big half for Arsenal, this, though we've said that a few times this season already. They must beat Sunderland and close the gap on Aston Villa in fourth to four points. If they don't, that last Champions League spot is looking a very long way away.
1601: "Here's an unbelievable fact Jonny! Craig Brewster aged 42 has just scored on his debut for Ross County! Unbelievable!" Jacob from Stanmore (Arsenal fan), via text on 81111
1558: "The problem with Arsenal is that we don't score early enough. In our last nine Premier League games, eight of them have been 0-0 at half time." Gunner0708 on 606 Join the debate on 606
1555: There were some goings on at Stoke, too. Peter Crouch was involved at either end just before the half-time whistle at the Britannia Stadium - the big Portsmouth striker wrapped an arm around Ryan Shawcross as the ball was pumped into his own penalty area, leading to appeals for a Stoke penalty, and seconds later he was denied by a last-ditch Abdoulaye Faye challenge as he shaped to shoot after brilliantly chesting down a long ball. It has still been a desperately dull first half though.
1554: Arsenal did have a last-gasp chance in that half, right on the stroke of half-time, Kolo Toure turned after controlling Andrey Arshavin's cross and volleyed a low shot from eight yards that forced Marton Fulp into another good save. Arsenal have had the better chances, but Sunderland have been dangerous on the counter-attack.
1553: Half-time Middlesbrough 0-0 Wigan
1551: Half-time Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
1551: Lee Cattermole fears the worst when Afonso Alves goes down in the Wigan half under his challenge - even though the midfielder was nowhere near him. Cattermole has just been booked, but it's Alves who is cautioned for diving, rightly so - that was pathetic.
1549: Lee Cattermole - playing the role of pantomime villain at the Riverside following his collision with Didier Digard - runs into the back of Gary O'Neil (he's behind you) and the home fans want a penalty. O'Neil gets a yellow card for diving.
1549: Half-time Bolton 2-0 West Ham
1548: Sunderland break quickly and the ball is played into the area for Kenwyne Jones, only for the striker to be denied by a last-ditch Bacary Sagna clearance.
1547: Half-time Stoke 0-0 Portsmouth
1547: There are six minutes of stoppage time at Middlesbrough after that injury to Didier Digard. Meanwhile at Arsenal. Kolo Toure's header from a Robin van Persie corner is kicked off the Sunderland line.
1546: "Looks like we are in for another 'second-half Saturday' then!!" Charlie, via text on 81111
Lets hope so, mate. This is woeful.
1544: Carlton Cole looks set to pull one back for West Ham, but Jlloyd Samuel puts him off at the last moment to avert the danger for an under-pressure Bolton.
1542: David di Michele has a shot deflected over for West Ham, who are enjoying their best spell of the game at Bolton at the moment.
1540: Nicklas Bendtner's cross from the right is deflected awkwardly into the path of Marton Fulop, the Sunderland keeper doing well to claim the ball at the second attempt.
1540: West Ham's David di Michele runs on to a ball over the top and races into the box, but he tries to curl a shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen and gets it all wrong, the shot flying miles wide.
1539: A great West Ham counter-attack - Carlton Cole plays the ball out to Mark Noble on the right, who tries to pass the ball back into the centre to set up Jack Collison when he should have a shot himself. His pass is deflected back to him and Noble attempts to lob Jussi Jaaskelainen, but the keeper back-pedals to get his hands on the ball.
1538: See 1509. Chin up to the Weymouth supporter. I saw my team Newport County die and be re-born. It's never over." Neil, via text on 81111
1535: Stewart Downing fires in the first shot on target at The Riverside, but his daisy-cutter is tipped behind well by Chris Kirkland. Moments later, Downing fires a right-foot shot wide of the near post.
1533: Jermaine Pennant fires over another dangerous cross from the right that finds the giant Peter Crouch unmarked at the back stick, but he seems to mis-time his header and it flies back across goal, Stoke clearing the danger.
