Arsenal’s Ashley Cole and Chelsea’s Joe Cole were both outstanding in the Premiership this weekend, proving they are bang in form ahead of crucial qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan.

Joe Cole is in the form of his life after being named man of he match yet again for Chelsea as they beat Crystal Palace 4-1.

The result means Jose Mourinho’s side are within touching distance of the championship, but for Cole the performance could also boost his England hopes.

Cole said: "I’m thrilled with the way things are going for me. I feel like I’m as fit as I’ve ever been at the moment, I’m playing games and I’m enjoying my football.

"It’s a really exciting time for me and I’d love a chance to show what I can do again for England."

Across London, Ashley Cole is also right at the top of his form. And he played a crucial part in Arsenal’s win at Blackburn - in a preview of the forthcoming FA Cup Semi-Final in Cardiff.

Cole played in midfield rather than at left-back, just as he has done once or twice for England when teaming up with Wayne Bridge on the left.

He certainly relished the opportunity - and a superb turn in midfield helped him thread through a ball for Robin van Persie to finish cleverly and earn Arsenal a 1-0 victory.

So will that victory give the Gunners a psychological edge ahead of the big Semi-Final?

"Well, it means we know we can beat Blackburn and that’s good," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Wes Brown also played in a different position for Manchester United, turning out at right-back in their stuttering 1-0 victory over Fulham. But he performed well.

Rio Ferdinand was immaculate in that match, too, although Wayne Rooney had a relatively quiet afternoon by his standards.

England teammates Alan Smith and Phil Neville made appearances as substitutes, and Smith could have earned himself a chance to play in The FA Cup Semi-Final against Newcastle.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We have players like John O’Shea and Alan Smith who are fresh and maybe they will come in for that game. That is the challenge I am throwing down to the players. If our level of performance does not improve by the Semi-Final there will be changes."

Kieron Dyer continued his outstanding form for Newcastle now that he has been moved into a more forward role.

The Three Lions star headed his side in front at Portsmouth but Newcastle had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the end.

Jermain Defoe gave Sven-Goran Eriksson another reminder of his talents with a fine finish in Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City – in Stuart Pearce’s first game in charge of City.

With Eriksson in the stands, goalkeepers David James and Paul Robinson both made impressive saves - while Ledley King and Michael Carrick did well for Spurs.

On Sunday, Steven Gerrard scored a crucial goal for Liverpool following a free-kick routine, while Jamie Carragher was his usual consistent self at the back as the Reds won 2-1 against deadly rivals Everton in a thriller at Anfield.

Liverpool had Milan Baros sent off and several players go off injured but they still held on for a memorable win.

Captain Gerrard said: "It was massive. As a defensive unit we defended like lions because we got so many injuries in the match.

"We stuck together and dominated the game in the first half. I was pleased with my goal, I enjoyed it, and it’s nice to be up to ten for the season. But the most important thing was the three points and we got them."

Defender Carragher, named man of the match, added: "We can overtake Everton now in the Premiership. I mean that. It’s going to be difficult but psychologically this is a big lift for us and the gap is down to four points now."