The WORST episodes of Match of the Day
Every episode of Match of the Day ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Match of the Day!
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 - August 17th 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 1 - Aired 8/17/2013
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of seven matches on the opening day of the 2013/14 Premier League season. New Manchester United manager David Moyes takes the champions to Swansea as they kick off their bid to defend the league title. The Scot can expect to be under the fierce glare of the spotlight as he takes charge of the club's first league match without Sir Alex Ferguson since 1986. Elsewhere, newly-promoted Cardiff take on West Ham in east London, while new Stoke manager Mark Hughes takes on Liverpool at Anfield. In other matches, Aston Villa travel to Arsenal, Norwich welcome Roberto's Martinez and Everton to Carrow Road, Sunderland and Fulham meet at the Stadium of Light, and Southampton take on West Brom at The Hawthorns.
#2 - MOTD - January 30th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 25 - Aired 1/30/2013
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of Arsenal against Liverpool, Manchester United playing host to Southampton, Reading v Chelsea, Tottenham's visit to Norwich, Everton facing West Brom, and West Ham's short trip to Fulham. Arsene Wenger's Arsenal are battling hard to convince critics - and their own fans - that they can finish in the top four while under forward-thinking Welsh manager Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool look to be making genuine progress - and might be an outside bet for Champions League qualification themselves. Meanwhile, Manchester United have swatted aside most teams with the aid of lethal forward Robin van Persie. Promoted club Southampton have shone at times, but will need a miserly defence to stop the expected attacking onslaught. There are also highlights from Tuesday's four Premier League matches, which include QPR against Manchester City.
#3 - MOTD - February 2nd, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 26 - Aired 2/2/2013
Gary Lineker introduces the best of the action from the Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson take his Manchester United side to west London for a meeting with Fulham as they continue their pursuit of a 20th league title. Tony Pulis's Stoke travel to Arsenal, where they had lost all four previous Premier League encounters against Arsene Wenger's men. Meanwhile, Newcastle host Chelsea, who boosted their squad with the signing of former St James' Park favourite Demba Ba in January. Elsewhere, Everton take on Aston Villa, QPR face Norwich, Reading host Sunderland, Swansea travel to West Ham and Wigan meet Southampton.
#4 - MOTD - February 9th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 27 - Aired 2/9/2013
Gary Lineker introduces highlights from the Premier League. Champions Manchester City travel down to Southampton, having come from behind to beat the Saints earlier in this campaign. Tottenham host Newcastle, whom they thrashed 5-0 at White Hart Lane last season. Chelsea face Wigan, against whom they have had some big wins in recent years, including scorelines of 8-0 and 6-0. The last time Arsenal were at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland put them out of the FA Cup; 12 months on, Arsene Wenger's side hope for better fortunes. Struggling Reading have the tricky task of trying to pick up points from their visit to Stoke's Britannia Stadium, something which has proved beyond most other teams this season. The day's other games see Fulham visit Norwich and QPR travel to Wales to play Swansea.
#5 - MOTD - March 9th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 30 - Aired 3/9/2013
Norwich v Southampton QPR v Sunderland Reading v Aston Villa West Brom v Swansea
#6 - MOTD - March 16th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 31 - Aired 3/16/2013
Everton v Man City Aston Villa v QPR Southampton v Liverpool Swansea v Arsenal
#7 - MOTD - March 30th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 32 - Aired 3/30/2013
Sunderland v Man Utd Arsenal v Reading Man City v Newcastle Swansea v Tottenham West Ham v West Brom Wigan v Norwich Everton v Stoke
#8 - MOTD - April 6th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 33 - Aired 4/6/2013
Reading v Southampton Chelsea v Sunderland Newcastle v Fulham Norwich v Swansea Stoke v Aston Villa West Brom v Arsenal
#9 - MOTD - April 20th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 35 - Aired 4/20/2013
Fulham v Arsenal Norwich v Reading QPR v Stoke Sunderland v Everton Swansea v Southampton West Brom v Newcastle West Ham v Wigan
#10 - MOTD - April 27th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 36 - Aired 4/27/2013
Man City v West Ham Aston Villa v Sunderland Chelsea v Swansea Everton v Fulham Southampton v West Brom Stoke v Norwich Wigan v Tottenham Newcastle v Liverpool
#11 - MOTD - May 4th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 37 - Aired 5/4/2013
Fulham v Reading Liverpool v Everton Man Utd v Chelsea Norwich v Aston Villa QPR v Arsenal Sunderland v Stoke Swansea v Man City Tottenham v Southampton West Brom v Wigan West Ham v Newcastle
#12 - MOTD - May 11th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 38 - Aired 5/11/2013
Highlights of the Premier League game between Aston Villa and Chelsea. Villa have endured a difficult season, spending much of the campaign battling to avoid relegation. They were beaten 8-0 in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in December, when they suffered their biggest defeat in top-flight history. But the prolific form of Belgian striker Christian Benteke since the turn of the year has helped Paul Lambert's side pick up some vital points. The visitors lifted the Champions League trophy 12 months ago, but need a strong finish to the season if they are to qualify for next year's competition. Interim manager Rafael Benitez won't be in charge of the Blues next season, but he will be determined to end his Stamford Bridge stint on a high by claiming a top-four spot.
#13 - MOTD - May 12th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 39 - Aired 5/12/2013
Gary Lineker introduces highlights from seven Premier League games. The penultimate Sunday of the season is sure to provide plenty of drama and suspense, as teams near the bottom battle to secure survival while those at the top scrap over European qualification. Tottenham have failed to win their last four league and cup games against Stoke, but they may fancy their chances of victory at the Britannia Stadium given the Potters' disappointing displays since the new year. Sunderland's form has also dipped in the second half of the season, prompting the Black Cats to replace manager Martin O'Neill. His replacement, Paolo Di Canio, will be hopeful of securing three points against Southampton. Leaders Manchester United take on Swansea in what will be the Red Devils' final home game of the 2012-13 season. Newcastle make the long trip south to play Queens Park Rangers, while Liverpool also head to London, with Fulham their opponents. Elsewhere, Everton face West Ham and Norwich host West Brom.
#14 - MOTD - May 19th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 40 - Aired 5/19/2013
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of the conclusion to the 2012-13 Premier League season, with all 20 clubs in action as the final league table order is established and any outstanding issues settled. In 2012, Manchester City deprived local rivals Manchester United by clinching the title in injury time. United bounced back to claim their 20th top-flight title last month and are looking to sign off their season in style at West Brom.
#15 - MOTD - January 19th, 2013
Season 2012 - Episode 24 - Aired 1/19/2013
Gary Lineker introduces the best of the action and reaction from the day's seven Premier League matches. There is a London derby at Upton Park, where West Ham host QPR. Rangers' manager Harry Redknapp enjoyed a successful seven-year stint as Hammers boss but will be desperate to get one over on his former side, with his new charges lying in relegation trouble. In the Midlands, there is a derby between West Brom and Aston Villa. The Villans may have struggled in the league this season but this match comes just days before the crucial second leg of their League Cup semi-final against Bradford. Elsewhere, champions Manchester City take on Fulham, Liverpool face Norwich, Newcastle play Reading, Swansea host Stoke and Sunderland travel to Wigan
#16 - MOTD - August 24th 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 2 - Aired 8/24/2013
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of seven matches in the Premier League on the second weekend of the 2013-14 season. The day's early match saw Arsenal travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham. Arsene Wenger's side won there last season in April to help them on their way to fourth place and a Champions League spot. Top-flight new boys Crystal Palace faced a difficult trip to the Britannia Stadium to play Stoke, who were looking to make a strong start at home under new manager Mark Hughes. Elsewhere, Southampton hosted Sunderland, Everton played West Brom, Hull hosted Norwich, Newcastle took on West Ham, and Liverpool travelled to Aston Villa in the late kick-off
#17 - MOTD - September 14th 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/14/2013
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of eight Premier League games. The weekend's first match is a lunchtime kick-off between champions Manchester United and London club Crystal Palace, who earned a shock promotion via the Championship play-offs but are favourites to get relegated in the eyes of most observers. Fresh faces in the managerial hot seat add intrigue to Everton's meeting with Chelsea - former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is trying to guide the Toffees to success, while Jose Mourinho is back for a second spell in charge of the Blues. Other matches see Aston Villa taking on Newcastle, West Brom travel to Fulham, Hull face Cardiff, Stoke host Manchester City, Sunderland meet Arsenal, and Tottenham clash with Norwich
#18 - MOTD - October 5th 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/5/2013
Gary Lineker presents highlights from the day's Premier League fixtures. Manchester City take on Everton in the early kick-off at the Etihad Stadium. Carlos Tevez and Marouane Fellaini were on the scoresheet in a 1-1 draw in the corresponding fixture last season but have both since departed for pastures new, leaving the stage set for a new hero to emerge. In the teatime clash, city rivals Manchester United are welcomed by a Sunderland side still adjusting to life without recently-sacked boss Paolo Di Canio. Mark Hughes takes his new club Stoke to former employers Fulham. Newly-promoted Crystal Palace face a tough-looking trip to Anfield to play Liverpool, while fellow Premier League newboys Hull entertain Aston Villa, and Cardiff take on Newcastle.
