1807: Don't forget: MOTD2 at 2245 GMT on BBC2 later. Two cracking games today, more than making up for some average fare yesterday. Jan Jonathan of Stevenson will be with you for tomorrow's games. See you.

1804: No rest for the wicked. United's next game is at home to Wigan on Wednesday, when Arsenal are at Portsmouth. Chelsea host Fulham among six games tomorrow. Aston Villa face Liverpool on Tuesday.

Man Utd striker Wayne Rooney: "It was my mistake for the goal and I don't think the manager would have been too happy if we hadn't gone on to win. It was a horrible feeling to let the lads down. I don't think it's happened to me before. I think it's a mad league - a lot of teams are dropping points and it's really close. Hopefully we can be more consistent in the second half of the season."

From Dave, bored, via text: "Re 1744: He is Jam Vinegar of Heseltine according to spell check."

1755: United's strength tells in the end as they put that 3-0 loss to Fulham behind them. They now trail leaders Chelsea by only two points at the halfway point of the season. Arsenal two points further back, but with a game in hand.

1752: No backlift at all on that shot from Wayne Rooney, but it zips just over the bar.

1751: Promising position out right for Gabriel Obertan, who slices his cross straight into the crowd with his fancy, lime-green boot.

1749: Dimitar Berbatov lifts a pass out to Ji-Sung Park on the left, and the Korean sets up Michael Carrick for the shot. Deflected behind. Four minutes of added time remaining - but this one's done and dusted.

1744: Jan V of H backheels the ball into the path of Bernard Mendy, who is a touch unlucky to see his shot hit the side netting. Hull are staying second bottom as it stands - but there has been encouragement for them in this game.

Man Utd goal: Hull are tired now, and Wayne Rooney canters into the area before providing an exquisite pass for Dimitar Berbatov to tap in at the far post. Game over.

1737: A change apiece. Jan Vennegor of Hesselink replaces Richard Garcia for Hull. Gabriel Obertan on for Ryan Giggs, who hasn't had a great game today - although there was that sensational flick, which I remain convinced set up the first goal.

Man Utd goal: Just as Hull perhaps look the more likely scorers, United do what they do best. Ryan Giggs slips the ball through to Wayne Rooney on the right. His ball across the box is turned home by Hull defender Andy Dawson, with Ji-Sung Park waiting behind him. Redemption for Rooney after his backpass led to the Hull equaliser.

1729: Patrice Evra is penalised for pulling back Craig Fagan on the halfway line. Alan Wiley stops the play - to the annoyance of Hull, who appear to have the advantage. Evra is on a yellow and now appears to be on his final warning.

1725: Corner for Hull, won by the hard-working Stephen Hunt. Hunt takes the corner, and Richard Garcia's header seems to take an age before it drops inches wide. The Hull fans are buzzing now.

1723: Sir Alex Ferguson sends Ji-Sung Park on for Antonio Valencia. Straight swap on the right wing.

1721: United paying the price for a sluggish start to the half there, but the equaliser has predictably awoken them from their slumbers. They're pressing forward in numbers... and Boaz Myhill has to desperately punch the ball over, under pressure from Wayne Rooney.

Hull goal: What the...? Wayne Rooney's appalling backpass is intercepted by Craig Fagan and he crosses for Jozy Altidore at the far post, who is bundled over by Rafael. Fagan sends Tomasz Kuszczak the wrong way from the spot. Yellow for the United full-back.

1713: Still scrappy. The running battle between Craig Fagan and Patrice Evra is probably the most interesting thing going on. Seyi Olofinjana gives away a free-kick in midfield, which United play backwards, disappointingly.

1710: Scrappy now. Very scrappy. We've had about 10 free-kicks already.

1708: Craig Fagan is in danger of talking himself into the book. Alan Wiley has a quiet word with the Hull striker.

1704: Hull get us under way in the second half.

1657: He did get a touch. I'm sure he did. And the Hull penalty shout: Wes Brown doesn't get a touch but as that clever 606 poster pointed out (see above 1622 entry), you only see that from one particular angle, and the way the ball moves, it looks like he does. So would have been a big shout from Alan Wiley.

