There were significant results at both ends of the Premier League table this weekend.
While Manchester City are held at home by Sunderland, Wolverhampton Wanderers are defeated 3-2 at home by fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers to leave them six points from safety at the bottom.
Here, Sports Mole selects the 11 players that caught our eye.
Adam Bogdan (Bolton Wanderers)
He may have shipped two goals, but Bogdan produced numerous saves to help his Bolton side claim what could prove to be a crucial three points come the end of the season. Wolves striker Steven Fletcher will have been particularly frustrated by the Hungarian's display.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
England international Baines has made a reputation for himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent full-backs. He enhanced that school of thought with a composed display during Everton's 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.
James Perch (Newcastle United)
Normally considered a squad member at the Sports Direct Arena, Perch stepped into breach for Newcastle on Sunday to play a key role in their 2-0 win over Liverpool. The centre-back made an important block to turn Luis Suarez's goalbound effort over the bar.
Mike Williamson (Newcastle United)
Williamson formed a formidable partnership with Perch against Liverpool. Such was the quality of his display that he was handed the man of the match award. Williamson also saw a headed effort strike the post.
Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
The Serbian defender sealed his inclusion in this team with two goals against Aston Villa on Saturday. Ivanovic had been without a Premier League goal this season until the trip to Villa Park.
Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland)
Larsson has made a real impression during his first season on Wearside and two goals against Manchester City on Saturday would have only elevated him in the eyes of Sunderland fans.
Adel Taarabt (Queens Park Rangers)
It would be fair to say that Taarabt has failed to set the Premier League alight this season. However, the Moroccan showed some of the form that helped QPR get promoted with a goal in his side's 2-1 win over Arsenal.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea City)
Sigurdsson is only on loan at Swansea but following another goal against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, manager Brendan Rodgers may act swiftly into securing the Icelandic midfielder's services on a permanent basis.
Martin Petrov (Bolton Wanderers)
Petrov made the difficult decision to play at the weekend just 24 hours after learning that his good friend Stiliyan Petrov had been diagnosed with leukaemia. The Bulgarian paid tribute to his pal by finding the net against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Papiss Cisse (Newcastle United)
Another weekend and another two-goal haul from Papiss Cisse. The Senegal international proved a constant thorn in the side of the Liverpool defence all afternoon at the Sports Direct Arena.
Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham Hotspur)
Adebayor had received a host of criticism for his lack of goals in recent weeks. The Togo international responded by heading a brace against Swansea City.
Liam Apicella