1532: Andrey Arshavin whips over a cross from the right that Nicklas Bendtner heads goalwards, but Marton Fulop is equal to the Dane's effort and tips it behind for a corner. Good save.
1530: West Ham's third corner of the match produces their best threat so far, as the ball finds its way to David di Michele on the right-hand side of the box, but after some neat footwork to bring the ball under control, he can only produce a weak shot off-target.
1528: "Any other Liverpool fans realising that Arshavin is exactly the kind of player we're missing? Arshavin or Kuyt - who would you rather defend against? Hmmmm." The kid from Fuenlabrada on 606 Join the debate on 606
1525: Dean Whitehead bursts through the Arsenal defence and hits a drive from the edge of the box that forces Manuel Almunia into a smart save, diving to his left to push the ball away.
1525: Boro players and fans are furious after Lee Cattermole's crunching challenge on Didier Digard. The former Boro midfielder got the ball, but also left Digard in serious trouble. The Frenchman needs oxygen as he is stretchered off to a standing ovation, with Josh Walker coming on.
1524: "(See 1430) Jimmy Bullard has cost Hull City £135,136.00 a minute since joining them." Waky, Manchester, via text on 81111
1521: Sunderland break quickly and the ball falls for Anton Ferdinand to smash in a 20-yard half-volley that Manuel Almunia does well to punch away.
1521: "When the teams emerged there was some confusion as to whether the number 23 in an Arsenal shirt was new signing Arshavin or the mascot. He may be incredibly small for a top level footballer, but he has made an assured start." BBC Sport's David Ornstein at The Emirates
1519: Andrey Arshavin jinks inside Andy Reid and lets fly with a left-foot stunner that Marton Fulop does really well to parry away. He's at it already, the brilliant Russian.
1518: Liam Lawrence's audacious 40-yard lob lands on the roof of David James's net.
1517: Middlesbrough are passing the ball around quite nicely in their game against Wigan, but do look a little short of quality in the final third.
1516: Stoke made the better start in their game against Portsmouth, but it's become quite scrappy - not a game for the purist at the moment.
1514: It goes from bad to worse for West Ham as James Collins limps off with a pulled hamstring and James Tomkins comes on.
1513: Shocking defending from Sunderland allows a Denilson pass to find its way through to Robin van Persie, but the Dutch destroyer clips his left-foot shot over the advancing Marton Fulop and a fraction wide of the far post.
1513: "(See 1504) Stevo, shouldn't that be ahhhhh, rather than aaaaaah? Aaaaah sounds more scared than anything." pp0u20e8 on 606 Join the debate on 606
They're terrified. Don't you remember Euro 2008? Frightening.
1511: GOAL Bolton 2-0 West Ham
West Ham just have not started here and Johan Elmander turns over a decent cross from the right, the Hammers fail to clear their lines and Kevin Davies slots into the far corner.
1510: GOAL Bolton 1-0 West Ham
Jack Collison concedes a free-kick 22 yards out and Matty Taylor steps up to curl a beauty up and over the wall and into the top-ish corner of Rob Green's net - though the keeper's positioning may have left a little to be desired.
1509: "Stevo, please spare a thought for Weymouth today, playing what could be their last ever game. All our senior players left the club yesterday because the club couldn't afford to pay them in 2009! We have our under-18 team playing today, and despite lots of hard work by the fans, it looks like the end of the road for us today. Our 119-year history could be coming to an end at 5pm..." Anonymous, via text on 81111
Sometimes, I wish I didn't have a club.
1507: What a start that could have been - Andy Reid gifts possession away and Andrey Arshavin lets fly from 25 yards, his left-foot skimmer flying a yard wide of Marton Fulop's left-hand post.
1504: Andrey Arshavin has lined up on the right-hand side of Arsenal's midfield. His first touch is cheered by he crowd. Aaaaaah.
1503: Fashionably late, I think they call it. Sunderland have a huddle, Arsenal don't. Andrey Arshavin's Premier League career is well and truly under way at The Emirates.
1501: We are under way at Bolton, Stoke and Middlesbrough.
