The Sport Matrix: Thursday 30 January

Slick City move to summit after thrashing Spurs

Manchester City moved to the top of the table after thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at White Hart Lane last night.

Sergio Aguero opened the scoring for Manuel Pellegrini’s side before Yaya Touré doubled the lead. Edin Dzeko added a third and, despite Etienne Capoue scoring for Spurs, Stevan Jovetic and City captain Vincent Kompany compounded the misery for the hosts. MORE

Villa beat Baggies in stunning derby

Aston Villa beat West Brom 4-3 in a enthralling derby. West Brom went 2-0 up before Villa levelled and Fabian Delph put Villa ahead. Youssouf Mulumbu equalised for West Brom before Christian Benteke won it. MORE

Blues held at home as Sunderland win

Chelsea were held at home to a goalless draw by West Ham, as Samuel Eto’o missed chances to win it for Jose Mourinho’s team. Adam Johnson scored the winner in a 1-0 victory for Sunderland against Stoke, who had Steven N’Zonzi sent off for two yellow cards. MORE

Edwards shines as England triumph

England’s women retained the Ashes after winning the first T20 by nine wickets, Charlotte Edwards scoring 92. But there was more gloom for the men, who lost by 13 runs in the first of the three-match T20 series. MORE

McIlroy to attempt £1.5m hole-in-one

Rory McIlroy is ready to attempt a hole-in-one at the 17th at the Dubai Desert Classic because of the prize on offer. As he said: “There are not many chances you have to win $2.5m in one shot, so I’ll give it a go.” MORE

Johnson happy to have Hogg back

Stuart Hogg returns for Scotland on Sunday for their Six Nations opener with Ireland in Dublin. Scott Johnson, the head coach, said: “Hoggy is a senior player now for being such a young lad and I’m glad he’s with us.” MORE

Liverpool in battle for Konoplyanka

Liverpool are facing competition from two unnamed Premier League clubs for the signature of 24-year-old Ukraine forward Yevhen Konoplyanka, despite opening negotiations with his club yesterday. MORE

Dusautoir injury a boost: Robshaw

Chris Robshaw says his England side have the ideal chance to win in Paris on Saturday as France are without injured captain Thierry Dusautoir. He said: “It’s up to us to make the most of the fact that he’s not playing.” MORE

Lewis Moody

I can see Luther Burrell having a long-term future with England. He is a big, strong ball carrier but also has great offloading ability and a passing game. He deserves his opportunity against France. MORE