The BEST episodes of Match of the Day season 2011
Every episode of Match of the Day season 2011, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Match of the Day season 2011!
Match of the Day (often abbreviated as MOTD) is the BBC's main football television programme. Typically, it is shown on BBC One on Saturday evenings during the English football season, showing highlights of the day's matches in the Barclays Premier League. It is one of the BBC's longest-running shows, having been on air since 1964, though it has not always been aired regularly. The 'Match of the Day' brand is also often used for live football coverage on the BBC. They run a competition called Goal of the Month, choosing the best goal each month, where the winner from there will then be entered into a goal of the season award.
#1 - MOTD - March 31st, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 33 - Aired 3/31/2012
Gary Lineker introduces the best of the action and reaction from the Premier League, with studio guests Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer providing expert analysis. Title challengers Manchester City face a Sunderland side that beat them on New Year's Day courtesy of Ji Dong-won's stoppage-time winner. However, City boast a formidable record at the Etihad Stadium and have won all seven previous Premier League meetings with Sunderland at home. At the other end of the table, relegation-threatened Wolves and Bolton met at Molineux, while fellow strugglers Wigan hosted Stoke. And in fixtures affecting issues near the top and bottom, QPR faced Arsenal and Aston Villa played Chelsea.
#2 - MOTD - January 21st, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 23 - Aired 1/21/2012
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of today's eight Premier League games, including the match between Norwich and Chelsea at Carrow Road. The Canaries have impressed in the top flight since winning promotion from the Championship last season, but they lost 3-1 to the Blues when the sides met at Stamford Bridge in August. Relegation-threatened Bolton host Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium, with the Trotters looking to avoid an 11th successive defeat against the Reds. There is a Midlands derby at Molineux, where Wolves play Aston Villa, while Everton meet Blackburn and Stoke entertain West Brom. Elsewhere, Sunderland take on Swansea, QPR face Wigan and Fulham host Newcastle.
#3 - MOTD - January 31st, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 24 - Aired 1/31/2012
Gary Lineker introduces highlights from a busy evening in the Premier League, with this season's big three all in action, and reflects on all the big moves as the January transfer window closes. Manchester City travelled to Goodison Park to take on north-west neighbours Everton. City had lost on both previous visits under Roberto Mancini's management so it was a fixture sure to test their title credentials. Manchester United entertained a Stoke side that took Premier League points off them for the first time earlier this season with a 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium, while Tottenham welcomed Wigan to White Hart Lane with last season's shock 1-0 Latics win still fresh in their memories.
#4 - MOTD - February 4th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 25 - Aired 2/4/2012
Gary Lineker is joined by Alan Shearer and Mark Lawrenson for highlights of seven matches from the Premier League. Manchester City are aiming to win the title for the first time since the 1967-68 season but face a difficult match at home against Fulham, who have proven to be a bogey side in recent seasons. The Cottagers have not lost in the league at the Etihad Stadium since 2006 and also fought back from 2-0 down to earn a point against City at Craven Cottage earlier this season. There are a host of important matches at the other end of the table as the battle to avoid relegation intensifies. Queens Park Rangers host Wolves at Loftus Road while West Bromwich Albion play Swansea, and Bolton travel to Norwich.
#5 - MOTD - February 11th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 26 - Aired 2/11/2012
#6 - MOTD - February 25th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 27 - Aired 2/25/2012
Gary Lineker presents all the goals and highlights from the Barclays Premier League. Fulham make the short hop across west London to face QPR in a derby that sees two teams looking to pull away from the lower reaches of the table. Hoops manager Mark Hughes is no hero with Fulham fans; he lasted less than 11 months as Cottagers boss before swiftly leaving, citing their lack of ambition. Elsewhere, title-chasing Manchester City host relegation-threatened Blackburn, while Chelsea - whose minimum aim for Andre Villas-Boas is a Champions League position - take on Owen Coyle's Bolton Wanderers, another Lancashire club who are desperately trying to avoid the dreaded drop. Other top-flight games include Newcastle v Wolves, West Brom v Sunderland and Wigan v Aston Villa.
