An own goal and a Peter Crouch winner helped Stoke City come from behind to win 2-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers, thereby claiming their fourth consecutive Premier League victory.
Wolverhampton Wanderers reduced the pressure on manager Mick McCarthy with a 3-1 victory against Wigan Athletic, Jamie O'Hara, David Edwards and Stephen Ward scoring the vital goals.
Giovanni Trapattoni will make four changes to his Republic of Ireland starting XI for tomorrow's Carling Nations Cup decider against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.
Notts County produced the shock of the FA Cup third round by beating Sunderland 2-1 away from home, while Premier League sides West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool also crashed out on a day of intriguing results.
Arsenal were frustrated during a 0-0 draw at home to title rivals Manchester City, while managers Carlo Ancelotti and Roy Hodgson are under further pressure, and Newcastle United thrashed West Ham United.
Chelsea's Premier League title challenge looks all but over after they were beaten 1-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers, leaving Carlo Ancelotti's side nine points behind leaders Manchester United having played a game more.
