The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 22 October 2013

Mourinho: Eto’o did not cheat... Cardiff cheated the fans

Jose Mourinho last night accused Cardiff City of ruining the game for supporters during Chelsea’s 4-1 win at the weekend.

The game was most notable for Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o controversially kicking the ball away from David Marshall when the Cardiff goalkeeper was bouncing it – an action that led to the home side’s equaliser.

Mourinho (above) was then sent to the stands after a rant at referee Anthony Taylor, but the Chelsea manager believes it was the away side who were culpable of ruining the game because of their time-wasting antics.

He said: “If I was in that game and I was paying for my ticket, I would be worried with the fact that every time the ball was out or stopped and our opponent had to put the ball back in the game, it took a median [average] of 21.5 seconds. That is a waste of money.

“When you multiply that by the number of times the game was stopped, you pay for 90 minutes but you see 55 or 60. For me, that’s breaking the rules.”

Mourinho was last night charged with improper conduct and has until 6pm on Thursday to respond. MORE

Wenger is radiant after Arsenal start

On his 64th birthday, Arsène Wenger insists he is feeling youthful as his Arsenal side look to continue their unstoppable form. “When you say to me that I am at 64, I look behind me! Who is this guy who is 64?” said Wenger as Arsenal prepare to face Dortmund tonight. MORE

Fulham run riot at struggling Palace

Crystal Palace’s poor start to the season continued last night as Fulham ran out 4-1 winners at Selhurst Park. Superb strikes from Pajtim Kasami and Steve Sidwell put Fulham 2-1 ahead after Adrian Mariappa’s opener, before Dimitar Berbatov and Philippe Senderos added to Palace’s woes. MORE

Arsenal will be our match, says Klopp

The Borussia Dortmund coach, Jürgen Klopp, insists tonight will require his side to produce one of their best performances against Arsenal. “I like Wenger football, when I watch as a supporter, this is the most beautiful style of football,” he said. “[Tonight] will have to be one of our best ever.” MORE

Anderson: I have no time for the Aussies

James Anderson admitted he has no time for making friends with the Australia side ahead of this winter’s Ashes series as England look for a second straight series win Down Under. “We had a beer at the end of the series but it was quite strange,” he said. “There’s no time just to chat.” MORE

Mowbray departs as Boro manager

Tony Mowbray left his position as Middlesbrough manager last night after a dismal start to the season, with the club 16th in the Championship. Assistant Mark Venus will take over from the 49-year-old until a permanent successor is appointed.

Samaras: Celtic will cope without trio

Striker Georgios Samaras says Celtic have enough quality to cope without the suspended Scott Brown and injured Kris Commons and Adam Matthews against Ajax tonight. “We have the quality to replace anyone in the team, though it’s a big blow for us.” MORE

Williams: My form will only get better

Serena Williams warned her rivals she is ready to take her game to a new level as she begins her campaign for an 11th title of the year in Istanbul. She said: “What I learned most this year is I have a lot of room for improvement.” MORE

McIlroy positive after improvement

Rory McIlroy has claimed he is getting back to his best after finishing joint second in the Korean Open at the weekend. “Things are definitely on the up. I feel like I’m getting back to where I need to be,” said McIlroy. “It’s getting there, it definitely is.” MORE

Commander looks at Gold Cup return

Imperial Commander could be a surprise package for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on 30 November. Trainers are eyeing the Betfair Chase at Haydock or the big handicap chase at the Berkshire venue for a return.

Steve Bunce

Deontay Wilder has stopped or knocked out his previous 29 victims, and can hit hard enough to be considered a serious heavyweight threat; the problem is that so far he has not been hit on the chin.