While there were plenty of goals last time out, it was a cagey weekend of Premier League action over Saturday and Sunday with significant results at both end of the table.
Manchester United got one over on old rivals Liverpool, but Manchester City kept the title race very much alive with their victory at Arsenal.
There was plenty of woe for Aston Villa at the wrong end of the table as they went down 1-0 to fellow strugglers Southampton, but Reading gave their survival hopes a huge boost with a dramatic comeback against West Bromwich Albion.
One person who will want to forget the weekend will be Jonathan Walters following his two own goals and a penalty miss during Stoke City's 4-0 thumping by Chelsea.
Here, Sports Mole picks out the 11 players who proved their worth for their respective teams.
Julio Cesar (QPR)
Not for the first time did the Brazilian get his team out of trouble as they earned a credible goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
The summer signing was a constant threat in the final third as the Blues eased past Stoke City. He also refused to be bullied on a feisty afternoon at the Britannia Stadium.
Titus Bramble (Sunderland)
Yes, you've read that correctly. Fewer defenders in Premier League history have received as much flack as Bramble, but he was superb at the back in Sunderland's vital 3-0 victory over West Ham United.
Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd)
The Serbian may still be a little rusty, though you wouldn't have guessed with his authoritative display in United's win against Liverpool.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
The full-back has earned every plaudit imaginable this season and he was at his marauding best against in the Toffees' 0-0 draw with Swansea City.
Stephane Sessegnon (Sunderland)
West Ham struggled to live with the slippery Benin international as the Black Cats triumphed at the Stadium of Light.
Michael Carrick (Man Utd)
The veteran midfielder was a source of calm for United in a typically-frantic encounter with Liverpool as he went about his business the only way that he knows how - quietly and efficiently.
Jimmy Kebe (Reading)
Kebe was a model of industry in the Royals' remarkable comeback against West Bromwich Albion and he was rewarded for his efforts with his third goal of the season.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
The Belgian was at the heart of everything that was worthwhile in Chelsea's 4-0 thumping of Stoke City and his spectacular long-range strike capped a memorable performance.
Romelu Lukaku (West Brom)
It may take a while for the Baggies to get over their dramatic defeat at Reading, but they can take some comfort in Lukaku, who scored twice, agreeing to stay until the end of the campaign.
Danny Welbeck (Man Utd)
Welbeck gave one of the most selfless displays of the weekend at Old Trafford to help his side earn three points against Liverpool.
Jack Prescott