1500: AMENDED BOLTON v WEST HAM LINE-UPS Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Puygrenier, Samuel, Kevin Davies, Mark Davies, McCann, Gardner, Taylor, Elmander.
Subs: Al Habsi, Muamba, Smolarek, Makukula, Shittu, Basham, Andrew O'Brien. West Ham: Green, Spector, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Collison, Cole, Di Michele.
Subs: Lastuvka, Lopez, Nsereko, Kovac, Tristan, Tomkins, Sears. Referee: Steve Tanner (Somerset)
1459: The last time Sunderland won at Arsenal in the league, a certain 17-year-old defender named Tony Adams was making his Gunners debut. It was November 1983. Going in to today's match, Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 league games.
1456: It feels like a day for records, somehow. Derby have just thrashed Forest in the Championship to win their first league game at their arch rivals since 1971. As for West Ham, they can equal their all-time top flight record of eight away matches without defeat set 22 years ago, if they can win or draw at Bolton today.
1454: "Tony Stokes isn't starting for West Ham, he's in Hungary! Bit of a mix-up with squad numbers, I understand. Di Michele starting instead." Anonymous, via text on 81111
You can always rely on anonymous to clear things up.
1453: "Football is my life. I think about it constantly. When I'm not thinking about it then I'm just about to. I believe it's called Zen." ElSquirrel on 606 Join the debate on 606
1451: Apparently, West Ham's Tony Stokes, who we have got in their team today, is on loan in Hungary. So he's probably not going to play against Bolton. We're trying to check what's going on, sorry about that.
1446: Still all to play for as you rate the players, with Chelsea's Frank Lampard your Player Rater man of the match at the minute with a score of 7.78, while Aston Villa's beanpole centre-back Zat Knight comes in last with just 5.46. Annoyed? Then vote on. Rate the players
1444: "(See 1430) Poor Hull City? Poor Jimmy Bullard more like. Sack the Hull medical team for somehow passing him through the medical. Fulham must be laughing all the way to the bank." Dan from Pompey, via text on 81111
1441: "They were very happy to win the game 1-0, but that is a very important victory for Chelsea. Villa just need a little bit more quality in the final third to be sure of breaking into that top four in my opinion." BBC Radio 5 Live's Paul Jewell
1440: Full-time Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea
1439: Johan Elmander and Gavin McCann are back for Bolton after a hamstring injury and a broken toe respectively. Ricardo Gardner also returns, with Andrew O'Brien, Fabrice Muamba and Ariza Makukula all dropping to the bench. West Ham have Jonathan Spector in for the suspended Lucas Neill and the injured Luis Boa Morte is replaced by Tony Stokes, who makes his first start for the club. Carlton Cole plays despite having injured his ankle last week. David Di Michele is also out, with Valon Behrami returning to the side.
1437: Brad Friedel makes a stunning save to tip over Juliano Belletti's hammer drive from the edge of the Villa box after brilliant work down the left from Deco.
1436: Juliano Belletti comes on for Didier Drogba and we're into four minutes of stoppage time.
1436: John Terry is booked for obstruction on Gabby Agbonlahor. From the free-kick the ball seems to fall for Zat Knight at the far post, but he cannot repeat his Arsenal heroics and his first touch allows Chelsea to clear.
1434: Emile Heskey is furious after referee Mark Halsey gives a free-kick for his aerial challenge with Alex. To be fair, Heskey's been given a fair few 50-50 decisions today.
1433: So Arsenal hand a debut to Russian superstar Andrey Arshavin, who takes the place of Emmanuel Eboue, while Nicklas Bendtner replaces the injured Emmanuel Adebayor. Sunderland make two changes, with Tal Ben-Haim - who makes his debut - and Teemu Tainio coming in for Djibril Cisse and Phillip Bardsley.
1431: Bosingwa is booked for time-wasting and there are five minutes left plus stoppage time at Villa Park. This would be a massive win for Chelsea.
