Newcastle United avoided handing the initiative to Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur by coming from behind to defeat Brentford.
David Raya's own goal and Alexander Isak's winning goal helped overturn Ivan Toney's penalty on the cusp of half-time.
Brentford dropped to eighth in the table and sit 13 points adrift of the top four having played a game more than Newcastle and Man United.
READ MORE: Newcastle United player ratings following Brentford turnaround
The Magpies have registered five wins on the spin and reclaimed third spot after Manchester United briefly overtook them in the table courtesy of their 2-0 win over Everton in the early kick-off.
Man United produced a dominant performance, and took the lead in the 36th minute through Scott McTominay. The Scotsman latched onto a reverse pass from Jadon Sancho and crashed an emphatic finish past Jordan Pickford at his near post.
Anthony Martial then emerged from the bench to add a second 19 minutes from time. Marcus Rashford squared the ball inside the box to present the Frenchman with the simplest of finishes.
However, Newcastle returned to third place due to their superior goal difference, although Tottenham ensured that they stayed in the fight for Champions League qualification.
Spurs moved to within three points of Newcastle and Man United respectively with a 2-1 win over Brighton. Son Heung-Min opened the scoring with a sensational strike from range, before Lewis Dunk equalised with a thumping header.
Brighton had two goals ruled out for handball in either half, while tensions boiled over on the touchline between Roberto De Zerbi and Cristian Stellini. Both managers were shown straight red cards, and Harry Kane bagged the winner in the 79th minute.
The Seagulls now sit seventh in the Premier League and 10 points adrift of the top four, but still boast a game in hand over Newcastle.
Aston Villa have played a game more than Newcastle but climbed into sixth place and nine points outside the Champions League places. The Villains defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 courtesy of goals from Bertrand Traore and Ollie Watkins.
Liverpool are currently eighth and 13 points off the top four, and face league leaders Arsenal on Sunday.
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