Kelvin Leong selects the top eleven players who outclassed the field in the Barclays Premier League at the weekend.

What a weekend it was! An under-pressure Liverpool side took down the reigning champions, Manchester United with Nemanja Vidic receiving his third red card in consecutive games against the Reds.

Chelsea showed their class with a 5-0 thumping of Sam Allarydce's Blackburn outfit at Stamford Bridge while Tottenham threw the kitchen sink at Stoke City only to be caught out at the end by a late goal from Glen Whelan.

These are the eleven players we felt made a difference at the weekend.

Steve Simonsen - Stoke City

He was thrown into the starting line-up just before kick-off but any thought that he will be caught out cold was cast aside as he made save after save from an unlucky Tottenham side. The veteran goalkeeper definitely deserved his win bonus for this game.

Gary Cahill - Bolton

This boy is doing everything in his power to book his seat on the plane to South Africa with England next year. Another solid display at the back while also providing an offensive threat to score Bolton's second goal against Everton at the Reebok stadium.

Jamie Carragher - Liverpool

He has been criticized a lot in recent weeks but the Liverpool captain was a rock in defence as he repelled everything the Red Devils threw at him. Rafa Benitez will be hoping Carra can maintain this sort of form for the rest of the season.

Stephen Warnock - Aston Villa

Ashley Cole's spot in the Three Lions starting line-up seems to be confirmed. Wayne Bridge has been his stand-in for quite some time now but a certain Villan could spring a surprise based on current form. Warnock has shown his class since moving to Villa from Blackburn and his dynamic style of play is a better option than that of Bridge.

Frank Lampard - Chelsea

Two goals for the Chelsea man who dominated play in the middle of the park like he usually does. Lampard is so consistent a play that we sometimes forget just how good he really is. Chelsea's biggest star in my opinion.

Lucas Leiva - Liverpool

Many people will be rubbing their eyes at this point. Yes. Lucas is in our Team of the Week because he played like we have never seen he do before. With Gerrard absent, the former Gremio star took it upon himself to lead a Liverpool renaissance against United. Made some brilliant runs into the box while also stopping Carrich and Scholes from dictating play.

Michael Essien - Chelsea

The Ghanaian general is a modern-day midfielder who can defend and attack with equal ease. He along with Michael Ballack, are perfect for the diamond-formation that Carlo Ancelotti favours. His screamer against Blackburn will be a strong contender for goal of the season.

Yossi Benayoun - Liverpool

Just why Rafa Benitez refuses to give Benayoun more playing time is a mystery. The Israeli playmaker has looked dangerous whenever he goes on one of his trademark slaloming runs. Arguably the Reds' best option going forward down the wings.

Hugo Rodallega - Wigan

This speedy forward has had a good season so far. He loves drifting out to the wings but it is his eye for goal that made the difference against Burnley. Rodallega also has a huge shot on him and will be a crucial player for a Latics side short of quality players.

Carlton Cole - West Ham

Cole singlehandedly helped Hammers back into the game with his style of tenacious forward play. The former Chelsea man may not have silky smooth skills but his robust all-action style of play suits a team like West Ham who are more likely to grind out results than produce a handsome win.

Fernando Torres - Liverpool

It was a tough choice between El Nino and Robin Van Persie but the Spaniard has our vote simply because of the sheer magnitude his goal had for Liverpool's season. Torres was not 100% fit and was a passenger for most of the game until his moment of brilliance in the 65th minute sent the Anfield faithful into rapturous applause. Without Torres, Liverpool are just not good enough.