Wayne Rooney provided a timely reminder of his talents as new Everton boss Sam Allardyce watched the former England captain score a fine hat-trick against West Ham.
Rooney admitted his third - a stunning first-time strike from inside his own half - could be his best goal ever and few could argue with him.
The win lifted Everton away from danger and piled yet more misery on West Ham boss David Moyes.
At the other end of the table, Manchester City won again albeit through a last-gasp strike from in-form Raheem Sterling.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all picked up wins but there was more disappointment on the road for Tottenham.
Here are the key talking points from the midweek action.
1. Rooney HAS still got it
Much has been made of Wayne Rooney's role in Everton's current plight following his return to Goodison Park in the summer.
The former England skipper has been one of his side's better performers this term but was left out of Everton's last two Premier League matches.
He returned - as captain - to take on West Ham and it had the desired effect as he scored an excellent hat-trick.
Rooney's third goal was nothing short of sensational, beating Joe Hart from inside his own half with a first-time finish.
He admitted it could well be his best goal ever - and there have been some special strikes down the years.
Rooney impressed in a deeper role and that could well be his position going forward under new boss Sam Allardyce.
2. Late late show saves City
Are they ever going to drop points again?
City appeared to be heading for only their second draw of the season against Southampton before another late winner from Raheem Sterling.
While Sunday's goal at Huddersfield was fortunate, this was nothing short of superb as Sterling beat Fraser Forster with a fine effort.
The goal sparked wild celebrations at the Etihad, last seen when Sergio Aguero scored THAT goal in 2012.
City have now won 19 games in a row and even when they aren't putting teams away with ease, they are coming away with three points.
It might be time to give them the title already.
3. Luck on Mignolet's side
Liverpool romped to victory at Stoke but only after a highly-contentious decision at 1-0.
Mame Biram Diouf looked certain to level the scores only to be clattered by the onrushing Simon Mignolet on the edge of the box.
Somehow the Belgian managed to escape with only a yellow card with a free-kick awarded.
Mark Hughes was rightly incensed and if panels can retrospectively ban players for diving and violent conduct, why can't they for situations like this?
4. Old-timer Young has plenty to offer
Having looked set for another season on the periphery at Old Trafford, Ashley Young is now one of Jose Mourinho's most valuable players.
He followed up his deflected winner against Brighton with a stunning double against former club Watford.
Young fizzed one past Heurelho Gomes to open the scoring before an outstanding free-kick that left his manager speechless.
The 32-year-old is revelling in a left wing-back role, forcing himself back into the England reckoning.
And to think some said he should retire with his zimmer frame...
5. Five-star Arsenal are back in the groove
Arsenal are hitting form at just the right time - and are back in that safe haven of fourth.
Since that 2-1 defeat to Watford, they have won five out of six and have kept three clean sheets on the spin.
They romped past Huddersfield on Wednesday night with Mesut Ozil at his dazzling best.
United are next up and another positive result will put them right in the Champions League picture.
6. Spurs need freshening up
While Arsenal are flying, their north London rivals have hit a bit of a slump.
They've managed just one win in five - a nervy victory over Palace - and were beaten on the road again at Leicester on Tuesday night.
Jamie Vardy's goal was a piece of brilliance but in truth, Spurs were way off their best at the King Power.
Mauricio Pochettino needed to bolster his squad in the summer for times like this, when things are going against you.
Has he got the depth to do mix things up?
7. Goal-shy Swans in BIG trouble
Having just survived last season, Swansea fans will have hoped to kick on this term.
In truth, they have been nothing short of awful.
They have just two wins from 14 games and the 1-0 defeat at Chelsea, albeit a creditable result, was their fourth game without scoring.
Swansea need Tammy Abraham back and firing if they are going to arrest the slide.
8. Pardew's Palace reunion is vital
Having only managed draws in midweek, Saturday's showdown between West Brom and Palace is huge for both sides.
Palace will have settled for a point at rivals Brighton but West Brom somehow threw away a two-goal lead against Newcastle.
They simply cannot find a win at the minute and that will be a concern for new boss Alan Pardew.
Can he stop the rot and get one over on his former club in the process?
9. Burnley dreaming of Europe
What a job Sean Dyche is doing at Turf Moor.
They were unfortunate to lose against Arsenal on Sunday and responded in perfect fashion by beating Bournemouth.
That win took them to sixth - just three points off the Champions League places.
It has been an incredible start to the season for Burnley and with Everton floundering at the wrong end, they could well make a challenge for the top seven.
10. Dire straits for Hammers
Three games in and it is already looking bleak for David Moyes at West Ham.
They looked to have taken a step forward against Leicester on Friday but barring 20 minutes at the start of the second half, they were woeful at Everton.
This was a side at rock-bottom but West Ham let them play in the first half and before they knew it were 2-0 down.
West Ham are at City this weekend and you fear another pasting could be on the cards.
Some supporters have already turned on Moyes, whose job is looking harder by the week.