Five things we learnt: Mata has clinical edge; Gerrard still has red mist; Remy can fire Chelsea to title; Alexis Sanchez needs a rest

It was another hectic weekend of Premier League action

Juan Mata's acrobatic volley made it 2-0 (GETTY IMAGES)

Mata has the strike rate of a world-class striker

The Manchester United playmaker has now scored seven goals in the Premier League this season from only nine attempts on target after his fine double against Liverpool at Anfield. That means he has scored with 78 per cent of his shots at goal in the division in this campaign - the clinical edge United need to cement their top-four place and return to the Champions League. It may have been eight goals from 10 attempts if Wayne Rooney had let him take the late penalty.

Rooney expressed his regret at not allowing Mata the late penalty to complete his hat-trick after the game, after his spot-kick was saved by Simon Mignolet.

Gerrard still has red mist

The fired-up Liverpool captain was sent off after just 38 seconds in one of the most extraordinary red cards seen in Premier League history.

Steven Gerrard is sent off by referee Martin Atkinson (GETTY IMAGES)

The 34-year-old, however, is no stranger to a dismissal. The rapid red was his sixth in the division. Only five players have more red cards - with Richard Dunne and Patrick Vieira the most with eight.

Gerrard now has maximum of six Premier League games left for Liverpool before he heads off to America, who would bet against a seventh?

It was also Liverpool's milestone 50th red card in the Premier League.

Remy fire Chelsea to title

Sunday was a day of mixed blessings on the striking front for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho - Diego Costa's hamstring injury resurfaced again, but fellow frontman Loic Remy's winner against Hull showed that the Blues have the squad to cross the finish line first in the Premier League title race, even if they are limping there.

Diego Costa is replaced by Loic Remy (GETTY IMAGES)

"Every time he plays he gives us a lot," Mourinho said after the 3-2 victory. "I'm so happy for him because he deserves it. He never complains."

Sanchez needs a break

Despite Arsenal's fine form - 16 wins in 19 their last 19 games, one player that is not firing on all cylinders is Alexis Sanchez.

Since the turn of the year the Chilean has scored just four goals in 15 games, and manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that it is down to "fatigue", for a player who has started 40 games in all competitions this season - more than any other Gunners' player.

"He's a bit fatigued and in a position where he has scored less. He wants to force his game and then is more involved in physical battles," said Wenger after the win over Newcastle.

Pardew has instilled Palace fighting spirit

Crystal Palace have taken 18 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other team, following their 2-1 win at Stoke.

Alan Pardew has excelled at Crystal Palace (Getty Images)

Now a comfortable 11th in the Premier League, Palace have overtaken manager Alan Pardew's former team Newcastle, who he left to take the reigns at Selhurst park in January.