Man Utd v Everton 2-0
Before the game RVP hadn't gone more than two games without scoring returns, that hasn't changed. Despite this statistic, FPL'ers were selling him in their droves to the extent that RVP suffered a price drop.
Utd were also aided by Jones' fine man-marking job on Everton's main attacking threat Fellaini so despite plenty of possession The Toffees couldn't capitalise. Anichebe again started but was replaced after picking up a calf injury. Heitinga got a last-minute reprieve - Distin was injured in the warm-up - and the collective groan of Everton supporters was an excellent early-morning alarm-call for me.
Meanwhile, the work of Everton's full backs was the footballing equivilant of Beauty and The Beast. Baines gliding seamlessly down the flanks ghosting past opponents while the cumbersome and lead-footed Neville swung wild boots at his crosses that continued to land in Row Z.
Utd's other goal came from Giggs as Rafael snared an assist to go with his CS.
Norwich v Fulham
Not much to say here apart from Norwich's budget defence continues to rack-up CS's and Fulham remain unable to score away from home. First clean sheet in 12 for Fulham while Norwich have scored one goal in six. Moving on….
Spurs v Newcastle 2-1
Bale was again the difference with another brace. He's now scored all Tottenhams goals in the last three games (4). Holtby started as did Dempsey, while Adebayor wasn't quite ready after the ACON & Defoe still injured. AVB continues to shake up his back four with Walker the only nailed-on option although Dawson made his 7th start in a row. Kaboul will be back shortly to shake things up further.
Sissoko continues to catch the eye playing in the hole” it remains to be seen whether that will continue when Ben Arfa will soon return to the first team. Marveaux came on in 58mins for the injured goalscorer Gauffron. Newcastle now have a very tempting fixture list.
Sunderland v Arsenal 0-1
Arsenal showed a second half resilience not always associated with them. Cazorla scored in the first half after yet another assist from the in-form Walcott before Jenkinson was sent off and Wilshere hobbled off. Podolski was rested to the bench.
Sunderland had their chances to score but Szczesny was in outstanding form as was his opposite number Mignolet. Cattermole - in his comeback from injury - managed a full two minutes before going into the book. Graham started on the bench.
Swansea v QPR 4-1
After six goal-less games Michu came roaring back in style with two goals and one assist with the game at Anfield still to come. Rangel and Hernandez were Swansea's other scorers. Chico was taken off with ankle ligament damage. Zamora scored two minutes after coming on at HT for QPR but they were thoroughly outplayed and questions must also be asked now about their defence with Nelsen now gone.
Southampton v Man City 3-1
City were well and truly beaten here as Puncheon, Davis and an OG from Barry were the scorers. Rodriguez continues to get 90mins from the new manager while Fox is continuing in place of the injured Shaw. Lallana replaced Puncheon after 60mins. Lambert grabbed two assists.
Silva like most of his City team-mates is in poor form. Tevez was out due to family reasons” and Nastasic is still not fit. Garcia played CB as Kompany is still injured. Yaya was poor on his return.
Stoke v Reading 2-1
Stoke gained their first win of 2013 while Huth scored his first goal of the season. Substitute Jerome scored Stoke's other while Reading defender Mariappa also got on the scoresheet. Supersub Le Fondre for the first time in five couldn't get on the scoresheet.
Kebe again started for Reading while Charlie Adam spent the full game on the bench for Stoke.
Villa v West Ham 2-1
It was only Villa's third home win of the season but it was enough to take them out of the relegation zone.
N'Zogbia has found some form and produced another goal and assist. The assist was for a Benteke penalty.
Bowery made his first PL start at the expense of out-of-favour Darren Bent.
Joe Cole returned to the starting line-up as Carroll again took his place at CF but it was Westwood (OG) who scored for The Hammers. O'Brien came off injured.
Chelsea v Wigan 4-1
Ramires, Hazard, Lampard and substitute Marin all scored for Chelsea while the in-form Maloney scored for The Latics. Torres played 90 but couldn't score, while Ba stayed on the bench. Mata could only manage a place on the bench due to a midweek virus. Azpilicueta bagged a brace of assists.
Wigan brought the returning Kone off the bench for the last half-hour.
We keenly await the two biggest games of the DGW coming up at Anfield.
Let us know how you're all travelling this gw.