Sport

The Morning Sports Briefing

Ulster maintain slim Irish challenge, City and Arsenal gear up for showdown, and Andy Lee wants to a rematch

Ulster players celebrate winning and salute their travelling fans. Photograph: Pascal Pavani/Inpho
Ulster players celebrate winning and salute their travelling fans. Photograph: Pascal Pavani/Inpho
Mon Dec 21 2015 - 08:30

Rugby: Champions Cup

For the second weekend running Ulster salvaged the faltering reputation of the Irish provinces with an impressive away victory over Toulouse in France.

Tries by Ruan Pienaar and in the second period Andrew Trimble secured a 23-25 victory on a weekend to forget for the other Irish provinces in Europe.

Munster came away without even a bonus point in their 17-6 defeat to Leicester, while on Saturday Leinster crashed out of the competition after Toulon turned on the power in the second half to beat them 20-16. While in the Challenge Cup Connacht's bulging injury list took its toll as they were eased aside by Newcastle.

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Soccer: Premier League

Across the pond in the English Premier League and Liverpool were torn apart by Watford who made it four wins on the bounce - as Jurgen Klopp's team fell apart upon the concession of an early goal via a mistake by stand-in goalkeeper Adam Bogdan. Elsewhere on Sunday managerless Swansea and West Ham played out a 0-0 draw.

The weekend’s big game is tonight though as Manchester City and Arsenal meet in what could prove a key fixture in this year’s title race.

City are hopeful that the David Silva-Sergio Aguero axis can be restored for at least part of the match - with the Spanish playmaker Silva saying that "it is an important game but not one that will decide anything."

Ken Early's column this morning is assessing Louis van Gaal's position as Manchester United manager as speculation mounts that José Mourinho waits in the wings.

Boxing

Andy Lee wants a rematch after losing his World championship belt on Saturday night - the Limerick man was left to rue a damaging third round when Billy Joe Saunders put him on the canvas twice. "We fought our hearts out but two knockdowns cost me. It was close but he deserved to win. I would like another go at him. I thought I finished stronger."

Meanwhile Andy Murray scooped the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award last night as jockey AP McCoy was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Belfast.