Premier League as it happened

Manchester United's Ashley Young: Brilliant team performance, great feeling to win away at Arsenal. Think the photo says it all...

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Former Manchester United boss David Moyes has former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela in his side this evening.

He begins his La Liga campaign in just over half an hour and you can follow the action in our European live text page here.

In the early game on Sunday, Crystal Palace face Liverpool in a repeat of the game which eventually cost Liverpool the title last year.

Then Hull face Tottenham at 16:00 GMT.

Both of those games will of course be covered here.

It has been great to have the Premier League back. A fine day of action, 15 goals and plenty of talking points.

But what else is coming this weekend?

Tony, Lincoln: United fortunate to win. Arsenal must get their defence right. Convinced they will make top 4 at the season's end. No good getting shot of Wenger. He will sort it.

Akbar: In the transfer window that Wenger signed Ozil for 42 million he also signed Flamini for free. That in a nutshell shows how shockingly flawed Wenger's transfer and tactical philosophy is.

Arsene Wenger says that he does not expect Wojciech Szczesny to have a bad injury but he does not know about Jack Wilshere's ankle.

Photogenic: The good news is that you won't need many points to finish in top 4 this season. One strong team & 19 average teams.

Ellis Hickey: Arsenal need a manager who will provide a second plan instead of passing and wishing for the best.

Ade Ojelabi: The WHOLE of @Arsenal should apologize to supporters (forking out money to buy the most expensive tickets) and fans at large

Louis van Gaal says he very frustrated at having to constantly change his line-up and formation because of the injury list at Old Trafford.

A classic Arsene Wenger response to Jack Wilshere's clash with Marouane Fellaini.

"Honestly, I didn't see the incident."

Joe Harries: Hate all this Wenger out nonsense. No one can blame the manager today, the only ones to blame are the players. Poor performance.

Neo Legolas: Saying Wenger Out simply doesn't solve the problem but to think of it that's the only change left now.

Andy Bradley: Why haven't Arsenal picked up quality defensive players now we have money? Questionable decisions costing us dearly recently.

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "It was one-way traffic and we lost the game, we have to take it on the chin. I know we'll be criticised for it but you have to respect the energy levels we put in.

"We paid for the slightest mistake and it's very frustrating to come away with nothing.

"We had the best chances and we could have finished better. At 1-0 we should have been more cautious not to give the second goal away. There was plenty of time to come back and that's where we made the mistake.

"In our job when you don't win, you're very concerned but there are a lot of positives in this team. If we can keep this going with the quality and the energy levels we have, we can bounce back very quickly."

"It was one-way traffic and we lost the game."

That's the opening line of Arsene Wenger's reaction. He also says he expects criticism.

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More from Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal:

"Luke Shaw has an ankle problem. It is not the same injury as what he had in advance of the game. We have to wait and see. It is unbelievable the injuries we have had.

"It is the first away victory and the players are very excited but it is just one victory. We have to confirm that with further victories and then we can say we have the spirit and can start looking upstairs and not downstairs."

Icemandb10: We were poor defensively last season, yet we lost Vermaelen and Sagna in the summer and failed to replace them. Wenger didn't build on last season he weakened the squad, he has not learned from his mistakes over the last decade.

Frustrated Gooner: For those saying that Wenger can't be too blame, we have had the same problems with defensive frailties, lack of leadership and general profligacy for the last 4 seasons. The one constant has been Wenger, who also had a £100m budget to address these flaws last summer. Accidents and flukes happen, but not season after season. Wenger must go.

Graham in London: Not worried at all. The difference between the two is that Arsenal will win games playing like that and United will lose them

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal: "I think it is a fantastic victory at the right moment. We have a lot of injuries but despite of that we win a difficult away match. Arsenal are a good attacking team. At the end I can laugh but you can imagine if they score one of four or five chances in the first half it is a different game.

"They have had five big chances yes, but we have also had possibilities at the end of the first half. Not so big but we could also score. In the second part of the first half we were coming back. We don't have the confidence in the first half and I said we needed to build up the ball and because of that we got chances. It is no surprise for me that we scored in the second half. I was not pleased with the ball possession of our team but after that we improved and in the second half we did very well."

The haul of 17 points from 12 games is Arsenal's worst ever start in the Premier League.

In a very entertaining interview, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says the injury worries he has are unbelievable and that Luke Shaw's injury is a new one, not related to the trouble he has had before.

He also seems astounded when he is told that United are into the top four...

Louis van Gaal is refreshingly honest isn't he? He says he can laugh now but if Arsenal had taken any of their first-half chances it would have been a very different game.

Full reaction to come.

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Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney: "We rode our luck at times, our goalkeeper was fantastic.

"We felt they were vulnerable on the break and we hit them with two good goals, which was our game plan.

"Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett have coped really well. This will give us a lot of belief and confidence, it's come at a good time for us, It's been an indifferent start for us but we hope we can go on a good run now. We want to build a bit of momentum going into the new year and see where we are then."

Umar: Ermm..stop complaining how good Arsenal were & should've won. Credit to United. Totally bossed game & deserved to win by a mile

Atoyebi Oyelere: Apologies to Mourinho, he seems to be always right. Is there a better description of Wenger than a specialist in failure?

Ajay Patel: All this Wenger out nonsense. It's not his fault that the players all shot straight at De Gea

The Match of the Day running order is in. Get the takeaway ordered and settle down for this lot:

1. .Arsenal v Man Utd, 2. Man City v Swansea, 3. Stoke v Burnley, 4. Everton v West Ham, 5. Chelsea v WBA, 6. Newcastle v QPR, 7. Leicester v Sunderland.

Match of the Day, 22:20-23:45, BBC One

Arsenal, meanwhile, are in eighth place, seven points above the relegation zone but eight points behind Southampton.

Is that good enough?

Manchester United are back up into fourth place after that win, but are still a mammoth 13 points shy of leaders Chelsea. In fact, they are closer to bottom-placed QPR than Chelsea.

Wayne Rooney says that he knew Arsenal were vulnerable on the break and they punished them accordingly. It all went to plan.

Alex McCord: Can't blame Wenger for this. Team was dominating totally. Injuries forced his hand. Failure.

Harry Pitt: I'd never thought I'd say this, Wenger Out Now! He is done, we needed to win.

Alon Nachshen: Everyone moaning about how poor Arsenal are. I only wish Sunderland were as poor... #Perspective

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Drama at the Emirates, but we are not done for the night. Not by any means.

At 21:00 GMT, David Moyes starts his Spanish adventure when he takes Real Sociedad to fellow strugglers Deportivo La Coruna.

You can follow that on our European football live text, which also has details of Lionel Messi's latest record.

Over in Spain Lionel Messi has levelled Telmo Zarra's all-time La Liga goal scoring record of 251 goals, though the former Athletic Bilbao striker did in in 12 games less.

It's all over! A smash and grab of huge proportions. Kieran Gibbs is on his knees. Gutted.

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Michael Carrick makes a great block! We still play on...

That spice we were talking about pre-match is back. Calum Chambers lifts Angel Di Maria to the ground as the Argentine makes the most of a challenge, he then immediately hits the deck again and everyone piles in. A few yellow cards are waved.

Still three of the eight added minutes left. Can Arsenal pull this off?

Joe, Arsenal fan: Are Arsenal for real? What an inept and shocking performance. Dominate the ball and the game but they just cant score and they certainly don't defend!! Wenger Out.

Richard in Maidstone: completely fed up with Arsenal and Wenger now. Just do the club a favour and go back to France, disgusted by this!!!!

Jamie, Harlow: Tactically brilliant from Wenger. If we won here we'd be in danger of finishing above 4th. God forbid we should show any ambition. Losing this means we'll scrape 4th and he'll get his nice CL bonus again.

Stewart McDonald: Enough is enough now. Replace Wenger now before we lose any hope of Champions League for next season. Far to stubborn.

Alex Maguire: So when does Wenger get sacked, he has made team of very good players look completely pathetic #WengerOut

Mohamed Gafaar: Same old Arsenal, can't put the chances away then made to pay. No words to describe Arsenal this season. So so poor.

Terrible miss! Arsenal are caught out again, Angel Di Maria has the whole half to run into! He's clean through, nobody will catch him, but he fluffs his attempted chip wide. For £60m, you expect a goal there...

A lot of Arsenal fans have their heads in their hands, while Arsene Wenger sulkily looks on. He'll be wondering what has gone wrong for his side today. In charge for large periods, undone by a defensive error and a clinical counter,

EIGHT MINUTES added on?! Jonathan Pearce is losing his mind. Where on earth has that come from?

Aidan Williams: Win even when you don't deserve to, Ferguson a master of it. Touche Van Gaal. Impressive.

The Big Valbowski: Who was it that said he doesn't score important goals? Rooney is without doubt an #englishgreat

Andy Brown: Great counter. Reminded me of the Ronaldo/Rooney/Park days of yesteryear.

Ashley Young - a sub - is subbed. Darren Fletcher sent on to totally kill the game.

Oliver Zissman: I've never left the Emirates before the end until today. What a disgrace!

Joe Vidler: Thanks for the memories Wenger.

Seb Amann: I have no idea how Arsenal have lost this game. Absolute madness, they've been all over United.

"While the Manchester United fans celebrate noisily in one corner of the ground, many Arsenal fans are making their exit. There are banners being held up in front of me reading "enough is enough - Wenger out"."

One shot, two goals! That's the story of Manchester United's night. A clinically finished chance by Wayne Rooney though, and one that Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere could do with learning from.

Better from Arsenal, they move it quickly and Santi Cazorla flashes the ball across the goal - but Tyler Blackett is stationed and clears his lines well. Watch and learn Kieran Gibbs!

Manchester United are eight minutes away from moving back into the top four. And about eight players away from winning the league.

DeathApeDisco: Klopp available next summer? Will there ever be a better candidate to succeed Wenger at the Emirates?

Inspiration: Arsene is a good coach no doubt but you can only be good for so long #aresenlneedschange.

Michael Peters: Arsenal out of the title race? Fair to say everyone is except Chelsea and maybe Southampton

Arsenal trying to thread a needle, intricate stuff on the edge of the box but United have seven back and Michael Carrick is able to make the block and clearance. Where's the plan b from the Gunners? They've not tested Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair enough since going behind.

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So Arsenal now have Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud up front, with Alexis Sanchez in the hole. Plenty of options.

Olivier Giroud is back, he's on for Aaron Ramsey. Can the big man have an instant impact?

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Muhumuza Joseph: Calamitous own goal...calamitous season so far well out of the title race. Overhaul at the Emirates needed.

RAGreeneCNN: This is where #Arsenal show whether they deserve to be in the top four: Fight back, or roll over and die?

Irfan Ul Haq: And we have the Wenger bashers out yielding all the weapons! #WengerMustGo_NOT

James Wilson for Robin van Persie - it's a change we are getting used to seeing. It was said when Danny Welbeck left Old Trafford that Louis van Gaal saw Wilson as a better option. Can he show us all why?

I'd quite like to see that Timirlan...

Alexis Sanchez scored twice for Chile during the break, but he can't find the target on this occasion, curling a free-kick over the bar. Danny Welbeck is then stopped in his tracks by Chris Smalling. Good tackle.

