The Sport Matrix: Monday 27 January 2014

Oscar puts on a show to take Blues to City in round five

A superb Oscar free-kick was enough to take Chelsea through in the FA Cup fourth round yesterday, a 1-0 victory over Stoke securing a trip to Manchester City in next month's fifth round.

The Brazilian's set-piece midway through the first half saw off a stubborn Stoke, whose manager, Mark Hughes, was satisfied with their efforts. "It was difficult for us but I'm pleased," he said. "We stuck at it and didn't go under. There were more positives than negatives."

Elsewhere in the draw, Premier League leaders Arsenal were paired with Liverpool while holders Wigan travel to Cardiff. MORE

Stan's the man as Rafa suffers in pain

Stanislas Wawrinka took advantage of Rafael Nadal's back injury to secure his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open yesterday. The Swiss, only the second man from the country to win a Slam singles title, prevailed 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3 in the Melbourne final. MORE

England come up short in final ODI

England fell just short of victory in the final one-day international against Australia as they lost the fifth match by five runs in Adelaide to lose the series 4-1. Needing six to win off the final three balls, James Tredwell edged Shane Watson to leave England 212 all out in reply to the hosts' 217 for 9. MORE

Bulging injury list worries Martinez

Everton manager Roberto Martinez admitted his concern over the club's injury list, as Bryan Oviedo prepared for surgery on the leg injury that looks set to keep him out of the World Cup. "We are losing too many players," Martinez said. "The injury gives you a bad taste." MORE

Rodallega rescues Fulham in Sheffield

A rare Hugo Rodallega goal earned Fulham a replay as they drew 1-1 at Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round. Chris Porter put the Blades ahead before the hosts were reduced to 10 men as Michael Doyle saw red. Rodallega's seventh goal in 43 games then prolonged the tie. MORE

'Worst ever' Woods misses cut with 79

Seven-time winner and defending champion Tiger Woods missed the secondary cut at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines after a third round 79. The world No 1 laboured to his worst ever score at the event and second worst of his career.

Australia keep England waiting

England again failed to wrap up the Ashes in Australia, going down by four wickets in Hobart in the third one-day international. The visitors lead the series 8-4 on points, with just the three Twenty20 matches, starting on Wednesday, remaining. MORE

Muir leads home success in Glasgow

Scotland claimed five victories at the Glasgow International Match, despite finishing bottom of the four-team tournament. Laura Muir took the individual performance award with the 800m, while Chris O'Hare and Guy Learmonth also starred.

Wray double leads Sarries to victory

Jackson Wray went over twice as Saracens breezed past Newcastle 41-8 to confirm their place at the top of Pool One in the LV= Cup. The weakened hosts struggled to a 15-8 interval lead before pulling clear in the second half with four unanswered tries.

Hurricane Fly retains Hurdle title

Hurricane Fly secured a fourth successive Irish Champion Hurdle in thrilling style at Leopardstown yesterday to confirm he will not give up his Cheltenham crown without a fight. It was his 19th Grade One win.

Sam Wallace

There was a time when Chelsea would have held on to Mata to stop a rival like Manchester United signing him. Yet Mata, as Jose Mourinho acknowledged, is too good to spend his days watching games. MORE