The Sport Matrix: Thursday 17 April 2014

Sunderland dent City’s title hopes

Manchester City lost further ground in the Premier League title race, Manuel Pellegrini’s side requiring a late equaliser to salvage a point in a 2-2 home draw with Sunderland. Connor Wickham scored twice to leave City six points behind leaders Liverpool. MORE

Palace undermine Everton’s ambition

Everton’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were dealt a major blow last night as Crystal Palace pulled off a surprise 3-2 victory at Goodison Park. Cameron Jerome scored the winner as Everton’s seven-match winning streak was ended, leaving them a point behind Arsenal. MORE

Lerner applauds Lambert loyalty

Paul Lambert has been praised for his handling of Aston Villa amid background turmoil. “In watching him handle matters I’ve seen total loyalty and commitment,” chairman Randy Lerner said. “I couldn’t ask for more from people who are up for this challenge.” MORE

Bale stunner wins Spanish Cup final

A stunning late solo effort from Gareth Bale helped Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey last night, Barcelona beaten 2-1 at the Mestalla. Angel Di Maria put Real in front after 10 minutes, before Marc Bartra’s headed leveller. Bale then ran from inside his own half to win the trophy for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. MORE

Time violation irritates Nadal

Rafa Nadal was handed a time violation during his victory over Teymuraz Gabashvili in Monte Carlo yesterday. The Spaniard was warned by umpire Pascal Maria and was visibly upset, gesturing at the official and then dropping his serve. MORE

Coach double act in frame for England

Lancashire’s Peter Moores and Mark Robinson of Sussex could form a coaching double act to lead England following Andy Flower’s departure. “I heard there is a notion of putting them together,” the former Surrey coach Chris Adams said. MORE

Joyce hits another ton in Sussex win

Ed Joyce scored his second century of the match at Edgbaston to help Sussex to a convincing victory over Warwickshire. He was unbeaten on 151 as the visitors prevailed by seven wickets, their second win of the campaign. MORE

Dettori gets a lift before the Guineas

Sandiva’s victory in the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket gave her jockey Frankie Dettori some cheer before the Guineas weekend. The Italian showed his ankle injury was fully healed, performing a flying dismount in celebration. MORE

Big names to turn out for Baltacha

Martina Navratilova, Andy Murray and Tim Henman will play charity matches in England in June to support Elena Baltacha, the former British No 1 who last month revealed she had liver cancer. MORE

Jack Pitt-Brooke

Football is full of low-level fibbing but West Ham’s Matt Jarvis displayed a rather self-defeating nobility at Arsenal. It would have been easy to go to ground to win a penalty but he tried to keep his feet. MORE