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Dave Payn: If Arsenal lose, well, you can only dine out on success for so long. Wenger's time surely up.

Vaishach: the last thing Man Utd will be hoping this season is for de Gea to be injured than those defenders. Sensational.

Timirlan Dzaurov: Bayern could easily take down these Arsenal and ManU sides... and I mean playing them both at once.

Marouane Fellaini heads a corner tamely wide. Manchester United are set up perfectly for the breakaway now, everyone back with Angel Di Maria ready to burst clear at pace. Arsenal will have their work cut out to find any space - but they do have a corner. Robin van Persie heads away.

Arsenal go direct, and to good effect. Danny Welbeck wins a header well, down to Santi Cazorla, and he rattles in a strike which David De Gea is again right behind.

"Interesting to note that Manchester United are ahead without having had a shot on target - that Antonio Valencia effort was heading wide before it hit Kieran Gibbs. One player who has not helped in that department is former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, who has not had a single shot at goal tonight, and has barely had a touch of note either.

"All of that will not bother the Dutch striker, or his manager Louis van Gaal, if the score stays the same."

There are a lot of big players out there who have contributed very little to this game. They have 25 minutes to have an impact. Few groans of frustration in the Emirates as a patient move breaks down.

Tola: Man Utd winning without having a shot on target! Football Gods must be smiling haha.

Harvey Austin: This is a battle of who is worse. Wenger actually winning that one.

Jacob Bridgwater: Probably the most self-destructive force in the universe #poorarsenal

The very essence of 'taking one for the team.' Pure filth from Santi Cazorla to chop down Ashley Young. United were in on the counter attack and Cazorla is booked.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has had a cracking game and he's quick enough to beat his man again and stand up a cross. Alexis Sanchez attacks it, he gets there ahead of Antonio Valencia but his header is well held by David De Gea. Plenty of power, but not enough direction in the header.

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"It is the Manchester United supporters making all the noise now, and it will be interesting to see how the Arsenal fans respond to this setback - they have understandably been deflated since that bizarre goal went in. That was United's first real attack of what had been a completely one-sided second half, yet the Gunners are behind."

Simon, York: You can't give Valencia time and space to line up his trademark vicious shot cross. No one in the world does it better than Antonio in my opinion.

James, Oxford: Now shall we talk about the defences?

Simon in Windsor: Wow what a joke saw it coming the whole game same old story dominate the game don't score then concede a shocking goal how much longer can this be allowed to go on.

Can Arsenal respond. Everyone appears a bit shell-shocked by the nature of that goal. It had not been on the cards at all, Arsenal well on top since the break. But one ball in, Kieran Gibbs had a meltdown and now United lead. Send for Olivier Giroud?

Wil: Cracking finish by Gibbs that.

Paul Seaton: If ever a goal summed up a game, THAT was it. Utter calamity from start to finish.

Ajay Patel: When everything is going against you, sometimes you need a little bit of luck.Valencia can't cross for his life,but he's scored.

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Wojciech Szczesny is keen to carry on but the matter is taken out of his hands - he's off and Emiliano Martinez is on in nets.

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It looks like Wojciech Szczesny will have to come off too. A disastrous 10 seconds for Arsenal. Manchester United lead without having a shot on target.

Jack Wilshere comes back on but he can't run, he can't even walk to be honest. He sits down and that's that, time to come off. He is replaced by Santi Cazorla.

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Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure: Great to score winner today!! Thank you for your fantastic support City fans - I really appreciate it!! #ComeOnCity!

It has been a fantastic week. Helping my country to AFCON and now scoring the winner for City!! #Happy

Jack Wilshere is on his feet, but his left ankle was severely twisted on impact, a horrible looking bend. Will he be OK? We shall see. He's off for some treatment now.

Danny Welbeck should have done better there - and now Jack Wilshere is in real trouble. He is clattered by Paddy McNair as he released the ball, right at the base of the ankle.

A heavy tackle, he really caught Wilshere. Lots of concerned faces from his team-mates.

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Impressive start form Arsenal. Per Mertesacker makes a mug of Marouane Fellaini, beating him twice at a corner to reach the ball first, but his half-volley is wild and over the top.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain then frees Danny Welbeck over the top - but David De Gea makes another big save!

Aetesam from London: It is pretty worrying when you look at the amount of goals Wilshere has scored for us. Yeah he's been injured a lot but with his ability it just doesn't make sense, his finishing is just appalling at times and is costing us here again.

Mike in Derbyshire: Mike Dean has bottled a simple decision of a red card. He had a clear view of Wilshere putting his head into Fellaini's face, it had to be red?

Balding of Highbury: Re Roy the DUFC fan, the 'average armchair fan' has only recently been given the voice to make daft comments via social media. Many fans have talked nonsense for years, myself included at times of frustration......C'mon Arsenal, break the habit of the last 10 years and stop wasting chances!

Good pressing from Arsenal straight from kick-off, winning the ball back high up the pitch. High tempo, high intensity, that is when Arsenal were at their best in the first half.

No changes at the break. Arsenal get us back up and running.

Olivier Giroud to come on and win it? The Arsenal forward is back on the bench this evening.

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Steve Huish, Surbiton: If there's no pressure on LVG how come there was pressure on DM ? Surely he should of been given the same time frame as LVG has had.

Rob, Southampton: Why are people having a go at united defence - we haven't conceded. Surely questions need to be asked of midfield on front of them?

Andy, Manchester: As bad as the defence have been they've been getting no help from the midfield. Second to every ball has allowed arsenal to dictate the play and left the back 3 exposed. Only came back into it when our midfield got a grip.

"Arsene Wenger is going to be remembered as one of the greatest managers that has graced the Premier League.

"He brought a whole new culture to Premier League - the way we eat, the way we rest and the way players and teams are supposed to be prepared."

Keke: Arsenal's mistakes are just gonna end up with glorification of De Gea and undeserving mockery of Wenger.

Lewis Tizard: Wilshere is switching on my town's Christmas lights tomorrow, hope he makes the evening as eventful as his performance so far!

Luis McClelland: Tyler Blackett is awful. Ox has been all over him, press more in the midfield and we've got this. Come on Arsenal!

"It is hard to believe the first half ended goalless, especially from Arsenal's point of view, but Manchester United's latest makeshift defence not only held firm, it became a foundation for some very dangerous attacks by the visitors.

"Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini have played a big part of that, putting in a shift - and some crunching tackles - to change the balance of power in midfield when Arsenal were running riot, and this game is still in the balance."

Rian Hoskins: While injuries are a big part of the problem, even if Man Utd had their strongest back line, it wouldn't be amongst the best.

Andy Donley: Hard to play passing football for @ManUtd when Valencia McNair Blackett and Smalling struggle so badly with the ball.

Vivek E Singh: This looked like Arsenal's best chance to avenge 8 - 2 but looks like they will struggle to 3 points from this.

Former Manchester United captain Paul Ince does not think Red Devils boss Louis Van Gaal is under any pressure - even if they lose at Arsenal.

"No, he won't be under pressure. I don't think he is even looking at winning the Premier League this season - he's not looking at Chelsea or Manchester City.

"He just needs to get United back into the Champions League. That's his ambition for this season, getting into that top four and building from there."

Goalless at the break. Jack Wilshere wasted the golden chance.

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David De Gea is not 100% fit, flapping at a corner now. The ball is helped back in and Danny Welbeck tries an ambitious backheel, but he gets his angles wrong, sending his shot well wide.

Good half this. An entertaining 0-0 so far.

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Roy a DUFC fan in Dundee: The average armchair fan has become less patient and less knowledgeable than ever. To criticise Man Utd right now is ridiculous. I've never seen a club suffer injuries to this level so to even be close to top 4 is a miracle. Quick fixes will only create a different problem further down the line.

They were nowhere for 30 minutes, but now United are looking very dangerous. Three back-to-back corners from Robin van Persie end with Chris Smalling shanking a volley wide. Off his ankle. Not good technique.

The visitors well on top all of a sudden though.

Benjamin: Arsenal are determined to find a way to lose this game.

Gary Higgins: What is with LVG's blind faith in RVP? Playing at the detriment of the team, get him dropped....

Jonathan Atkinson: Get Juan Mata on the pitch absolutely disgraceful that Van Gaal is keeping him on the bench.

Stunning pace! Angel Di Maria again, driving down the right wing on a counter-attack, leaving two Arsenal men in his wake before teeing up Wayne Rooney on the edge of the box. He shoots - but Nacho Monreal makes a sliding block to turn it away.

United coming on strong...

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"There is a superb atmosphere at Emirates Stadium tonight but the intensity of the home support was just dying down a shade before that little spat between Jack Wilshere and Marouane Fellaini got the Arsenal fans back on their feet again.

"The Gunners supporters made even more noise when United's first real spell of possession ended with them forced backwards before Chris Smalling played the ball to his goalkeeper, and they are urging their side forward whenever they have the ball, which is pretty often right now."

That's what he can do! Angel Di Maria has been anonymous to date, but cuts in and bends a brilliant effort from 25 yards, lovely shape and bend, whipping just past the corner. The £60m man can win a game in a second.

Cameron Laws: How is Wilshere still on the pitch? You know the other way round Fellaini would be off.

Richard: Wilshere has to go. The referee is looking RIGHT at it and doesn't even book him!? When did refs become so weak?

Tom Saggers: Straight red, I don't see how he can't give that, he's right there. Bottled it.

Referee Mike Dean appeared to be getting some lengthy feedback in his ear after the replay of that Jack Wilshere 'headbutt'. Presumably along the lines of, 'you should have sent him off there, Mike old chap.'

Arsenal attack again and Chris Smalling does well to sweep up.

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Arsenal and Manchester United are currently outside the top four in the Premier League, but which side will finish higher come May?

Have your say by voting at the top of this page. The vote will be open until 19:30 GMT and terms and conditions can be found here.

It's not the size of the dog in the fight...

Jack Wilshere squares up to Marouane Fellaini, a good seven inches taller (including hair), and referee Mike Dean has to intervene. Both skippers are called over and the international sign for 'calm down' is heavily deployed.

I tell you what, Wilshere could have been sent off! He definitely put his head into Fellaini. At least as bad as Christian Benteke's red card v Spurs a few weeks back.

A major talking point...

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Disrespectful or not, Arsenal scent fear in the inexperienced United backline. They have six men forwards for their latest attack and Tyler Blackett makes an excellent clearing header.

Rob, Newbury: The comments about United's defence are ridiculous and disgraceful. So many injuries, very young players who are clearly talented. 14 clubs in the PL have conceded more.

Robin van Persie makes a good defensive clearance for Manchester United as Arsenal continue to push on. No coherent play from the visitors at all yet.

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Mahesh: Knowing that Arsenal performance only deteriorates as the game progresses, they should have made the most of those 3 chances.

Sushant Shetty: Di Maria was paid 60 million to win matches like these. Owes a big performance.

Dave Payn: Are Arsenal just scared of beating Man U? Dominating them at the moment but are doing their best not to score!

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes: "We're disappointed with the opening period of the game and that's what has cost us the three points.

"(Erik) Pieters failed a fitness test and our back four was thrown together this morning, but we're still a team that should not allow the opponent to go into a 2-0 lead.