#7 - MOTD - March 3rd, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 28 - Aired 3/3/2012
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of seven Premier League games, including the match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield. Both sides have endured inconsistent campaigns so far, but will be desperate to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Liverpool won the reverse fixture 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, but Kenny Dalglish's side have struggled to win home games on a regular basis this season. Title hopefuls Manchester City take on a Bolton side in need of points to bolster their battle against relegation, while Chelsea head to the Hawthorns to face West Brom. Elsewhere, Blackburn host Aston Villa, QPR meet Everton, Stoke take on Norwich and Wigan face Swansea.
#8 - MOTD - March 10th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 29 - Aired 3/10/2012
Gary Lineker presents highlights from the Premier League, with analysis from Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson. Swansea's impressive home record was put to the test by Roberto Mancini's Manchester City, as they continued their bid for the title. Manchester United hosted West Bromwich Albion, who had never beaten Sir Alex Ferguson's men in the Premier League and were without a win at Old Trafford since 1978. Tottenham travelled to Everton looking to complete the double over David Moyes' side, following January's win at White Hart Lane. Elsewhere, resurgent Sunderland hosted Liverpool, Wolves and Blackburn met in a relegation battle at Molineux, Stoke travelled to Chelsea, Bolton took on QPR, and Aston Villa met Fulham at Villa Park.
#9 - MOTD - March 17th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 30 - Aired 3/17/2012
Gary Lineker presents goals, highlights and reaction from the Premier League. Swansea have impressed since coming up from the Championship, and now the Welsh side travel down the M4 to face Fulham at Craven Cottage. Meanwhile, Wigan are in search of much-needed points in their fight to avoid relegation as they play host to West Brom at the DW Stadium.
#10 - MOTD - March 21st, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 31 - Aired 3/21/2012
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of the midweek Premier League action as the battles at both ends of the table intensify. Title contenders Manchester City were striving to maintain their 100% winning home record at the expense of Chelsea. City have fared poorly in this fixture, suffering defeat in 10 of the previous 14 Premier League meetings in Manchester, as well as losing 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in December. However, the likes of Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli will be looking to take advantage of Chelsea's uncharacteristically poor season, which prompted the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas as manager. Like Chelsea, north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are striving for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, but they faced obdurate opponents in Stoke and Everton respectively. Elsewhere, three of the bottom five sides were playing, with QPR hosting a Liverpool side targeting a place in Europe, Bolton visiting Aston Villa and Blackburn taking on Sunderland.
#11 - MOTD - March 24th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 32 - Aired 3/24/2012
Gary Lineker presents highlights from the Premier League, with analysis from Alan Shearer and Lee Dixon. Manchester City head to Stoke, searching for their first away win in the Potteries since Tony Pulis's side returned to the top flight in 2008. Bolton entertain fellow strugglers Blackburn at the Reebok Stadium in a vital relegation battle. The Trotters have beaten Rovers only once in ten home encounters since Blackburn returned to the top flight in 2001. That victory came in their last home encounter against Rovers in December 2010. Tottenham travel to Stamford Bridge, seeking a first Premier League win at Chelsea in twenty attempts. Spurs have made 22 unsuccessful league trips across London since Gary Lineker himself was among the scorers in a 2-1 win in February 1990.
#12 - MOTD - January 14th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 22 - Aired 1/14/2012
Gary Lineker presents highlights from the day's Premier League games. Bolton faced a daunting trip to Old Trafford, where they had not beaten Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United since September 2002. Chelsea hosted Martin O'Neill's Sunderland, looking to avenge last season's shock 3-0 defeat by the Black Cats at Stamford Bridge. Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool welcomed Stoke, who beat them 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium in September, while Spurs faced Wolves at White Hart Lane. Elsewhere, West Brom faced a home clash with Norwich, Everton travelled to Aston Villa and Blackburn took on Fulham at Ewood Park.
