The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 27 March 2012

Rooney sends United three points clear at the top

Manchester United went three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League last night, after beating Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game, sweeping Jonny Evans' knockdown high into the net from close range, just before half-time.

Mark Schwarzer had to make an impressive triple-save early in an even second half. But with two minutes left Michael Oliver denied Fulham a strong penalty claim after Danny Murphy went down in the box under pressure from Michael Carrick. MORE

Jayawardene ton frustrates England

Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene held up England on the first day of the first Test in Galle, scoring 168 not out – not least because England dropped him four times. The hosts ended the day on 289 for 8, Jimmy Anderson taking three wickets. MORE

Lampard: Chelsea are on the wane

Frank Lampard has admitted that Chelsea are declining, ahead of tonight's quarter-final first leg at Benfica. "Where we are in the table doesn't lie," he said. "We're not as good as we used to be." Roberto Di Matteo said it had been a "difficult" season. MORE

Coyle sees Muamba before Spurs game

Owen Coyle will visit Fabrice Muamba before tonight's replayed quarter-final at Tottenham. Muamba collapsed 10 days ago. "Everyone would want to be there but that would be impossible," the Bolton manager said. "He is a dear friend." MORE

Bendtner to keep wearing mask

Sunderland's Nicklas Bendtner will wear a protective mask tonight in the quarter-final replay with Everton, even though it impairs his vision. "I can't see with it on," he said. "I give the ball away because I can't see. Sometimes your eye disappears." MORE

Gamilati out of 1,000 Guineas

Gamilati, one of the Godolphin stable's leading contenders for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas, will miss the race through injury. "Gamilati has required surgery to remove a chip from her near-fore ankle," Godolphin's Simon Crisford said. "She will have a bit of time out." MORE

Tiger to 'dominate golf once again'

Justin Rose has predicted a Tiger Woods revival after he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational: "If he's going to be playing like this, I think he will dominate golf again. I see him winning a major a year for the next five years. He's going to be the man to beat at Augusta." MORE

Watson improving despite big defeat

Heather Watson lost 6-0, 6-2 in Miami to Victoria Azarenka on Sunday night. But Watson won one more game than she did against Azarenka at the Australian Open, as she recovers from an ankle injury sustained in December. MORE

Wigan face North Wales Crusaders

The Challenge Cup holders, Wigan, will play North Wales Crusaders in the fourth round, following last night's draw. Wigan forward Epalahame Lauaki will today face a disciplinary hearing, charged with a dangerous tackle last Friday. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Could Tiger Woods return to Augusta next week with some of his old authority? It is a possibility that brings unprecedented intrigue. So does the memory of his vengeful streak, given all the recent insults against him. MORE