"From our point of view we are desperately disappointed, we gave ourselves too much to do. It's a difficult league to gain points in, but in certain games you need to do better in and this is one of them. We were totally dominant."

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Is David De Gea struggling now? Goodness me. He dislocated a finger on international duty and after saving from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks in a lot of pain.

Anders Lindegaard is on the bench. De Gea looks like he'll carry on but Arsenal must be tempted to shoot on sight?

Michael Rice: Pretty easy because goals win games not possession

Alex Regueiro: Parking the bus and counter-attacking... it's a very successful tactic, very easy to implement. Nothing new. This has been done many times before, against top clubs too.

Ronald Ronns: It's simple you let them kick the ball around aimlessly like Barca or Bayern then take the ball when u need a go and score!

This is a real test...But when you've got Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Angel Di Maria in the side you should be doing OK.

Rooney fires the free-kick over the top, first real attack from United. After watching Chelsea's first-half display earlier on, both of these sides are miles away.

"Manchester United are under the cosh here and the Arsenal fans know it, roaring their team forward and screaming in frustration when an attack comes to nothing - with Jack Wilshere's failure to beat David De Gea from close range after bursting into the box a case in point.

"Luke Shaw's exit is not going to help United much either. The Arsenal fans booed Ashley Young when he came on - even though he is a Gunners fan - but the Gunners were already getting an awful lot of joy down their right flank even when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was up against an orthodox defender.

"United have two wingers as wing-backs now, and Chris Smalling has a huge organisational job on his hand with two rookies making up the rest of his defence. As Graham Taylor might say: This is a test."

There's a lot of pointing and chatter in the Manchester United defence, some drastic reorganising and filling of holes going on out there. At the other end, Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney link up well and Angel Di Maria wins a free-kick.

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Shohidur Rahman: This is ridiculous. We're all over the place. Only a matter of time before Arsenal score.

Phil Bayley: Please no Ashley Young. Oh no no no no no no no no no

David Broome: United's defence is probably one of the worse to ever disgrace the Premier league. Desperately need centre-backs in January

I'm pretty sure McNair, Blackett & Young did the conveyancing on my house move. Can they defend though?

Another injury for Manchester United. Luke Shaw is off with that injury he suffered in the opening minutes, so Ashley Young is on at left wing-back.

United's back five: Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Blackett & Young.

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You have to score! Terrible finish from Jack Wilshere!

Alexis Sanchez starts it by hassling David De Gea into a poor clearance, Danny Welbeck slides Wilshere in on goal and he's clean through, one-on-one. He has all the time in the world, dribbling up to the six-yard line, but his shot is tame and saved by De Gea.

Not good enough. Not clinical enough.

Fresh from his fine display for England in Glasgow, Jack Wilshere picks the ball up in midfield and drives on, before testing David de Gea with a low shot from 20 yards. Moments later Danny Welbeck also calls the Spaniard into action. Both straightforward saves, but there is only one team attacking so far.

Excellent from Arsenal.

Nerves in the backline as Tyler Blackett runs into the back of Luke Shaw and then has to scurry across to cut out an errant pass. The boys in blue looking ragged early on.

The same combo do the damage for Arsenal, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain finding Danny Welbeck in the middle but this time his header finds the stand behind the goal. Is it written that Welbeck will find the net today?

Luke Shaw is back with us by the way. Not moving too well.

"Chris Smalling is in the middle of Manchester United's trio of centre-backs and, in the first few minutes, has been talking constantly to Tyler Blackett (to his left) and Paddy McNair (to his right). That communication is going to be key for United tonight, as is the central midfield shield of Marouane Fellaini and Micheal Carrick in front of them. Arsenal are pressing hard in the early stages, roared on by a very noisy crowd."

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ANOTHER injury for Manchester United? Luke Shaw is down clutching his ankle. Surely not?

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QPR manager Harry Redknapp: "It looks like it was going to drift away to 0-0. The goal just came and we couldn't get back into it unfortunately. Maybe we weren't quite creative enough.

"It's going to be tight [down the bottom]. People were writing Burnley off two weeks ago then they get two wins and jump out of the relegation zone. There are going to be seven or eight teams involved."

Predictably, the first chance of the night falls for Danny Welbeck. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain breezes past a lazy challenge from Marouane Fellaini, finds Welbeck breaking into the box and his shot is turned away fro a corner.

In the battle of the giants Per Mertesacker then beats Fellaini to it, heading wide. Good start from the Arsenal.

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West Brom manager Alan Irvine: "Obviously this is a really difficult place to come. They're a top team. We were looking to get off to a good start and obviously the first goal after 11 minutes made it hard. We certainly had to have a shape about us and have discipline, but to lose those first couple of goals was obviously against what we were trying to do.

"We had a game plan which was made more difficult by the first goal which I think was offside. But the second one I was disappointed about - we pride ourselves on being organised at set-pieces and we weren't as organised as we should have been."

On the red card for Claudio Yacob: "I can see why he sent him off. I don't think Claudio was trying to do any damage to Diego Costa, he was trying to win the ball, but the rules are such that if your feet leave the ground with both feet you're not in control. It was a big big task from the moment Claudio was sent off."

Joshua O'Dwyer on Facebook: Why are people talking about Chelsea going a whole season undefeated like it easy? Its not. That why it only happened once in PL history.

Henry Mutuku on Facebook: This title is going 2 Stamford Bridge and I believe we are going 2 clock 95 points.

Luke Shaw motors through two challenges on the left flank before picking out Robin van Persie - who is shown a very, very late flag to the delight of the home fans. Not a popular man in these parts any more...

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Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "We took a 2-0 lead and I thought we deserved it with our counter-attacking football. At 2-0 down Stoke had nothing to lose. They kept coming at us.

"Our will and desire to win was fantastic, but that's something that you have to build and work on. Our players are learning and developing. We know we're never going to roll through the Premier League, slotting the ball around. We have to win and we did that, but we have to find different ways of winning.

"Now we have two wins, but we need more. I believe we can do what is deemed the impossible and make it possible. We have been written off by everyone. At the start of the season I said we were one of the biggest underdogs in many years."

AFPCopyright: AFP

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew on Match of the Day: "I thought we was excellent. A lot of senior players were missing, but today's players performed terrifically. We had some nice performances - I was really, really pleased."

Asked about the squad: "What you see as a manager you think 'this could be something' but then you have a run of disappointments and you start questioning your own eyes. Then we got the win and go on a run. But today is tinged with sadness with Ryan Taylor's injury and we are sweating on the scan."

"Danny Welbeck knows he has a chance against his former side tonight.

"I would be tempted to say that Arsenal could have gone with two up top with Manchester United playing three at the back."

It is a back three for Manchester United, Jonathan Pearce describing Chris Smalling as 'the daddy of the three' - he's flanked by Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett.

We are under way!

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was clearly not happy that Romelu Lukaku's opening goal was allowed to stand.

He said: "The assistant referee and referee allowed them to take a goal after a blatant offside.

"I'm sure they'll try to interpret it to say it was a right decision but I will never accept what they say and if they go hiding behind Uefa or Fifa again, then they'll be letting themselves down.

"You've never seen anyone not given offside this season for something like that, however you interpret the rules."

Mwangikiara: Always rated Welbeck... Still feel terrible that Utd let him go to ARSENAL!! if he scores today, I'll be happy for him.

Ross Sysum: Blackett and McNair have been United's best CBs this season and deserve far more respect than they're getting!

"Everton were a little bit fortunate today because you could argue that Romelu Lukaku was offside when he gave them the lead."

What is Big Sam thinking here?

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"Boos ring out for United's former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie as his name is read out by the stadium announcer at Emirates Stadium.

"It's been a dank day in north London but there is an air of excitement around the ground as we approach kick-off. A title may not be on the line this time but a win could act as a springboard for both teams - especially a United side yet to win on the road in six attempts under Louis van Gaal.

"One word sums up both team's defences though - vulnerable."

PACopyright: PA

Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "It was full-blooded to be honest. Both sets of players gave a whole-hearted performance.

"It was a difficult game for the referee but I thought Mark Clattenburg handled it well. It's one of those wins that gives you great satisfaction, because there was good character and personality.

"The winning goal came in the best possible way, from Leon Osman - a great icon for Everton."

Captains Wayne Rooney and Mikel Arteta share a good-natured handshake in the Emirates tunnel. United in blue this evening. If either of these sides have any ambitions of troubling Chelsea, now is the time to lay down a marker...

"Alan Pardew believes in his players and they believe in him too. Whenever they score the players are always running straight over to the bench to celebrate together."

PACopyright: PA

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew: "I think we will know about Ryan Taylor in the next two or three hours. We are hoping it's just a scare."

Midfielder Taylor was making his first league start for the club in 32 months and left the field in tears.

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Amy Lawrence: "It all started in 1987 when Arsenal midfielder David Rocastle was very young, got wound up by Manchester United's Norman Whiteside, aimed a punch at him and got sent off.

"A couple of years later they played a cup tie at Highbury when Brian McClair missed a late penalty for Manchester United and Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn went for him. It rumbled on and rumbled on and then they had the big fight in 1990."

Football writer Amy Lawrence believes Arsenal and Manchester United fixtures lack the intensity of days gone by.

"They were unbelievable fun. They were riveting and an energy around them. The players were of a profile and used to playing against each other. Today's game there will be quite a few newcomers for Manchester United and Arsenal have not got the same calibre of characters which they had in those days.

"They were ferocious and it goes right back to when Sir Alex Ferguson came down from Scotland and George Graham was Arsenal manager."

Michael Sayles: Crazy that at this stage of the #PremierLeague season the top 6 would include Southampton, Swansea, Newcastle and West Ham!

Jay: United's defence is obviously worrisome but what a chance for Blackett/McNair to stake a real claim to those positions!

Saran Markan: Just refreshed the page 3 times and Newcastle still remain in the top 4. So it is real !!!!

@ArsenalCopyright: @Arsenal

They may have struggled to navigate from Rhode Island to Aspen, but prospective pet store owners Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne have managed to make their way to the Emirates in time for tonight's game.

With Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett starting at the back, I'll leave the 'Dumb & Dumber' gags to you...

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet on Lee Cattermole's yellow card, his sixth of the season: "10 years ago his tackle would have been highlighted as one of the best in England. We are going soft. These people that never play football and don't have a clue are trying to make it a non-contact sport. This is football. It was a proper English tackle."

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Sunderland boss Gus Poyet: "We were waiting to see the shape of Leicester because they have been changing it the last few weeks. We knew after first 15 minutes it would be difficult and they would come at us but after that we were comfortable. I think we had the best chance of the game with Fletcher. It was a game where you are trying to win but don't risk enough to lose it. It was a balanced game I think.

"We have got much better in recent weeks. We are a difficult team to beat again. When we conceded eight goals at Southampton it was after an international break, so we had a big point to prove today and I am very pleased we proved it."

EPACopyright: EPA

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini: "Very happy because we won the game. We played very well and had a lot of chances to score the third goal and we defended well. It was a difficult start because they scored with their only chance in the first half.

"We are absolutely confident the way we play and sure we are going to win the game. If we scored the third goal we could play well and not so tight.

"We had the chances but didn't score. The best way to score goals is to play as a team. The second goal was beautiful play.

"We have to play seven games more before the end of December and we have to fight for all of them."

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has urged Gunners fans to "appreciate" Arsene Wenger and football writer Amy Lawrence agrees that some supporters can easily forget the Frenchman's impact.

"Whenever Arsene Wenger retires, people will look at his career as a complete works and they will assess everything he has done over that time," she says.

"Right now people are looking at this season and you can't expect critics, or football fans, to constantly look at this bigger picture. Unfortunately we take it too far the other way, where when you win and you're a genius then the next week have a nightmare and you're an absolute loser.

"Perspective is a great. But expecting people to have perspective, to look at 18 years' work, is difficult when you've just chucked away a three-goal lead at Anderlecht or a one-goal lead at Swansea."

"With so much of the pre-match focus on Danny Welbeck, it is easy to forget that Manchester United striker Robin van Persie also facing his former club, after spending eight prolific years in north London between 2004 and 2012.

"The 'rule of the ex' seems to apply to the 31-year-old Dutchman, who has bagged three goals in four matches against the Gunners since moving to Old Trafford in 2012.

"Van Persie has topped the Premier League scoring charts with both clubs but his current form is under scrutiny and he admitted last week that his three goals in nine league games this season are "not enough".

"That is especially true when you consider the chances he has missed. Of the 35 players to have scored three or more goals in the Premier League this season, Van Persie has the worst shot conversion of them all - 13.6%, according to Opta.

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Newcastle's Remy Cabella: VICTORYYYY Enjoy

Paddy McNair v Alexis Sanchez? Nacho Monreal v Wayne Rooney? Angel Di Maria v Mikel Arteta?

Danny Welbeck v Tyler Blackett? There are some fascinating duels on the cards at the Emirates this evening. Some real mismatches on paper.

PACopyright: PA

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson: "I thought we played pretty well under the circumstance - a difficult run of results - and created some good chances. You could argue we did enough to win the game.

"Before today we had only kept one clean sheet so there always positives from getting a point. It is frustrating for the players because they played well and created many opportunities.

"We tried to win the game. I felt we were more likely to win than our opponents. We were aggressive with the way we went about things but it didn't quite happen for us."

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "It was comfortable but I thought in the first half we played amazingly well. In the first half we have to be 3-0, 4-0, 5-0 up. But the quality of our football was there. I don't remember seeing many times football of that dimension. We made the pitch very wide, we created spaces in the central area, and the result should be better than 2-0. We are playing well. We are getting the results that we deserve and I'm pleased that we did. Especially after 15 days when I have no players to work with. But it's three important points."

On Diego Costa after two weeks' rest: "It's easy to see the difference in him now, because now he can run, he can sprint, he can challenge for every duel."

"It was a really big win.

"We have had two weeks to clear our heads and I think the performance was good other than the first 20 minutes.

"It should have been more comfortable but we'll take the win after the last month or so. We looked good in possession."

"Arsenal have given away a cardboard cut-out of Danny Welbeck with today's programme and the former Manchester United striker will be on the pitch for real after shaking off a hamstring injury to start against - and face for the first time - the club he supports and spent 15 of his 23 years playing for after joining them at the age of eight."

BBCCopyright: BBC

From Johnny, London: So bogey teams do exist! So many things went wrong for West Ham today. 5 key players out, a dive from an opposition player, an offside goal and getting no points even though we were the superior team!

Vince in London: I'm an Arsenal fan. However all of you writing United off are overlooking one thing. Wenger and Arsenal are and have been mentally and tactically inept against united since 2009. Put United shirts on a pub team and we still wouldn't beat them.

"If Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck needs any extra motivation before facing his former club then he only had to flick through this morning's newspapers - where headlines like "None of us rated Wel" and "You're just a sub" tell the story of how Louis van Gaal has no regrets in letting him leave Manchester United in September.

"Welbeck's bit-part status at Old Trafford is underlined by how little he has featured in meetings between these two sides in the recent past - playing in just two of a possible 15 games since he made his United debut in 2008.

"But his record in this fixture when he has played is remarkably good - he scored the winner at Emirates Stadium in January 2012 and scored the first goal in United's 8-2 demolition earlier that season. More goals today might just make Van Gaal eat his words."

BBCCopyright: BBC

Sean Cole: Interesting tactics from Burnley. Play the other team off the park for 20 minutes, get 2 goals up then defend like billy-o.

Julian Croker: Liverpool & Tottenham currently closer to the bottom 3 than the top 4.

Milo Thompson: Mike Ashley is probably fantasising about the money he'll get for Moussa Sissoko in January.

In the Championship, Derby remain top of the tree thanks to a 2-1 win at Watford. Elsewhere there were wins for Blackburn, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham. Rotherham have slipped into the relegation zone after their 1-0 defeat by Blues. The two most exciting games in the league saw Bournemouth draw 2-2 with Ipswich and Norwich tie 3-3 with Brighton.

League One leaders Bristol City fell to a second successive defeat after Callum Robinson's first half goal for Preston. Swindon have kept pace with North End courtesy of a 2-1 win at Peterborough while Leyton Orient hammered lowly Crewe 4-1 to move out of the relegation zone. Elsewhere, there were wins for Coventry, Walsall, Doncaster, Yeovil and Chesterfield.

Exeter City produced the comeback of the day to beat Shrewsbury 3-2 after trailing 2-0 at the break. Wycombe came from a goal behind to thrash Cheltenham 4-1 and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's Burton won 1-0 against Luton to go second. At the bottom of the League Two table Hartlepool and Tranmere are six points adrift of safety after defeats by York and Southend respectively. Other winners were managerless Mansfield, Accrington, Dagenham, Newport, Northampton and Portsmouth.

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Swansea manager Garry Monk: "We are a little disappointed but they are a very good side and they had their chances. We had a couple of chances at the end we should have taken. I am just very happy with the journey we are on. We are competing in every game.

"We got a good goal and the players' mentality changed a little bit as we tried to protect it. A learning process for us, the players are fully committed. We pushed an exceptional team very, very close.

"Of course City will push for the title, I don't doubt that."

"The statues outside Emirates Stadium are a reminder of happier times for Arsenal, but also demonstrate how it has been a long time since United's status was also so low.

"It is more than 16 years since they last faced each other with both teams outside the top four, when Tony Adams - now immortalised in bronze outside the Gunners' ground - scored Arsenal's first goal in a 3-0 win in September 1998.

"That was the season United went on to win the treble and Arsenal finished second, a point behind them. Those days must seem like a million miles away for both clubs now."

BBCCopyright: BBC

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Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck should have an element of revenge on his mind when he faces Manchester United for the first time, says ex-England midfielder Jermaine Jenas.

"You don't want to get carried away and lose sense of game plans but it is important to keep being sold at the forefront of your mind," says Jenas.

"He was at one of the biggest clubs in the world, had Robin van Persie who wasn't playing that well being picked ahead of him and you've got a young lad, an international who came through the ranks, and all of a sudden he's being told that he is no longer needed.

"If I was Danny Welbeck that would be at the forefront of my mind and I'd be ready to go."

Will in Oxford: That Arsenal back line looks vulnerable, Arteta will have his work cut out. Luckily for them though the Utd back line looks even worse! Should be a good watch for the neutrals, what price on 3-3?

Lee, Manchester: For all the slagging off of Man United this season, how many teams above them have had to play a different back four in every game and include at least one newly promoted reserve, let alone two at the emirates??!!

"In the first half we played amazingly well," is Jose Mourinho's summary of his side's display.

Full reaction to come.

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"Arsenal's attack is boosted by the presence of Alexis Sanchez, despite concerns over his freshness after his international duty for Chile, and by the early return of Olivier Giroud, back a month ahead of schedule after breaking his leg at the end of August. The Frenchman is on the bench."

Arsenal line-up: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Alexis, Welbeck

John Pierce: West Ham played us off the park. But thanks for the points.

Rishabh Kapoor: I don't see what's the fuss about United formation. Smalling and blackett in cb and mcnair in midfield. He's a midfielder.

Jake Bainbridge: I suggest an investigation into a possible 'invasion of the body snatchers' scenario playing out on Tyneside

Sunderland's Adam Johnson: "I thought we played well and could have won the match. We are three games unbeaten now so we need to try and carry on that run now."

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany: "Given the last month we will take a win and it is good we are creating chances again. We have given ourselves a challenge but football is made of challenges. We can get a lot of good out of this year."

"Manchester United's defence has been an ever-changing beast this season and there is an element of mystery over how they will line up at the back. Louis van Gaal names three centre-backs in Chris Smalling, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair and the presence of Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia means they will probably play with wing-backs.

"But Smalling could also operate at right-back, with Valencia further ahead of him, in a 4-4-2 formation that would leave an unexperienced pairing of Blackett and McNair, aged 20 and 19, at the heart of United's defence.

"Further forward, the good news for United is that Angel Di Maria is fit, and joins Wayne Rooney and former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie in attack."

Man Utd line-up: De Gea, Smalling, McNair, Blackett, Valencia, Carrick, Fellaini, Shaw, Di Maria, Rooney, Van Persie.

Stay tuned for all of the post-match reaction as we build up to the big game at the Emirates...

Leicester's Wes Morgan: "A clean sheet and a point. We haven't had many clean sheets so that was a positive and it was a general all-round good performance.

"It is a team effort. We are all in it together. We all want to try and get a goal because we haven't scored for a while. But the rest of the boys need to chip in."

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Chris Wright: Chelsea win again - what else is new? Jose's owning the Premier League this season and we're not even halfway through!

Neal Collins: So @Arsenal fans worried about centre-back pairing today, imagine how @ManUtd feel about McNair and Blackett

Tom Swaby: Six British players in Arsenals starting lineup V Man Utd! When was the last time that happened in the Prem?

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A big win for Burnley, who are off the bottom of the league.

Asmir Begovic is still up there...!

Bobby M bests Big Sam.

"When you are at home you have got to do more than Leicester did today. I think Nigel Pearson thinks the side lack a bit of nous."

PACopyright: PA

Quite impressive from City in the end.

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"I think Chelsea can go unbeaten this season. They have a great squad and I think Jose Mourinho will throw down that challenge to them."

Asmir Begovic is up for a corner! And heads one over!

Leicester unlucky not to nick the win - Sunderland will be happy with a point.

"Brilliant first half and a pretty good second from Chelsea. It was always going to be difficult for West Brom after the sending off but the superior players for Chelsea and the way they used the width was a revelation at times. The only criticism is that they tried to be a bit cocky at times but it was a comprehensive and, at times, brilliant performance."

Blackburn Rovers have 10 men but they also have the lead against Leeds thanks to a Jordan Rhodes penalty. Norwich have equalised against Brighton, it's 3-3 there and Nottingham Forest are cruising to victory at Wolves. Henri Lansbury making it 3-0 to the Reds.

Scunthorpe were 2-0 up at Crawley but look to have dropped two points against their League One relegation rivals after two second-half goals for the hosts.

A crucial win for York at 23rd-placed Hartlepool mean the bottom two are both six points adrift in League Two.

Still Stoke come, still the Clarets stand strong...

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Jonjo Shelvey steps up for Swansea and his free-kick deflects off the wall and almost loops into the net with Joe Hart well beaten. Nearly.

Easy, easy win for Chelsea.

Swansea are awarded a free-kick on the edge of the City box. I'll leave that one hanging...

FIVE MINUTES added on at St James' Park - where Papiss Cisse sees an effort cleared...

Get forward, bellows Leicester manager Nigel Pearson from the touchline. That reminds me, I really need to transfer Leo Ulloa out of my fantasy football team...

Final few moments at the Britannia - Stoke piling men into the box!

Manchester City are strangely pouring forward for more goals. A dangerous game against Swansea who have five or six forward options on the pitch now.

"It has been forwards against defence at times. When West Brom have had the ball Chelsea have been in their face and not letting them have any time on the ball."

Charlie Adam screams a shot right down the middle, still Stoke keep pressing. Late goals?

"Chelsea have taken their foot off the gas. The impetus has gone but they know this game is won. But they could have had six or seven goals this afternoon. It has been complete domination from the home side."

PACopyright: PA

West Ham are throwing men forward to try to rescue a point, but that is leaving them horribly exposed at the back. Catch 22 for Big Sam's boys now. Draw 2-2 or lose 3-1?

Derby are leading the way in the Championship after midfielder Craig Bryson made it 2-1 at Watford. Ipswich are refusing to go quietly at Bournemouth and they have levelled for the second time, Daryl Murphy for the Portman Road side. Derby have been pegged back by Watford, Jordan Rhodes has levelled for Blackburn against Leeds while Brighton now lead 3-2 at Norwich. Blackpool took the lead against Bolton but, as is the way things are going for them this season, it was short-lived and it's 1-1 now.

In League One, leaders Bristol City have less than 10 minutes to avoid a second successive league defeat as they trail 1-0 to Preston.

Shrewsbury have blown a 2-0 lead at Exeter in League Two which means that Wycombe, leading 3-1 at Cheltenham, currently sit top of League Two.

In the City midfield, Yaya Toure is ambling about like a 70-year-old who has spent the afternoon traipsing round the shops. The moment the ball comes to him, he looks more athletic that Usain Bolt. Deceptive.

No signs of a QPR fightback as of yet. They've been very quiet going forward all day.

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Jesus Navas is denied from close range by the Swansea goalkeeper. The visitors are still in this. But only just.

Eddie: Literally can't work out #mufc's formation today. It's either a woeful back four or a dodgy back 5. Neither can be promising.

Jono: Both Man U and Arsenal's defence look awful. 6-6 anyone?

Peter Collins: I fear for De Gea this evening. With an injured hand he really doesn't need that defence in front of him!

Into the final 10 minutes. Diego Costa goes off, on comes Didier Drogba. Just what a tiring Joleon Lescott will want to see...

The results are in from the vote on Final Score and 59.3% of you think Chelsea's Diego Costa will finish as the Premier League's top scorer this season.

Full results can be found at the top of the page.

Thanks for voting.

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Jordan from Birmingham: James' comment [see 16:32] is the best I've seen in ages, the fixation with the 'bigger' teams even when the lesser ones are doing well is astonishing. I've heard more about David Moyes than second-placed Southampton this week.

Harry Eadie: Man Utd winning the game of the worst possible makeshift defence, truly worried for this game

Josh Hammond: How are Fellaini and Valencia starting ahead of Mata?! Can't believe he's not being used from kick off

Steve Jeffery: What does Herrera have to do to get a game? Him instead of RVP with Rooney up top is much more potent

An important save from Tim Howard keeps Everton ahead. The USA keeper denied James Collins at close range after Matt Jarvis' low ball into the area. All set for a big finale at Goodison Park.

Swansea send on Modou Barrow, a Gambian-born striker. My knowledge ends there, I'm afraid. City turn to James Milner. Less than 10 minutes left now.

Danny Welbeck is fit to start up front and fellow Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is back early from his broken leg and is on the bench. Mikel Arteta returns to the Gunners midfield in place of Mathieu Flamini.

Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett start at centre-back for Manchester United, flanked by Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia. There is no place for Juan Mata in the starting XI but David De Gea, Angel Di Maria and Michael Carrick are fit.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Arteta, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Alexis, Welbeck

Man Utd: De Gea, Smalling, McNair, Blackett, Valencia, Carrick, Fellaini, Shaw, Di Maria, Rooney, Van Persie

@ArsenalCopyright: @Arsenal

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Diego Costa is no stranger to a heavy challenge, and he wears one now from Craig Dawson. Right through the back of Costa, who holds his head in disdain. Send for the physio...

This one's heading for the bottom of the Match of the Day running order. No sign of any goals...

Got to be! No! Another Bojan cross is flicked on by Peter Crouch, time stands still as it looks certain to either drop in or find Steve Sidwell at the back stick, but it does neither, bouncing safely out of bounds.

Can Burnley hang on?

Gylfi Sigurdsson stands over a free-kick 40 yards from goal. He's told where to place the ball by Yaya Toure. Best to do what the big man says, Gylfi. The free-kick is tame and goes wide.

Luke, Portsmouth: Toure has had more 'monstrous' finishes at City than a WWE Royal Rumble. A true monster of the midfield.

James: Has anyone noticed that Southampton are still 2nd with a game in hand? Anyone? Still focused on Man City? Great.

I have to agree with both our readers and David Pleat. Chelsea have been frustrating this half as they try to walk the ball in. Eden Hazard is the latest culprit, taking too long to get his shot away and eventually forcing Ben Foster into action at his near post. They could have had five or six easily this afternoon.

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Matt Jarvis hits the side-netting for the Hammers, who are getting closer to a winner.

Peter Crouch is on for Stoke - air-shot at a crowded corner. The Burnley fans can barely watch...

Wolves are winless in three and they now trail 2-0 at home to Nottingham Forest after Britt Assombalonga and Matty Fryatt scored in quick succession. Norwich came from behind to lead at home to Brighton, but they lead no more, Kazenga Lua Lua equalising for the visitors in the Championship.

In League One, Sheffield United have equalised at home to Oldham and Bradford have taken the lead at home to Gillingham.

Half-time teamtalk of the day is going to go to Russ Wilcox at York if things stay the way they are at Hartlepool. His side were a goal behind to the team that are 23rd in League Two but now lead 3-1. Bottom side Tranmere have pulled a goal back against Southend but still trail 2-1.

Here comes Frankie Lampard. He's on for Stevan Jovetic. Edin Dzeko, watching on from the stands, is enthusiastically clapping that change.

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"The only criticism you can have of Chelsea today is that sometimes they have tried to create perfect goals. They have tried to walk the ball into the neat, attempting party tricks."

So close for Leicester. Matty James plays a delightful one-two with Leo Ulloa but can't beat Costel Pantilimon from 12 yards. Can Leicester break their scoring duck? Guess we'll find out soon.

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Arsenal: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Sanchez, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck. Subs: Rosicky, Podolski, Giroud, Cazorla, Flamini, Martinez, Bellerin.

Man Utd: De Gea, Smalling, McNair, Blackett, Shaw, Carrick, Valencia, Fellaini, Rooney, Di Maria, van Persie. Subs: Mata, Januzaj, Lindegaard, Young, Ander Herrera, Fletcher, Wilson.

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)

Papiss Cisse is on for Newcastle, a man with a taste for late goals. Is he the difference maker?

The folically-challenged Jonjo Shelvey comes on for Swansea. Can the visitors level? 20 minutes or so remaining.

Tom Fio: Tired of watching the 'amazing' Chelsea take their foot off the gas when they think it's over. 20 mins of good play, 70 boring.

lfcway: This is what happens when Yaya Toure gets his cake!

kemlo: What about Yeovil, relegated from the Championship last year but now looking likely to be relegated from League 1. Great shame

PACopyright: PA

Tempers fraying at Goodison. Morgan Amalfitano takes another hacking, this time from Kevin Mirallas. James Tomkins is booked for pushing Mirallas. Mirallas then gets booked for pushing Tomkins. It'd be a surprise if this finishes 11-a-side.

Marko Arnautovic, the big Austrian wildcard, is on for Stoke in place of Victor Moses. Stoke have just over 25 minutes left to pick up any points this afternoon. They've had all of the play since they went 2-0 down - can they force a way through?

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"There is complete domination of the ball for Chelsea. West Brom do not have that clever player in the middle of the park who can get on the ball and slow it down and keep possession. Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois has yet to touch the ball in this second half."

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"Great bit of play from Manchester City and it was a wonderfully weighted backheel from Fernando and a lovely, composed goal from Yaya Toure."

Parity was short-lived at Bournemouth and they now lead again thanks to Matt Ritchie's goal against Ipswich in the Championship. Malky Mackay's Wigan have been pegged back by Middlesbrough sub Patrick Bamford's equaliser and Birmingham lead 1-0 at Rotherham.

In League One, Eoin Doyle is back in the goals with a brace for Chesterfield and they lead Barnsley 2-0.

Some interest in how League Two play-off hopefuls Plymouth are getting on, they're 1-0 down at managerless Mansfield at the moment. Elsewhere, Dagenham & Redbridge have come from behind to lead Carlisle 4-1.

David Francis: It's about time the mighty green army is covered on #bbcfootball #butwhataboutplymouth greeeeen army!!!

Kathryn Bate: As another Plymouth fan, I'd prefer you didn't give an update when we are 1-0 down to Mansfield, thanks

Chelsea have had 88.4% of possession this half. West Brom have completed 19 passes. Chelsea 144...

A James McCarthy curling effort whistles narrowly over the crossbar. West Ham have gone 4-4-2 instead of 3-5-2 and the match is really opening up at Goodison.

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Lee Cattermole has been booked. Standard really. That's six for the season for the combative midfielder. 10 by Christmas? Get Boxing Day off?

Sandro finally succumbs to that injury - Niko Kranjcar is on. Free-kick winner on the cards?

We are at the 60-minute mark. Chelsea have taken their foot off the pedal a bit, maybe they are settling for a 2-0 win after all. Willian is now limping.

Manchester City have 18-year-old forward Jose Angel Pozo on the bench today. He wears the number 78 shirt - naturally - and was bought from Real Madrid for £2.4m in 2012. Get him on, Manuel.

Jack Morson: Come on BBC, say 'Perez is looking quiet today' for NUFC

Gavin Richmond: 2 up front at home Pardew! QPR are ripe for taking.

Edward Taylor: Is it OK to mention Burton Albion now that they have taken the lead against Luton in the League 2 promotion clash?

Sandro is still on for QPR, looks like he has ran that injury off. Newcastle have half an opening but Ayoze Perez takes too long and the chance is gone.

Brilliant Bojan, the boy from Barcelona, is pulling all the strings in the Potteries. He fires in a cross which Mame Diouf heads inches wide and then earns another corner with good wing play. It's all Stoke...

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Swansea aren't committing enough men forward to support the willing Wilfried Bony at the Etihad. That's allowing City to build attack after attack. Not that the hosts are making the most of such territorial dominance.

BUT WHAT ABOUT PLYMOUTH?!

In the Championship Bournemouth have been pegged back at home to Ipswich after Teddy Bishop's goal made it 1-1. The Suffolk side's neighbours Norwich have taken a 2-1 lead at home to Brighton thanks to a Russell Martin thunderbolt. Yeah, you read it right.

Swindon have taken a 2-0 lead at fellow League One promotion hopefuls Peterborough.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's Burton have taken a 1-0 lead at home to Luton in League Two thanks to a Phil Edwards header.

Sandro needs some heavy work on his groin after a tackle in midfield. Niko Kranjcar is sent to warm up while the big man tries to run it off. He looks in pain though, grimacing through his magnificent beard.

"Chelsea are the best side at the moment, they are playing the best football and scoring goals. They also have a deep squad with no injuries. On their day they can beat every team in this league."

Good save from former Manchester City keeper Costel Pantilimon as Leicester's Matty James breaks into the penalty area and cracks a powerful left-footed effort goalwards. Pantilimon flings himself to his right to make the stop.

Good start to the second half from the Foxes.

Victor Moses fires wide for Stoke - where the second-half started very late incidentally.

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Everton look edgy at Goodison. They know how much a result today can mean. Big Sam's going to prey on that nervousness, for sure.

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Paul Moore: Pellegrini out, naive and no passion at all!

Hussein Jiva: Swansea always willing to bully the big boys. And if they cut out sloppy passes, they could get something from this

There's a chance a minute for Chelsea. John Terry has a header brilliantly saved by Ben Foster before Willian screws a cross/shot right across goal.

Is Jefferson Montero the fastest player in the Premier League? He's rapid and he gets in behind the Manchester City defence following Wilfried Bony's cute pass. Unfortunately for Swansea, the winger's first touch is not as sharp as his pace and Joe Hart is given time to recover and make the save. At the other end, Sergio Aguero's shot is deflected wide for a corner.

Why don't we ever talk about Plymouth? One of life's great questions.

Back in the Premier League Newcastle are trying every trick in the book to break QPR down but a particularly ugly passage of play - real head-tennis stuff - ends with a free-kick being conceded.

Dan from Plymouth: Why don't you guys ever talk about Plymouth Argyle! Fighting for promotion and still nothing gets talked about but yet Burton Albion do. Please talk more on Plymouth, thanks.

Did the Manchester City players get in at half-time and check the BBC Sport live text to see how Chelsea were getting on? If they did, they'll realise the need for a big second half. They are on the front foot early on.

Nemanja Matic misses a sitter! Again West Brom switch off form a corner, the big Serbian is in acres of space but leans back and slams his volley over the bar. He's yet to score at Stamford Bridge...

Back in play in the Premier League...

"Arsenal's problems won't be scoring this season. But without the sidelined Laurent Koscielny, they've looked particularly vulnerable at the back and can't close matches down.

"And what sort of defence will United field? David de Gea has been the only constant factor there this season. It seems he will play despite a finger injury. If not, they'll be in big trouble.

"Arsenal need to prove they can win against the Premier League's top sides. United need to win away anywhere. Their wait will continue though."

One game still to come in the top flight this evening of course...

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Jamie, Lincoln: I just can't understand why Bacary Sagna went to Man City. What an exceptional attacking right back. He'd be in the line up against United today but instead he's warming the bench as usual.

Doug, Cumbria: If Yacob's challenge was a red card because he had two feet off the ground, then why exactly wasn't Cahill sent off for his wild challenge on Sanchez? At least Yacob got the ball.

Ali, Edinburgh: Feel terrible for Ryan Taylor, poor guy. Just hope it's character building, backing him to have a stunning managerial career and lead Newcastle to a swathe of titles in the 2030s (with Mike Ashley's floating robot head still overseeing everything).You heard it here first.

Have a look at this. Manchester City's players are spending most of their time in the Swansea half. Unfortunately for the visitors, so are the majority of the Swans.

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Chelsea are 16 points clear of Manchester United as it stands. As a colleague has just pointed out, Jose Mourinho seems to have strengthened every aspect of his side this season - and still made a profit in the transfer market.

That is quite some effort...

John Dykes: Red card is the best that could have happened to West Brom, they'd be 4-0 down with 11 by now. This will finish 2-0

Harry Siviter: West Brom giving us a lesson in how not to defend and Chelsea showing just how good they are

Andy Knowles: Poor start from City, got better and probably should be ahead. Need to dig out the three points to at least stay with Chelsea

Championship title contenders Derby have a 1-0 lead at Watford thanks to Jordon Ibe, while Norwich have levelled against Brighton.

League One strugglers Leyton Orient have a 2-0 lead against bottom side Crewe. Third-placed Swindon have a 1-0 lead at Peterborough while Scunthorpe lead by the same score at Crawley.

In League Two bottom side Tranmere are 2-0 down at home to Southend while 23rd leads 22nd thanks to Scott Fenwick's goal for Hartlepool against York. At the right end of the table Shrewsbury currently lead the way by virtue of their 2-0 lead at Exeter. Striker James Collins with both goals.

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As it stands, Chelsea are moving seven points clear at the top of the table, and only a turnaround in fortunes to rival that of Tom Hanks in 'Big' can stop them in the second half.

They are playing some brilliant stuff right now. Everyone is fit, in-form and know what they are doing. A formidable set-up.

They are pumping out the classics at Goodison. A bit of Fresh Prince and Boom Shake The Room being given an airing. Tune.

Malky Mackay is enjoying a positive start to his Wigan career thanks to a wonderful free-kick goal from Shaun Maloney against Middlesbrough - he's even braved it to the edge of his technical area a few times.

The pre-match reception to the former Cardiff boss could be described as 'mixed' but the reception for chairman Dave Whelan was resounding from the home support, the 4,800 fans from Boro chanted the name of Steve Gibson - their chairman - in response.

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"Burnley stunned Stoke with two goals in two minutes from Danny Ings to give them an early lead. But Stoke regained their composure, turned up the pressure and a diving header from Jonathan Walters has brought them back in to the game."

"The players are warmly applauded by the home crowd. Chelsea have been very inventive, speedy and clever. It is a performance that says everything about their desire to win the title this year. If a team finishes above Chelsea this year they will win the title."

"Decent entertainment, quite a bit of drama. Romelu Lukaku's goal is the difference between the sides. James McCarthy might have been shown a red card and West Ham are not happy with quite a few decisions that didn't go their way."

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"Manuel Pellegrini needs the three points. His team were behind early on but had it not been for the fingertips of Lukasz Fabianski, Gael Clichy might have put them ahead with his first goal for the club. It has been eventful."

"There have been some good moments in the first half and bad ones - the injury to Ryan Taylor. Not a sniff of a goal so far."

Looking good for Jose's boys.

"No goals between two evenly-matched teams. It's a good game but there is no end product and the longer it goes without a goal for Leicester, the more anxious they may become."

Jesus Navas is like a little Jack Russell when he's not got the ball - snapping away at the Swansea defenders' heels, and it pays off when he wins the ball and puts in a perfect centre for an unmarked Stevan Jovetic whose effort is straight at the keeper.

"What has impressed me is the superb range of pass from Fabregas from deep to find Costa. They are more than 30 yard passes that have split the West Brom defence. Because they have played so wide they have created so much space. It has been a movement masterclass from Chelsea."

Victor Moses goes to ground in the penalty area- a blatant dive! He's lucky not to be booked. Marvellous backheel from Bojan in the build-up. Moments later Moses drills one in and Tom Heaton claws it out.

Burnley hanging on for half-time...

West Ham's mood is not getting much better at Goodison Park. They are furious with James McCarthy after his foul on Morgan Amalfitano. The Ireland midfielder's tackle looked dangerous and there's all sorts of pushing and shoving afterwards. Amalfitano is OK. McCarthy has been booked for the foul and Winston Reid also sees yellow for confronting McCarthy.

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Diego Costa and Oscar are both denied by Ben Foster in a matter of seconds - Joleon Lescott is having a nightmare out there. The gulf in class is absolutely massive...

Mike Bell: The Yacob red card, right or wrong, just reinforces urgency for at least one TV replay appeal per manager per half.

Richard Marchlewski: South American commentators believe the Yacob challenge was yellow at best. Still two feet off the ground is red for me.

Will Jackson: It's a terrible challenge. Both feet off the ground, both stupid and dangerous. 100%, definite red for me.

Romelu Lukaku has the ball in the net again but this time the flag does go up. The Belgian is not too impressed with Ross Barkley, who chased a through ball from an offside position, prompting the assistant referee's decision. In Barkley's defence, it looked like Lukaku was also offside.

"Ross Barkley has got great potential and unless you give him the responsibility then you will never know how good he can be.

"I was disappointed that he didn't get a game against Scotland on Tuesday. If you're not going to play him then send him to the Under-21s."

Gael Clichy very nearly ends the 2014-15 goal of the season competition with one flash of his left boot. The Manchester City full-back laces a shot from 30 yards which flies across the keeper but smashes against the post.

Maybe I got a little giddy. It would have been a goal of the season contender, at the very least though...

Matt Butler: Really hope Ryan Taylor's injury isn't a reoccurrence of his cruciate. Such an unlucky lad

David Ljunggren: Newcastle's Ryan Taylor, just back after knee injuries that ruled him out for two years, goes off with knee problems. Poor guy

Incces away from brilliance! Remember that Chelsea goal at Burnley on the opening weekend? Magnificent passing? Same again here as Cesc Fabregas slides a ball through, Branislav Ivanovic is in on goal, squares it for Eden Hazard but puts the pass just behind the Belgian and it runs away.

Sensational stuff, it really is.

It's all Stoke now as Burnley come under heavy fire. Jon Walters and Bojan are busy and now Victor Moses gets in on the act, forcing Tom Heaton into a sprawling save at his near post.

Hull midfielder Robert Snodgrass: Hope it's not bad news for Ryan Taylor ... The guy's been through torrid time with injuries

Andy Carroll scoops the ball over from eight yards out as West Ham battle to get back on level terms. Carl Jenkinson is having a field day down the right for West Ham and it was his cross that teed up Carroll. To be fair to the big striker, the delivery was slightly behind him. The Toffees hang on.

Tom, Durham: Diego Costa reminds me of Van Nistelrooy. Both lethal in the box and not shy of a scrap.

Charles: Is the word "quiet" the new trigger to score goals?

Nick from Burnley: The clarets just starting to get to grips with the Premier League!

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This is sad to see.

Newcastle's Ryan Taylor is in tears as he comes off with what appears to be a knee problem. The midfielder - making his first league start in two-and-a-half years following two knee injuries - hobbles off to warm applause from the crowd at St James' Park. Yoan Gouffran replaces him.

The poor lad's in bits. Emotionally and quite possibly physically too.

Oscar tries an outlandish backheel, Ben Foster makes the save. This could get extremely ugly for West Brom. Jose Mourinho could bring himself on in the second half. Is Paulo Ferreira still knocking about?

Everton's passing conversion rate today is 90%. West Ham's is 75%. I'll let you make of that what you will.

After a week of being under the spotlight for the wrong reasons, Wigan fans have something to cheer about. Shaun Maloney's fine strike has given them a 1-0 lead at home to Middlesbrough in the Championship in Malky Mackay's first game in charge. And Leeds and Brighton are leading 1-0 at Blackburn and Norwich respectively.