1430: Jimmy Bullard has just had a knee operation in the US and he will be out of action for between six and nine months. Poor Hull City - what a record signing that has turned out to be - he played for only 37 minutes after joining for £5m. "The operation has been a success", said Dr Richard Steadman.
1429: Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate names an unchanged line-up for only the second time this season, sticking with the same XI that earned an FA Cup replay against West Ham. Wigan boss Steve Bruce makes four changes. Mido cannot play against his parent club so Amr Zaki returns up front, while Emmerson Boyce replaces Paul Scharner in defence. Ben Watson comes in for the injured Antonio Valencia, while Olivier Kapo also gets a start as Hugo Rodallega drops to the bench.
1428: Chelsea's Didier Drogba shoots on the turn off target from close range.
1427: Liam Lawrence makes his first start for Stoke since injuring his ankle by tripping over his labrador at the start of October. Rory Delap and Matthew Etherington are suspended but striker Mamady Sidibe returns after two months out, replacing the injured Ricardo Fuller, and Danny Higginbotham comes in at right-back for Stephen Kelly. Herman Hreidarsson has recovered from a virus so Portsmouth are unchanged from the side that beat Manchester City last week, their first league win since November. Lawrence dogged by bizarre injury
1426: Villa swing in a corner from the right and John Carew rises highest, but glances his effort well wide of Petr Cech's right-hand post. There are 10 minutes left at Villa Park.
1425: BOLTON v WEST HAM LINE-UPS Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Puygrenier, Samuel, Kevin Davies, Mark Davies, McCann, Gardner, Taylor, Elmander.
Subs: Al Habsi, Muamba, Smolarek, Makukula, Shittu, Basham, Andrew O'Brien. West Ham: Green, Spector, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Collison, Cole, Stokes.
Subs: Lastuvka, Lopez, Nsereko, Kovac, Tristan, Tomkins, Sears. Referee: Steve Tanner (Somerset)
1424: "After putting up with Chelsea all season, I'm not counting any chickens yet in this game..." Jacobzuma on 606 Join the debate on 606
1422: You read right - Andrey Arshavin makes his first start for Arsenal today. Full team news to follow on all the three o'clock kick-offs.
1421: Gareth Barry hits a shot from 20 yards that is well-struck but straight at Petr Cech once again.
1421: Aston Villa could be heading for their first league defeat since 9 November, when they lost 2-1 at home against Middlesbrough - who haven't won since. That's also the weekend Manchester United last lost.
1414: Good save Petr Cech, the ball breaks to Gareth Barry on the edge of the Chelsea box and his fierce left-foot shot is parried away by the Czech stopper.
1411: Guus Hiddink is still bellowing out instructions from the sidelines, he is not letting his Chelsea team sit on this lead - they need another to make it safe. Villa have gained 13 points from losing positions this season, second in the league only to Liverpool.
1409: "You lot are funny. The best Chelsea can hope for now is to win the FA Cup and keep Hiddink beyond the end of the season. He won't save us in five days, but with time, he can be a great success at Chelsea." jdnp_cfc_gh on 606 Join the debate on 606
1407: Didier Drogba drops in on the right and Nicolas Anelka is playing in a central position now for Chelsea.
1405: Ashley Young is seeing more of the ball down the left, but his cross on this occasion flies straight into the arms of Petr Cech. Martin O'Neill and Guus Hiddink are both prowling the touchline.
1405: "Villa have got amongst Chelsea and made it a bit more of a scrap like we said they had to do." BBC Radio 5 Live's Paul Jewell
1402: Not the Deco I used to know - he picks the ball up twice down the right and twice just lumps it aimlessly away, giving it away both times.
1402: "Chelsea fans have to make you laugh, weren't they saying the same thing when Scolari came in - 'we look a different, better team'?" Vicky from St Helens, via text on 81111
1400: Deco is coming on for Salomon Kalou, the former Barcelona midfielder to add a bit more depth to the Chelsea midfield who are being over-run at the moment. Very decisive move from Guus Hiddink.
1359: Gabby Agbonlahor shows great strength to barge Alex out of the way and he is into the area down the left, his right-foot shot at the near post parried away by Petr Cech. It's all Villa at the moment.
