The Sports Matrix: Monday 7 May 2012

Opinion: James Lawton

Competitive character has been the most demanding requirement of Roberto Mancini, left, as he juggles his resources. However, thanks to Yaya Touré, he must have felt like a master puppeteer utterly in charge of his act yesterday. MORE

Cissé inspires QPR as Bolton let it slip

Djibril Cissé scored what could prove to be a priceless last-minute winner to help QPR beat Stoke 1-0 and move them two points clear of the drop zone. Bolton remain in trouble after letting slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at home to West Bromwich Albion. MORE

Give Drogba new deal, says Lampard

Frank Lampard has called on Chelsea to offer Didier Drogba an improved deal following his FA Cup-winning goal against Liverpool. "I am desperate for Didier to stay," Lampard said. "He is a magnificent player. He has been a hero for this club." MORE

Inter's derby win gives Juve the title

Juventus were last night crowned Serie A champions as they beat Cagliari 2-0 and second-placed Milan went down 4-2 to Internazionale. In Scotland, Celtic suffered a first league defeat in over a month, going down 1-0 at Dundee United.

Rain frustrates tourists again

The West Indies were obstructed by the weather yesterday in their opening tour match, bad light and drizzle making just 18 overs possible against Sussex at Hove. The tourists ended the second day on 46 for 2, Adrian Barath looking in good form. MORE

Cavendish takes stunning victory

Mark Cavendish pulled off a fine win in the first road stage of the Giro d'Italia to continue his Tour de France and Olympic preparations. The 26-year-old accelerated in the final 150 metres. "I'm pleased, it was windy and not easy," he said. MORE

Diamond refuses to yield over picks

Sale coach Steve Diamond refused to apologise for naming a weakened side which allowed Harlequins the win that secured top spot in the Premiership. "If Premier Rugby wants to look at my selection, it should also look at their referee selection," he said. MORE

Race of the weekend: Usain Bolt

The Olympic 100m champ shone as he clocked the quickest time of the year in his first race of 2012 at home in Jamaica.

Collapse of the weekend: Bolton Wanderers

Owen Coyle's side looked to be heading for a vital win at home to WBA before squandering a two-goal lead.

Stat of the weekend: Wayne Rooney

The United striker received his first League card – red or yellow – of the season against Swansea yesterday, when he was booked.

Misfortune of the weekend: Bacary Sagna

Arsenal's right-back suffered a second broken leg of the season against Norwich, having already missed four months.

Touré double takes City to brink of first crown in 44 years

Manchester City are just 90 minutes from securing their first top-flight title since 1968 after beating Newcastle United 2-0 yesterday.

Roberto Mancini's side were made to work hard for their victory at St James' Park before two classy Yaya Touré finishes in the final 20 minutes secured the win. City remain level on points with neighbours Manchester United – who beat Swansea City 2-0 – but their superior goal difference gives them the advantage ahead of next Sunday's visit of relegation-threatened Queen's Park Rangers.

Reigning champions United, who travel to Sunderland on the final day, secured their victory courtesy of first-half goals from midfielders Paul Scholes and Ashley Young. MORE