The Sport Matrix: Monday 14 April 2014

Reds hold nerve to inch toward title

Philippe Coutinho’s late strike moved Liverpool to within four wins of a first top-flight title for 24 years as they beat Manchester City 3-2. Raheem Sterling and Martin Skrtel put the hosts ahead before David Silva inspired a comeback, only for Coutinho’s intervention. MORE

Farah eclipsed by record Kipsang

Mo Farah failed to break the British marathon record in the capital yesterday, finishing eighth in a time of two hours eight minutes and 21 seconds. World record holder Wilson Kipsang, of Kenya, won the men’s race, setting a course record. MORE

Britons impress in Paris-Roubai

Geraint Thomas and Sir Bradley Wiggins were competitive to the end of the Paris-Roubaix yesterday, the Britons finishing in seventh and ninth place respectively as Dutchman Niki Terpstra won. MORE

Ba keeps Chelsea in with a shout

Chelsea kept up their own title pretensions as Demba Ba’s strike was enough to beat Swansea 1-0. The Senegalese scored midway through the second period to move the Blues to within two points of Liverpool at the Premier League summit, with Manchester City a further five points back. MORE

Sarries hold off Saints fightback

Premiership leaders Saracens put distance between themselves and second-place Northampton as they held off a fightback to win 28-24 at Allianz Park. Marcelo Bosch scored 11 points but two converted tries in the final 10 minutes brought the Saints close. MORE

Five-star Hull on way to Wembley

Steve Bruce steered Hull to the FA Cup final for the first time in their history as they overcame Sheffield United 5-3 yesterday. The League One side led twice before Tom Huddlestone inspired City toward a Wembley return, where they will face Arsenal on 17 May. MORE

Marquez extends perfect Moto start

Marc Marquez extended his perfect start to the MotoGP season last night by storming to victory at the Grand Prix of the Americas. In Superbikes, Britain’s Tom Sykes moved four points clear at the top of the World Championship after winning both races in Aragon.

Opinion: Sam Wallace

Were it not for Diego Simeone’s ability to build a competitive team on a shoestring, as Raddy Antic did with his 1996 double-winning Atletico side, the club’s capacity to pay tax debts would be greatly reduced. MORE

Wenger: victory a turning point

The Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, admitted victory in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final over Wigan was crucial to the club’s season. “If we had gone out, it would have been questioned tremendously,” the Frenchman said. “We knew it was a turning point of our season.” MORE

May double puts Saints in first final

Stevie May scored twice to send St Johnstone into their first Scottish Cup final as they came back from a goal down to beat Aberdeen 2-1. Niall McGinn had given the Dons the lead before the Saints secured a final date with Dundee United.