Chelsea remain five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after a 1-0 victory away at West Ham United on Wednesday night.

Winger Eden Hazard netted the decisive goal midway through the first half at Upton Park to ensure that the Blues maintained their advantage over Manchester City, who struggled to a 2-0 win over Leicester City.

Arsenal kept hold of third position after beating Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, while Manchester United complete the top four after a late triumph at Newcastle United.

Liverpool are in fifth after they secured a 2-0 win at home to Burnley, while Southampton's 1-0 success over Crystal Palace on Tuesday night ensures that they remain in the hunt for a European place.

Tottenham Hotspur kept their Champions League hopes alive after prevailing by a 3-2 scoreline against Swansea City, who were overtaken by Stoke City in eighth place after the Potters eased past struggling Everton.

Aston Villa moved three points clear of the relegation zone with a dramatic 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion, and that result saw them close the deficit to Hull City and Sunderland, who played out a 1-1 draw at the KC Stadium.

Here, Sports Mole looks back on all 10 contests from midweek to pick out the 11 most impressive players.

Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
Simply put, Chelsea wouldn't have earned three points at West Ham if it wasn't for Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian made two stunning stops in the first half before impressing after the break to retain his clean sheet.

Carl Jenkinson (West Ham United)
The Arsenal loanee ended up on the losing side at Upton Park, but his attack-minded display against the league leaders may have reminded Arsene Wenger of his talents ahead of next season.
Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
The England international has seen his place in the side come under threat in recent weeks, but after this performance, Jose Mourinho is unlikely to consider making any changes to his backline for Chelsea's upcoming fixtures.
Marc Wilson (Stoke City)
Despite the absence of Ryan Shawcross, Stoke have conceded just one goal in three games, and that has partly been due to the displays of Marc Wilson, who impressed again against Everton on Wednesday night.
Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal)
The left-back hasn't always been first choice this season, but as well as doing his bit in defence, he got forward to create Arsenal's first goal against Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday night.

Ryan Mason (Tottenham Hotspur)
It's been a long wait since September 24, but Ryan Mason finally netted his second goal for Spurs against Swansea City on Wednesday night, and it was a strike that helped secure an important win for his side.
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
The 24-year-old has been exceptional in recent weeks, and that continued on Wednesday night as he contributed a 20-yard volley and a superb assist during his team's win over Burnley.
Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham United)
The Senegalese midfielder has emerged as a real powerhouse for West Ham, and although he couldn't help his side gain a result against Chelsea, his stock rose considerably and he will surely be a target for the big clubs come the summer.
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
Despite reverting back to his more familiar wide role to accommodate Sturridge, the England winger was excellent as he acted as a constant menace to the Burnley backline at Anfield.

Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
It's been a quiet few weeks for the Chilean international, but he returned to form with an energetic showing that was capped with a fine finish inside the penalty area that ultimately proved decisive in his side's win over QPR.
Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
He may have only scored from the penalty spot, but Christian Benteke's goal in the final minute against West Bromwich Albion could kick-start a dismal campaign for the West Midland outfit.

Numpty of the week

Gus Poyet, Steve Bruce, Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse: For the first time in Sports Mole 'Numpty of the week' history, we have a quartet of suitable candidates. On Tuesday night, Gus Poyet and Steve Bruce - the managers of Sunderland and Hull respectively - became embroiled in a touchline spat that resulted in Poyet being sent off and Bruce having to be held back from further confrontation.

Twenty-four hours later, both Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse shamed themselves by spitting at each other after the Manchester United defender had been unhappy with a unsavoury reaction from the Newcastle forward.

Goal of the week

Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool vs. Burnley): Before Wednesday night, the 25-year-old had only scored two goals in nine appearances since returning from injury, but his header against Burnley reminded Liverpool fans what they had been missing in attack. The striker's movement to meet a delightful pass from Henderson was too sharp for the opposition defence and his header towards the near post left Tom Heaton with no chance.