Premier League: the weekend's matches - in pictures

Liverpool's Andy Carroll made his return to the Sports Direct Arena (aka St James' Park) and swiftly enraged the home fans with a crude dive having pushed the ball beyond the goalkeeper Tim Krul Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

Goals in either half from Papiss Cissé (an angled header and a tap-in) put Newcastle in control. When their former No9 was substituted, he left the field to a chorus of jeers Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The dismissal of Pepe Reina, who aggressively confronted Newcastle's James Perch late in the match, made for a miserable afternoon for the Reds who are now 11 points adrift of the Magpies. Final score: 2-0 Photograph: Graham Stuart/AFP/Getty Images

Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice as Spurs overcame a strong challenge from Swansea at White Hart Lane. His goals, both headers, helped move Spurs level on points with Arsenal. Final score: 3-1 Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Sunderland arrived at the Etihad Stadium looking to become the first team to take points off City in their own ground. And when Sebastian Larsson gave Sunderland the lead in the 31st minute that became a very real possibility. The sides traded further goals, and a second strike for Larsson meants Sunderland were 3-1 up with only five minutes remaining Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

The City players squabbled among themselves – Balotelli clashed with Aleksandar Kolarov at a free-kick. Ultimately, the pair both scored in the closing stages to help City rescue a draw. Final score: 3-3 Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

At Villa Park, the fans held a minute's applause, starting at the 19th minute of the match, in support of their captain, Stilian Petrov, who was recently diagnosed with leukaemia Photograph: Alex Morton/Action Images

Petrov attended the match and was visibly moved by the show of support he received from fans. Photograph: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea led by two goals with 13 minutes remaining. James Collins and Eric Lichaj threatened to ruin Chelsea's improved form as they pulled Villa level, but late goals from Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres handed the points to the Blues. Final score: 2-4 Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Clint Dempsey helped give Fulham an early advantage against Norwich City at Craven Cottage. His second-minute strike was added to by Damien Duff. Aaron Wilbraham's late deflected effort for Norwich proved incidental. Final score: 2-1 Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

Adel Taarabt donned a Moroccan fez as he celebrated his first top-flight goal of the season, against Arsenal - after 21 successive blanks Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Arsenal responded through Theo walcott before the interval, but Samba Diakite lashed home a deserved winner for QPR as they recorded another impressive home win and ended Arsenal's seven-match winning streak. Final score: 2-1 Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Leon Osman celebrated giving Everton the lead against West Brom, though his wayward strike only found the net after striking Albion's Gareth McAuley. Victor Anichebe wrapped up the points in the second half. Final score: 2-0 Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Wolves were bickering among themselves after they allowed Bolton to come from behind and snatch victory. The home side had dominated the opening hour and took the lead through Michael Kightly, but a flurry of goals gave Bolton victory Photograph: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Kevin Davies bagged Bolton's third as they condemned Wolves to what may be a critical defeat. Final score: 2-3 Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Action Images

Wigan's Victor Moses was smothered by his team-mates after sealing a precious win over Stoke. They are now level on points with Blackburn and QPR. Final score: 2-0 Photograph: Craig Brough/Action Images