Arsenal beat Newcastle by a single goal in Sunday's lunchtime kick-off to end 2013 at the top of the Premier League.
Before Chelsea and Liverpool took to the field at 4pm, the result at St. James' Park had already ensured the Gunners would go into 2014 at the summit of the table - a position occupied at the turn of the year by the eventual title winners in each of the past four seasons.
The game's only goal was scored by Olivier Giroud on 65 minutes, and it was enough to secure all three points for Arsene Wenger's men.
England internationals Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott all started for the Gunners - while there was also a substitute appearance for Carl Jenkinson.
The game at Goodison featured ten players who have represented England
Meanwhile, in south-west London Chelsea came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Eden Hazard cancelled out Martin Skrtel's early strike for Brendan Rodgers' side.
Played at a pulsating pace throughout, the game featured several England internationals - including Frank Lampard, Glen Johnson, Jordan Henderson, Ashley Cole and Raheem Sterling.
Lampard, however, had to leave the pitch due to a muscular injury that his manager Jose Mourinho confirmed at the post match press conference would likely rule him out for a "few games".
There was also a debut appearance for Australian-born left-back Brad Smith - who has featured for England at U17 and U19 levels.
His manager Brendan Rodgers complimented him after the game. "He's a young boy who's got a real bright future. Hopefully today gives him that extra motivation, and it's good for the other players to see the young lads get their chance."
Lennon scored his first league goal in nine months
Back on Merseyside Everton ran out 2-1 victors against Southampton, in a game that featured 10 players who have represented England at various levels.
Nathaniel Clyne, Calum Chambers, Jack Cork, Jay Rodriguez, James Ward-Prowse, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana all appeared for the Saints - while the home side fielded Leighton Baines, Leon Osman and Ross Barkley.
The fourth game of a busy day in the Premier League saw Tottenham Hotspur beat Stoke City 3-0, with England's Aaron Lennon joining Roberto Soldado and Mousa Dembele on the scoresheet.
