Sunderland and Manchester United were the winners on Super Sunday as Paolo Di Canio claimed his first victory in charge of the Black Cats in fine style with a 3-0 win in the derby away to Newcastle, whilst United condemned Stoke City to yet another defeat at the Brittania.
Di Canio took his side to St James' Park knowing that defeat would leave them stranded in 17th place and only outside of the relegation places on goal difference, but a trio of stunning goals ensured that they climbed to 15th place and dragged their local rivals back into the fight not to go down in the process.
It was only the controversial Italian's second game in charge after an unlucky defeat away to Chelsea last weekend, but it was clear from the off that his passion for attacking football has already rubbed off on his players as Alan Pardew's team struggled to get to grips with Stephane Sessegnon and company.
Despite Simon Mignolet being forced into key saves from Papiss Cissé during the first half it was Sunderland who deservedly went in ahead at half-time through Sessegnon's 27th minute strike from outside the box.
The second half saw Sunderland comfortably soak up plenty of Newcastle pressure, and they inflicted two perfect counter attacks upon the home side to seal the points. First Adam Johnson cut inside and bent a delicious shot into the far corner with his left foot on 74 minutes, and then David Vaughan sent Di Canio and the away fans into raptures with what can only be described as an absolute worldie into the top corner with 8 minutes left.
Newcastle's woe was compounded by the news that Tim Krul is out for the season with a shoulder injury picked up in the second half, whereas Di Canio was left revelling in the sound of his name being sung out loud and proud by the travelling fans at fulltime.
Stoke City are one of the sides Sunderland moved above in the table after The Potters were beaten 2-0 by champions elect Manchester United. Tony Pulis's side are now 16th in the table and just 3 points outside the drop zone.
The Red Devils barely had to work for their points either, and took the lead with just 4 minutes on the clock when Michael Carrick pounced after Stoke failed to deal with a Robin van Persie corner.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men didn't have to break a sweat for much of the match and could barely have asked for a more comfortable win after the disappointment of the Manchester derby on Monday evening. Stoke barely threatened in attack and Wayne Rooney dictated the flow of the game from a slightly more withdrawn midfield position.
Van Persie ended his 10 match goal drought on 66 minutes when he converted a penalty that he himself had won, and his delight and relief was all too clear to see. His goal ended any hope of a Stoke fightback, and ensured that United saw out what must be one of their most comfortable Premier League victories of the season.
With Manchester City in FA Cup action United have rekindled their 15 point advantage at the top of the table, and could win the league at Van Persie's old stomping ground in just two weeks time.
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