Manchester United conceded two dramatic stoppage-time goals as Everton staged a remarkable fightback to draw 3-all in a game Wayne Rooney missed to spare him from crowd abuse at his former club.
There was a real buzz around Goodison Park with the news that United and England striker Rooney, at the centre of tabloid allegations over his private life, had been left out.
It looked to be a good decision as the visitors cruised into a 3-1 lead after goals by Darren Fletcher, Nemanja Vidic and Dimitar Berbatov had cancelled out Steven Pienaar's 39th-minute opener for Everton.
However, in a breathless finale, Tim Cahill headed Everton's second in the first minute of added time and Mikel Arteta kept his cool to rifle in the equaliser after spring-heeled Cahill had nodded down another Leighton Baines cross.
Meanwhile Michael Essien scored twice to inspire Chelsea to their fourth Premier League win in four matches.
The champions strolled to a 3-1 victory at West Ham United, leaving their London rivals rooted to the foot of the table with no points.
Arsenal took full advantage of a red card for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill with a 4-1 home triumph.
Moussa Dembele's second goal of the game, in the last minute, gave Fulham a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers that was soured by a broken leg for England striker Bobby Zamora.
Goalkeeper Matt Gilks was man of the match as Blackpool continued an impressive start to their first top-flight season for 39 years with a 2-nil victory at Newcastle United.
Manchester City struggled again, held 1-1 at home by Blackburn Rovers.
Tottenham Hotspur's Luka Modric joined the club's growing injury list despite scoring in a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion.
