The Sport Matrix: Monday 20 May 2013

Arsenal’s sweet 16 as they sneak into Champions League

Arsenal qualified for the Champions League for the 16th consecutive season after winning 1-0 at Newcastle on the last day of the Premier League season.

Laurent Koscielny scored the crucial goal in the 52nd minute. Afterwards Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger admitted the club need to invest in the summer.

“We want to have additions to the squad but keep first the structure and the spirit and the quality of the team we have now,” he said.

Tottenham were denied a place in the Champions League due to Arsenal’s victory, despite a stunning late goal from Gareth Bale, above, giving them a 1-0 win over Sunderland. MORE

Broad’s heroics inspire England

Stuart Broad claimed seven wickets in 11 overs to lead England to an astounding 170-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s yesterday. Set a target of 239, the Kiwis were dismissed for 68 in 22.3 overs as Broad claimed Test-best figures of 7-44.

Nadal too good for old rival Federer

Rafael Nadal completed the perfect preparation for the French Open by thrashing his old rival Roger Federer 6-1, 6-3 in just 68 minutes to win his seventh Rome Masters title. It was the pair’s first meeting in nearly two years. MORE

‘Little old Yeovil’ in Championship

Gary Johnson’s Yeovil beat Brentford 2-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley. Paddy Madden and Dan Burn put the Glovers 2-0 ahead before half-time. Harlee Dean replied for Brentford.

Both Ferguson and Carragher bow out

Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game as Manchester United manager ended in a 5-5 draw at West Brom. Jamie Carragher played his last game for Liverpool before retiring, as Brendan Rodgers’ side eased to a 1-0 victory over QPR, Philippe Coutinho scoring the only goal. MORE

Martinez to wait for decision on future

Roberto Martinez, the Wigan manager, will take time to decide his future, after his relegated FA Cup winners ended the season with a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa. “We need to give it time and have a breather. It has been so emotional.”

Benitez finishes on winning note

Fernando Torres’ 76th-minute goal ensured Chelsea defeated Everton 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in Rafael Benitez’s final game as manager. Juan Mata had opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Steven Naismith levelled for Everton in David Moyes’ farewell match. MORE

Allardyce: Carroll is ‘main priority’

The West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said signing Liverpool loan player Andy Carroll permanently is his main aim this summer. West Ham ended the season with a 4-2 win over Reading. Kevin Nolan scored a hat-trick. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

The big question for Arsène Wenger and Arsenal is when will they enter the Champions League as anything more than a sometimes decorative but ultimately disposable asset?

Norwich defeat managerless City

Manchester City’s season finished in a 3-2 defeat at home to Norwich. Jack Rodwell scored twice for managerless City but goals from Anthony Pilkington, Grant Holt and Jonny Howson gave Chris Hughton’s side their second away league victory of the campaign. MORE

Pulis coy over pig’s head prank

Tony Pulis said he had “spoken to” Kenwyne Jones and Glenn Whelan over their prank involving a pig’s head. The pair did not travel to Southampton, where Stoke drew 1-1. Peter Crouch scored for the visitors and Ricky Lambert replied. MORE