The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 13 March 2012

Vermaelen's late goal seals victory for Arsenal

Thomas Vermaelen scored a 95th-minute winner as Arsenal made it five consecutive Premier League wins last night after defeating Newcastle 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium. Hatem Ben Arfa put Newcastle ahead after 14 minutes with a low shot that beat Wojciech Szczesny at his near post, but Robin van Persie equalised less than a minute later with his 33rd goal of the season. The victory meant Arsenal became the first team to win four Premier League games in a row after conceding first in each. MORE

Dalglish seeks derby inspiration

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says victory tonight in the Merseyside derby would revitalise his team's season, after three successive league defeats. "We need a reaction and there's no better team to produce that against than Everton." MORE

Redknapp unsure over England job

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says he is "not sure" whether he wants to take the England job and admits it would be "difficult" to make the transition from club to international manager. "I do not know. We will wait and see," he said. MORE

Trainer says Kauto Star is fit for Cup

Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star is fit to race in Friday's showpiece event, trainer Paul Nicholls has confirmed. The Festival starts today, with the Champion Hurdle – which pits Hurricane Fly against Binocular – today's highlight.

Villa snap up Holman on a free

AZ Alkmaar's Australian international forward Brett Holman says he is "delighted" after agreeing a deal to join Aston Villa on a free transfer when his contract with the Eredivisie leaders expires in the summer. The 27-year-old has won 53 caps for his country.

Poyet worries Suarez may leave

Brighton's Uruguayan manager Gus Poyet, is worried that his compatriot, Luis Suarez, who has been linked with Paris St-Germain, may quit English football. "He was suffering [after the Patrice Evra furore]. There is a danger he may go." Poyet said. MORE

Cavendish out of Tirreno-Adriatico

Mark Cavendish has pulled out of the Tirreno-Adriatico race in Italy a day early, as he prepares for the Milan-San Remo race next week. "Haven't finished today's stage, but good sensations." The world champion tweeted. "Now to rest up for Milan-San Remo." MORE

Relaxed Hamilton ready for start

Ahead of the start of the Formula One season on Sunday, Lewis Hamilton tells i: "I actually feel more relaxed and ready for the new season than I think I've ever done," he said. "Unlike last year everything has gone smoothly with the car." MORE

Knee injury forces Rees to retire

The Wasps flanker, Tom Rees, was yesterday forced into retirement at the age of 27 because of a serious knee injury. "Whilst I will always think what might have been, I will also look back on my career with a great deal of pride," Rees said.

Opinion: James Lawton

No contemporary sportsman, not Lionel Messi in football, Manny Pacquiao in boxing or Novak Djokovic in tennis, has done more to announce the mastery of a particular discipline than Ruby Walsh. MORE