We cast an eye over this weekend's Premier League action and pick out the highlights.
Game of the weekend
Arsenal 2 Liverpool 0
Saturday night's game was billed as a chance for both teams to test their credentials to be realistic Premier League title contenders this season. It ended with the firm impression that Arsenal are better placed to become champions after opening up a five-point lead at the top. It was another easy-on-the-eye display from Arsene Wenger's side in a lively and entertaining encounter at Emirates Stadium.
Moment of the weekend
Cardiff's win
In the first south Wales derby to be played in the top flight, Cardiff ran out winners thanks to former Swansea defender Steven Caulker's second-half header. It was a first home win for Cardiff since August and also helped to lift the mood around the club following a difficult few weeks which has seen Malky Mackay's position as manager come under scrutiny.
Player of the weekend
Aaron Ramsey
The Arsenal midfielder is certainly among the early front-runners to be Player of the Year after coming to the fore with the Premier League leaders this season. He produced another eye-catching performance in the 2-0 win over Liverpool and scored his team's stunning second goal.
Long shot of the weekend
Asmir Begovic
This could also go down as fast start of the weekend after the Stoke goalkeeper remarkably scored inside the opening 14 seconds of the 1-1 draw with Southampton. Begovic launched the ball downfield and, aided by a strong wind, it took one bounce over Artur Boruc to give Stoke the lead.
Goal of the weekend
Yaya Toure
Manchester City midfielder Toure has arguably proved he is as good a free-kick taker as anyone this season and he added another to his highlights reel in the 7-0 demolition of Norwich City. Toure curled a 25-yard free-kick over the wall and underneath the bar to give Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy no chance.
Failure of the weekend
Fulham's offside trap
Fulham lost 3-1 to Manchester United after conceding three goals in the space of 13 first-half minutes, all as a result of a failure to successfully deploy their offside trap. Wayne Rooney was the first to capitalise as he got in behind to tee up Antonio Valencia to score the opening goal. Robin van Persie then profited twice, firstly to hammer home United's second goal and then to break free down the right before rolling the ball across for Rooney to tap in.
Save of the weekend
Tim Krul & Mathieu Debuchy
With 10 minutes to go, Newcastle led Chelsea 1-0 thanks to Yoan Gouffran's header. Chelsea had thrown on Willian and Samuel Eto'o in search of an equaliser and both players came close to scoring. Firstly, Krul produced a brilliant reaction stop to keep out Willian's shot and then Debuchy blocked the follow-up effort from Eto'o.
Controversy of the weekend
Poyet's pain
Sunderland had Lee Cattermole and Andrea Dossena sent off in the 1-0 defeat at Hull City. Gus Poyet was unhappy that Cattermole was shown a red card by Andre Marriner for a rash challenge on Ahmed Elmohamady amid suggestions the midfielder's reputation counted against him. There were no complaints about Dossena's horrible tackle on David Meyler, but Poyet was upset that Hull's Robbie Brady was not dismissed for a lunging challenge on Adam Johnson in the latter stages of the game
Nervous wait of the weekend
Sascha Riether
The Fulham full-back will be waiting to discover if a Football Association charge will be landing at his door this week after appearing to stamp on Manchester United teenager Adnan Januzaj towards the end of the 3-1 defeat. The incident was not seen by referee Lee Probert.
