Skysports.com takes a look at the best and worst of the weekend's action in the Premier League.
Team of the weekend
Game of the weekend
Chelsea v Manchester United
A drama-filled afternoon at Stamford Bridge saw Chelsea go level on points with Manchester United at the summit of the Premier League table. In a fiercely competitive encounter, Blues hero Michael Ballack broke the deadlock as he met Didier Drogba's cross with a fine header. But United levelled in the second half with Wayne Rooney finishing coolly after he pounced on an inexplicable error by Ricardo Carvalho. With four minutes remaining, Chelsea secured the crucial success when Ballack fired home from the penalty spot after Michael Carrick had been penalised for a handball. In Sir Alex Ferguson's post-match interview, the fiery Scot slammed the decision to award the spot-kick, branding it 'ridiculous'. United, though, could so easily have snatched a late point had it not been for goal-line clearances from Ashley Cole and Andrei Shevchenko.
Player of the weekend
Michael Ballack
The Germany international demonstrated his class in Chelsea's victory over United. He did terrifically well to dispatch from Didier Drogba's cross to get his side up and running, while he demonstrated unwavering nerve and bottle to belt home from the penalty spot with Chelsea's title hopes weighing heavy on his shoulders.
Goal of the weekend
Stephen Ireland
Ireland's sumptuous hit narrowly pips Sebastian Larsson's trademark free-kick to this accolade. The Manchester City midfielder opened the scoring in the 10th minute as he deposited his wonder strike into the top corner. Ireland opened up his body before curling the ball beautifully to leave goalkeeper Kasey Keller with not a prayer.
Save of the weekend
Joe Hart
Hart can count himself unlucky to have been on the losing side as he pulled off a number of top-notch stops in vain against Fulham; the highlight of which came via a stunning one-handed reflex save from David Healy's header.
Pass of the weekend
Lee Carsley
Wonderful vision from the Irish midfielder as he exchanged passes with Phil Neville before clipping a cross into the back-post for Joseph Yobo to volley - great pass which almost won the game for Everton.
Controversy of the weekend
Penalty at Stamford Bridge
As mentioned, Ferguson was incensed at the call which saw Chelsea haul themselves back in with a chance to lift the Premier League trophy. Carrick was left aghast when referee Alan Wiley pointed to spot after linesman Glen Turner had spotted Michael Essien's cross strike the midfielder's arm. Ferguson went on to label it as a 'disgraceful' call, while fuming at recent decisions that he feels have gone against his side.
Lost ball of the weekend
Jason Koumas
In Wigan's goalless draw with Reading, Koumas optimised a distinct lack of end product. The Welsh midfielder skied an early effort out of the JJB Stadium to set the tone for what would be a frustratingly poor encounter.
Moment of the weekend
Take your pick
The weekend's games threw up a number of cracking fixtures, talking points and a general buzz of excitement as the season draws to a dramatic close. Chelsea's late triumph saw Stamford Bridge rocking with delight at the final whistle, while Fulham's epic turnaround against Manchester City handed them a faint chance of avoiding the dreaded drop. Sunderland also enjoyed a joyous Saturday as Roy Keane's men assured they will be playing top-flight football next season following an enthralling triumph over Middlesbrough.
Ouch of the weekend
Nemanja Vidic
Vidic's Saturday came to a premature end as he was caught in the face by Didier Drogba's knee. The clash sent one of his teeth through his lip. Nasty stuff. Newcastle United's David Edgar was also in the wars after he badly cut his head following a collision with West Ham's Carlton Cole. The youngster had to have eight to 10 stitches.
