Sunderland duo Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole have been ruled out for the rest of the season.
David Silva grabbed both goals in his side's 2-0 Premier League win over Fulham, while Liverpool thumped Norwich 5-0. Elsewhere, Loic Remy scored on his QPR debut and Steven Fletcher grabbed two in a Sunderland win.
Martin O'Neill will no doubt have breathed a sigh of relief when the final whistle gave Sunderland their first win after just a point from four games, as they dispatched Reading 3-0.
Sunderland got their first win in seven games as they saw off an in-form Fulham side 3-1 at Craven Cottage, taking advantage of home captain Brede Hangeland receiving a first-half red card.
Edin Dzeko handed Premier League champions Manchester City a late victory at Fulham, Luis Suarez hit another hat-trick against Norwich City, and Everton continued their impressive early form.
Chelsea required an 85th-minute winner from Ashley Cole to overcome Stoke City, Rickie Lambert was on target twice as Southampton claimed their first victory, and Hugo Rodallega haunted his old club.
