The Sport Matrix: Monday 03 February

Chamberlain double takes Arsenal back to top

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored his first Arsenal goals for over a year to take Arsène Wenger’s side back to the top of the Premier League. The England forward (right) struck twice after half-time as Crystal Palace were beaten 2-0. Wenger admitted afterwards that he would not have signed Kim Kallstrom on loan from Spartak Moscow last week had he known about the player’s back injury earlier. MORE

Ireland cruise to opening victory

Ireland opened up their Six Nations campaign with a 28-6 win over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium yesterday. Andrew Trimble, Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney scored tries, while Jonathan Sexton added 13 points with the boot. Greig Laidlaw kicked two penaties for Scotland. MORE

Lancaster ‘proud’ despite late loss

England coach Stuart Lancaster remained proud of his side’s efforts against France on Saturday, despite their late defeat. “There was a spell after the second French try when composure slipped,” he ceded. “But I was proud of the way we responded.” MORE

Gallacher retains Dubai Desert title

Stephen Gallacher retained the Dubai Desert Classic after an eventful final day in which Rory McIlroy suffered a late collapse. The Ulsterman ended four shots adrift on 12 under as eight men led on the final day. MORE

Murray leads GB to memorable victory

Andy Murray led Great Britain to a first Davis Cup World Group victory in 28 years as he beat Sam Querrey 7-6 6-7 6-1 6-3 in San Diego last night. The Scot’s win - his second singles success of the tie - gave GB an unassailable 3-1 lead over the US and secured a quarter-final with Italy. MORE

England end horror tour with defeat

As their female counterparts paraded the spoils of their Ashes success, England’s men ended their own tour of Australia with a 12th defeat in 13 games. Chasing 196 to win the dead rubber third T20, the tourists were bowled out for a paltry 111. MORE

Mourinho looking beyond tonight

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has played down his club’s Premier League prospects ahead of tonight’s trip to title favourites Manchester City. “If we finish second it is fantastic,” he said. “We are preparing for next season much more than this.” MORE

McDermott may return to Leeds

Brian McDermott is considering a return to Championship side Leeds United, two days after being sacked by the club’s prospective new owners. The Football League will be urged by fans groups not to allow Massimo Cellino to buy the club. MORE

Opinion: Sam Wallace

The original alpha in Jose Mourinho’s first title-winning Chelsea team, John Terry, is approaching 10 years as captain waiting to see whether he will stay and what deal he will be offered. It must grate. MORE

Touré mistake gifts Baggies a point

An error from Kolo Touré allowed West Bromwich to snatch a 1-1 draw and dampen Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions. Daniel Sturridge had tapped the visitors in front before Victor Anichebe equalised midway through the second half. MORE

Debutant helps Forest to victory

Nottingham Forest tightened their grip on a Championship play-off spot with a 3-1 win over bottom side Yeovil, Rafik Djebbour scoring the third on his debut. Elsewhere, Brighton’s chances suffered a blow as they were beaten 2-0 at Watford.