The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 23 August 2011

Second-half goals down Spurs

Manchester United defeated Tottenham – with unsettled Luka Modric not included in the squad – 3-0 last night at Old Trafford. United came on strong in the second- half with goals from Danny Welbeck, Anderson, and Wayne Rooney sealing victory. MORE

Arsenal targets wait on outcome

Two of Arsène Wenger’s targeted signings – Rennes’ Yann M’Villa and Lille’s Eden Hazard – will only decide on a move to the Emirates if the Gunners get past Udinese and qualify for the Champions League. Wenger was yesterday hit by a two-game Uefa ban. MORE

Murray fresh for final Grand Slam

Andy Murray, winner of Sunday’s Cincinnati Open, approaches next week’s US Open in good condition, just as Novak Djokovic is recovering from injury. “The plan is to be feeling perfect going into the Grand Slams,” he said. MORE

Johnson gamble means Flutey’s out

Martin Johnson yesterday picked five props in England’s 30-man World Cup Squad – Dan Cole, Alex Corbisiero, Andrew Sheridan, Matt Stevens and David Wilson, and decided to omit Wasps back Riki Flutey. Johnson also opted for only two wings. MORE

Mata undergoes Chelsea medical

Chelsea were close to completing the £23.5m transfer of Valencia’s Juan Mata last night, after the 23-year-old playmaker underwent a medical inwest London. If he passes, it is expected Chelsea will announce the signing of the Spaniard today. MORE

Chambers braced for Bolt battle

Dwayne Chambers speaks to i ahead of a potential meeting with Usain Bolt in 100m at the World Championships in Daegu, which start on Saturday. “Usain is still the No 1 contender,” he said. “But he has shown this season that he is a human being.” MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

However you look at it, England’s cricket team last night could claim the greatest of distinctions. They were indeed the best in the world – and it was something they had fought for with all of their heart – and considerable ability. MORE

England can get even better after whitewash win

After England – the world’s No 1 Test side – completed a whitewash 4-0 series victory over India with an innings and eight run win at the Oval yesterday, captain Andrew Strauss hailed his team’s performance, and said that his impressive side could aim higher. “It was an outstanding effort again,” he said. “We are going to be judged by higher standards now and we need to keep pushing ourselves to improve and get better.” India started the day with more resistance than they had showed before in the series. Amit Mishra reached 84, while Sachin Tendulkar came tantalisingly close to his 100th international century, but was dismissed by Tim Bresnan on 91. England’s ruthless bowling attack took the remaining five wickets in just over an hour after those first two dismissals cemented their place as the world’s best. MORE

Williams misses Wales’ final cut

Martyn Williams, veteran of 99 caps has failed to make the Wales World Cup squad, while prop Gethin Jenkins goes despite not having played since January due to injuries. Coach Warren Gatland admitted Jenkins may not be fit for the opening game. MORE

Ban could leave Hansen out of final

Wigan forward Harrison Hansen will find out this afternoon whether he will be banned for the Challenge Cup final on Saturday. The 25-year-old has been charged with making dangerous contact and if found guilty will be given a two-match ban. MORE