The Sports Matrix: Thursday 22 September 2011

Chelsea progress on penalties

Chelsea beat Fulham 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes at Stamford Bridge last night. The visitors had earlier missed a spotkick in open play, Pajtim Kasami having his effort saved by Ross Turnbull after Chelsea defender Alex was dismissed. MORE

Foden: England have to get better

Ben Foden has insisted England must improve on recent performances if they are to prolong their stay in the competition. “It’s important to understand we won’t cut it playing as we did last weekend,” he said ahead of Saturday’s match against Romania. MORE

Waddell diagnosed with bowel cancer

Television broadcaster Sid Waddell has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, his manager has confirmed. The 71-year-old has become renowned for his colourful commentaries on Sky Sports, for whom he has worked since 1994.

Liverpool return to winning ways

Liverpool recovered from Sunday’s poor showing at Spurs with a 2-1 win at a spirited Brighton. Craig Bellamy opened the scoring after latching on to a Luis Suarez pass, before Dirk Kuyt extended the lead. Ashley Barnes scored a late consolation. MORE

Blooming Lewis set to follow Rose

Ahead of his professional debut at the Austrian Open, Tom Lewis could do worse than look to Atlanta and Justin Rose for an example of how far a boy wonder can rise. One of the favourites, Rose could pocket over £6m if he wins the FedEx Cup. MORE

Everton leave it late as Saints soar

Phil Neville scored an extra time winner to give Everton a 2-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park. Southampton recorded a ninth win in 10 matches as they made the fourth round with a 2-1 victory over Preston.

Wiggins ends wait for podium finish

Bradley Wiggins finally achieved a first podium finish at the World Road Championships in Copenhagen yesterday, taking silver in the time trial behind Germany’s Tony Martin. Quadruple world champion Fabian Cancellara had to settle for bronze. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

The Michael Owen who sparkled so beautifully against Argentina 13 years ago had travelled many miles downhill by the time the latest England manager, Fabio Capello, so brusquely rejected his services. MORE

Hargreaves returns with debut goal in City victory

Owen Hargreaves marked his first appearance in 10 months with a goal as Manchester City eased into the fourth round with a 2-0 victory over holders Birmingham City. The one-time England international, whose last start, for Manchester United against Wolves last November, lasted just four minutes, opened the scoring at the Etihad Stadium with a fine effort on 17 minutes, sending the ball across Colin Doyle from outside the area. Mario Balotelli added his first of the season before the break as the Championship side were overwhelmed. Hargreaves was taken off after 57 minutes, replaced by James Milner, while Kolo Touré also made his first appearance of the season, returning from a six-month drug ban. MORE

Fifa admits online Hayatou error

Fifa has denied that former ExCo member Issa Hayatou had been appointed to oversee next year’s Olympic football tournament. The governing body’s website had earlier indicated that Hayatou had been installed as chair of the organising committee. MORE

Smith: GB squad is more confident

Gymnast Louis Smith says preparations for next year’s London Games are going well. “Do I feel better prepared than for Beijing [in 2008]? Infinitely,” he said. “I think everyone in the British squad feels the same, there’s so much more confidence.” MORE