The Sport Matrix: Monday 02 November 2013

Meulensteen put in charge as Fulham sack manager Jol

Martin Jol’s spell as Fulham manager ended yesterday after the Dutchman proved unable to reverse the club’s poor form.

Dutchman Jol was sacked and recently appointed coach Rene Meulensteen put in charge of the first team following a run of five consecutive Premier League defeats.

Meulensteen said: “We need to make sure the players are mentally strong and believe.” MORE

Hull celebrate first ever win over Reds

Martin Skrtel’s late own goal confirmed Hull City’s first ever victory over Liverpool with a 3-1 win at the KC Stadium. Jake Livermore fired Hull ahead before a Steven Gerrard free-kick brought the Reds level. David Meyler’s strike put the Tigers in front again, before Skrtel’s own goal sealed it. MORE

Nasri double keeps City rolling on

Samir Nasri struck twice as Manchester City moved into third in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Swansea. Alvaro Negredo put City ahead before the Frenchman’s brace, with Manuel Pellegrini’s side still six points off leaders Arsenal. MORE

Jezki ready to blow Hurricane away

Jezki threw his hat into the ring for this season’s Champion Hurdle with a solid victory in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle. Jessica Harrington’s stable star is looking to topple 17-time Grade One winner Hurricane Fly. MORE

Sugar leaves AVB with a bitter taste

Andre Villas-Boas has hit back at former Tottenham chairman Alan Sugar for saying he did not understand his tactics. “It is their [the fans’] team,” he said after the 2-2 draw with Manchester United. “They don’t trade it for anything else, not like Alan Sugar, who trades it for money.” MORE

Root: I can cope with the No 3 spot

Joe Root is favourite to become England’s new No 3 batsman, and is confident he can deal with the responsibility despite Ian Bell also being in contention for the accomplished position. “If I get an opportunity to bat at three I’ll cope with the situation.” MORE

Terry helps keep Chelsea in touch

John Terry scored on his 400th Premier League appearance to help Chelsea beat Southampton 3-1. Jay Rodriguez put the Saints ahead after 13 seconds, but Gary Cahill equalised in the second half before Terry put Chelsea ahead. Demba Ba sealed the win at Stamford Bridge.

Running start for Yarnold in Canada

Team GB’s Lizzy Yarnold got her skeleton season off to the perfect start after victory in the World Cup race in Canada. Yarnold finished in second but was elevated to first when America’s Noelle Pikus-Pace was disqualified after her sled failed a post-race inspection.

Opinion: Sam Wallace

Gerard Deulofeu’s league debut on Saturday suggested an exceptional talent. Not just ability but confidence and intelligence to play football in a country to which he is still relatively new. MORE

Dramatic finale gives McIlroy win

Rory McIlroy broke the home dominance at the Australian Open to win his first tournament of 2013 in spectacular fashion. McIlroy was four behind Adam Scott as he began the final round, but a birdie on the 18th sealed the win by one shot after Scott bogeyed the same hole. MORE

‘Shocked’ Bellew: I lost to a better man

Tony Bellew admitted he was outclassed by Adonis Stevenson as his WBC light-heavyweight title fight ended in a sixth-round knockout. He tweeted: “The fans who travelled, I’ll be forever in your debt. I’m truly shocked. Like I said the better man won, no excuses.”