Chelsea and Manchester City went into the weekend level on points and goal difference at the top of the table, but now it's Jose Mourinho's Blues that lead the way.

The West Londoners recorded a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, but champions City were held to a 1-1 draw away at Everton.

There was also jostling for places between the division's third and fourth-placed sides, with Southampton coming out on top by a goal to nil against Manchester United.

Further down, there was contrasting fortunes for the Premier League's North London duo as Arsenal overcame Stoke City 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, while Tottenham Hotspur slumped to a 2-1 defeat away at Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace.

Towards the bottom, Sunderland were beaten 1-0 at home by Liverpool, while Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion both recorded 1-0 victories over fellow strugglers Aston Villa and Hull City respectively.

Burnley also claimed an important 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers at Turf Moor, with Swansea City and West Ham United playing out a 1-1 draw in South Wales.

Here, Sports Mole has taken all of that into consideration to pick out the 11 players that made the biggest impression on us over the course of the weekend.

Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Between the posts for a rare start this season, Cech showed no signs of any rustiness as he made some important first-half saves to keep the scoreline level at 0-0.

Paul Konchesky (Leicester City)
The former England left-back banished the memories of what happened at Villa Park last month by capping a fine overall display by scoring the winning goal.
Jose Fonte (Southampton)
Man United failed to register a single shot on target at Old Trafford and that was thanks in part to Fonte's defensive work. The Portugal international made crucial challenges and interceptions, as well as being the main organiser.
Scott Dann (Crystal Palace)
The centre-back was effective in both penalty areas at Selhurst Park, making clearances at one end and then posing a threat from set-piece situations.
Kieran Trippier (Burnley)
Trippier is really starting to look at home in the Premier League. While his defensive work was good, he also got forward well and sent a handful of teasing crosses into the area.

Lazar Markovic (Liverpool)
For perhaps the first time in the Premier League, Markovic started to justify his hefty summer price tag. Playing out wide, the youngster was a constant threat and went on to score the game's only goal.
Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
It was a real combative showing from the Frenchman in the heart of the Saints midfield. He kept the likes of Wayne Rooney at bay.
David Silva (Manchester City)
Is there a footballer more easy on the eye than Silva? Everything the Spaniard did at Goodison Park had a touch of class about it. It was his intelligence that set up City's goal.
Marc Albrighton (Leicester City)
Playing against his former club, Albrighton looked inspired. His pace and direct approach was a consistent thorn in the side of the Villa defence.

Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
The Premier League's best player? Probably. The Chilean produced yet another performance of high class, rounded off by two goals and an assist.
Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
He may not have scored, but there was plenty of positives about Lukaku's performance. He showed great pace and desire, which often saw him get the better of Eliaquim Mangala.

Numpty of the week

QPR players: When you've just lost for the 10th Premier League away game in succession, you should expect some flak from supporters that have spent plenty of their own money and travelled huge distances around the country to watch you turn out lacklustre displays.

While nobody likes being verbally abused, a quick applause and then head down the tunnel to the sanctuary of the dressing room is the done thing. However, Richard Dunne and Clint Hill in particular took exception to a section of visiting fans that aired their views at Turf Moor and got involved in a heated debate. It was left to Joey Barton of all people to play the role of peace-maker!

Goal of the week

Andy Carroll – Swansea City vs. (West Ham United): If there was ever any doubt about Carroll's technical ability, he laid that to rest with this goal. He showed an abundance of quality - including strength, hold-up play, quick feet and then last of all the presence of mind to find the top corner of the Swansea net from the edge of the area.