By Andrew Discenza

Referee Peter Walton left Manchester City feeling hard done by, as he turned down two valid penalty claims in the league leaders’ 1-0 defeat at Everton. First former Toffee Joleon Lescott was adjudged to have fouled Tim Howard in the area, when the goalkeeper clearly barged Lescott from behind without coming close to the ball. Then Aleksandar Kolarov’s cross struck the extended arm of Phil Neville, but Mr. Walton appeared to miss the incident, which could have saved a point for City.

Gareth Bale & Luka Modric set themselves in a class above the rest with a stunning performance to lead Tottenham to a 3-1 win over Wigan. Modric fed Bale for the opener with an inch-perfect ball over the top but the Welshman still had a lot to do, controlling with his chest before raising his foot high into the air to volley past Ali Al Habsi. The Croatian then produced a wondergoal, as the ball fell to his feet he spun and sent it exploding off his boot and into the corner. Bale then sealed the win, looking like Cristiano Ronaldo as he shifted to his left to open up an angled shot, before rocketing the ball across a helpless Al Habsi and into the very bottom corner. An otherworldly performance from the duo.

Penalties were the difference as Manchester United ground out a 2-0 win over Stoke. Take nothing away from the Champions’ win however, as they could have had four penalties awarded. Huth’s handball, Shawcross’ trip on Evra, Pennant’s late challenge on Park, and Walter’s tug on Valencia could all have been spot-kicks, although only the latter two were. Credit to United’s penalty takers, as Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov in turn dispatched into the very bottom corner.

Neil Taylor’s tragic own goal for Swansea gifted Chelsea a point in the 93rd minute. As Jose Bosingwa whipped in a last-gasp cross, the defender committed the cardinal sin of turning his back to the ball, actually looking in the other direction as the otherwise manageable ball in spun off his knee and into the net.

Fraizer Campbell inspired Norwich to their 7th win in 11 competitions under Martin O'Neill. The 24-year-old scored a dazzling opener, controlling the ball in the air 25 yards out before unleashing a dipping volley that flew under the bar. Campbell then sent a cross right onto the forehead of Stephane Sessegnon, who obligingly nodded home.

Manchester City’s visit to Everton was made eventful by a creative pitch invader, who managed to handcuff himself to City’s goalpost before security knew what had happened. Surely a Premier League first, police eventually replaced his handcuffs with a pair of their own, but not before adding five minutes to first half stoppage time.

Robin van Persie simply couldn’t get a break against Bolton, as he hit the woodwork twice in Arsenal’s disappointing 0-0 draw. Bacary Sagna sent an inviting ball into the danger area, but the Dutchman’s touch was denied by the post. Van Persie then nearly scored with an audacious chip, but the ball floated agonizingly onto the bar.

Scott Sinclair struck a stunning volley that nearly upset Chelsea. When the ball fell to the 22-year-old he had his back to goal, but turned as he swung his leg and curled the ball gloriously over and beyond Petr Cech and into the very top corner.

Aston Villa & QPR may not be the highest flyers in the Premier League, but they played to a thrilling 2-2 draw before fans at Villa Park. Mark Hughes seemed like a genius when newboy Djibril Cisse announced his arrival with a thumping shot into the bottom corner. Stephen Warnock then nodded clumsily into his own net despite the minimal threat posed by Taye Taiwo’s deep cross. Darren Bent pulled one back before Charles N’Zogbia swept his volley clinically into the bottom corner to complete the dramatic comeback.

A nasty foul by Benoit Assou-Ekotto went shockingly unpunished on Tuesday. The Tottenham full-back went in with a vicious, absurdly high challenge that sent his studs into the shin of Franco Di Santo. Referee Lee Probert kept his cards in his pocket, while the Wigan man was unable to continue.

Tim Krul produced the save of the weekend to keep Newcastle on track for victory. David Dunn was given the chance to level things up just before half-time from the penalty spot, but the Dutchman dove smartly to his left to palm the ball away.

Clint Dempsey continued his fine scoring form against West Brom. Bryan Ruiz slid him through with a clever pass, and the American turned the ball into the far corner.