The Sport Matrix: Monday 9 December 2013

Deulofeu pegs back Arsenal as Fulham stop the rot

Gerard Deulofeu rescued a point for Everton as Roberto Martinez’s side held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, after Mesut Özil had opened the scoring.

Fulham ended a run of seven defeats with a 2-0 victory at home to Aston Villa, in Rene Meulensteen’s second match in charge. Steve Sidwell and Dimitar Berbatov (above), scored. MORE

England on verge of another heavy loss

England faced a formidable task to save the second Test as they began the final day, resuming 284 runs adrift of Australia. The hosts set Alastair Cook’s side 531 to square the series in Adelaide, but, despite half-centuries from Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root, England slumped to 247 for 6. MORE

Britain top medals as Steel wins silver

Britain topped the medals table at the European Cross-Country Championships yesterday as Gemma Steel won silver in the women’s race. “It would have been nice to win,” she said. “But I couldn’t really do anything once [winner Sophie Duarte] opened the gap.”

Ohuruogu keeps looking forward

Christine Ohuruogu insists she is not short of inspiration as she approaches 30. “There are still things I want; the motivation is always there,” the 400m world champion said. “I love what I do. I’ve been blessed with a gift.” MORE

Moyes prepared to take his time

Manchester United’s manager, David Moyes, has insisted he will not be rushed into any panic buys next month, despite the club’s poor form. “I don’t think I’ll feel under pressure,” the Scot said. “I tend to take my time and try to assess what are the best talents.” MORE

All about Benjamin as Leicester prevail

Leicester repelled a strong Montpellier challenge to earn a bonus-point 41-32 victory in the Heineken Cup yesterday. Miles Benjamin twice went over as the Tigers surged 24-3 ahead in the opening quarter, before the French side fought back. MORE

Britton happy to welcome back Hull

For Swansea’s Leon Britton, tonight’s visit of Hull City will rekindle memories of 2003 when the two sides met in the fourth tier. “We’ll always have a special rapport with Hull,” he said of the clubs’ rise. “It will make [tonight] that much more special. It will be a great day.” MORE

Connacht in shock Toulouse victory

Irish side Connacht held on to earn a stunning Pool Three victory in the Heineken Cup yesterday, shocking Toulouse 16-14 in their own backyard. Gloucester strode to a 23-12 win at Edinburgh to move into second in Pool Six. MORE

Opinion: Sam Wallace

As newly enriched clubs in the Premier League and Europe started spending more effectively, Manchester United abstained. This is David Moyes’ problem now but it has been festering for years. MORE

Cup draw throws up north London derby

Tottenham will travel to neighbours Arsenal in the FA Cup third round in the pick of yesterday’s draw – the clubs’ first meeting in the competition in 13 years. Manchester City journey to Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea visit Derby while Manchester United host Swansea. MORE

Sir Des Champs makes a quick exit

Sir Des Champs, last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up, fell at the third fence on his reappearance at Punchestown yesterday. “It was just one of those things,” assistant trainer Patrick Mullins said. Stablemate Arvika Ligeonniere won. MORE