The Dozen: the best photos from the weekend's Premier League matches

Our pick of the best images from around the top-flight grounds on Saturday and Sunday

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  • Mario Balotelli of Liverpool and Adrián of West Ham found themselves too close for comfort as the Hammers downed Liverpool 3-1. The Reds have lost three of their opening five league matches this season, while West Ham now sit a point above them in the table.
    Mario Balotelli of Liverpool and Adrian of West Ham clash.

  • Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam of Stoke City failed to stop a header by Steven Caulker of QPR as the Hoops twice came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw at Loftus Road. Nico Kranjcar’s sublime free-kick two minutes from time denied Stoke all three points.
    Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam of Stoke City fail to stop the header by Steven Caulker of QPR for the equalising goal.

  • Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew was the subject of intense criticism as Newcastle faced Hull City at St James’ Park. Aggrieved Newcastle fans staged a mass protest calling for Pardew to be axed.
    Newcastle United fans gesture towards team manager Alan Pardew.

  • It looked like being a torrid day for Pardew until Papiss Cisse scored twice as Newcastle came from two goals down to rescue a draw.
    Papiss Cisse (R) of Newcastle celebrates with teammate Yoan Gouffran after scoring.

  • Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck scored his first goal for the club and Mesut Ozil also found the net as Arsenal bagged three in four minutes to defeat Aston Villa 3-0. This acrobatic effort didn’t find the net, but it made for a plum snap.
    Arsenal's Danny Welbeck shoots at goal.

  • The same photographer also captured this great shot of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contorted expression as he looked to control a high ball on the right flank.
    Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain controls the ball.

  • Lukas Jutkiewicz of Burnley had two penalty shouts turned down as Burnley and Sunderland played out a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor. Here’s Jutkiewicz tangling in the penalty box with Emanuele Giaccherini, triggering fervent appeals from both sides.
    Lukas Jutkiewicz of Burnley tangles in the penalty box with Emanuele Giaccherini of Sunderland.

  • Angel Di Maria’s socks showed the signs of a bad challenge at one stage in Manchester United’s match with Leicester City ... Not only that, they also revealed that he keeps a photo of his wife and daughter stuffed inside them during matches.
    Angel Di Maria's socks showed the signs of a bad challenge. Not only that, they revealed that he keeps a photo of his wife and daughter stuffed inside them during matches.

  • Esteban Cambiasso was overjoyed as his strike made it 3-3 at the King Power Stadium. Leicester would add two further goals to claim a memorable 5-3 triumph in a game in which they had trailed 3-1.
    Esteban Cambiasso celebrates with Leonardo Ulloa after scoring to make it 3-3.

  • Chelsea’s fans celebrated Andre Schürrle’s goal against Manchester City at the Etihad stadium by letting off blue flares. It looked as if it would be the match-winner, with City having been reduced to 10 men moments earlier.
    Chelsea's fans celebrate Andre Schürrle's goal against Manchester City at the Etihad stadium by letting off blue flares.

  • The faces of Branislav Ivanovic and Frank Lampard told the story of a dramatic conclusion to the match; Lampard had just scored against his old club to rescue a 1-1 draw for Manchester City against Chelsea.
    The faces of Branislav Ivanovic and Frank lampard say it all. Lampard had just scored against his old club to rescue a 1-1 draw for Manchester City against Chelsea.

  • Swansea City’s Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski fell to the floor with an anguihsed expression after his side were beaten 1-0 by Southampton. The victory lifted Southampton up to second in the table, leapfrogging Swansea.
    Swansea City's Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski fell to the floor with an anguihsed expression after his side were beaten 1-0 by Southampton.
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