1358: Better from Villa, they are getting the ball forward quickly, but a ball in for Gareth Barry down the left just runs too far ahead of the skipper. Carlos Cuellar is booked for a foul on Nicolas Anelka.
1356: Villa are growing frustrated because Bosingwa seems to be time-wasting while taking a throw-in down the Chelsea right. There are 40 minutes remaining.
1354: Curtis Davies isn't sure where Didier Drogba is, lurking somewhere behind him, and the defender heads the ball out for a Chelsea corner, a touch of panic there. After one corner is cleared, the next one is headed goalwards by John Terry and Stiliyan Petrov heads off the line.
1353: "Martin O'Neill will have told his team they've got to cause Chelsea more problems, get into their faces a bit more. The midfield must get tighter and stop them from having so much time to play." BBC Radio 5 Live's Paul Jewell
1351: Luke Young's ping forward from left-back finds Emile Heskey, but he can only head it straight out of play. Not had the best of games so far, the former Wigan hitman.
1350: Frank Lampards junior and senior wave to each other, with dad looking on proudly from the stands, and Chelsea get the second half started at Villa Park.
1346: "Problem solved, just get a new manager in every couple of weeks and we'll win everything in sight." Lampardinho on 606 Join the debate on 606
1342: "Although he is performing better today, Petr Cech simply hasn't been the same since the Scolari reign began... especially from crosses and set pieces." Elliott, Essex, via text on 81111
1339: Unsurprisingly the exceptional Frank Lampard leads the way on Player Rater with 8.54, while England team-mate Emile Heskey is at the other end of the scale on a meagre 5.9. Get voting. Rate the players
1336: Can't argue with that score - a very good start to Guus Hiddink's reign, Chelsea look a different side to the one that was stumbling along under Luiz Felipe Scolari. Villa need to get the ball wide more, and for goodness sake, stop giving the ball away so cheaply.
1333: Half-time Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea
1333: Curtis Davies stops Michael Ballack from getting his head on to the end of a Didier Drogba cross and there isn't even time to take the resulting corner.
1331: There's a minute plus stoppage time left in the first half and Chelsea are trying to run down the clock.
1330: "Chelsea look more like a team now. Their passing is flowing and their team moral looks very good. For me Hiddink was a good replacement for Scolari and has transformed them." Frank, via text on 81111
1327: The game is a bit more fragmented now than it was at the start and it's suiting Villa more than Chelsea. Their front men are having a little bit more joy against Alex and John Terry too - balls into the visitors' penalty area are causing all sorts of problems.
1325: Ashley Young sends over a lovely inswinging cross from the left, but it's just a fraction too high for Gabby Agbonlahor and it runs out for a goalkick. Better from Villa, though, they must get Young on the ball more.
1324: "As a United fan I would say Chelsea are definitely the second best team in the country and I am still more concerned about them challenging for the title than Liverpool. As I have been for about five years." Sinbad The Saviour on 606 Join the debate on 606
1321: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is running the whole gamut of emotions up in the stand, I've rarely seen the bearded Russian oligarch look so involved in a game.
1320: Emile Heskey falls once again under the slightest touch from Jon Mikel Obi and the referee gives a free-kick 25 yards out, which Ashley Young majestically curls against the underside of the Chelsea bar with Petr Cech motionless. Heskey heads the rebound wide.
1318: From the resulting corner, John Terry rises high and heads goalwards, but Brad Friedel sticks out his left hand and makes a decent save.
1318: Salmon Kalou drives at the Villa defence and plays a lovely one-two with Didier Drogba, but Carlos Cuellar gets there just in the nick of time to clear the danger.
1317: "Stevo, what's the score?!" Paul in Derby, via text on 81111
0-1 to Chelsea, duh...
1315: Didier Drogba finds space down the Blues left by after getting into the box he tries to pick out Nicolas Anelka instead of pulling it back for Frank Lampard and Villa get it clear.
