All 20 teams were in action over an exciting 3-day Premier League weekend. Here is how the matches played out.

Bolton 2-1 QPR

The first of two drop zone battles took place in the early match on Saturday when Bolton hosted struggling QPR. This match had its share of controversy as Clint Hill’s header crossed the line for QPR, yet wasn’t given by the ref. Bolton would make them pay, when Darren Pratley headed in for 1-0. In the second half, one could say justice was served when Djibril Cisse wasn’t judged offside, even though he was, to tie it at 1-1. QPR attacked more and more but it was Ivan Klasnic and Bolton who would have the last laugh and claim the victory.

Aston Villa 1-0 Fulham

This match sat at 0-0 at halftime and looked like it would stay that way but second half sub, Andreas Weimann who replaced Charles N’Zogbia, scored an odd-looking extra time winner to give Villa a huge three points over an in-form Fulham.

Chelsea 1-0 Stoke

The Blues first match post AVB wasn’t necessarily total football, but three points were taken, nonetheless. Roberto Di Matteo played the “old guard” and they got the job done, but it was not until Juan Mata came on for Raul Meireles that things got going. Fortunately, for Chelsea, Ricardo Fuller was sent off in the 25^th minute for a stupid stomp on Branislav Ivanovic, which made things easier. Chelsea created some chances but finally, in the 68^th minute, Didier Drogba got what would be the winner in a fairly boring match.

Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool

Both of these sides came in on a losing streak and their managers were in need of a win. It was Matin O’Neill’s team that would get that win with a fortunate goal that fell straight into the path of Niklas Bendtner, who finished well. Liverpool’s slide continues and Sunderland is now back on track after this match.

Wolves 0-2 Blackburn

This was the second relegation battle and two goals from the lively Canadian, David Hoilett, gave Steve Kean and Blackburn a huge away win.

Everton 1-0 Tottenham

Spurs third loss in a row has them in danger of losing their third place spot that they did so well to get in the first place. It took a great finish from new Everton signing, Nikica Jelavic, to go ahead as the battle of American keepers raged on. Tottenham created many chances in the second half but were kept out by Tim Howard and the post. Harry Redknapp was disappointed but the finishing has to be better if they want to stay in third spt.

Manchester United 2-0 West Brom

Wayne Rooney’s brace fired United to the top of the table following Man City’s loss in Wales. Rooney’s first goal came after some great movement and play from Paul Scholes and Chicharito. In the second half, West Brom had a penalty claim turned down and United kept on attacking. Naturally, United got their penalty claim when Keith Andrews pulled down Ashley Young. Rooney converted, and that was that.

Swansea 1-0 Manchester City

This loss for City could be decisive in their race for the title. It even started poorly, as Joe Hart gave away a penalty. Although he would save Scott Sinclair’s attempt, the alarm bells were ringing. Swansea got their goal when a poor pass by Stefan Savic was intercepted and Luke Moore went unmarked and headed home. Micah Richards thought he had an equalizer but was ruled rightly, but barely, offside. Swansea probably deserved this result.

Norwich 1-1 Wigan

Wigan’s late equalizer was indicative of Norwich’s recent form and showed the never-say-die attitude that Roberto Martinez wants to see more often from his Wigan players. A Victor Moses goal canceled out Norwich’s Wes Hoolahan’s opening goal for a share of the points.

Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle

It was an incredible finish to a wild night in north London as Arsenal stayed three points ahead of Chelsea and remained one point behind Tottenham. Newcastle came to play and actually took the lead when Hatem Ben Arfa’s low shot crept into the near post. Just 53 seconds later, Robin van Persie neatly turned and finished off a Theo Walcott cross to draw level. The chances flowed in this game and RVP and Newcastle goalkeeper, Tim Krul, who are international teammates, went at it verbally on more than one occasion. In the last ten minutes Arsenal pressed and pressed and in the 95^th minute got the winner when Thomas Vermaelen made up a ton of ground and finished off the frantic Arsenal attack. The Gunners have now won five in a row and the louder than usual Emirates crowd was showing their appreciation.