Nottingham Forest truly raised the curtain on the Nuno Espírito Santo era, downing Newcastle 3-1 at St. James Park. The Midlands club went behind to an Alexander Isak penalty, but former Magpie Chris Wood bagged himself a hat trick against his old side, who are beginning to show the strain of the season.

Bournemouth continued their winning ways, and Fulham continued their losing ones. The Cherries clocked a 3-0 win, pulling ahead when Justin Kluivert bopped one in off the bar, and doubled their lead behind a Dominic Solanke penalty. Luis Sinesterra rocketed home an insurance goal in added time, sealing Andoni Iraola’s 4th win in a row.

In a bizarre match at Bramall Lane, Luton recorded their second win in a row, besting their hosts 3-2. The statistics all point to dominance from the Blades, but Sheffield United fell behind in the 17th minute. Chris Wilder’s men then pulled ahead in the second half behind two quick goals by Oli McBurnie and Anel Ahmedhodzic. It wasn’t to be, however, and 2 own goals sunk Sheffield’s fortunes, cementing Luton’s status as the most likely bottom side to find safety.

Liverpool pulled themselves into 1st place in the table, narrowly beating Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor. The match could have been a rout, with the Reds dominating the Clarets but going into the last third of the game with only a single goal to show for it. Vincent Kompany’s men made a great fist of evening the score, but the newly healthy Diogo Jota sealed all 3 points off the bench. Arsenal’s subsequent loss means that Liverpool control their destiny in the second half of the season.

It was a rare positive night at Old Trafford, where Manchester United clawed back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Aston Villa 3-2. At first it seemed like the same problems were plaguing the Red Devils after John McGinn and Leander Dendonker fired the Birmingham side 2 goals ahead by the 26th minute. However, Erik Ten Hag’s side showed some fight and their youngsters snatched the victory - Alejandro Garnacho nabbed a brace and Rasmus Højlund picked a great time to open his account by finding a winner in the 82nd minute.

Wolves really stomped on Brentford when they were down, crushing the bees 4-1. Mario Lemina and Hwang Hee-chan made it 2-0 by the 14th minute, and even though Yoane Wissa quickly halved their lead, Hwang and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde stamped out any comeback in West London.

Chelsea need a late penalty to seal all 3 points at home to Crystal Palace, but any win is welcome at Stamford Bridge. Mykhailo Mudryk found the net to fire Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead, only to have Michael Olise peg Chelsea back in first half stoppage time. Both sides had chances to win, but ultimately Noni Madueke won and converted a penalty in the 89th minute to give the West London club the victory.

It briefly looked like the Champions were in for a rude awakening upon their return from the Club World Cup, but Manchester City ultimately won comfortably at Goodison Park. Jack Harrison put the Toffees ahead in the first half and Sean Dyche set about keeping the points secure. It wasn’t to be, though, and second half goals from Phil Foden, Julián Álvarez, and Bernardo Silva reminded the league that City won’t lie down and forfeit the title.

Thursday threw up the most surprising results of the round, with Brighton opening the day by bopping Tottenham 4-2. Jack Hinshelwood opened the scoring, João Pedro tucked away 2 penalties, and Pervis Estupiñán made it 4. Spurs were able to pull 2 goals back late behind Alejo Veliz and Ben Davies, but Tottenham were thoroughly dominated.

Arsenal fell off the top of the table after David Moyes and West Ham managed their way to a 2-0 win. Jarrod Bowen maybe did, maybe didn’t keep a ball in on the touchline, but he found Tomás Soucek to open the scoring. Konstantinos Mavropanos doubled their lead, and the Hammers were able to see out a potentially critical victory in the title race.