The Sport Matrix: Thursday 2 January 2014

Moyes angry at Webb as United lose at home again

Manchester United manager David Moyes described the display of referee Howard Webb as “scandalous” as Spurs triumphed at Old Trafford for the second season in a row. Goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Christian Eriksen gave Tottenham a 2-1 win.

Elsewhere, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott scored in the final minutes to give leaders Arsenal a 2-0 win over Cardiff. MORE

Fulham win to put heat on Allardyce

Fulham came from behind to beat West Ham 2-1 and pile the pressure on Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, as Kevin Nolan was sent off for the second time in four games. Fulham move out of the bottom three above Crystal Palace, who were held 1-1 at home by Norwich. MORE

Agbonlahor helps Villa pull clear

A second goal in two games from Gabriel Agbonlahor earned Aston Villa a 1-0 win at Sunderland to move Paul Lambert’s side six points clear of the drop zone. Neighbours West Bromwich triumphed by the same score at home to Newcastle. Saido Berahino scored a late penalty. MORE

Subs help Chelsea coast to victory

Chelsea cantered to a 3-0 victory at Southampton to remain two points off the top of the Premier League, substitutes Willian and Oscar adding to Fernando Torres’ opener. Leighton Baines scored a late penalty equaliser to rescue a point in a 1-1 draw away to Stoke City. MORE

City keep pressure on leaders Arsenal

Manchester City maintained their title challenge with a 3-2 win at Swansea, as leaders Arsenal required two late goals to beat Cardiff 2-0. Liverpool won for the first time in three matches, Luis Suarez scoring his 20th goal of the season as Hull were beaten 2-0. MORE

Murray opens 2014 with Qatar defeat

Andy Murray’s preparations for the Australian Open suffered a blow as the Scot opened the year with a 3-6 6-4 6-2 loss to Florian Mayer in the Qatar Open. A set and 3-0 lead was frittered away as Mayer threw caution to the wind to turn the game around. MORE

England to change for Ashes finale

England are expected to make a number of changes for tonight’s start of the fifth and final Ashes Test ahead of a widespread overhaul. Scott Borthwick, Gary Ballance and Boyd Rankin are all set to be included for the match in Sydney. MORE

Anderson bats way to a world record

Corey Anderson smashed the fastest one-day international century in history as New Zealand beat West Indies in a rain-affected match in Queenstown. The 23-year-old reached 100 from just 36 balls, eventually totalling 131 with 14 sixes and six fours. MORE

McIlroy must show form on the green

Newly engaged Rory McIlroy needs to re-establish his credentials as heir to Tiger Woods as the game’s top player. To do that he must add a Major in 2014. A year into his contract with Nike, McIlroy is in a better place than 12 months ago. MORE

Whisky readied for shot at Festival

Trainer Nicky Henderson is ready to give Oscar Whisky a chance in the Jewson Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He impressed in a clear defeat of Taquin Du Seuil at the Cheltenham Pony Club Raceday. MORE

Clarke on Prior

Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Matt Prior deserves a place in the England side. “The one player England missed last game was Prior,” he said. “For his leadership and experience.” MORE