Manchester United stormed 7 points clear at the top of the Premier League standings after a hat-trick from Wayne Rooney inspired them to come back from 2 goals down to beat West Ham United 4-2.
Manchester United's bid for a record 19th English league title was helped by second-placed Arsenal shedding points in a 0-0 home draw with Blackburn Rovers. Chelsea almost gave up the defence of their title with a 1-1 draw at Stoke City.
The weekend's other big winners were Manchester United's neighbors/enemies Manchester City who leapfrogged defending champion Chelsea into 3rd place with a 5-0 hammering of visitors Sunderland after manager Roberto Mancini's more attacking formation paid dividends.
Apart from a stunning win, the only thing that sours for Manchester United was Rooney's expletive-laden outburst on live television while he was celebrating taking just 14 minutes to notch a treble. Later he apologised but will discover on Monday whether he faces any FA disciplinary action.
Manchester United now has 66 points from 31 matches, with Arsenal on 59 from 30 matches. Manchester City has 56 points from 31 and Chelsea has 55 from 30.