The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 4 February 2014

Poor City downed by Ivanovic strike

Chelsea became only the second team to win at Manchester City this season as Branislav Ivanovic’s first-half goal gave the London side a 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium last night. City disappointed, failing to score at home in the league for the first time in 62 matches. MORE

Szczesny: Defence first part of attack

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny says the club’s improved defensive record is the bedrock of their continued title challenge. “Our defensive record, especially at home, has been fantastic,” the Pole said. “If we keep clean sheets we have every chance of winning. It’s massive for us.” MORE

Meulensteen has backing of owner

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen believes he retains “100 per cent” support from the club’s owner, Shahid Khan, despite the club currently sitting bottom of the Premier League. The London side host Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round replay tonight. MORE

Seahawks revel in Denver demolition

As a deflated Denver Broncos retreated from freezing New York following their 43-8 Super Bowl humbling on Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks were left to revel in the most lopsided game in 20 years. “The things that were supposed to happen, happened,” head coach Pete Carroll said. MORE

Kirsten pulls out of race for England job

Gary Kirsten has suggested he is not ready for a return to international cricket amid links with the England vacancy. “As far as I’m concerned, my sentiments have not changed,” he said. “I suppose it is flattering that people are thinking about me.” MORE

Lancaster: I will make the same subs

Stuart Lancaster insists his criticised substitutions during England’s defeat in France will not affect his calls in Scotland this week. “I’ll make the calls the way I’ve always made,” the coach said. “Based on intuition and the way I see the game unfolding,” MORE

Yarnold ready to realise potential

British skeleton prospect Lizzy Yarnold can not wait to bring years of preparation to a climax in Sochi. “The plan started five years ago,” the world No 1 said. “Every night I go to bed dreaming of it, full of adrenalin. I just can’t wait.” MORE

Fans turned off by Vettel dominance

Bernie Ecclestone has claimed that the domination of the sport by Sebastian Vettel last season cost up to 50 million television viewers. “The less than competitive nature had a predictable impact,” the supremo said of the drop in numbers.

Mayweather asks fans to decide

Floyd Mayweather is to ask his fans to determine the identity of his next opponent. “I’m going to let the fans vote,” he wrote on his Twitter account. “Tell me who I should fight next. [Amir] Khan or [Marcos] Maidana?” MORE

Ian Herbert

It took the Football League until 6.30pm on Saturday to say it had started talks with Massimo Cellino’s company. The horse had bolted. Leeds had become a laughing stock again and Brian McDermott sacked. MORE