1314: Little bit of sustained possession for Villa in the Chelsea half, but the visitors are working extremely hard and there is very little space for Villa to move in. They are forced back into their own half, before pumping an aimless ball for Petr Cech to collect. The plan is working for Guus Hiddink so far.
1311: Stiliyan Petrov slices a right-foot volley miles off target after Chelsea fail to deal with a free-kick pumped into their box.
1311: "Chelsea should have hired Hiddink weeks ago, they look more like a team, very lively." contemplativedokus on 606 Join the debate on 606
1308: Fair to say Nicolas Anelka likes playing against Aston Villa, that's his sixth goal in his last six league starts against the Midlanders.
1306: GOAL Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea
Frank Lampard shows his class by dribbling brilliant inbetween Curtis Davies and Stiliyan Petrov, wonderful dancing feet from the England midfielder, before slipping Nicolas Anelka into the box and the Frenchman finishes expertly with a clip over the advancing Brad Friedel. Well worth their lead, Chelsea.
1304: Paolo Ferreira gives the ball away down the Chelsea left - talk about a square peg in a round hole - and James Milner pings a cross low into the Blues box, only for Alex to make a fabulous interception as Gabby Agbonlahor waited for his chance.
1304: Villa just keep needlessly giving the ball away, this is a very disappointing start from Martin O'Neill's boys.
1301: Guus Hiddink and Ray Wilkins are deep in discussion on the Chelsea bench. They can't be displeased by this start, with the Blues still dominating possession, while Villa are looking to hit them on the break with balls down the channels for Gabby Agbonlahor to chase.
1259: Frank Lampard has enjoyed a delightful start to the game, knocking the ball around with intelligence and accuracy so far. The ball eventually falls for Salomon Kalou inside the Villa box, but his first touch lets him down and the chance goes begging.
1257: Emile Heskey needs a bit of treatment after an aerial challenge with Jon Mikel Obi. Didn't look like there was much in it on the replay.
1256: Frank Lampard has a sighter from 25 yards out, but his well-struck right-foot shot flies a few inches over the crossbar.
1255: "I'm on one train to London from Birmingham, my mate Ape is on another from Manchester and is probably reading the same updates as me, so can you please tell him if he gets there first, mine's a pint of Young's. Ta." Col, via text on 81111
1254: Chelsea play some nice keep-ball around the halfway line, but as soon as they get into an advanced position, Nicolas Anelka's pass goes astray. They are seeing more of it in the early stages.
1252: "If Villa win perhaps Chelsea might be, by the end of the season, the victims of Villa's triumph this season. I fancy Arsenal gaining ground today." SchmidtyT on 606 Join the debate on 606
1250: First shot of the Guus Hiddink reign as Frank Lampard tees up Didier Drogba and he is forced wide, firing in a low shot that is straight at Brad Friedel. At the other end, Petr Cech spills a low cross into the Chelsea box and on the slide, Emile Heskey lashes over.
1248: Nicolas Anelka is playing wide on the left in the early stages, with Didier Drogba the targetman for Chelsea today. Salomon Kalou will provide some width down the right.
1247: Martin O'Neill and Guus Hiddink shake hands and Villa get us under way. Sounds like a proper good atmosphere at one of England's great old grounds today.
1243: The teams are out at Villa Park and the weekend's action is set to get under way with a potential firecracker in the Midlands.
1241: I know, I've committed the ultimate schoolboy error. Predicting Manchester United to concede a goal will either be the most ludicrous of all my forecasts (and there's competition for that title), or one of the great shouts of modern times. Hmm.
1238: "It's such a big game and players want to play, they will accept the consequences if they're not fully fit. Guus Hiddink is top quality, but I thought the manager Chelsea had was top quality. They are a quality side, and despite their supposed turmoil, I wouldn't mind that kind of turmoil every season." Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill
1236: So, Chelsea captain John Terry returns from suspension for Guud Hiddink's first game in charge, while Paulo Ferreira comes in at left-back for the suspended Ashley Cole. Alex starts at centre-half after recovering from an ankle injury. Hiddink also pairs Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba in attack.
