The Sport Matrix: Monday 23 September 2013

Moyes lays into United players after derby defeat

Manchester United manager David Moyes admitted he heavily criticised his players after they were thrashed 4-1 in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.

City led 2-0 at the break through goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Touré, with Aguero and Samir Nasri doubling the lead after the interval before a late consolation Wayne Rooney free-kick

“I told the players the way I would have told players at any other club if I don’t think they’re doing it,” the Scot said. “I don’t think I’ve suffered a defeat like this with Everton in my time. We’ll make sure we react. Every manager has bad results. I’m no different.” page 52-53

Wiggins storms to Tour of Britain title

Mark Cavendish took a third stage win in the Tour of Britain but it was compatriot Sir Bradley Wiggins who held on to take the overall title after yesterday’s concluding stage in London. The victory marked a return to form after Wiggins missed this year’s Tour de France through injury. MORE

Superb Saracens keep unbeaten run

Saracens maintained their 100 per cent start to the Premiership season and stretched their lead at the top to four points after easing to a 31-17 win over Bath. David Strettle went over twice as Bath secured a bonus point by the interval. MORE

Murphy strikes with Fantastic Four

Apprentice Oisin Murphy’s feat in riding four winners at Ayr on Saturday, at accumulative odds of 9,260-1, deserves to enter folklore somewhere alongside that of Frankie Dettori and his magnificent seven. MORE

Surprise, surprise, Vettel wins. Again.

Defending champion Sebastian Vettel won his fifth race in seven in Singapore to take another giant stride to a fourth successive driver’s championship title. The Red Bull driver now leads by 60 points after easing home ahead of Fernando Alonso in second and Kimi Raikkonen. MORE

England prepare to name Ashes squad

England have a number of posers before today’s announcement of this winter’s Ashes touring party. Not least is the identity of the No 6 batsman, along with a helpmate for spinner Graeme Swann and back-up for wicketkeeper Matt Prior. MORE

Set-piece Arsenal return to the top

Arsenal resumed their place at the top of the Premier League after three set-piece goals earned a 3-1 win over Stoke. Aaron Ramsey’s opener was levelled by Geoff Cameron before defenders Per Mertesacker and Bacary Sagna confirmed the points for the hosts. MORE

Swans sink Eagles for Selhurst spoils

Goals at the start of either half from Michu and Nathan Dyer helped an impressive Swansea to a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace yesterday. Ian Holloway’s side rarely threatened and remain in the bottom three with one win from five games. MORE

Opinion: Sam Wallace

Relegation would ask all kinds of questions about Sunderland’s future. Last season’s £64m wage bill was regarded as the eighth highest in the Premier League. Their debt is around £84m. MORE

Paulinho helps Spurs keep pace

Tottenham remained level with their north London neighbours, thanks to an injury-time winner from Paulinho that beat Cardiff City 1-0. Andre Villas-Boas’ side dominated throughout, but were forced to wait till their 29th shot to finally beat home goalkeeper David Marshall. MORE

Sunderland sack manager Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio was last night sacked by Sunderland after just six months in charge. The Italian was appointed at the Stadium of Light on 31 March but won only one of his 13 games in charge and departs with the club bottom of the Premier League. MORE