The 14th round of Premier league fixtures certainly looked tasty on paper and they lived up to the expectations.
Leaders Manchester City brushed aside Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign, whilst Liverpool scored a bizarre 96th minute winner against arch-rivals Everton to remain two points behind the leaders.
Chelsea got back to winning ways against neighbours Fulham, whilst Arsenal blew away Spurs in a pulsating 4-2 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Manchester United could only earn one point against Southampton as the Red Devils linger in 7th place, one point ahead of Leicester, who defeated Watford at the King Power Stadium.
Wins for Brighton, West Ham and Crystal Palace see them move up the table, whilst Cardiff’s victory over 12th placed Wolves takes them out of the relegation zone.
Struggling Burnley drop to 19th as the relegation battle intensifies. But, who stood up and made themselves count and who cowered under the pressure? Here are our winners and losers.
Winners:
1) Andros Townsend – Crystal Palace
Palace have struggled in front of goal this season, but Townsend was in inspired form to help the Eagles overcome Burnley at Selhurst Park.
The Englishman first assisted the Palace opener, before rifling in a curling effort into the top corner beyond the sprawling Joe Hart to seal the victory.
If Townsend keeps this level of performance up, then he could single-handedly save Palace from relegation.
A goal and an assist for Townsend.
2) Javier Hernandez – West Ham United
Hernandez has struggled to break into the Hammers’ starting line-up this season, but he repaid Manuel Pellegrini’s faith in him by scoring twice in the 3-0 victory over Newcastle.
Both goals were typically clinical finishes from the Mexican, who was simply too much to handle for the Magpies defence.
With this type of service, Hernandez has the experience and quality to keep on applying the finishing touch.
Hernandez showed his poacher’s instinct.
3) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Arsenal
The Gabon international struck twice in a six-goal thriller at the Emirates Stadium against north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The first was a composed finish from the penalty spot, and the second was a sumptuous first-time finish into the top corner, leaving Hugo Lloris rooted to the spot.
The two goals sees Aubameyang lead the Premier League top scorer chart, two goals ahead of second-placed Raheem Sterling.
Aubameyang now leads the Premier League goal-scoring charts.
Losers:
1) Steve Mounie – Huddersfield Town
The Terriers forward endured a nightmare afternoon after he was sent off just after the half hour mark.
The striker’s challenge was clumsy and dangerous, leaving Brighton man Yves Bissouma in pain.
Manager David Wagner has insisted that the club will appeal the decision, but the red card means he will definitely be missing Tuesday’s match against Bournemouth.
All gone wrong for Mounie.
2) Etienne Capoue – Watford
Another hazardous challenge and another red card. Watford’s Capoue caught Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho and was given his marching orders in the 90th minute.
Capoue’s red summed up a disastrous afternoon for the hornets, who are dangerously sliding down the league table.
The midfielder will now miss Tuesday’s clash with Manchester City.
A bad week for Capoue.
3) Mark Hughes – Southampton
Following Southampton’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, Mark Hughes was sacked by the club.
The Saints have endured a dreadful start to the new season and Hughes has struggled to sort the team’s results out.
They are currently in the relegation zone and sit one point away from safety as the search for a new manager begins.
Sacked in the morning: Mark Hughes.