Aston Villa make four changes from the team that drew 1-1 with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday. Striker Emile Heskey and winger James Milner both start after shaking off injuries, Brad Friedel returns ahead of Brad Guzan in goal while Carlos Cuellar is preferred in defence to Craig Gardner as Villa set their sights on equalling a club record of 14 league games unbeaten.
1232: "Talk about hyperbole! Arsenal's season 'rests' on Arshavin? You do realise this is a team unbeaten in nearly three months don't you?" Paul, London, via text on 81111
But who also haven't scored in their last two league games and could start their game today seven points off fourth place and a Champions League spot.
1230: Stevo's Predos, back by unpopular demand...
Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea
Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland
Bolton 1-1 West Ham
Middlesbrough 2-2 Wigan
Stoke 1-2 Portsmouth
Man Utd 3-1 Blackburn Lawro's predictions
1225: "Evolution is the right word, not revolution, for what we're trying to do. We've got options today and we can make some changes if necessary during the game. Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba worked very well together against Watford, but I'm looking to see if they play well today. I'm excited about this game, I always am." Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink
1223: If Martin O'Neill is confident, you could hardly blame him. Villa are unbeaten against Chelsea at home since the turn of the millennium, winning four and drawing six of their league and cup contests. The Blues last returned to London with all three points in March 1999, when lanky Norwegian goal-getter Tore Andre Flo bagged a brace in a 3-0 romp.
1219: "Talking of shorn (See 1200), did you see the new variation on the old footballer's haircut theme - Arshavin said he intends to fly his own hairdresser over from St Petersburg as his wife doesn't like British stylists? Did he strike anyone as a leader of fashion in the haircut department?" andy9xx on 606 Join the debate on 606
He is a fashion leader though isn't he - Arshavin has already admitted he makes dresses in his spare time! Let's hope he can weave some pretty patterns on the pitch today. Crikey, that was rubbish.
1215: Just to clarify, these are lives updates on the Premier League. I'm aware there are games going on in other leagues, especially early on, but I don't think we need to worry about them, do we? Course not. Why ruin a perfectly lovely afternoon?
1212: It's another big weekend, isn't it? And what price a goal against Manchester United in the Premier League - wouldn't that be something to tell the grandkids? Get your texts flooding in to 81111 and join in with the 606 debate. That's pretty much what it's there for. Join the debate on 606
1209: ASTON VILLA v CHELSEA LINE-UPS Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Davies, Knight, Luke Young, Milner, Petrov, Barry, Ashley Young, Heskey, Agbonlahor.
Subs: Guzan, Sidwell, Carew, Delfouneso, Salifou, Shorey, Gardner. Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ferreira, Mikel, Ballack, Lampard, Kalou, Anelka, Drogba.
Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Quaresma, Deco, Belletti, Mancienne, Stoch. Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)
1205: And what's this? Another manager getting in on the mind games act? Whatever will Sir Alex make of that? You can tell Aston Villa are doing well, because gaffer Martin O'Neill has very much laid down the gauntlet to today's opponents Chelsea. "They need to beat us to stay in the title race," said the Northern Irishman, cheekily. O'Neill piles pressure on Chelsea
1200: From Russia With Love - two of the stars of Euro 2008 make their Premier League bows today, and it's a stiff challenge that awaits them both as they aim to introduce themselves to English football with a bang.
Master manager Guus Hiddink, the architect of Russia's brilliant run to the semi-finals last summer, takes over a Chelsea team in "crisis" until the end of the season. He begins with a trip to Big Four-busting Aston Villa.
As for Andrey Arshavin, the playmaking maestro will need to make an equally immediate impact at Arsenal to turn the Gunners' fortunes around. Shorn of Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Eduardo (again), Arshavin must summon up all that eastern magic when Sunderland visit The Emirates this afternoon.
Seasons are riding on you. No pressure then, fellas.
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~54~RS~)
~RS~a~RS~International~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~54~RS~){kind=small}
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