#13 - MOTD - April 7th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 34 - Aired 4/7/2012
#14 - MOTD - April 9th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 35 - Aired 4/9/2012
Colin Murray introduces the best of the action and reaction from Easter Monday's five Premier League matches. Chelsea made the short hop to Fulham for a west London derby which is always keenly contested. The Blues are fighting for a Champions League place, and Fulham have shone at times this season as Martin Jol puts his own unique stamp on the Cottagers. Last time they met, they drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, David Moyes's Everton hosted Martin O'Neill's Sunderland - a meeting of two of the wiliest managers in the league - while Norwich tried to stop Harry Redknapp's entertaining Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Other matches included Newcastle v Bolton, and Aston Villa v Stoke.
#15 - MOTD - April 11th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 36 - Aired 4/11/2012
Colin Murray introduces the best of the action and reaction from four crucial Premier League games. Both title-chasing clubs were in action, with Manchester City hosting West Brom and arch rivals Manchester United making the short trip to Wigan. Roberto Mancini's City appeared to be under the most pressure, having let the defending champions reel them in as they chase a first league championship in 44 years. The Sky Blues hope the full return of Carlos Tevez will trigger a defining winning streak. Wigan were desperate to halt the charge of Sir Alex Ferguson's players, as the Latics battle desperately against the drop, while other relegation-threatened teams were in action with Wolves taking on Arsenal and QPR playing host to Swansea. Other highlights include Liverpool's trip to Blackburn.
#16 - MOTD - April 14th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 37 - Aired 4/14/2012
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of the day's Premier League games, with expert analysis from Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer. Roberto Mancini's Manchester City travelled to Norwich looking for a repeat of the dominant display they produced against the Canaries in December, when they beat them 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium. Swansea City, managed by Brendan Rodgers, were looking to add Blackburn to the list of teams they have beaten at home this season, which includes Man City and Arsenal. Elsewhere, Mark Hughes took his QPR team to The Hawthorns for a meeting with West Brom, and relegation-threatened Wolves travelled to the Stadium of Light to play Sunderland.
#17 - MOTD - April 21st, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 38 - Aired 4/21/2012
#18 - MOTD - April 28th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 39 - Aired 4/28/2012
Gary Lineker presents highlights from all of the day's Premier League games, with analysis from Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson. Champions League-chasing Arsenal faced Stoke at the Britannia Stadium beleaguered Liverpool had a tricky trip to play Norwich at Carrow Road. The Canaries forced a draw at Anfield earlier in the season, and have proved tough to beat at home in what has been an excellent return to the Premier League for Paul Lambert's side. Elsewhere, Everton hosted Fulham, Wolves took on Swansea at the Liberty Stadium, Sunderland faced Bolton and Wigan welcomed Newcastle to the DW Stadium.
#19 - MOTD - April 30th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 40 - Aired 4/30/2012
Gary Lineker presents highlights from the crucial clash between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium. The bitter cross-city rivals have been battling out at the top of the Premier League all season, and much could rest on this match. Roberto Mancini's City side produced one of the best results in the club's history when they beat Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils 6-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season. But United are unbeaten in their last three league visits to City, conceding just one goal in those games, and they also beat Mancini's side in the FA Cup third round back in January.
#20 - MOTD - May 6th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 41 - Aired 5/6/2012
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of the day's Premier League matches, with the majority of the weekend's top-flight games being held to avoid a clash with the FA Cup final. Newcastle's quest for European qualification sees them host a Manchester City side who inflicted the Magpies' first defeat of the season back in November. Alan Pardew's men have arguably been the Premier League's surprise package this season, with the likes of Papiss Cisse, Demba Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa giving the Tyneside team real cutting edge. Those three may fancy their chances against Roberto Mancini's side, whose form has dipped in the second half of the season. City have spent the entire campaign battling with title rivals Manchester United, who face Swansea in their final home game of the season. The first Welsh side to play in the Premier League, the Swans have not only comfortably avoided relegation, they have also played with style. Their manager, Brendan Rodgers, is unlikely to abandon his passing principles even though Swans have never won away to United.
#21 - MOTD - May 13th, 2012
Season 2011 - Episode 42 - Aired 5/13/2012
Gary Lineker presents highlights of what promises to be the most dramatic ever finishes to a Premier League season. One of the two Manchester clubs will win the title. They start the day level on points: City host relegation-threatened QPR, United travel to Sunderland. Elsewhere, Bolton travel to Stoke knowing they have to win to have a chance of avoiding relegation. And Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Chelsea are all hoping to clinch European qualification. There are ten games in total, plus Goal of the Season.
#22 - MOTD - November 19th, 2011
Season 2011 - Episode 12 - Aired 11/19/2011
Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer join Gary Lineker for highlights of the day's eight Premier League matches. The standout fixtures are Manchester City's home match with Newcastle and Manchester United's trip to Swansea. Rarely has a team scored so many goals at the start of a season as Manchester City have this term. But the title-chasing Blues, inspired by Spanish forward David Silva and Belgian captain Vincent Kompany, look ominous in both defence and attack as they look to win a first Championship since 1968. Resurgent Newcastle are primed to provide a stern test of their credentials. Fired-up Manchester United go to Swansea's Liberty Stadium, still keen to prove they are over a humiliating 6-1 defeat at home to title rivals Manchester City in October. They last played away against the Swans in 1983, when the clubs played out a 0-0 draw at the romantic old Vetch Field ground. The day's other fixtures included Norwich v Arsenal, Wigan v Blackburn, Stoke v QPR, and Everton v Wolves.
#23 - MOTD - August 20th, 2011
Season 2011 - Episode 2 - Aired 8/20/2011
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of Saturday's six Barclays Premier League fixtures. Arsenal's first home game of the season was against old adversaries Liverpool. Contests between the two sides have been close in recent seasons with five of the last eight matches ending 1-1, including both games last term. Could either team find a winner this time around? A much-changed Sunderland side faced local rivals Newcastle at the Stadium of Light hoping to improve on a poor home Premier League record against the Magpies. The Black Cats have won only one of eight previous contents. Swansea's first top flight home game in 28 years was against Wigan, managed by their former boss Roberto Martinez.
#24 - MOTD - August 13th, 2011
Season 2011 - Episode 1 - Aired 8/13/2011
Gary Lineker returns with highlights and goals from the opening day of the 2011/12 Premier League season in Saturday's Match of the Day. Liverpool spent heavily during the summer, and their new signings will be eager to impress against Sunderland, particularly Jordan Henderson, who could make his Reds debut against the club he left just two months ago. Fellow midfielder Stewart Downing, who joined from Aston Villa, could also play his first competitive game for Kenny Dalglish's side. Arsenal take on Newcastle at St James' Park, scene of the Gunners' incredible collapse last season, when they surrendered a four-goal lead to draw 4-4. QPR return to the top flight after a 15-year absence, with Bolton providing the opposition at Loftus Road, while fellow newboys Norwich visit Wigan. Martin Jol's first Premier League match as Fulham boss is against an Aston Villa side also under new management, with Alex McLeish taking over at Villa Park this summer. Elsewhere, Blackburn host Wolves.
#25 - MOTD - September 17th, 2011
Season 2011 - Episode 5 - Aired 9/17/2011
Gary Lineker introduces highlights from the Premier League, as Ewood Park plays host to two former Premier League champions, Blackburn Rovers and Arsenal, looking to rediscover their form. All three newly-promoted sides are in action too, as QPR travel to Wolves, Swansea host West Brom and Norwich face Owen Coyle's Bolton team.