1653: If you missed the goal description, a manual refresh should sort you out. I deleted a bit of coding in all the excitement. Now, some people will tell you that Ryan Giggs didn't get a touch on the ball. I think he did. I'm waiting for the all-important half-time replay.

BBC 5 live summariser Chris Waddle: "It's been a great game for neutrals - but I'm not sure the managers will be pleased. I'm amazed there's only been one goal, it's been so open."

Man Utd goal: In stoppage time at the end of the first half, United make the breakthrough. Darren Fletcher keeps the ball in on the right and his cross is flicked on by Ryan Giggs for Wayne Rooney to tap in from close range.

1645: Dimitar Berbatov challenges two Hull defenders for the ball, which allows Antonio Valencia a run on goal - but Kamil Zayatte is back with the tackle.

1643: Lovely move by United. Wayne Rooney to Dimitar Berbatov, one-touch passing, and Rafael is in - but shoots too close to Boaz Myhill, who saves and then saves again at the feet of Berbatov.

1640: Wayne Rooney gives the ball away again, this time in midfield. Seyi Olofinjana plays in Stephen Hunt, who tries to place the ball inside the far post but goes wide. Golden chance for the hosts. They may regret that.

1639: Misplaced pass by Wayne Rooney for Ryan Giggs. Not been Rooney's greatest half of football, by any means.

1636: Alan Wiley's going to need to be fit to keep up with this. The pace of the game is incredible - and surely cannot continue.

1634: Thrill a minute this. Boaz Myhill completely miskicks his clearance. Ryan Giggs picks it up and lays the ball off to Wayne Rooney, who is crowded out by the Hull defence - to Myhill's relief.

1633: Richard Garcia crumbles under a challenge from Patrice Evra over on the right and Alan Wiley brings out his yellow card for the Frenchman.

1629: Very open game now, with Hull throwing everything at it. Seyi Olofinjana's volley is brilliantly saved by Tomasz Kuszczak.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on Cesc Fabregas's injury: "It's a recurrence of his hamstring. We knew before the game it was not perfect. We will see if we have long regrets or short regrets. I don't believe it's too bad, he doesn't think it's too bad."

From tef_afc_08 on 606: "Should have been a penalty, but the deflection tricked the referee. To be fair, only one angle proved conclusively that it was a penalty."

1622: The home fans are screaming for a penalty after Richard Garcia falls under a challenge from Wes Brown. Alan Wiley very quickly waves his arms and shakes his head. Replays suggest that was a decent shout.

1621: Wayne Rooney latches onto a chance now - but Bernard Mendy throws himself in the way, and is hurt in the process. Treatment needed.

1619: Stephen Hunt drills in the cross from the left after a neat bit of skill, but the United defender gets his head to the ball first. Better from Hull.

1617: Kamil Zayatte pushes Wayne Rooney to concede a free-kick inches outside the box. Rooney runs over it, leaving it for Ryan Giggs, whose excellent effort curls around Boaz Myhill's right-hand post and hits the side netting.

1615: In response (probably) to Roberto Mancini's short blue and white striped scarf yesterday, Hull boss Phil Brown is sporting a long, brown number over his suit. I think it might be made of a silky material. I cannot be sure. United still dominating.

1613: Craig Fagan needs treatment on his back after landing awkwardly following an aerial challenge with Rafael.

1611: Wayne Rooney cuts in from the left but shoots hopelessly wide. Seconds later, the England striker tries to play in Dimitar Berbatov, but Boaz Myhill is out quickly to clear.

1609: More from historical Macca: "If you know your history you'll also know that a year ago today Phil Brown produced the managerial masterstroke of giving his half-time team talk on the pitch after his Hull side took a first-half pasting at Manchester City."

1607: Antonio Valencia gallops to the byeline on the right and crosses for Ryan Giggs at the far post, who directs a volley narrowly over the bar and onto the top of the net.

