There were plenty of surprises in the Premier League this weekend, with shocks at both ends of the increasingly unpredictable table.

Tottenham Hotspur were beaten at home by Newcastle United, while Manchester City's away-day woes continued as they went down at Sunderland.

However, Manchester United gave their title hopes a shot in the arm with victory over leaders Arsenal, and there were also important wins for Liverpool, Southampton, Aston Villa and Norwich City.

Elsewhere, there were entertaining draws involving Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Swansea City and Stoke City.

Here, Sports Mole picks out the 11 players who stood out from the rest following another thrilling two days of action.

Tim Krul (Newcastle United)
The big Dutchman put in one of the performances of the season at White Hart Lane, making 14 saves to help Newcastle clinch an impressive win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
The England international played an important part during United's victory over Arsenal with a committed showing at the back.
Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)
Skrtel was never in anything but complete control against Fulham and capped a fine defensive display with a typically-fearless header to increase Liverpool's lead.
Wes Brown (Sunderland)
It may have only been his third appearance of the season, but the veteran centre-back was a rock in defence for Sunderland as they stunned Manchester City.
Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)
Clyne's stock continues to rise for Southampton thanks to a composed display at both ends of the pitch in their thrashing of Hull City.

Jonny Howson (Norwich City)
The box-to-box midfielder was a vital presence for Norwich against West Ham United, covering every blade of grass as the Canaries picked up three vital points.
Phil Jones (Manchester United)
He may be undervalued by those outside of Old Trafford, but Jones showed why he has such a bright future with a versatile display during the champions' win over Arsenal.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
The Reds' skipper pulled the strings yet again from midfield as his team brushed aside Fulham with ease at Anfield.
Stephane Sessegnon (West Bromwich Albion)
Sessegnon worked his socks off at Stamford Bridge, causing Chelsea plenty of problems to help West Brom record a credible draw.

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
United's talisman was at his busy best against Arsenal, posing a determined threat in the final third while refusing to shirk his defensive responsibilities.
Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
The Uruguayan tore Fulham to ribbons at Anfield, finding the net twice in devastating fashion as Liverpool got back to winning ways. Is there a more clinical striker in the top flight?

Numpty of the week

Andre Villas-Boas: The Tottenham Hotspur manager was left with egg on his face by having to leave out goalkeeper Hugo Lloris against Newcastle, despite insisting that the Frenchman was okay after suffering concussion last weekend.

Goal of the week

Adam Lallana (Southampton) vs. Hull City: Lallana scored a superb solo strike against Hull as he ran rings around the visiting defence before finishing with aplomb.