The boredom of international week was swept away in spectacular fashion this weekend as the Premier League returned with a bang.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea all picked up important wins, but Manchester United lost ground in the race for the title as they were held by Cardiff City.

Newcastle United, Stoke City, Swansea City and Crystal Palace also came away with the spoils from their respective fixtures, while Everton and Liverpool played out a majestic 3-3 draw at Goodison Park.

Here, Sports Mole picks out the 11 players who made their mark on the action.

Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
He may have conceded three goals in the Merseyside derby, but the Belgian came to his side's rescue a number of times to keep Everton at bay during a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal)
The young full-back defended with determination for the Gunners while providing an important attacking outlet down the flanks as they overcame Southampton.
Mike Williamson (Newcastle United)
Williamson continued to prove his worth for the in-form Magpies with a reliable display at the back in their victory over Norwich City.
Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)
The ice-cold German did well to keep a lively Southampton attack at bay as the Gunners maintained their lead at the top of the table.
Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Chelsea were dominant in their victory at West Ham United, and Azpilicueta showed once again that he is a more-than-capable replacement for Ashley Cole when needs be.

Oscar (Chelsea)
The tricky Brazilian gave a superb display in midfield during the Blues' win over West Ham United and was rewarded with a fine goal.
Peter Whittingham (Cardiff City)
Whittingham's set-piece deliveries were vital for a plucky Cardiff City as they rallied to earn an impressive draw with Manchester United.
Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
The veteran midfielder showed no signs of slowing down against West Ham United, scoring two goals against his former club to keep Chelsea in the hunt for the title.

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
The best striker in the Premier League at the moment? It would be hard to argue otherwise following the Argentine's rampant performance against Tottenham Hotspur.
Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Lukaku was at his powerful best against Liverpool as two devastating goals almost earned Everton the spoils in the Merseyside derby.
Shane Long (West Bromwich Albion)
The slippery Irishman almost single-handedly destroyed Aston Villa at The Hawthorns before the visitors fought back to earn a draw. His first goal was a thing of beauty - control, composure and a ruthless finish.

Numpty of the week

Artur Boruc: The Southampton goalkeeper had an absolute nightmare at the Emirates Stadium when he inexplicably tried to take on Olivier Giroud before the Arsenal striker dispossessed him to score for the Gunners.

Goal of the week

Shane Long (West Bromwich Albion) vs. Aston Villa: Long lit up The Hawthorns when he plucked the ball out of the air before rifling it past Brad Guzan from the edge of the box in the Midlands derby.