1605: Decent start by the visitors. Hull win a free-kick though, just beyond the halfway line over by the right touchline. United clear though.

1601: Manchester United kick off the game at a noisy KC Stadium.

1558: Hull boss Phil Brown marches purposefully over to the opposition bench to shake hands with the United staff. The man in the middle today is Alan Wiley, famously accused of being not fit enough by Fergie after United's draw against Sunderland.

From Jack from Ringwood, via text: "Hey Cheesy, a bit off topic but thought you'd want to know I just served Matt le Tiss in Waitrose! Looking for a United win today..."

1552: Macca's gone all historical on us: "Of course these two teams met at the KC Stadium on the final day of last season, with Hull losing 1-0 but staying up anyway. That was not the most significant thing to happen that day. Not by a long, long shot - as it was totally overshadowed by Phil Brown's post-match sing-song on the pitch. Quite remarkable."

Sir Alex Ferguson (who sounds like he has a cold) on the first half of the season: "Difficult. I don't think anyone expecting the dropping of points by the top four. It just shows you the level of competition in the Premier League. It's time to buckle down and stop messing about as far as I'm concerned."

1542: The Phil Brown in the picture is wearing exactly the same thing as real Phil Brown is wearing. I was so consumed with that bizarre sight that I didn't listen to a word he said. Sorry.

1540: Phil Brown is being interviewed in front of a picture of... Phil Brown. This is by the far the best thing that has happened this weekend.

From cropperesp on 606: "I really hope we can bring in David Silva (Valencia) and a decent defender for cover in January (Giorgio Chiellini would be nice). I saw Chiellini at the Peace Cup in Seville who did well to hold off Raul, Benzema and co... but with City waving their wallet about, it could be a bit pricey. Going for a 2-1 United win. One of the goals will be a Rooney penalty."

1535: TEAM NEWS Hull v Man Utd
Hull manager Phil Brown makes three changes to the team defeated at Arsenal last week. Bernard Mendy replaces Paul McShane in defence, while Seyi Olofinjana and Jozy Altidore come in for Nick Barmby and Geovanni, both of whom drop to the bench. Defensive trio Rafael Da Silva, Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown return from injury to ease Manchester United's defensive worries, while Darren Fletcher partners Michael Carrick in central midfield. Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov also start for United as they seek a return to winning ways following last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Fulham.

From go_utd on 606: "Not only have Man Utd got two decent centre-backs in the side again, but it means Fletcher and Carrick can finally get back to business, help to deliver and dominate the midfield. A comfortable win for Man Utd today!"

1526: TEAMS Hull v Man Utd
Hull: Myhill, Mendy, Gardner, Zayatte, Dawson, Garcia, Boateng, Olofinjana, Hunt, Altidore, Fagan. Subs: Duke, Barmby, Geovanni, Kilbane, Ghilas, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Cairney.
Man Utd: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Vidic, Brown, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Berbatov, Rooney. Subs: Foster, Owen, Park, Welbeck, Fabio Da Silva, Obertan, De Laet.

1525: That is a very good result for Arsenal. Impressive. They are up to second, four points behind the leaders with a game in hand. Manchester United can reclaim second with a win over Hull in the 1600 GMT kick-off. Villa stay fourth, a point ahead of Tottenham.

Arsenal goal: Abou Diaby takes advantage of some tired Villa legs, strolling through the midfield before bending a low finish inside the post. Scoreline a bit harsh on Villa now.

1520: We are into four minutes of added time.

1516: Macca's been burying his head in the fixture list... "Marc in Liverpool (above 1506 entry) asks about Arsenal's title credentials. Looks like they will be four points behind leaders Chelsea after today with a game in hand and their upcoming league matches are against Portsmouth, Bolton (twice) and Everton over the next month."

1515: It was Aaron Ramsey. Good call, Mr Wenger. Gabby Agbonlahor suddenly escapes into the box, but William Gallas's challenge denies him a shooting chance.

1513: Cesc Fabregas has to come off again - but what a brilliant 27-minute cameo from the Spaniard. I didn't see who came on. I will guess it was Aaron Ramsay.