League One leaders Bristol City trail 1-0 at home to Simon Grayson's Preston. Sheffield United, who retracted their offer to allow convicted rapist Ched Evans to train with them on Thursday, are 1-0 down at home to Oldham.

In League Two, Dagenham, Shrewsbury, Hartlepool, Northampton, Portsmouth and Southend all have leads.

Flashpoint at the Etihad where Sergio Aguero rises from the turf clutching his face then starts squaring up to the Swansea players. He went all Incredible Hulk there. Why? Well, after closer inspection of the replays, it looks like Kyle Bartley - who has already been booked - pushed over the striker in an off-the-ball incident. That's added a few extra chillies to this already spicy contest.

Max A Sobell: Even as a #Chelsea fan, that red card was ridiculous. It's a good challenge in my book

Peter Collins: Are West Brom TRYING to give Chelsea 3 points? They may as well have just not shown up and forfeited 3-0!

Ahmer Murad: That's a harsh red card but I can see why the ref made that call. No way back for #WBA now. How many can #CFC get?

Kasper Schmeichel is proving a big obstacle for Sunderland to overcome today - the big Foxes stopper getting down well to save Adam Johnson's low, bouncing effort.

Total 'Ole!' football at Stamford bridge, where Chelsea have completed 237 passes to West Brom's 84.

"It was from a tight situation on the edge of the box. For some reason Yacob went in on Costa with a real fierceness. It was two footed and unnecessary. It was crazy and irresponsible. You can't go in recklessly like that on the edge of the box."

Oscar's free-kick is into the wall and Cesc Fabregas can't steer in the loose change either.

Nid: So very easy for Chelsea! This could finish 7-0

Arnand Sriraman: What an explosive return to @premierleague after the break! Danny Ings carrying over his blistering from England U-21

Andy: Hibbert has been quiet, Hibbert has been quiet, Hibbert has been quiet. Or does it only work for Costa?!

"It should be offside. I think the linesman has got that wrong there and it should have been ruled out."

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West Brom down to 10 men, their afternoon goes from awful to even worse!

Claudio Yacob jumps in two-footed, almost a stamp, but he wins the ball cleanly from in front of Diego Costa. A straight red for a reckless challenge and a free-kick in a good area too...

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Neil Taylor leaves the field with blood streaming from his face. He looks like he's been in a fight with Tony Bellew, not a flying Vincent Kompany. Did you know we're doing a live text on the Bellew v Cleverly fight tonight? Seamless.

"If you are playing against Chelsea you can not turn off at a deadball situation. That is the second time West Brom have done that and they have been punished."

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"It is a poor goal from West Brom's point of view but it is indicative of how things have gone. It is so one-sided. I don't know how Alan Irvine is going to adjust his team to combat this? Chelsea have so many players who can beat their individual opponent."

Swansea's Kyle Bartley is booked after sending Sergio Aguero tumbling to the turf with a clumsy challenge from behind. Aguero needs treatment, but a bit of magic spray and a sip of water and he's ready to go again.

"Jose Mourinho described this as this being the start of a marathon. There are so many games over the festive period when you have to maintain fitness. But at the moment the sun is shining on Chelsea. It will be really hard for Manchester City to unseat them this year."

Sean Dyche's Clarets looking good, it's been a while since they were 2-0 up in a game. The busy George Boyd fires in a rising shot which is held by Asmir Begovic.

Bright from Sunderland, as Adam Johnson slips the ball in for Steven Fletcher but the Scottish striker's shot is straight into the formidable body of Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel. Dad Peter would have enjoyed that one in his pomp.

Only one goal in the Championship so far, Bournemouth's Yann Kermogant's strike against Ipswich means his side currently top the table.

League One promotion hopefuls MK Dons have a 1-0 lead over struggling Port Vale thanks to Carl Baker's goal.

Portsmouth manager Andy Awford promised he would make sweeping changes after their FA Cup defeat by non-league Aldershot and the threat has worked so far as they lead Morecambe 1-0 in League Two.

'It's as loud as Stamford Bridge gets' says Guy Mowbray in the MOTD hot seat. Jose Mourinho's moans have hit home.

Champions elect? Chelsea look serene. Where is the weakness in the team?

Steven Naismith wastes the best chance of the match so far, blazing the ball over the bar after good work from Leon Osman and Seamus Coleman down the right. The Toffees top-scorer should have added to his tally of six goals so far this season.

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James McCarthy is putting himself about in the Everton midfield today, days after pulling out of international duty with Ireland. That angered Republic assistant manager Roy Keane. James is probably advised not to walk his dog on Keane's own dog-walking route tonight.

Diego Costa! Should have a second.

Wonderful early cross from Branislav Ivanovic, Costa loses his marker yet again but this time places a volley eight inches wide of the far post.

Maybe nine.

"(Andre)Wisdom is going to get tied up in knots by the mesmeric play of (Eden) Hazard if he is not careful. Chelsea have made a really fierce, fast start. I often complain that these days you don't see teams going directly for goal but here we are seeing a team really going for it."

Ryan Taylor - on his long-awaited Premier League return - toe-pokes a 20-yarder down the middle and Rob Green has to fist it away. Newcastle piling on the pressure...

"Come on City," the Etihad home support implores. Their boys are being given a little bit of a runaround here. Swansea are quality in possession and compact when they lose the ball. City have no answers yet.

Already more excitement in the Premier League in 15 minutes than in the last 15 days!

Oscar goes close to a second with a stinging drive which forces Ben Foster into action, before Eden Hazard has an effort deflected wide.

Peter Collins: I'm introducing a ban. Nobody is allowed to say Costa has been quiet. He scores every time somebody does!

Ben Goodwin: Beautiful goal from Swansea, perfect run, perfect pass, and perfect finish from big Wilfried!

James Brandon: Where have Burnley been hiding these goals?!

"Ings has been in the right place at the right time twice now. If you switch off for a second around him he will get away from you."

With Burnley two up at Stoke, Leicester could do with some points today and they are the better side against Sunderland - Jeff Schlupp firing into the side-netting after a gorgeous pass from Riyad Mahrez.

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"A superb finish from Costa, which is something we've come to expect of him. There was a suggestion he may have been offside but he took it brilliantly. Already we've seen the Chelsea full-backs playing high. It is going to be a difficult afternoon for West Brom."

A scare for Everton as Phil Jagielka is forced to make a panicky clearance from inside the six-yard box after Carl Jenkinson's cross. Jenkinson was released by a fine crossfield pass from Andy Carroll.

"Absolutely magnificent finish from Bony after a fantastic chipped ball from Nathan Dyer. The City defenders were all too far off him and they are really on the back-foot now."

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Diego Costa is wearing gloves up front for Chelsea - where it is apparently 14C. Practically summer!

He's not worked up much of a sweat so far, slow start from the Brazilian Spaniard.

It's Malky Mackay's first game in charge of Wigan (you might not have noticed) and after all the pre-match press about chairman Dave Whelan after his comments in the week the 76-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home fans. Their game with Middlesbrough remains 0-0 but Bournemouth have an early lead against Ipswich in the Championship thanks to Yann Kermorgant.

Newport have the lead at promotion hopefuls Bury in League Two and Cheltenham are drawing 1-1 with Wycombe

Crazy defending from QPR! Steven Caulker undercooks his backpass, Jack Colback closes down Rob Green and Green's clearance slams into the midfielder, bouncing into the side-netting.

Harry Redknapp is on his feet, bawling and hollering to his defence. It's not quite gift-giving season just yet...

An early slip from Wes Brown almost lets in Luke Varney, but the striker overruns the ball. If the Foxes fail to score today, they will have gone five top-flight matches without scoring for the first time since December 1980 to January 1981.

That's a great save! First chance for Chelsea falls at the feet of John Terry, he's only four yards out but his left-footed shot is somehow turned around the post by Ben Foster in the Albion net. Chelsea should be ahead.

Victor Moses with an early enterprising run for Stoke, who are making the early running at a sunny Britannia Stadium.

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Only 86 minutes left in this one. Nowt happening so far...

"It was nice to see West Brom play a forward ball at the start of the game. So often you see teams play the ball square and backwards from the kick-off. Saido Berahino will need support from Stephane Sessegnon today. They are the key to any success West Brom might get here today."

Joey Barton wins three 50/50s in a row in the QPR midfield. Combative? I should say so.

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Ross Barkley is bossing the game already - a stunning pass putting Kevin Mirallas through on goal, but the Belgian mis-times his run and is flagged offside. Ross's radar is bob on already.

West Brom, all in red this afternoon, start well. Keeping the ball nicely and looking for in-form Saido Berahino up front. He'll struggle to best Gary Cahill and John Terry today though.

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A confident start from Swansea, who are playing the ball out from the back nicely. Should be some nice football on offer at the Etihad today.

THE PREMIER LEAGUE IS BACK! How we've missed it...

Here we go then. The longest, slowest two weeks of the season are over. Tempo, goals, cards, drama, all about to return...

Former Magpies midfielder Joey Barton is a very popular man in the tunnel at St James' Park, shaking hands and sharing tales with the Newcastle squad. He's having plenty of chat with the officials too. A walking booking?

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Everything's in place for the teams at the Etihad, including one Swansea fan wearing an elf hat. When is it acceptable to dig out the festive attire? Gone 10 days too early for me.

'Hibbo scores, we riot...'

John Pierce: Roberto Martinez puts out an ultra attacking team, including Tony Hibbert at left back. As we know Hibbo will break the internet when he scores.

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Tony Hibbert has so far failed to score in 324 matches and a goal today could see him succeed where Kim Kardashian failed.

Looks like the first 'cold weather' afternoon in the Premier League season. Scarves and hats outnumbering short sleeves by a factor of 500 to one. Almost time for the thermos flask and thermals.

"If you want atmosphere, let us stand!" screams a banner at Stamford Bridge. Can the Premier League leaders give their fans something to cheer about?

The teams are out. Time for that Premier League anthem...

Owen in Hitchin: Looking at West Ham today - 5 in midfield and two battering rams up top - boss the middle and take advantage of Everton's leaky defence! That or 9 behind the ball and hit the big men.

Tony Cocozza: Have I just time warped back to last season? How can my West Ham team lose nearly all of its new signings?

Full-time in the early game in Scotland. The Hearts fans are in tremendous voice - there is a long way to go but a nine-point lead looks very healthy indeed for the unbeaten Edinburgh side.

Jason Holt hammered in a cracker, with Jamie Walker adding a late penalty.

Follow the rest of the day's Scottish action here.

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"There will be a lot of teams that want Wilfried Bony and I wonder if this new contract is to push his price up a little bit."

The Ivorian, who signed a one-year contract extension this week, has scored four goals in 13 appearances this season.

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"Chelsea have a settled team and a settled system and so far they have hit on the perfect combination of players. Diego Costa is important to that but Didier Drogba is waiting in the wings, Andre Schurrle can score and they went out and bought extra security in Loic Remy."

Burnley have been rooted to the bottom of the league ever since they arrived, but victory today could lift them clear of the relegation zone altogether. Is today a big day for the Clarets?

Twenty minutes to kick-off around the grounds then. Diego Costa, as strong as a bull, has grown his hair out a bit in the last fortnight. John Terry slaps him on the back and shouts some words of advice down his ear. Costa smiles and walks away from his captain, shaking his head.

