The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 29 April 2014

Arsenal strengthen grip on fourth spot

Arsenal beat Newcastle 3-0 last night to move four points clear of Everton in fifth place. The Gunners’ Champions League qualification for next season looks almost assured after goals from Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Özil and Olivier Giroud at the Emirates Stadium.

Thousands gather for Vilanova funeral

Thousands, including first team players and staff, gathered at Barcelona Cathedral last night to mourn the loss of former coach Tito Vilanova, who passed away on Friday at the age of 45 after losing a battle with throat cancer. Vilanova was in charge for a year at the Nou Camp.

Schürrle: Rodgers just ‘jealous’ of us

André Schürrle has hit back at Brendan Rodgers’ criticism of Chelsea’s approach at Anfield. After a methodic 2-0 victory, the German said it was just winning that matters. “If people say ‘Chelsea can’t play’, even when we win, it’s just because they’re jealous,” he said.

Bale set for biggest night of his career

With a Champions League final just a result away against holders Bayern Munich, a lot of attention will be on Real Madrid’s £86m man Gareth Bale. The Welshman, though, is ready. “These are positive nerves. If you want to win trophies, you have to play against the great teams.”

Uefa finds City to be in breach of FFP

Manchester City have been deemed by Uefa to be in breach of Financial Fair Play rules. City had initially been confident of passing the FFP test but Uefa has been sceptical of the way that City reduced their financial losses.

Rutherford raises target after record

After smashing his own British record with a jump of 8.51m last week in California, the Olympic champion Greg Rutherford has set himself even bigger goals. “I want to get over 8.54m, which gets me into a relatively elite club,” he said.

Notts could pay for substandard pitch

Nottinghamshire risk a points deduction after 33 wickets were taken in two days against Warwickshire. An England and Wales Cricket Board pitch panel will meet today at Trent Bridge. Nottinghamshire could be docked up to 24 points.

Cavendish seals another stage win

Mark Cavendish won a second successive stage of the Tour of Turkey yesterday to retain the overall lead. The 28-year-old, who made a successful return from illness on Sunday, added another victory on the 174km stage from Alanya to Kemer.

Pete Jenson

Dani Alves beat the idiots on Sunday night as Barcelona won the game from 2-0 behind, but the problem of racism will keep returning until the Spanish FA or the clubs stand up to be counted.