Arsenal goal: That is absolutely stunning from Arsenal. James Milner's hopeless pass forward is picked up by Armand Traore, who sweeps a perfect long ball out to Theo Walcott. This time, the final ball is inch-perfect for Cesc Fabregas, who runs in between two defenders to slot past Brad Friedel. The Gunners' celebrations are cut short though as Fabregas feels his hamstring before limping back to the halfway line...

From Marc in Liverpool, nursing a bad hangover, via text: "Cheesy, can Arsenal be serious title contenders? I think if Arshavin and Fabregas stay fit, and receive able support from the likes of Diaby, and a couple of astute signings in January, they can seriously challenge."

1506: Disappointing final ball from Theo Walcott. The flying forward is played in by - guess who? - Cesc Fabregas, but his attempt at a cross is too far in front of his team-mates in the middle.

1503: Cesc Fabregas chips the ball over Carlos Cuellar, and is pulled back by the Villa defender - who gets an inevitable yellow card. This is something of a masterclass by Fabregas. Villa, meanwhile, bring on Fabian Delph for Luke Young. Not much threat of an equaliser from the visitors at the moment.

BBC 5 live summariser Lee Dixon: "Fabregas reminds me of Gazza... He always seems to pick the right pass, and he's got that enthusiasm and drive to get into the opposition danger area - which is what Arsenal lacked in the first half."

1458: Cesc Fabregas has given Arsenal some real impetus since coming on - and that stunning goal caps it. The Gunners skipper now whips over a free-kick from the left, but William Gallas is an inch offside as he heads it back to Theo Walcott, who flashes the shot wide anyway.

Arsenal goal: Less than 10 minutes after coming on, captain fantastic Cesc Fabregas does the business for his side in sensational style. He wins the free-kick for Richard Dunne's foul and curls a delicious effort into the top corner from 25 yards out.

1453: And now time for Arsenal to make a second change as Theo Walcott comes on for Eduardo.

1452: Emile Heskey, who was a doubt before the game, is replaced by John Carew, who is bigger than me and you.

1450: Getting noisier inside the Emirates now as Brad Friedel makes a sharp save to deny Andrey Arshavin, before Richard Dunne prevents Cesc Fabregas reaching the rebound.

1449: Eduardo takes advantage of a moment's hesitation in the Villa defence, finding the supporting Cesc Fabregas - but the shot is blocked.

1446: From that corner, Arsenal come close to taking the lead. Eduardo heads straight down but it bounces up for William Gallas, Brad Friedel making a vital block before Carlos Cuellar completes the clearance. Cesc Fabregas is now on - for Denilson.

1444: Looks like Stephen Warnock will go into the book for a challenge on Abou Diaby... but it's actually Ashley Young who goes into the book for some backchat after he failed to get a free-kick. Brad Friedel pushes a dangerous Eduardo free-kick behind for a corner.

1443: Elaborate punch by Manuel Almunia from a corner, even though he's under absolutely no pressure.

1442: Thomas Vermaelen and Gabby Agbonlahor have a bit of a comedy wrestle for the ball. The decision goes against the Villa striker, who has a little chuckle about it all.

From Phil Brown's fake tan, Australia, via text: "Hey Cheesy, just got home from work, ready for a night of good football and hopefully a Villa win."

1440: Much the same pattern as the first half. Plenty of passing from Arsenal, but Villa's excellent defence standing firm.

1436: Cesc Fabregas is warming up on the touchline - although I thought he was on the bench for emergency use only.

1434: Arsenal get us up and running in the second half at the Emirates Stadium. No changes.

From Dave, Middlesbrough, via text: "Re 1423: Gareth Southgate started off wearing a tracksuit, then changed to a suit... you can draw your own conclusions."
I'd rather not, if it's all the same to you

1431: Don't forget we've still got Hull-Man Utd to come. Nemanja Vidic is set to return in defence, which will mean at least one of United's midfielders can actually play in midfield.

