The 13th round of Premier League matches proved to be unlucky for leaders Chelsea.
While their unbeaten start to the season remains intact, they could only muster a 0-0 draw away at a stubborn Sunderland.
Champions Manchester City took full advantage of that slip-up by recording a 3-0 victory over Southampton, which saw them leapfrog the Saints into second position.
In fourth, Manchester United recorded a routine 3-0 triumph over Hull City, while there were also victories for Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
Elsewhere, Liverpool returned to winning ways at the expense of Stoke City at Anfield and towards the bottom Queens Park Rangers saw off Leicester City 3-2 at Loftus Road.
However, draws were played out at both Turf Moor and the Liberty Stadium, with both matches ending 1-1.
With all that in mind, Sports Mole has reflected on all of the action to pick out the 11 players that made the biggest impression on us.
Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
The Belgian, justifiably, has had his critics this term, but he responded with a very good display against Stoke. Although he didn't have too many saves to make, the work that he did have to carry out, he did well.
Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United)
His winning goal aside, the left-back was a constant threat going forward as he swung countless dangerous crosses into the area. Defensively, he was more than steady.
John O'Shea (Sunderland)
The Irishman used all of his experience to do the sort of marking job on Diego Costa that most Premier League centre-backs have failed to do this term. He got under the Chelsea frontman's skin, that's for sure.
Wes Brown (Sunderland)
It would be unfair to include O'Shea and not mention his central defensive partner Brown. Often spare due to Chelsea playing with a lone striker, Brown almost operated as a sweeper and he read the danger very well.
Glen Johnson (Liverpool)
Like Mignolet, there have been major question marks hanging over the Liverpool right-back, but he stood up and was counted against Stoke. A good defensive display was rounded off when he showed great bravery to score the game's only goal in the closing stages.
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
The Spanish playmaker lit up an otherwise unremarkable contest at The Hawthorns with a fleet-footed outing. His assist for Danny Welbeck's goal was the best moment of the game.
Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
Having been out for a number of months with an ankle injury, Carrick's return has coincided with United's recent positive form. He provided a real calmness to the midfield against Hull with a variety of long and short range passes.
Lee Cattermole (Sunderland)
Cattermole for England? Perhaps that's a touch too far, but the Sunderland midfielder was inspiring against Chelsea. It's a cliche, but he really did cover every blade of grass and in doing so made a host of vital blocks and clearances.
Bojan (Stoke City)
Following reports of unrest in the Potteries, Bojan has let his football do the talking recently. He was arguably the best player on the pitch at Anfield and can count himself unlucky to have not scored.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
It appears that the Argentine has taken up permanent residence in our weekly selection right now. He didn't get his name on the scoresheet (for a change) but his busy showing at the St Mary's Stadium saw him leave the pitch with two assists to his name.
Roberto Soldado (Tottenham Hotspur)
The relief when Soldado found the net in the Premier League for first time in nine months was there for all to see. It was a composed finish from someone that had not scored for so long. His clever movement also helped to create Tottenham's opening goal.
Numpty of the week
Moussa Sissoko: The French midfielder has been one of the driving forces behind Newcastle's recent and unexpected resurgence, but he let his side down at Upton Park. Booked in the 74th minute for not just kicking, but lashing the ball away in protest to a foul being awarded against him, Sissoko received a second caution just 30 seconds later.
His challenge on Andy Carroll was an honest one, but it was mistimed and left the referee with little option but to reduce Newcastle to 10 men, which all but ended their chances of getting back into the game.
Goal of the week
Kevin Mirallas - Tottenham Hotspur vs. (Everton): While Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney fired in efforts that were worthy contenders for this award, it was the weekend's final game that produced the best goal. Having won possession from Soldado on the edge of the area, Mirallas sent a pacey shot out of the reach of Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and into the corner of the Frenchman's net.
Liam Apicella
