Premier League Weekend in 20 Pictures: Liverpool Lose, Martin Jol Sacked
There was a full slate of games in English Premier League action this weekend with excitement from start to finish.
On Saturday, Everton put in a brilliant attacking performance, Aaron Ramsey scored against his former club, and a loss by Fulham would finally earn Martin Jol the axe.
On Sunday, Tottenham and Manchester United did battle, Liverpool lost to Hull City, and Chelsea found competition from upstart Southampton.
See it all here in 20 pictures.
Roberto Martinez
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Although it has had its ups and downs, the Roberto Martinez era at Everton looked to take a big step forward on Saturday as Everton dominated normally defensively-stout Stoke City 4-0. When Martinez arrived, Evertonians hoped for a more open, attacking style. The Toffees have scored seven goals in their last two games.
Gerard Deulofeu
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Everton's big win over Stoke was highlighted by a brilliant, Barcelona-esque goal scored by Gerard Deulofeu just before the half-time whistle. In first-half stoppage time, Deulofeu took the ball in from the wing and helped combine several short passes in the box before depositing the ball in the back of Stoke's net.
Not surprisingly, Deulofeu is on loan to Everton from Barcelona.
Romelu Lukaku
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Romelu Lukaku continued his brilliant start to the EPL season, scoring his eighth goal in nine games. The goal will only increase the scrutiny on Jose Mourinho and the wisdom of letting the Belgian striker go on loan from Chelsea to Everton.
Aaron Ramsey
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Aaron Ramsey scored twice against his former club, leading Arsenal to a 3-0 win over Cardiff. He didn't celebrate either goal out of respect but was applauded by the Cardiff fans after he scored.
Martin Jol Sacked
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Fulham manager Martin Jol was sacked on Sunday, shortly after Fulham's 3-0 loss to West Ham, per Goal.com. Jol was seen during the game with his head in his hands as speculation swirled that he would soon be gone. Fulham sit in the relegation zone with 10 points from 13 games.
West Ham
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West Ham's 3-0 win over Fulham helped ease their own struggles and pushed them up to 15th in the EPL table. The win was sealed when Carlton Cole scored this goal in the 82nd minute.
A Snoozer
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Aston Villa and Sunderland played to a predictable 0-0 draw on Saturday as neither side could break the deadlock. The best chance of the game fell to Emanuele Giaccherini, who missed a sitter in the first half for Sunderland.
Norwich City vs. Crystal Palace
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In this game of likely relegation contenders, it was Norwich City who took the points thanks to a 30th-minute goal from Gary Hooper.
Moussa Sissoko
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This sizzling strike from Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko in the 57th minute helped Newcastle beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 and gave the Magpies their fourth straight win.
Manchester United's Wall
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In Sunday's early game, Tottenham took an early lead over Manchester United as Kyle Walker's free kick went under United's wall and straight into the middle of the net.
Sandro's Strike
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After Kyle Walker's goal to give Tottenham an early lead against Manchester United, Spurs gave one back before taking the the lead again in the 55th minute on a brilliant strike from distance from Sandro. Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea stood motionless as he watched the ball sail into the upper corner of his net.
Wayne Rooney
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After being a part of four goals for Manchester United in their 5-0 midweek demolition of Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, Wayne Rooney scored both of United's goals against Tottenham to help his team to a 2-2 draw on Sunday.
Under Fire
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Both David Moyes and Andre Villas-Boas have been heavily criticized this season, but while Moyes and Manchester United came into Sunday's game buoyed by midweek Champions League success, Tottenham's midweek Europa League win was still overshadowed by their 6-0 loss to Manchester City in EPL action the week before.
The rumor mill has been in full swing this week with reports that Villas-Boas is about to be sacked, according to Steven Stammers of Mirror Football. Spurs' 2-2 draw on Sunday may have saved his job for another week.
Brilliance
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Liverpool went down an early goal to Hull City in Sunday's game, but a brilliant free kick by legend Steven Gerrard put them level in the 27th minute.
Upset
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Hull City beat Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday to put a dent in Liverpool's title hopes. Hull had goals from Jake Livermore, David Meyler and an own goal from Martin Skrtel for the win.
How Not to Start
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It was far from a boring start at Stamford Bridge on Sunday as Southampton scored just 12 seconds into the game to take the lead against Chelsea.
Alvaro Negredo
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In the eighth minute of their contest on Sunday, Alvaro Negredo gave Manchester City the early lead over Swansea with this fantastic free kick. Swansea goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel didn't move.
Samir Nasri
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Samir Nasri helped seal Manchester City's win over Swansea on Sunday with a neat goal in the 58th minute, dribbling past two defenders in the box with ease. Nasri scored again in the 77th minute to give Manchester City the 3-0 win, pushing them to third in the EPL table.
John Terry
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With Chelsea finding competition from upstart Southampton and down 1-0 after only 12 seconds, it was John Terry who completed Chelsea's comeback scoring on a header in the 62nd minute to put the Blues up 2-1. Demba Ba sealed it in the 90th minute with Chelsea's third, pushing the team to second in the league.
Game On!
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The wins by Chelsea and Manchester City on Sunday will keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal, continuing to create a fascinating title competition for fans around the world to enjoy.
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