1423: Jeepers. Remarkable conversation between Colin Murray and Lee Dixon on BBC 5 live. Murray reveals that Alex McLeish told him if a manager wears a suit, he probably doesn't shower with his players. If he wears a tracksuit, he probably does. Dixon, as if to back up this astonishing theory, says he has never had a shower with Arsene Wenger (who wears a suit).

From HappyGooner on 606: "Diaby is having a blinder... I'm really starting to like this guy. He's got the height which most Arsenal players lack and he can run past people with his long strides. He just needs to shoot more often and he's got my vote to be a permanent fixture in the first team!"

1416: Almost a costly calamity at the back for Villa. Stilyan Petrov overhits his pass back to Stephen Warnock, who then completely miskicks the clearance. Petrov atones for his error with a block though.

1414: Andrey Arshavin wins a corner on the left. Richard Dunne heads it away though, and Villa have a chance to counter - but Ashley Young's cross is headed away. Three minutes until half-time teas.

BBC 5 live summariser Lee Dixon: "I think Gabby Agbonlahor is a real danger to Arsenal. One ball over the top and he's away. He's just standing on the shoulders of Vermaelen and Gallas all the time."

From Daniel, sitting in a pub next to a picture of Lord Lucan, via text: "Looks like Arsenal have gone back to trying to walk the ball into the net. So frustrating!"

1404: Denilson goes over very easily on the edge of the box after a challenge with Emile Heskey. He doesn't get that free-kick, but as he's getting up, Richard Dunne comes in to make sure he stays down. Denilson slams the free-kick into the wall, Bacary Sagna's follow-up effort flashing over the bar.

1402: Eduardo pulls the ball back for Denilson, who lays it off to Samir Nasri instead of going for the shot himself. Nasri flicks the ball up and sends a volley well over.

From gunner-zp... on 606: "Arshavin has hardly been in the game so I expect him to score a screamer out of nothing."

1359: Alex Song gives away another free-kick for a late challenge on James Milner. He is really wobbling on the yellow card tightrope now. Villa can't make anything of it.

BBC 5 live summariser Lee Dixon: "Villa have lots of shirts back when Arsenal are passing the ball around the box, they're closing down really well. Eventually you feel Arsenal will get a chance because of their superior passing in that area, but credit to Villa."

1353: Stephen Warnock is late on Samir Nasri, and the Frenchman's free-kick finds the head of an unmarked Abou Diaby. He's quite a way out though and heads way over.

1351: Referee Phil Dowd has a word with Alex Song, after the midfielder's naughty trip on a rampaging Emile Heskey. From the free-kick, Richard Dunne eventually has the ball in the net - but only after a, er, firm shoulder barge on Manuel Almunia.

1349: This game is flying by. Stewart Downing hooks a shot just wide of the post, taking advantage of some poor marking by Arsenal.

1345: Nervous moment for Arsenal as Ashley Young's shot loops off Alex Song and only narrowly over the bar. Villa starting to look dangerous now.

1343: Lee Dixon, summarising on BBC 5 live today, reveals that Arsene Wenger does not like his players drinking anything with bubbles in, so he wasn't even allowed a sparkling mineral water when he was a Gunner. "Well it is very gassy," notes commentator David Oates.

From an Arsenal fan via text: "Re 1236: I am now convinced Villa are going to score from a long throw!"

1341: Here come Villa. James Milner crosses from the left, and the ball eventually comes out to Emile Heskey, who scuffs a shot six yards wide. Denilson needs some treatment for a bloody nose.

1338: Arsenal doing all the attacking, Villa waiting to counter. They're not having much opportunity at the moment though. Denilson picks up the ball and takes a couple of touches before sending a rising drive over the bar.

1335: Great, great chance for Eduardo. Abou Diaby sets it up well, and the Croat turns brilliantly but the shot is weak and straight at the keeper.

1334: A free-kick for Arsenal, about 35 yards out to the right. Samir Nasri plays it in, and it comes all the way to Thomas Vermaelen at the far post, his shot stabbed clear by Stephen Warnock.

