The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 6 May 2014

Liverpool implode at Selhurst Park

Liverpool let a three goal lead slip against Crystal Palace last night to all but end their title hopes. Joe Allen, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez put the visitors 3-0 up, but one from Damian Delaney and a double from Dwight Gayle put Manchester City in pole position for the trophy.

Giggs in the dark over United future

Ryan Giggs still does not know if he will be Louis van Gaal’s assistant at Manchester United next season. The Dutchman is expected to be unveiled as manager in the next 48 hours. United host Hull City at Old Trafford tonight, and Giggs will be without Wayne Rooney once again.

Szczesny: Fourth place not enough

Despite pipping Everton in the race for a Champions League spot, Arsenal have failed this season, according to Wojciech Szczesny. “I never considered fourth place before the start as successful,” the goalkeeper said. “I play for Arsenal because I want to win the title every year.”

Chelsea snatch Youth Cup victory

Chelsea won the FA Youth Cup last night after beating Fulham 5-3 at Stamford Bridge (7-6 on agg). The visitors looked to be cruising through, 3-2 up at half-time, but two late goals from forward Dominic Solanke sealed the incredible win for the young Blues.

Baltacha dies after losing cancer fight

Former British No 1 Elena Baltacha has passed away after battling liver cancer. She was aged just 30 and was only diagnosed with the illness in January. Tributes have flooded in for Baltacha, who retired in November last year.

Selby on course for superb comeback

Mark Selby was last night well on the way to one of the greatest World Championship snooker victories against Ronnie O’Sullivan. Selby was trailing 10-7, but worked hard to gain a 15-12 lead in the best-of-35 final at the Crucible.

Bairstow shows England boldness

Jonny Bairstow believes he must replicate his Yorkshire performances for England if he is to retain his Test spot. The batsman hit 95 for Yorkshire at Durham yesterday. “I’ve played [for England] the way I have in county cricket,” he said.

Class of ’03 heroes all but finished

Mike Tindall’s hint that this weekend’s trip to Worcester will be his last for Gloucester means Jonny Wilkinson could be the last member of England’s 2003 World Cup winning squad still playing and the fly-half is retiring at the end of this season.

Ian Herbert

Carlos Tevez and Wayne Bridge are just two of the players associated with a “City Price” of wages, and they’ve both left Manchester. Manuel Pellegrini’s club is moving forward both on the pitch and off it.