The Sports Matrix: Thursday 17 January 2013

Wilshere takes Arsenal through as United join them

Jack Wilshere struck from the edge of the area four minutes from time to earn Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Swansea last night and take the London side through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Despite dominating proceedings from the start, Arsène Wenger's team struggled to break down a resolute Swansea rearguard, until Wilshere's late intervention set up a fourth-round trip to Brighton next weekend. MORE

Manchester United beat West Ham 1-0 to take their place in round four, Wayne Rooney sliding home from close range to confirm a home date with Fulham in nine days time. Rooney also missed a penalty. MORE

Chelsea struggle at home once again

Chelsea failed to win at home for the third midweek in succession, ceding a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Southampton in the Premier League last night. Demba Ba and Eden Hazard put the hosts in front at the break before replies from Rickie Lambert and Jason Puncheon. MORE

Guardiola agrees Bayern contract

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, long a reported target for Chelsea, yesterday agreed a three-year contract to manage Bayern Munich from this summer. The Spaniard has taken a year's sabbatical from the game since departing the Nou Camp last summer. MORE

Hodgson praises game's mass appeal

England manager Roy Hodgson welcomes the attention that comes with the role. "I have always been aware football is the culture – the mass culture," he said. "Films, plays, books, operas are not for everyone but football really is. Football is our culture and we should be aware of that." MORE

Finn: England will plan to stop Dhoni

Steven Finn admits England must work out a plan for dealing with M S Dhoni if they are to come out on top in the ODI series in India. "We will work out a plan," the bowler insisted. "And go into the next game with a clear frame of mind of how we will counteract." MORE

Watson survives three match points

Heather Watson saved three match points in a thrilling three-hour victory over Ksenia Pervak yesterday to reach the third round. The Briton will now take on the world No 4 and Wimbledon runner-up Agnieszka Radwanska tomorrow. MORE

Monty backs new captain McGinley

Colin Montgomerie has insisted he is fully behind new Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, despite losing out to the Irishman for the role. "We wish him well. He was a very good vice-captain," the Scot said. "The first to congratulate him was me." MORE

RFU and players seal lucrative deal

A new deal has been agreed between the Rugby Football Union and the nation's leading players which could make them the highest-paid in the world. The arrangement includes confirmation of squad and match fees and performance bonuses. MORE

Hampshire agree Australia tie-up

Hampshire have agreed a deal with Cricket Australia under which the county will act as a finishing school for the country's young talent. From next year, Australia's Under-19s at the county will play in the Southern Electric Premier League. MORE

Loch Ba adds to Channon record

A chase win for Loch Ba at Newbury took Mick Channon's record to two wins and a second from three starts since the horse joined his mainly Flat yard. His best recruit, Somersby, is set to run at Ascot on Saturday. MORE

James Lawton

As his sabbatical draws to a close, Pep Guardiola has selected a workplace where summary firings – even men who won the greatest title in football – are not a whimsical expression of the owner's rights. MORE