The Sports Matrix: Thursday 3 February 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.Chelsea to continue flashing the cash
Roman Abramovich is set to continue spending in the summer as Chelsea seek to bring in young players before Uefa’s Financial Fair Play rules come into force. Possible targets include Dutchman Gregory van der Wiel and Belgian Romelu Lukaku. MORE
Duff the difference in Fulham victory
Damien Duff scored against his old side as Fulham beat Newcastle 1-0 to record a fifth successive home victory. The Republic of Ireland midfielder controlled a long ball from Danny Murphy before calmly slotting past Steve Harper in the visitors goal. MORE
United defender Neville retires
Manchester United defender Gary Neville, 35, has announced his retirement from the game. He made 602 appearances for the club, and won 85 England caps. “I have fulfilled every dream I’ve ever had,” he said. MORE
Fabregas says sorry for referee outburst
Cesc Fabregas has apologised for his tunnel tirade at referee Lee Mason during half-time of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Everton on Tuesday. The Spaniard claimed his comments, relating to Everton’s goal, were made in the “heat of the moment”. MORE
Sturridge keeps Wolves bottom
Daniel Sturridge scored in injury time on his Bolton debut to help his new club to a 1-0 victory over Wolves. The striker, on loan from Chelsea struck from close range to take Bolton up to eighth and leave Mick McCarthy’s side at the bottom of the table. MORE
Suarez scores on Liverpool debut
A debut goal from David Suarez helped Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over Stoke at Anfield. Raul Meireles had given the Reds the lead just after the interval, before Uruguay’s Suarez, who only came on 15 minutes earlier, secured the hosts’ victory. MORE
Tindall to captain England in opener
Mike Tindall will captain England in tomorrow’s opening Six Nations match in Wales in the absence of the injured Lewis Moody. “He’s vastly experienced and has tremendous enthusiasm,” coach Martin Johnson said of the 32-year-old. MORE
Blackpool’s home woes continue
Two goals from Victor Obinna and a debut strike from on-loan Robbie Keane helped West Ham win 3-1 at Blackpool and condemn Ian Holloway’s side to a fourth home loss in five games. Charlie Adam scored the home side’s consolation direct from a corner. MORE
Thorpe to return for London Games
Ian Thorpe has come out of retirement to compete in next year’s Olympics in London. The Australian, 28, was inspired to return to swimming after a tour of the London site. “It was an extraordinary venue and I could actually taste it,” he said. MORE
Opinion: Chris McGrath
If Arsène Wenger is crazy, it’s high time the lunatics took over the asylum. Arsenal should be cherished as a bastion against the follies and avarice that have created an apocalypse of debt in the world’s wealthiest league. MORE
Gardner penalty denies City victory
A late Craig Gardner penalty rescued a point for Birmingham as they drew 2-2 with Manchester City last night. Carlos Tevez had given the visitors an early lead, poking home a David Silva cross before Nikola Zigic equalised after getting a slight touch on a David Bentley cross. Alexander Kolarov put City ahead just before the interval with a free-kick. Gardner’s equaliser, 13 minutes from the end, left City in third place, nine points behind leaders United and just two points ahead of Chelsea in fourth. MORE
Early Crouch goal does for Blackburn
A third-minute header from Peter Crouch secured the points for Tottenham at Blackburn last night as the London side won at Ewood Park for the second consecutive season. The England international headed home from a Rafael van der Vaart cross. MORE
Aussies win again after record chase
Australia achieved their highest ODI run chase to beat England by two wickets in the penultimate game of the series in Sydney. The home side overcame England’s highest ever one-day total against the hosts, of 333-6, to extend their series lead to 5-1. MORE
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments