Steve Pass looks over the best of the weekend's action from the Premier League, as well as the main talking points.
Team of the weekend
Game of the weekend
Newcastle 2 Tottenham 2
The Magpies twice came from behind in this action-packed encounter at St James' Park to preserve their unbeaten record in the top flight. First Rafael van der Vaart put Spurs ahead from the penalty spot after Emmanuel Adebayor had been felled by Steven Taylor in the box. But Newcastle's determination - which has been on show throughout this campaign so far - was again in evidence when Demba Ba equalised shortly after the interval. Jermain Defoe showed why he is a top predator in front of goal by netting five minutes after coming on as a substitute but the Magpies were not to be denied and fellow substitute Shola Ameobi replied with four minutes remaining. In a thrilling ending, the hosts then poured forward in search of a winner, while Tim Krul had to produce a good double save at the other end as this breath-taking tie ended in a draw.
Player of the weekend
Steven Gerrard
The Liverpool skipper marked his first start for more than six months with a goal against the old enemy Manchester United. The England international had not played a full match since the 3-1 win over the Red Devils last March after a groin injury which required surgery and then became infected. But he showed he has lost none of his appetite for the game with an accomplished performance topped off with a goal. The 31-year-old netted with a 68th minute free-kick after Charlie Adam had been caught by Rio Ferdinand. While it wasn't enough to win the game, the Kop will be delighted to have their talisman back as the Reds attempt to get back into the top four this term.
Goal of the weekend
Sebastian Larsson
The former Arsenal man hit a wonder strike to equalise for Sunderland in the clash at the Emirates. The Swedish ace curled an almost unstoppable free-kick into Wojciech Szczesny's top-right corner. However it was to no avail as Robin van Persie notched his second of the game late on to earn the Gunners the three points. Notable mentions in this category include Mario Balotelli's overhead strike and James Milner's curler for Man City against Aston Villa, while substitute Shola Ameobi notched from a tight angle to earn a point for Newcastle and Peter Odemwingie scored a beauty into the bottom corner after a back-heel by Paul Scharner as West Brom won the Black Country derby.
Performance of the weekend
Bolton
The nod here goes to Bolton as the Trotters showed great spirit to beat Wigan in their North-West derby and haul themselves off the foot of the table. After a horrendous run of six losses on the bounce, it was vital Owen Coyle's men stopped the rot at the DW Stadium. Nigel Reo-Coker set their stall out early on with a fourth minute opener to settle the nerves but Wigan battled back and equalised via Mohamed Diame. But the Trotters' determination was again on show when Kevin Davies mugged Steve Gohouri and fed David Ngog to score his first goal for the club to ensure they went into the break with their lead intact. While Davies went on to miss from the penalty spot in the second period and Victor Moses hit the crossbar, Chris Eagles' injury-time strike sealed a much-needed win to ease the pressure on their boss.
Controversy of the weekend
Racism row
Man Utd's Patrice Evra has accused Liverpool striker Luis Suarez of racially abusing him during the 1-1 draw at Anfield. The United captain has alleged Suarez directed insults at him during the match and the FA is investigating after referee Andre Marriner was made aware of the allegations. Suarez has categorically denied the claims.
Moment of the weekend
Gerrard's goal
As mentioned above, what a way to mark the England international's first start in months by scoring against the old enemy. The Liverpool skipper put those months of frustration behind him and slotted home to taste the joys of football and send the Kop delirious.
Miss of the weekend
Lee Cattermole
An unmarked Lee Cattermole allowed Wojciech Szczesny to save when it would have been far easier to score against the Gunners. The howler came in the 35th minute when Sebastian Larsson robbed Carl Jenkinson of possession and Stephane Sessegnon crossed the ball to the back post from the byline but Cattermole could not convert and give Sunderland the lead at the Emirates.
Save of the weekend
David De Gea
The 20-year-old endured a rocky start to his United career as replacement for Edwin van der Sar with mistakes against Man City in the Community Shield and West Brom on his Premier League debut. But he underlined his growing stature between the posts for United with a pair of top class saves to deny Liverpool a win at Anfield. First the Spaniard threw himself to his left to deny Dirk Kuyt and was in action again in injury-time when he acrobatically tipped over a shot from Jordan Henderson - the save of the weekend.
