Anthony Martial's hat-trick inspired Manchester United to a 3-0 victory over Sheffield United, while Wolves and Everton also won.
Martial makes Blades pay
Anthony Martial scored Manchester United's first hat-trick since 2013 to inspire an easy 3-0 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford, and move the Red Devils to within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea.
It stretches Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side's unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 matches.
The result was never in doubt after Martial turned home a Marcus Rashford right-wing cut-back in the opening few minutes.
His second, which came shortly before half-time, was very similar only this time it was full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka who was the provider.
With the game as good as over at the break, the hosts coasted home, Martial adding the finishes touch to a ruthless performance by latching on to a cute Rashford through-ball before finishing confidently.
Another resounding defeat will raise alarm bells for Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder.
The Blades, so good before the shutdown to be in contention for Champions League qualification, have lost 3-0 twice and drawn 0-0 in their three matches since the restart.
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Traore too good for Cherries
Despite a battling performance, Bournemouth left Molineux empty-handed and further in the relegation mire following a 1-0 defeat.
A header from Wolves striker Raul Jimenez, who connected with a perfect Adama Traore cross, ensured the Cherries have now lost both their matches since the restart, and remain third from bottom.
Eddie Howe's side haven't scored a goal yet either.
Wolves on the other hand have won both their games, and kept two clean sheets to remain firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.
Like Manchester United, Nuno Espirito Santo's men are now just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Villa snatch priceless point
Ahmed Elmohamady's 83rd-minute header boosted Aston Villa's survival hopes as they pinched a point against Newcastle, which the match ending 1-1 at St James' Park.
It was no less than they deserved having dominated the first half but failed to make it pay.
The Magpies led just after the hour through substitute Dwight Gayle's close-range finish and it looked like it would be enough for victory.
But Elmohamady stooped low to give Villa a second point in three games since the season restarted.
They remain in the relegation zone but only on goal difference, while Newcastle stay 13th.
Canaries heading for drop
Norwich's slide towards inevitable relegation continued as Michael Keane's second-half goal settled a drab match at Carrow Road.
The Canaries' third successive league defeat leaves them bottom and six points from safety with just seven games left.
In a match of few chances, the home side went closest to scoring in an uneventful first half when Onel Hernandez's deflected shot hit the post.
But the contest was settled shortly after the break as Keane rose highest to connect with a Lucas Digne corner, which proved to be enough for a victory that lifts Everton to 10th.
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