The top three sides on the Premier League table asserted their authority on the competition with victories today.
League leaders Chelsea maintained their brilliant beginning to the campaign courtesy of a thoroughly entertaining 4-2 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Juan Mata contributed two goals in three minutes in the second half and provided a late assist for Daniel Sturridge as the Blues first led, via Gary Cahill's stunning volley, and then fell behind when William Gallas and Jermain Defoe scored for Spurs.
But Mata's brilliance turned the game on its head as Chelsea stayed four points clear of Manchester United and Manchester City who also delivered wins in Saturday's round of action.
Wayne Rooney turned villain to hero for United as he atoned for his early own-goal by scoring twice, including his 200th goal for the club, to lead the side to a 4-2 home win over Stoke City.
The Potters led after Rooney's blunder but a brace from the England striker and goals from Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck counter-acted the OG and Michael Kightly's 58th minute strike.
Reigning champions City were saved by Edin Dzeko at West Bromwich Albion as the Bosnian netted a late double after coming off the bench to guide his side to a 2-1 come-from-behind win.
City were reduced to ten men inside 25 minutes when James Milner was shown a red card for a professional foul as the last defender before Shane Long edged the Baggies ahead with just over 20 minutes left, however, Dzeko popped up with 80th and 90th minute goals to allow the visitors to take home maximum points and remain in third position.
Elsewhere, Norwich City gave manager Chris Hughton his first win in charge with a 1-0 result over Arsenal thanks to Grant Holt's 20th minute goal whilst Raheem Sterling scored his maiden Liverpool goal in their 1-0 victory over Reading.
Chris Baird netted late to give Fulham a 1-0 home win over Aston Villa, as Pablo Hernandez and Michu allowed Swansea City to edge Wigan Athletic 2-1 who were served by Emmerson Boyce and West Ham United cruised past Southampton 4-1 as Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan (x2) and Modibo Maiga etched their names on the scoresheet whilst Adam Lallana gave some hope to the Saints.
Tomorrow sees Sunderland host Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby as fourth-placed Everton can go clear of fifth-placed West Ham when they travel to bottom-of-the-table QPR.
2012/13 Premier League scores
Tottenham: 2 (William Gallas 47', Jermain Defoe 54') Chelsea: 4 (Gary Cahill 17', Juan Mata 66'/69', Daniel Sturridge 90+1') White Hart Lane, London - 36,060
Manchester United: 4 (Wayne Rooney 27'/65', Robin van Persie 45', Danny Welbeck 46') Stoke City: 2 (Wayne Rooney (og) 11', Michael Kightly 58') Old Trafford, Manchester - 75,585
Liverpool: 1 (Raheem Sterling 29') Reading: 0 Anfield, Liverpool - 44,874
West Bromwich Albion: 1 (Shane Long 67') Manchester City: 2 (Edin Dzeko 80'/90', red card: James Milner 23') The Hawthorns, West Bromwich - 24,891
Fulham: 1 (Chris Baird 84') Aston Villa: 0 Craven Cottage, Fulham - 25,693
Swansea City: 2 (Pablo Hernandez 65', Michu 67') Wigan Athletic: 1 (Emmerson Boyce 69') Liberty Stadium, Swansea - 19,696
West Ham United: 4 (Mark Noble 46', Kevin Nolan 48'/(p) 72', Modibo Maiga 87') Southampton: 1 (Adam Lallana 63') Upton Park, London - 34,925
Norwich City: 1 (Grant Holt 20') Arsenal: 0
Carrow Road, Norwich - 26,825