Arsenal moved into the Premier League's top four with a 2 - 1 win away over West Brom.
Tomas Rosicky scored a brace for the Gunners while James Morrison pulled one back for West Brom from the penalty spot with 20 minutes to go.
But Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker was red carded for giving away that penalty by fouling Shane Long.
Aston Villa secured a crucial 3 - 1 result over Stoke at the Britannia to move three points clear of the relegation zone and within a point of todays opponents.
Gabby Agbonlahor, Matt Lowton and Christian Benteke were on target for for Villa, with Lowton's spectacular late volley a goal of the season contender.
Michael Kightly had given Stoke hope by making it 1 - 1 with just 10 minutes to play before Lowton and Benteke struck and the threat of relegation is now looming large at the Britannia.
Norwich and Swansea drew 2-2 at Carrow Road in a match where both sides swapped the lead.
Robert Snodgrass and Michael Turner scored for Chris Hughton's side while Michu and Luke Moore got the Swans goals.