The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 23 October 2013

Arsenal come up short as Chelsea turn on the style

Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages suffered a blow with a home defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan opened the scoring for the Germands, before Olivier Giroud levelled for the home side. But all their good work was undone as Robert Lewandowski (above) scored the winner with eight minutes remaining.

Fernando Torres marked his 100th start for Chelsea with two goals in their Champions League defeat of Schalke, a result which sent Jose Mourinho’s side top of Group E.

The Spanish striker scored once in each half, before Eden Hazard added another three minutes from time.

It means Chelsea’s opening defeat to Basel is a distant memory and Mourinho said: If you do garbage [against Basel] then you have to clean it up and we cleaned it up. We’ve got two matches at home so now we are in good condition to qualify and we’ll try to finish top. It’s an important victory for us.”

Torres added: “Teams take time to settle but we are improving.” MORE

Keane hits back at ‘disloyal’ Fergie

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane last night became the first player to hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson’s book revelations. “He doesn’t know the meaning of the word [loyalty],” Keane said. “It doesn’t bother me, but to criticise players who bought him success I find very strange.” MORE

Coloccini ruled out until Christmas

Newcastle United have been dealt a major blow after captain Fabricio Coloccini was ruled out for eight weeks with a groin injury. The 31-year-old defender damaged it playing with Argentina last week and the severity has meant he has now been sent back to his homeland to recover.

Pellegrini attacks Moscow pitch

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has slammed the poor state of the pitch for today’s crucial Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow. “We must pray,” the Chilean said. “If it is raining, it will be impossible to play. I couldn’t believe when I saw the pitch.” MORE

Godley after sweet smell of success

Emily Godley hopes to reap the benefits of sacrificing her beloved chocolate when she competes in the 63kg at the world championships in Wroclaw, Poland tonight. “You have to sacrifice a few things if you want to get where you want to be,” the 23-year-old admitted. MORE

Premiership five failed drug tests

Five Premiership players tested positive for “recreational drugs” last season, the RFU have revealed. None have them will be disciplined or identified, with each being fined £50,000 and advised to enrol on counselling programmes. MORE

Welsh quartet back Cup breakaway

The controversial plan by English and French sides to replace the Heineken Cup received a significant boost last night when Welsh sides Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets threw their weight behind the new venture.

Hock thrown out of World Cup squad

England forward Gareth Hock has been thrown out of England’s World Cup squad after being sent home from a Loughborough training camp following what officials described as “serious breaches” of team discipline. Huddersfield’s Brett Ferres replaces him.

England aim to end the year unbeaten

Serena Guthrie is confident England can round off an unbeaten year in this week’s Tri-Series tournament with South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago. “We have had a good year,” the centre said. “We are undefeated and want to keep that run going.” MORE

Moore admits Dutch disaster

Gary Moore has blamed himself for Dutch Masterpiece’s poor showing in the Prix de l’Abbaye. “He was a bit sick before,” the Sussex trainer said. “I should have just scrapped the idea but got carried away.”

Stephen Brenkley

Batting is where England must ensure a rich harvest in the Ashes because bowling is Australia’s greater strength. Alastair Cook will be scrutinised. If he comes through, all will be well. MORE