I don't want to know...

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Joey Barton, Karl Henry, Sandro and Leroy Fer. In the history of ball-winning midfields, that is right up there...

Newcastle midfielder Ryan Taylor starts a Premier League fixture for the first time in 32 months. Both he and central defender Mike Williamson come in for the injured Mehdi Abeid and Fabricio Coloccini.

QPR have made two changes. Winger Eduardo Vargas is unavailable following the birth of his daughter, while Chilean team-mate Mauricio Isla is rested following international duty. Defender Nedum Onuoha and ex-Magpies midfielder Joey Barton come into the starting XI.

Newcastle XI: Krul, Janmaat, Williamson, Dummett, Haidara, R.Taylor, Sissoko, Colback, Cabella, Perez, Ameobi

QPR XI: Green, Onuoha, Dunne, Caulker, Yun, Barton, Sandro, Henry, Fer, Zamora, Austin.

On Final Score, we're giving you the chance to vote on who you think will be this season's Premier League top scorer - Diego Costa, Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez or Saido Berahino?

Vote now by heading to the top of the page.

The vote will close at 16:30 GMT, with results read out live on Final Score on BBC One shortly afterwards, as well as appearing right here. Full terms and conditions are available here.

You can watch Final Score now by clicking the 'live coverage' tab at the top of this page.

Alex Song, Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho all out for West Ham today - though Andy Carroll is back. Will the Hammers' early-season form come undone this afternoon?

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James Sanders: West Ham's Valencia, Sakho, Song and Downing out after international duty, yet Costa and Fabregas miraculously fit.

Tom Holmes: West Ham missing far too many key players today, both at the heart of their midfield and crucially, up top. Everton to win.

Mark Daws: The price you pay for success? Lose half of your squad injured on international duty. Team smacks of last season.

Four of the top five in the top flight are in action over the next few hours, with seemingly invincible leaders Chelsea looking to stretch their early season lead to seven points.

Unless Alan Irvine's West Brom manage the unthinkable and win at the Bridge today, Chelsea will set a new club record of 12 games unbeaten from the start of a top-flight season. In the bag?

One major bookmaker has already paid out on Chelsea winning the title...

Andy Carroll starts? Hibbo at left-back? Remarkable scenes at Goodison Park...

Everton make four changes to the team that drew at Sunderland before the international break.

It looks Tony Hibbert will play at left-back as Leighton Baines misses out. Leon Osman, Kevin Mirallas and Steven Naismith come in for Gareth Barry, Aiden McGeady and Samuel Eto'o. It will be Osman's 400th Premier League appearance.

Striker Andy Carroll makes his first start of the season for West Ham after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in pre-season.

It is one of five changes by manager Sam Allardyce to the team that drew 0-0 with Aston Villa on 8 November. Kevin Nolan, Carlton Cole, Morgan Amalfitano and James Tomkins come into the starting line up, Stewart Downing, Enner Valencia, Alex Song, Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate are out.

Everton XI: Howard, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Hibbert, McCarthy, Osman; Barkley, Mirallas Naismith; Lukaku.

West Ham XI: Adrian; Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Collins, Cresswell; Nolan, Noble, Amalfitano; Cole, Carroll.

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Alleged racism. Chants about terrorism. The pros and cons of signing a convicted rapist. Alleged corruption at the very top of the game.

More alleged racism. International games. Upset Olympians. Hundredth caps. Injuries, sackings and the return of Nyron Nosworthy.

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It's been a hectic international break, with not too many positive stories. A dark fortnight for football if you will.

But now we can forget about all of that. Lift the gloom - the Premier League has returned!

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Huddersfield Town boss Chris Powell to Sky Sports after being asked about Sheffield Wednesday's late penalty appeal: "Do I think it was a penalty? I thought the referee made a great decision and I'm smiling when I say that so I think you know what I thought."

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Mo Aswat: The window I broke at school and I had to pay £20 to replace it (see above)

Kurt Booth: Messing around indoors with a football as a kid with a mate, I went for a diving header and shattered a big glass wind chime.

Liam James: Drove a dipper onto the crossbar which smacked the keeper on the back of the head and knocked him over before going in.

With the rest of the team news filtering in, I'll hand over to your commentators for the rest of the afternoon, Tom Rostance and Marc Higginson.

"From a player's perspective, we're torn apart for the way we behave and act because we're role models. So I think it's poor that some members of the hierarchy are behaving this way and saying things that they're saying. It's disappointing to say the least.

"Wigan captain Emmerson Boyce has spoken positively about Malky Mackay's arrival. Boyce has been at that club for as long as I can remember and is a huge part of that club's history, lifting the FA Cup for them.

"He doesn't deserve to be in this position. What else is he going to say? I doubt he will turn around and say I'm not going to play for this club."

Former Blackburn manager Paul Ince is not sure that Dave Whelan's comments will accelerate the introduction of the 'Rooney Rule' into English football.

"I think Dave Whelan is a fantastic chairman and what he has done for Wigan is brilliant," says 47-year-old Ince, who has also managed Macclesfield and MK Dons.

"I can't sit here and say Dave Whelan is a racist because he has made these comments. I'm not saying that at all.

"But there is not enough black managers and coaches considering there are 25% of black players. But it is down to black players to get their coaching qualifications. There's no point having the Rooney Rule if there are only 14 players who have done their qualifications."

Former England midfielder Paul Ince on the ongoing FA investigation into Malky Mackay: "The FA hasn't done enough to sort this situation out. The issue with Malky and Cardiff happened a long time ago and it makes me wonder what the FA has been doing to not even bring the case forward.

"I'm not saying Malky is guilty or innocent, but if we already knew if the FA had found him guilty or not guilty it would change how we view this whole subject.

"The FA should have put this to bed ages ago. Dave Whelan must have known what he was getting himself into by taking him on and no decision made by the FA but the fact that we don't know makes it difficult for everyone."

Wigan boss Mackay is still under investigation by the Football Association following allegations he made racist, sexist and homophobic comments in text messages and emails sent while he was in charge of Cardiff.

It's been a turbulent week for Wigan Athletic following their appointment of Malky Mackay, who is still under investigation by the Football Association following allegations he made racist, sexist and homophobic comments in text messages and emails sent while he was in charge of Cardiff.

Since that appointment, owner Dave Whelan has been in trouble for comments he made in an interview with a national newspaper.

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson makes two changes, with Riyad Mahrez and Paul Konchesky in for Andy King and Danny Drinkwater. Captain Wes Morgan starts despite missing international duty with Jamacia because of injury.

Lee Cattermole returns after suspension for Sunderland, with Liam Bridcutt dropping to the bench. Sebastian Larsson makes his 300th English league appearance while Steven Fletcher starts up front after recovering from the ankle injury which kept him out of Scotland's midweek friendly with England.

Leicester XI: Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan (c), Wasilewski, Konchesky, Schlupp, Cambiasso, James, Mahrez, Vardy, Ulloa.

Sunderland XI: Pantilimon, O'Shea, Brown, Vergini, Reveillere, Cattermole, Gomez, Larsson, Wickham, Johnson, Fletcher.

News of another BBC programme to satisfy your insatiable football appetites. Final Score, which will tell you about every goal across the UK as soon as the net bulges, is about to start on the Red Button - and online - at 14:30 GMT.

Presenter Jason Mohammad is joined by ex-England defender Danny Mills and former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin on the Final Score sofa.

You can also watch the programme on BBC One (except for Scottish viewers, who will instead be greeted by Sportscene Results) from 16:30 GMT.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho hands starts to both Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas after the two Spain internationals shrugged off recent injury niggles. Willian's inclusion ahead of Ramires in the sole alteration from the win at Liverpool.

West Bromwich Albion make four changes from the home defeat to Newcastle United, Claudio Yacob, Chris Baird, Craig Gardner and Stephane Sessegnon coming in.

Chelsea XI: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Costa.

West Bromwich Albion XI: Foster, Wisdom, Dawson, Lescott, Baird, Dorrans, Gardner, Brunt, Yacob, Sessegnon, Berahino.

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Ade Ojelabi: The biggest games in PL used to be between the REDS of London & Manchester.. Arguably it's now between the BLUES of both cities.

George Goldhawk: Costa and Fabregas make miraculous recoveries to start today. It's almost as if they could have joined up with Spain.

Agubata Odinaka: Mourinho keeps on playing his strongest 11, making only necessary changes. I think other managers should watch and learn

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes will be hoping Bojan can continue his good form after his first goal for the club in the 2-1 win at Spurs last time out.

Burnley won their first match of the season against Hull City before the international break and make one change with Scott Arfield dropping out for ex-Potters man Michael Kightly.

Stoke XI: Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross, Cameron, Muniesa; Nzonzi, Sidwell; Walters, Bojan, Moses; Diouf.

Burnley XI: Heaton; Ward, Shackell, Duff, Trippier; Boyd, Jones, Marney, Kightly; Barnes, Ings.

It ended as you might have guessed at the break but the second half saw a huge improvement in quality from both sides.

Stevie May saw his shot bounce off the crossbar and onto the post for the Owls before Nahki Wells fired straight at Wednesday keeper Keiren Westwood but the big talking point from the game will be the penalty that wasn't.

Sheffield Wednesday forward Chris Maguire was taken out in the area by Town defender Joel Lynch but the referee Graham Salisbury saw it the other way and booked Maguire for diving.

Wednesday have now failed to score in six of their last seven games.

Swansea boss Garry Monk: "We have belief. Things are paying off. It is a difficult match this afternoon but we will go into it full of confidence."

Captain Vincent Kompany returns in the centre of Manchester City's defence after missing the draw at QPR through injury. Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolarov remain out with with calf injuries. Striker Sergio Aguero is hoping to continue his run of 13 goals in as many Premier League games.

Swansea's Nathan Dyer is back after injury, while midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has to settle for a place on the bench after a one-match ban. Defender Federico Fernandez misses out again with a calf problem, while Wayne Routledge remains out.

Man City XI: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy, Navas, Fernandinho, Toure, Nasri, Jovetic, Aguero. Subs. Caballero, Sagna, Mangala, Lampard, Fernando, Milner, Pozo.

Swansea XI: Fabianski, Rangel, Bartley, Williams, Taylor, Ki, Carroll, Sigurdsson, Dyer, Montero, Bony. Subs. Tremmel, Tiendalli, Amat, Britton, Shelvey, Gomis, Barrow.

Team news from the six Premier League games that start at 15:00 GMT will be coming up very, very soon.

Looks like Huddersfield might have got away with one there.

Owls forward Chris Maguire is upended in the area by Huddersfield Town defender Joel Lynch's slide tackle. It looks a penalty to just about everybody apart from the referee Graham Salisbury, who books the Scot for a dive.

Lee Casalino: My neighbour tried a rocket shot in anger when my ball landed in his garden. It rebounded off a tree and hit him in the face.

Adam Williams: Once smashed the kitchen window with a football. Five minutes after the man who replaced the glass had left, put it through it again.

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Tottenham Hotspur beat Wigan Athletic 9-1 in one of the highest scoring Premier League games ever. Jermain Defoe scored five times for Spurs.