Danny Welbeck scored the game’s only goal as Arsenal won at West Bromwich Albion while Chris Smalling and Wayne Rooney were on target in Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat of Hull City at Old Trafford.
England right-back Glen Johnson gave Liverpool a 1-0 win over Stoke City to follow three defeats, bravely heading home after approach work by international team-mates Jordan Henderson and Rickie Lambert.
And in League One MK Dons midfielder Dele Alli continued his goalscoring form with the opener, and his eighth of the season, in a 6-0 win over Colchester United.
Chris Smalling opens the scoring for United
The England U18s midfielder suffered an injury but played his part in a remarkable victory with another youth international, Arsenal loanee Benik Afobe, bagging a hat-trick.
Arsenal striker Welbeck was quick to give credit to his defenders after scoring in the 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion.
The England striker continued his fine form, heading home his fifth Premier League goal of the season on 60 minutes after earlier being denied by Three Lions team-mate Ben Foster.
Danny Welbeck powers his header past Ben Foster
But Welbeck said that it was the Gunners rearguard, including Calum Chambers from the start and Kieran Gibbs as a first-half substitute, who proved decisive.
“The clean sheet is very important. We always believe we will score goals, so if we get a clean sheet we feel we'll win the game. It was a vital three points for us today,” he said.
"Getting towards the end of the game, they started lumping balls forward and made it uncomfortable for us but we defended well as a team.”
Saido Berahino started up front for the Baggies but it was a frustrating afternoon for the striker, who this month celebrated his first call-up to the Senior ranks.
“I didn't think it was over the line initially. Thankfully the goalline technology gave it.”
Chris Smalling
Manchester United and England
Manchester United continued their 16-year hoodoo over teams managed by former defender Steve Bruce, scoring three unanswered goals.
Smalling prodded United ahead and then Rooney doubled the advantage, curling a low shot into the far corner. Robin van Persie completed the rout for a United side also featuring Three Lions midfielder Michael Carrick.
Smalling admitted afterwards: "I didn't think it was over the line initially. Thankfully the goalline technology gave it.
"The manager said it was our best game of the season and I think it was. It was a complete performance.
“He said of the Arsenal result that we ground that out without particularly playing well, but this time we did.”
Patrick Bamford has been prolific for Middlesbrough
Gary Cahill kept a clean sheet but will have hoped for a better visit to the Stadium of Light, where Chelsea drew 0-0 with Sunderland.
Indeed Chelsea might have wished they had England Under-21s striker Patrick Bamford still in their ranks, as he continues to show his class playing on loan at Middlesbrough.
Bamford opened the scoring on 83 minutes with his sixth goal for Boro, but the hosts were pegged back by Blackburn Rovers with a 94th-minute equaliser from Rudy Gestede.
