JOEY BARTON was back in the headlines for the right - and wrong - reasons at St James' Park.
The Newcastle midfielder led by example with an all-action display as Toon sunk Liverpool 3-1.
He netted the Magpies' crucial second goal with 10 minutes remaining to scoop the Star Man bonus.
But just before his strike he was caught making obscene gestures at Kop star Fernando Torres - and faces possible FA sanctions.
Regular scorers Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll were also on target for new boss Alan Pardew, the latter reaching double figures in the Premier League.
But the defeat spelt more misery for Kop boss Roy Hodgson, who saw Dirk Kuyt grab the Reds' only goal.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto was the unlikely Star Man as champions Chelsea were held 1-1 at Tottenham.
The Spurs defender made some crucial tackles and blocks to ensure the Blues' slump continued.
Roman Pavlyuchenko opened the scoring for Tottenham before sub Didier Drogba levelled.
Keeper Heurelho Gomes let Drogba's equalising effort slip through his grasp before conceding a penalty by bundling over Ramires. But he made amends and earned a three-point bonus for keeping out Drogba's spot-kick.
Drogba's Ivory Coast team-mate Yaya Toure ran the show at Upton Park as Manchester City steamrollered West Ham 3-1.
Toure hit the opener and had a hand in City's second goal to ease to Star Man glory.
Joe Hart was denied a clean sheet when James Tomkins headed home late on for the Hammers.
Charlie Adam's promptings helped Blackpool record a surprise win at Stoke. DJ Campbell netted just his third Premier League goal of the season to steal the points.
Aston Villa starlet Marc Albrighton stood out from the crowd with a dazzling display as Gerard Houllier got back on track against West Brom.
Villa striker Emile Heskey grabbed a fortuitous 80th-minute goal that proved to be the winner.
There were plenty of clean sheet points at the weekend as Fulham and Sunderland, and Everton and Wigan, both played out goalless draws.
Ten-man Bolton snatched a late win against rivals Blackburn, while Stephen Hunt's goal separated Midlands foes Wolves and Birmingham at Molineux.
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