Premier League Scores Week 13: Key Results and Players from the Weekend

With Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Southampton all playing on Sunday, Saturday was an excellent chance for those teams at the top of the table to put some pressure on their positional rivals.

And this certainly rubbed off on Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle, as they all put in excellent performances. With some big games on Sunday, Arsene Wenger, Roberto Martinez and Alan Pardew can all put their feet up knowing the hard work has been done.

So here’s how those three teams fared. We’ve also highlighted some key players that contributed to each side's victory:

Cardiff City 0-3 Arsenal

A brace from Aaron Ramsey on either side of a Mathieu Flamini strike saw Arsenal run out comfortable winners in South Wales. The win puts the Gunners seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The Welsh outfit have caused a few shocks in their first season of Premier League football, and at home they have looked a tough proposition. 

But Arsenal carried out a thoroughly professional job in this contest. Ramsey and Mikel Arteta were imperious in the centre of midfield, controlling the pace of the game with swagger and poise.

A three-goal deficit may have flattered the Gunners slightly, especially with Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny making some critical saves. But it was yet another indicator that Wenger’s team are no longer a soft touch.

Key Man: Aaron Ramsey

Ramsey returned to his old club and received a standing ovation from the Cardiff City supporters at the final whistle. Aside from his duo of strikes, Ramsey put in yet another all-action display. The Welshman’s passing, running and work-rate were typically outstanding.

Everton 4-0 Stoke City

After a ferocious Merseyside derby last weekend, there was a danger Everton’s game against Stoke City would be a case of "after the Lord Mayor’s show." But the Toffees soon put pay to that.

With away trips to Old Trafford and the Emirates to come for Everton in the next seven days, Roberto Martinez rotated his squad. Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas were on the bench, and Leon Osman, Gerard Deulofeu and Bryan Oviedo came into the side.

After tough opening half hour, the Toffees started to take control of the game. Deulofeu bagged the goal his excellent performance warranted just before half time, and the floodgates opened in the second half. Seamus Coleman, Oviedo and Romelu Lukaku netted after the break to send the Toffees into fourth place in the table.

Key Man: Gerard Deulofeu

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It’s easy to see why the young Catalan is rated so highly by Barcelona. The Blaugrana loanee dazzled here, bursting forward at every opportunity and bamboozling the Stoke defenders with excellent footwork. He looks set to play a big role for Everton for the rest of this campaign.

Newcastle United 2-1 West Brom

After apparently being “in crisis” merely weeks ago, Newcastle have gone about silencing their doubters. A win over the Baggies was their fourth in succession, and despite many predicting early on that a relegation battle was in store for the Magpies, they now find themselves in fifth place in the Premier League.

Indeed, they are just one point behind second-placed side Liverpool. They showed spirit and a host of character to overcome a resolute West Brom side. That was after Chris Brunt equalized Yoan Gouffran’s opener. 

The winning goal came from Moussa Sissoko, and it was an absolute screamer. The ball dropped to the French international 25 yards out, and he bludgeoned a shot into the top corner.

Key Man: Shola Ameobi

The English forward has been drafted back into the side as of late, and he is rewarding Alan Pardew with some brilliant showings. He led the line with distinction against West Brom: roughing up the Albion defenders, dropping off into space and giving Newcastle a necessary outlet when under pressure.