Is the writing on the wall for Jose Mourinho? He could only watch on as his Chelsea side lost for the third time already this season away at Everton, resulting in speculation that all is not well within the corridors at Stamford Bridge.
It was a result that allowed Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal all to open up some daylight in the title race.
Elsewhere, there were home victories for Leicester City, Norwich City, West Ham United and Watford, while Tottenham Hotspur triumphed on the road.
There was to be no such entertainment at The Hawthorns, though, with neither West Bromwich Albion nor Southampton able to find the back of the net.
Here, Sports Mole has reviews the action and picks out the 11 best players, as well as the best goal and the biggest villain.
Jack Butland (Stoke City)
The 22-year-old recently insisted that he was in the England squad to put pressure on current number one Joe Hart and on the evidence of his showing at the Emirates Stadium, Butland means business. The fact that Stoke only lost 2-0 was testament to the goalkeeper's brilliant display, which included 10 saves. That was more than any other keeper has recorded in the Premier League this season.
Brendan Galloway (Everton)
He may be a centre-back by trade, yet Galloway looked a natural at left-back in the continued absence of Leighton Baines. With the likes of Eden Hazard and Pedro to contend with, Galloway carried out his defensive duties to a high standard and even played a part at the other end of the pitch. It was his cross from the left flank that resulted in the game's opening goal.
Daley Blind (Manchester United)
There have been those that questioned the decision to deploy Blind in the heart of the United defence this term, but his doubters will have been silenced by his performance against rivals Liverpool. The physical Christian Benteke was given no change by Blind and his partner Chris Smalling, while the Dutchman also broke the deadlock after a tedious first half at Old Trafford with the calmest of finishes from the edge of the area.
John Stones (Everton)
There may have been a point last month when Stones wanted to join Chelsea, but there could be no denying where the England international's loyalties were when the Londoners arrived at Goodison Park. Not only did he make a host of crucial interceptions and challenges, he also showed the type of composure in possession of the ball that is not often seen in English centre-backs.
Ritchie de Laet (Leicester City)
The right-back played a key role in Leicester's famous come-from-behind victory against Man United last season and he was an influential figure once again as the Foxes overhauled a two-goal deficit to defeat Villa at the King Power Stadium. He halved the deficit with a neat volleyed effort and then went on to cause numerous problems down the right flank in the closing stages.
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)
Chris Waddle recently claimed that the Algerian could play for Barcelona. While that may be jumping the gun a little bit, if he continues this current form, the big clubs are bound to come knocking. The only thing lacking from the winger's performance was a goal of his own, having played a key role in all three of his team's goals. On more than one occasion he put at least two Villa defenders on the seat of their pants with some sharp tricks.
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United)
Slowly but surely, the World Cup winner has started to show his quality in a Man United shirt. Now looking fully fit, Schweinsteiger controlled proceedings in the midfield for much of his side's clash against Liverpool. He ended the contest with a pass completion rate of 94% and never look hurried when on the ball - he slowed the game down to his pace.
Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
The season may only be five games old, yet summer signing Payet has already made himself a cult hero among the Upton Park faithful. He scored a goal of high quality in either half to sink Newcastle, as well as creating seven opportunities for his teammates. In this day and age, £11m is not a lot of money and more performances like this from the Frenchman will soon see him regarded to be a bargain buy.
Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City)
Like a fine wine, 33-year-old Hoolahan seems to be getting better with age. The Republic of Ireland international was a constant presence in the lines between the Bournemouth defence and midfield and he went on to punish the away side's failure to pick him up. He showed good awareness to set up Cameron Jerome for Norwich's first goal, before he made it 2-0 with a neat finish.
Steven Naismith (Everton)
The Scotland international was close to joining Norwich on transfer deadline day, but all those connected with Everton will be delighted that he stayed put. Coming on as a substitute for Muhamed Besic in just the ninth minute, Naismith went on to score the perfect hat-trick against the champions - one with his head, one with his left foot and the other with his right boot. Surely Roberto Martinez will find a place for the 29-year-old in his starting lineup now.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
The England frontman, like many of his teammates, struggled to find any rhythm during the first half against Villa. Yet, Vardy went on to make a number of key contributions as Leicester fought back after the restart. Having been denied what appeared to be a clear penalty, the tireless forward scored a vital equaliser from close range.
Numpty of the week
Valon Behrami: The only saving grace for the Switzerland international is that his dismissal didn't cost his side the three points. His stamp on Swansea's Andre Ayew was both needless and cowardly in equal measure. The Watford midfielder was rightly red-carded and he can count himself lucky that he will only be serving a three-match suspension.
Goal of the week
Nemanja Matic - Everton vs. (Chelsea): On a truly miserable afternoon for Mourinho's Chelsea on Merseyside, Matic did at least score the weekend's best goal. Some 30 yards out, the holding midfielder unleashed a powerful shot with his left foot that swerved away from helpless Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.
