Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Sports Matrix: Monday 5 March 2012

 

Sunday 04 March 2012 21:48 EST
Comments

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.

Villas-Boas pays price for poor performances

The Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, yesterday told his squad what he expected of them at a private meeting at the club's training ground, minutes after he had personally sacked the manager Andre Villas-Boas. The Portuguese paid the price for a poor run of form. Roberto Di Matteo, the assistant who was imposed on Villas-Boas, was asked to take charge to the end of the season. The club enquired about Rafael Benitez taking a similar role but were unable to come to an agreement with the former Liverpool manager. pages MORE

Man United 'carry luck' to win 3-1

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that Man United rode their luck in their 3-1 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane yesterday: "We certainly carried a lot of luck. Tottenham are a very good team. It was a massive performance from our defenders." MORE

Adlington secures Olympic place

Rebecca Adlington has expressed "relief" after booking her spot in the British Olympic swimming team after an excellent display in the 400m at the national trials. "So much relief, happiness, excitement. An amazing feeling – after four years of training." MORE

Pogrebnyak in line for a new deal

Fulham manager Martin Jol has talked about extending Pavel Pogrebnyak's contract after the loan signing scored a hat-trick in yesterday's 5-0 win over Wolves, "We're talking about new deals. You want to keep your best players and Pavel is one of them." MORE

Grand Slam dream over for France

Ireland held out to secure a 17-17 draw in Paris, ending France's chances of a Grand Slam. Two tries from Tommy Bowe had given Ireland a 17-6 half-time lead but France stormed back in the second half, only to miss a series of drop goal attempts. MORE

Pardew blames catalyst Cattermole

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew blamed Sunderland's captain, Lee Cattermole, for an "ugly" Tyne-Wear derby which ended in a 1-1 draw. Two red cards and eight bookings overshadowed a scrappy match. "Cattermole set the scene, it was ugly," said Pardew. MORE

Wiggins off to a flyer in Paris-Nice

Bradley Wiggins' chances of becoming Britain's first Paris-Nice winner in more than four decades got off to a near-perfect start as he took second place in the race's opening time trial yesterday, one second behind Sweden's Gustav Larsson. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

If Roman Abramovich retains much of an appetite at Chelsea, what does he do? The most persuasive option screams out. It is to own up to his folly, and accept the return of Jose Mourinho. MORE

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in