#19 - MOTD - October 26th 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 9 - Aired 10/26/2013
Gary Lineker presents highlights and analysis of the day's Premier League matches. On the last weekend in September, West Brom came away from Old Trafford with the scalp of champions Manchester United; now the Baggies are aiming to end October by beating Liverpool at Anfield. United themselves host Stoke City, now managed by former Stretford End hero Mark Hughes. There is also a London derby between Crystal Palace and Arsenal, and the latest renewal of the oldest fixture in top-flight history: Aston Villa v Everton. The day's other games see Cardiff travel to Norwich and Fulham visit Southampton.
#20 - MOTD - November 2nd 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/2/2013
Gary Lineker presents highlights and analysis of a hectic day of Premier League action with studio guests Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy. Pacesetters Arsenal and Liverpool feature in the stand-out game of the eight played. The Gunners go up against a man they tried to sign in the summer in the shape of controversial striker Luis Suarez. Elsewhere, champions Manchester United take on Fulham at Craven Cottage, while their arch-rivals Manchester City welcome Norwich to the Etihad Stadium. Meanwhile, Chelsea make the tough trip to the north-east to take on Newcastle United, and Hull entertain Sunderland, still getting used to life under new manager Gus Poyet.
#21 - MOTD - November 9th 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 11 - Aired 11/9/2013
Gary Lineker presents highlights and analysis of the day's six Barclays Premier League matches. Chelsea have beaten West Brom at Stamford Bridge in all seven previous Premier League encounters, yet the Baggies have already won at champions Manchester United this season and are an emerging force under former Chelsea player Steve Clarke. Elsewhere, Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool host Fulham, while West Ham travel to Norwich. Last season's promoted clubs are also in action as Crystal Palace welcome Everton to Selhurst Park, Cardiff make the away trip to Aston Villa for the first time since 1975 and Hull City journey to the south coast to take on Southampton.
#22 - MOTD - November 23rd 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 12 - Aired 11/23/2013
ary Lineker presents highlights of the day's seven Premier League fixtures, including the game between Everton and Liverpool, in which Toffees boss Roberto Martinez takes charge of his first Merseyside derby. Both Martinez and Reds counterpart Brendan Rodgers encourage their sides to play attractive, attacking football, so Saturday's clash at Goodison Park will be eagerly anticipated. Elsewhere, there is another derby match at Upton Park, where West Ham United host London rivals Chelsea. The Hammers won this fixture 3-1 last season, but that is their only win in their last 14 league games against the Blues. Also in the capital, Arsenal take on a much-improved Southampton side, while Fulham host Swansea. Struggling Sunderland make the trip to play Stoke, while Newcastle host Norwich and Hull meet Crystal Palace
#23 - MOTD - November 30th 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 13 - Aired 11/30/2013
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of the day's six Premier League fixtures, including the game between Cardiff City and Arsenal. The two clubs have not met in the league since 1962 and have made differing starts to the campaign. Malky Mackay's Cardiff side have found life tough at times on their return to the top flight, but showed they are a match for the big boys at home by beating Manchester City at the Cardiff City Stadium. The Gunners, inspired by new signing Mesut Ozil, have started the season on fire, defying the critics that gave them little hope of challenging for the title. Elsewhere, Everton host Stoke, Norwich face Crystal Palace, Aston Villa take on Sunderland and there is a London derby at Upton Park where West Ham play Fulham. The day's late kick-off sees West Brom visit Newcastle.
#24 - MOTD - December 4th 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 14 - Aired 12/4/2013
Gary Lineker presents highlights of the evening's nine Premier League matches, with Alan Hansen among the studio guests. At Old Trafford, Manchester United manager David Moyes faces his old side Everton for the first time since leaving Goodison Park in the summer. Although the Toffees beat United at home last season they have not won at Old Trafford since their first-ever match there in the Premier League back in 1992. Elsewhere, Chelsea travel to the north east to face struggling Sunderland, while Arsenal welcome Hull to the Emirates. Other matches include a London derby at Craven Cottage between Fulham and Tottenham, Southampton face Aston Villa, Stoke take on Cardiff, Swansea play Newcastle and Manchester City are in action against West Brom. Plus action from Tuesday's clash between Crystal Palace and West Ham.
#25 - MOTD - December 7th 2013
Season 2013 - Episode 15 - Aired 12/7/2013
Gary Lineker introduces highlights of the day's seven Premier League fixtures, including Manchester United's clash with Newcastle. The corresponding fixture last season saw United consolidate their position at the head of the Premier League with a thrilling 4-3 Boxing Day win. The Red Devils came from behind on three occasions to win at Old Trafford and needed to show some similar resilience after an indifferent start to David Moyes' tenure. Arch-rivals Manchester City's 3-1 defeat at Southampton in February also had a big impact on the title race, and Manuel Pellegrini's side returned to the south coast. Elsewhere, another title contender Chelsea travelled to Stoke, while Sunderland took on Tottenham in the evening kick-off. Crystal Palace entertained Cardiff at Selhurst Park while West Brom faced Norwich.