The Sports Matrix: Wednesday 2 February 2011

Pardew claims that Carroll chose to go

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew described Andy Carroll’s claims that he was forced out as “slightly misguided”, and said the player chose to leave. “He got on the helicopter,” said Pardew of Carroll’s £35m move to Liverpool, “nobody forced him to go.” MORE

England attack struck by injuries

England’s bowlers are struggling just 17 days before the start of the World Cup. Stuart Broad, Ajmal Shahzad and Tim Bresnan all have muscular injuries, as does probable replacement Chris Tremlett. James Anderson is the only fit front-line seamer. MORE

Vettel sets fastest time in qualifying

Sebastian Vettel recorded the fastest time on the first day of 2011 testing in Valencia yesterday. The 2010 champion was using Red Bull’s new RB7 car. Nico Hulkenberg, Force India’s reserve driver, came second in their 2010 vehicle.

Torres targets goal against Liverpool

Fernando Torres has described it as “destiny” that he will make his Chelsea debut against former club Liverpool on Sunday. “I only have good words about Liverpool,” he said. “If I have the chance to play, I will do my best for Chelsea and, hopefully, I can score.” MORE

Youngs ready for ‘hostile’ opener

Ben Youngs says England are “fully aware it will be hostile” in the Millennium Stadium for Friday’s Six Nations’ opener against Wales. The 21-year-old scrum-half, who shone against Australia in the summer, has never played in a Six Nations match. MORE

Arsenal comeback overturns Everton

Arsenal needed a second-half recovery to beat Everton 2-1 at home. Louis Saha put the visitors ahead amid claims that he was offside and Everton went into the break ahead. But Andrei Arshavin equalised before Laurent Koscielny headed in a corner. MORE

Wakefield go into administration

Wakefield yesterday admitted defeat in their attempts to pay off debts of more than £300,000 and will go into administration. The club will start the 2011 Super League season with a six-point deduction, and risk losing their license mid-season. MORE

Terry and Anelka win it for Chelsea

Chelsea came from behind to win a 4-2 thriller at the Stadium of Light. Phil Bardsley put Sunderland ahead early on before Frank Lampard and Salomon Kalou made it 1-2. Kieran Richardson equalised before John Terry and Nicolas Anelka scored. MORE

Grandin praises ‘crazy’ Holloway

Blackpool’s Elliot Grandin has credited manager Ian Holloway’s unique style for the team’s success. “He’s an individual, a bit crazy, but in a good way,” said the French winger, signed from CSKA Sofia. “He brings a lot of positivity into training.” MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

For all Chelsea’s money, Liverpool have a model. Their experience tells them how you build an ethos, a dynamic of success, and if I was a Liverpool fan I would face the future with more relish than trepidation. MORE

Rooney keeps United clear at top

Wayne Rooney maintained Manchester United’s lead at the top of the table with two first half goals in a 3-1 home win over Aston Villa. Rooney put United ahead in the first minute when he fired home from Edwin van der Sar’s long kick upfield, his first league goal in open play at Old Trafford since March 2010. At the end of the first half he scored his second, as he converted an excellent cross from Luis Nani. Aston Villa’s new signing Darren Bent pulled one back midway through the second half, but any comeback was quashed when Nemanja Vidic drove in a powerful shot to make it 3-1. United held on comfortably to maintain their five point lead over Arsenal. MORE

Fortuné saves brave West Brom

Marc-Antoine Fortuné came off the bench to deny Wigan at West Bromwich. Peter Odemwingie put the hosts ahead before free-kicks from Charles N’Zogbia and Ben Watson gave Wigan the lead. They hung on through the second half before Fortuné’s header. MORE

Keane: Only way is upfor West Ham

Robbie Keane says he does not “have anything to lose” as he attempts to help save West Ham from relegation. The ex-Tottenham striker will make his debut against Blackpool tonight. “All we can do is push up the table,” he said. Demba Ba may also start. MORE