The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 2 October 2013

Superb Arsenal clinch their tenth consecutive win

Mesut Özil scored his first goal for Arsenal as Arsène Wenger’s side maintained their 100 per cent record in Group F of the Champions League with at 2-0 victory over Napoli last night.

The German found the net from outside the penalty area after eight minutes, before Olivier Giroud (left) doubled the advantage with his sixth of the season seven minutes later to confirm Arsenal’s tenth successive victory in all competitions.

“The first half was amazing, absolutely fantastic,” Wenger said. “Everything was in there. All that you dream to see when you come to watch football. The first half was outstanding.” MORE

Ramires leads Chelsea rout as Celtic lose to Barça

Chelsea recorded their first European victory of Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge, easing to a 4-0 victory at Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League last night.

Ramires (left) scored early in either half, with Daniel Georgievski putting into his own net and Frank Lampard adding a late fourth in Romania.

“The performance was very solid,” Mourinho said. “We played with intelligence and maturity.

In Group H, Celtic went down 1-0 at home to Barcelona, former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas floating a header home with 15 minutes remaining. Celtic captain Scott Brown was sent off. MORE

Robson blown away in Beijing

Laura Robson’s hopes in the China Open ended in disappointing fashion as the Briton lost in 68 minutes to world No 9 Angelique Kerber. The 19-year-old was broken seven times in Beijing as the German won 6-1, 6-2. MORE

Hussain leads race for top ECB role

Former England captain Nasser Hussain is favourite to succeed Hugh Morris as the ECB’s new managing director after Andrew Strauss pulled out of the running. Hussain, 45, has applied for the role and is top of the shortlist. MORE

UCI ‘refused’ tests for Tiernan-Locke

Endura, former employers of Jonathan Tiernan-Locke, claim the UCI refused a request to test the rider in an effort to dispel rumours of doping. The 28-year-old has been asked to explain discrepancies in his biological passport. MORE

VIEW FROM THE SOFA

Matt Butler

Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, who won more marathons and medals than you or I have had hot dinners, said: “I was told I would do better at sponsorship if I had long hair.” I can’t see Wayne Rooney being told that. MORE

Torres escapes scratching ban

Fernando Torres will not face any retrospective disciplinary action for scratching the face of Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen.

The Chelsea striker was captured on television scratching the Spurs defender on Saturday, leaving visible marks. The FA reviewed the incident but, as one of the match officials saw it, under FA rules no action can be taken and Torres will not receive any extra ban on top of the one match he will serve for being sent off.

Burgess trio make England Cup squad

England yesterday included the three Burgess brothers in their squad for the World Cup later this month. Sam and twin brothers Tom and George, who all play for South Sydney, were included in the 24-man squad, while former Leeds prop Luke missed out.

The twins are the only uncapped duo in Steve McNamara’s squad, while Gareth Hock was also named. Adrian Morley and Eorl Crabtree were the most noteworthy omissions. MORE