For a long time now, one of the Premier League's biggest tests has been regarded as a cold night at the Britannia Stadium.

Well, league leaders Chelsea passed it with flying colours, winning through 2-0 against Stoke City to open up a three-point lead at the top of the table.

Trailing the West Londoners is champions Manchester City, who kept up the pace courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.

Elsewhere, Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa, while there were routine home wins for West Ham United and Southampton at the expense of Leicester City and Everton.

A stoppage-time header from Martin Skrtel salvaged a point for Liverpool at home to Arsenal, with their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur beating Burnley 2-1 at White Hart Lane.

Towards the bottom, Sunderland moved away from relegation trouble courtesy of a late 1-0 victory away at rivals Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers overturned a two-goal deficit to beat West Bromwich Albion 3-2 at Loftus Road.

Hull City's poor form continued, though, as they went down 1-0 at home to Swansea City.

Here, Sports Mole has picked out the 11 players that made the biggest impression on us over the course of the weekend.

Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
In-form Man United recorded nine shots on target at Villa Park, but just one got the better of Guzan. The American made a host of good stops to prevent the visitors from recording a seventh straight victory.

Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)
On this type of form, there are few better right-backs in European football than Zabaleta. He assisted Silva's first goal and could have actually scored a couple himself during what was an impressive display.
John Terry (Chelsea)
Having opened the scoring with a powerful downward header in just the second minute, the Chelsea skipper spent the rest of his side's encounter at Stoke making a host of important challenges and clearances.
Jose Fonte (Southampton)
The Saints have struggled in recent weeks, but their captain played a key role in helping them to keep a much needed clean sheet at the St Mary's Stadium.
Ashley Young (Manchester United)
The winger turned full-back continued his recent positive form against his former club. Playing in the unfamiliar role, Young did well defensively and went on to assist United's equalising goal.

Erik Lamela (Tottenham Hotspur)
Cutting in from the right flank on a consistent basis, Burnley were unable to deal with Tottenham's Argentine playmaker. He gave Ben Mee a torrid afternoon before going on to score what proved to be the winning goal.
Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
The biggest compliment that can be paid to Matic is that he produced his usual showing at the Britannia Stadium. He broke up attacks on a consistent basis and relieved pressure by carrying the ball from the Chelsea half into Stoke territory on numerous occasions.
Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland)
He may not be the quickest, but the Swede displayed a sharp mind during the fiery Tyne-Wear derby. Larsson rarely wasted possession and also put in a good shift defensively.
David Silva (Manchester City)
Without a recognised striker on the pitch, Silva took up the goalscoring burden. The Spanish playmaker rounded off a characteristically classy outing by scoring two goals.

Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
Villa's big Belgian striker showed that he is close to recapturing full match fitness against United. His goal was one to remember, while he caused problems to the away side's rearguard all afternoon.
Charlie Austin (Queens Park Rangers)
Not for the first time this season, Austin stepped up when his side needed him. Trailing 2-0 to West Brom, the striker showed his predatory instincts by scoring three times to secure a crucial three points for the R's against their fellow strugglers.

Numpty of the week

Paul Konchesky: One thing a footballer should never do is assume, just ask Konchesky. Facing his own goal out wide on the left, the full-back attempted to pass the ball back to his goalkeeper Ben Hamer without looking. Had he taken the time to seek out any danger, he would have noticed Andy Carroll lurking in the vicinity. As it was, the West Ham striker intercepted, before going on to keep his cool and open the scoring for the hosting Hammers.

Goal of the week

Erik Lamela (Tottenham Hotspur) vs. Burnley: Ashley Barnes will understandably feel that he is deserving of this award for his effort at White Hart Lane, but Lamela scoops it, just! The Spurs attacker cut in from the right flank and then bent a curling effort with his left foot from 25 yards out beyond the reach of Tom Heaton. It turned out to be winning goal for the home side.