The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 18 December 2013

Dzeko takes City through as Ki shocks Chelsea

Edin Dzeko scored twice to help Manchester City ease into the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup last night with a 3-1 win at Leicester City last night.

Aleksandar Kolarov (above) opened the scoring with a powerful free-kick after eight minutes before Dzeko scored his eighth and ninth of the season either side of the interval at the King Power Stadium.

His first was a header from James Milner’s cross, with his second coming from close range after a ball from the same player early in the second-half. Lloyd Dyer restored some pride for the hosts 13 minutes from the end.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side have now reached the last four of the League Cup three times in the past five seasons, although have not made the final since 1976.

In the night’s other quarter-final, Sunderland beat Chelsea 2-1 after extra time. On-loan striker Fabio Borini equalised for the hosts two minutes from the end of normal time after a Lee Cattermole own goal put the visitors ahead at the start of the second half. Substitute Ki Sung-yueng scored the winner in the 118th minute. MORE

Australia regain Ashes in style

Australia eased to a 150-run victory over England in the third Test in Perth to reclaim the Ashes after a four-year wait. England fell short of their required target of 504 runs, losing their final five wickets by early afternoon despite a fine debut century from Ben Stokes. MORE

Cook to reassess captaincy role

England captain Alastair Cook will examine his role after his side’s shambolic display in surrendering the Ashes. “As a captain, the buck stops with you,” he said. “Am I managing the players right, doing the right things in the middle? These have to be cool, calculated decisions.” MORE

Adebayor recalled to Tottenham squad

Emmanuel Adebayor could be included in the Tottenham squad for tonight’s visit of West Ham as the club begin life after Andre Villas-Boas. Interim manager Tim Sherwood intends to include the striker, as well as a possible change in formation and team shape. MORE

Vidic has to win his place, says Moyes

David Moyes has warned Nemanja Vidic that he cannot expect an automatic spot in the Manchester United side after recovering from injury. “There is competition for places,” Moyes said before tonight’s trip to Stoke. “You are going to have to play well to stay in the team.” MORE

How England must rebuild for 2015

England face 18 months of evolution before they attempt to regain the Ashes in the summer of 2015. Robin Scott-Elliot looks at the available options for a side he says require a new spinner, wicketkeeper, opening bowler and batsman. MORE

Murray forgoes Yuletide festivities

Andy Murray is to spend Christmas training in Abu Dhabi as he continues his comeback from back surgery. “Playing competitively is the next step in my preparations,” the Scot said. “Coming back from injury is never easy.” MORE

Gattuso stunned at fixing allegation

Former Italy and Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has protested his innocence after being subjected to an investigation on suspicion of being involved in match-fixing. The allegations involve a betting ring relating to games from the 2010-11 season. MORE

Etihad test right to rekindle Barça

Neymar and Carles Puyol were among those who predicted Barcelona would draw Manchester City. You can imagine their competitive nature wanting it. There is a feeling this will wake up their season. Now Barça have a rival worth worrying about.

Tiernan-Locke faces doping probe

The International Cycling Union has opened disciplinary proceedings against Jonathan Tiernan-Locke over an anti-doping violation. The 28-year-old from Plymouth denies any wrongdoing. MORE

John Townsend

No factor has matched the impact of Mitchell Johnson’s return to form. His absence in the summer enabled him to rebuild his technique and confidence. The result is 23 wickets and a crushing Ashes victory. MORE