1332: And we're off. Frank McLintock, Arsenal's double-winning skipper in 1970/1, was on the pitch shortly before kick-off. He celebrates his 70th birthday tomorrow, you know.

1325: Nearly time to go at the Emirates. Villa won this fixture 2-0 last season, and a repeat today will see them go above the Gunners and Manchester United into second (until later anyway) - and become the first club since Leeds (1994/5) to beat the 'Big Four' in a single season.

From Emily via text: "Fingers crossed Villa don't do their usual crumble at Christmas and keep it up for the rest of the season. Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!"

From dominic on 606: "Re 1236: Love the logic Arsene. That's like saying Walcott is too fast. Normal players do not have this speed and therefore young Theo should have a speed limit. Perhaps the fourth official could hold a speed camera to clock him?"

1314:Malchickles on Twitter points out that the marvellously-named Task Force 2000, which included Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer, considered replacing throw-ins with kick-ins, but decided it was a rubbish idea. I hope they were wearing lycra super-hero outfits while they considered it.

1310: Here's some encouraging news: Ray Stubbs is back at home and feeling much better after being taken to hospital midway through his ESPN presenting shift yesterday. That's according to Mark Bright on Twitter. Get well soon, Stubbsy.

From redandblackT1899 on 606: "Re 1236: Kick-ins were experimented at the U-17 Championship in Japan in 93 by Fifa. There's a reason they were kicked out after that tournament and never heard from again. They didn't add anything to the play and everyone looked confused!"

From anon via text: "In despair over Eduardo selection, why not play Ramsey who is in the form of his life?!"

1257: TEAM NEWS Arsenal v Aston Villa
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is only fit enough for a place on the bench after a hamstring injury as right-back Bacary Sagna replaces Emmanuel Eboue and Armand Traore comes in for Mikael Silvestre at left-back for the Gunners. Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey was a doubt with a groin strain but is fit to start as manager Martin O'Neill names an unchanged side from the win over Stoke.

From tom1080 on 606: "Re 1236: So instead of long throw specialists you would get long kick specialists. With teams pumping the ball into the box from the half way line. Don't think Mr Wenger has thought this one through."

1251: TEAMS Arsenal v Aston Villa
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Traore, Song Billong, Denilson, Nasri, Diaby, Eduardo, Arshavin. Subs: Fabianski, Fabregas, Vela, Walcott, Ramsey, Silvestre, Eboue.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Dunne, Cuellar, Warnock, Ashley Young, Petrov, Milner, Downing, Agbonlahor, Heskey. Subs: Guzan, Sidwell, Carew, Delph, Reo-Coker, Beye, Collins.

From Jamey, Dagenham, via text: "Re 1236: I actually agree with him Caroline! It's kicked in for a corner, so why not replace a throw-in? Might encourage a bit more 'foot'ball?"

1244: Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas is only fit enough for the bench, I'm hearing. Please don't forget to text on 81111 (the UK) or +44 7786200666 (the world) or get on 606 or Twitter. I know you wouldn't.

1240: Plenty of Arsenal-related gossip in the papers today too. Wenger's still after Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, or he could go for Andre Pierre Gignac of Toulouse, or, improbably, Craig Bellamy.

1236: Arsene Wenger, whose Arsenal side host Villa today, has decided to celebrate the end of the noughties and the midway point of the season by sharing his vision for the future of football, including scrapping throw-ins. (Is it me or is he basing this on the fact that the Gunners haven't got a player who can lob it into the penalty area?) "At Stoke, for Rory Delap it is like kicking the ball," says Wenger. "It is a little bit of an unfair advantage. He is using a strength that is usually not a strength in football. So the rule I would change would be maybe to play throw-ins by foot. Why not? I think it would make the game quicker."

1230: Hello. Happy 'the day after Boxing Day' to you. After today, we'll be around about, roughly, halfway through the Premier League season, there or thereabouts. Chelsea will be top, we know that, but second, third and fourth could be reshuffled before the day is out. Ooh, the drama...