The Sports Matrix: Thursday 3 March 2011
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal back on Wembley trail
A hat-trick from Nicklas Bendtner helped Arsenal forget last weekend’s League Cup final defeat, overcoming Leyton Orient 5-0 to set up a last-eight trip to Manchester United. Marouane Chamakh and Gaël Clichy scored the other goals. MORE
Defoe calls for right approach
Spurs striker Jermain Defoe has warned his team-mates to treat every match as a cup final as they seek to finish in the top four again. “It’s hotting up and reminds me of last season,” he said. “There was a lot of pressure on and we did it in the end.” MORE
England’s bowling nightmare goes on
The struggles of Andrew Strauss’ side in the field continued yesterday, with three of their five most expensive World Cup bowling displays coming in this year’s tournament. Ironically England usually prosper when giving away runs.
City cruise through to Reading tie
Manchester City strolled through their fifth-round tie with Aston Villa, easing to a 3-0 win to set up a meeting with Reading next week. Yaya Touré and Mario Balotelli put the home side in front in the opening 25 minutes, before David Silva sealed the win. MORE
Serena undergoes blood clot surgery
American player Serena Williams has undergone emergency treatment after suffering a blood clot in her lung. The World No 11, aged 29, received treatment on Monday for a haematoma. Williams has been out of action since last summer. MORE
Wilson wins latest Old Firm meeting
A goal from Mark Wilson three minutes after the break was enough for Celtic to overcome nine-man Rangers 1-0 last night. Neil Lennon’s side now go through to a quarter-final tie with Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday week. MORE
Woods ready to return to Masters
Former world No 1 Tiger Woods believes his life is “more balanced” as he prepares to visit Augusta for next month’s US Masters, the scene of his return to the sport last year. “My life is certainly a lot more balanced where it needs to be,” he said. MORE
Ferguson faces prospect of ban
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson faces the possibility of a touchline ban after comments made about referee Martin Atkinson. The official’s display was criticised by the Scot after United’s Premier League defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday. MORE
Foden: England camp a happy one
Ben Foden believes England are on course as they seek a Six Nations Grand Slam. “We’re a relaxed camp and everything is going in the right direction,” he said. “To come through a crunch match with France shows we’re getting better. MORE
Opinion: James Lawton
The FA may choose to cast Sir Alex Ferguson as the villain. But then maybe it should recognise him as not the disease but its most persistent symptom. The real malady is a refereeing system too often unfit for purpose. MORE
Fastest century helps Ireland shock England
A quickfire century from Kevin O’Brien led Ireland to a surprise three-wicket victory over England in Bangalore yesterday. Andrew Strauss’ side appeared to have posted an imposing total, finishing on 327 for 8 after 92 from Jonathan Trott, 81 from Ian Bell and 59 from Kevin Pietersen. Ireland began their reply poorly, losing captain William Porterfield first ball to an inside edge off James Anderson. Three quick wickets from Graeme Swann reduced Ireland to 111 for 5, only for O’Brien to take centrestage. Some powerful strokes took the 26-year-old to his half-century from 31 balls, and he advanced to record the fastest century in World Cup history, posting 113 as he almost led the Irish home single-handely, his country surpassing England’s total with five balls left. England next face South Africa in Chennai on Sunday, while Ireland play India later on the same day, in Bangalore. MORE
United to remain on top for 19th title
They may have given hope to the rest of their challengers by throwing away a 1-0 lead to lose to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this week, but Manchester United will still stay on course to claim a record 19th top-flight title. MORE
Hatton steps out of Ricky’s shadow
Matthew Hatton is used to being in his brother Ricky’s shadow, but on Saturday he will take centre stage when he fights Saul Alvarez for the vacant WBC light-middleweight title in Los Angeles. “I will be on my own and that suits me fine,” he said. MORE
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments