The Sport Matrix: Monday 31 March 2014

Rodgers feels no pressure as win sustains title push

Brendan Rodgers said there was greater expectation on Liverpool’s title rivals after his side thrashed Spurs 4-0 to go top of the Premier League table yesterday.

Should Liverpool win their remaining six games, including the crucial fixture against Manchester City at Anfield on 13 April, then they will clinch the club’s first league title since 1990.

Asked whether the pressure was likely to be greater on others, including City, Rodgers said: “I believe so. I don’t think anyone expected us to be where we are. We finished the last two seasons eighth and seventh. I don’t think anyone expected us [to be challenging].”

When pressed on whether he felt his team was about to make history, Rodgers said that there was no pressure on him. “I don’t feel anything! I just feel a huge privilege to be here and be given the freedom to work,” added the Liverpool manager.” We are trying to make something that is sustainable here. I think it is fantastic the supporters now have hope.” MORE

Everton see off sorry Fulham

Everton defeated Fulham 3-1 to maintain their push for a Champions League spot. With the score at 1-1, Kevin Mirallas and Steven Naismith scored to ensure victory for Everton, their fifth successive league win, as Fulham’s relegation fears continue. MORE

Giles: no quick fix for side’s poor form

Ashley Giles has called for patience for England to turn their poor form around, after their World Twenty20 exit. He said: “If you guys are looking for a quick fix or for some magician to come in with a wand, that ain’t going to happen.” MORE

England secure semi-final spot

England sealed their place in the Women’s World Twenty20 semi-finals with a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka, who made just 85 for 9. Anya Shrubsole took 3 for 9, then England reached the target with 24 balls left. MORE

Rafael: United can emulate class of ’99

Rafael da Silva feels Manchester United can be inspired by their Champions League final win over Bayern Munich 15 years ago when they host Pep Guardiola’s side tomorrow. “The history here is fantastic,” he said. “After what happened in 1999 everything is possible.”

Hamilton eases to victory in Malaysia

Lewis Hamilton comfortably clinched the Malaysian Grand Prix to lead his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg to a one-two finish. Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel crossed the line in third place, with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso finishing fourth. MORE

Jose: Chelsea will thrive against PSG

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho feels his players will rise to the challenge of Wednesday’s match against PSG after their shock 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace. “Paris is the kind of match they feel comfortable to play,” he said. “Big match, great stadium, opponents with top quality.” MORE

Worcester victory ends losing streak

Worcester earned a 17-12 win at Newcastle to end their 22-match Premiership losing run and keep their slim survival hopes alive. Josh Drauniniu scored the match-winning try for Worcester, who are nine points behind Newcastle. MORE

Opinion: Sam Wallace

What are we to make of the shocking deaths that keep occurring on the unfinished stadiums ahead of the World Cup? It is impossible to ignore now: Fifa has asked too much of Brazil. MORE

Sunderland stick by their tactics

Gus Poyet will not wilt under the pressure of trying to help Sunderland stay up, says coach Charlie Oatway as they prepare for tonight’s crucial visit of West Ham. Oatway added: “The philosophy of how we want to play and how we do play, I don’t think is going to change that much.”

Djokovic back to his best with win

Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-3 to win the Miami Masters title for the fourth time. Successive triumphs in the Masters Series tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami have seen the world No 2 rediscover his best form. MORE