Adebayor got his season's tally off to a flying start with three at Blackburn

Emmanuel Adebayor put a troubled week on international duty with Togo behind him as he scored a hat-trick for Arsenal in their 4-0 thrashing of Blackburn Rovers.

Adebayor showed off his full catalogue of skills to knock three goals past the hosts at Ewood Park - one with his head, the second from the penalty spot and the winner with his feet, as he superbly rounded keeper Paul Robinson to seal victory for the Gunners.

Egypt striker Amr Zaki continued his impressive start to life in the English Premier League with his fourth goal of the season for Wigan Athletic as they drew 1-1 with Sunderland.

Zaki's Egyptian team-mate Mido put Middlesbrough in front against Portsmouth on Saturday, only for Jermain Defoe to pull two back for a 2-1 victory for Pompey.

There were three Nigerians on the scoresheet as Everton overcame a determined Stoke City in a thrilling 3-2 win at the Britannia Stadium.

Yakubu and Victor Anichebe put Everton two goals up, before Seyi Olofinjana sparked a comeback, which was fended off by Tim Cahill's winner.

SPAIN

Only one African goalscorer in Spain at the weekend - Mali's Fredi Kanoute scored the winner for Sevilla in an eventful 4-3 win over Sporting Gijon.

ITALY

Ghana and Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari saw red, as he was sent off in his side's 2-1 victory over Catania in Serie A.

Jose Mourinho's team had to come from behind at home to claim the victory.

FRANCE

Guinea striker Fode Mansare helped Toulouse to a 2-1 victory away at Le Mans.

Senegal's Souleymane Diawara chases down Ivorian Bakari Kone

Ivorian Bakari Kone put visiting Marseille ahead after only two minutes but Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh equalised for Bordeaux.

Morocco's Moncef Zerka equalised for Nancy as his side managed a 1-1 draw at Auxerre.

HOLLAND

Ghana striker Matthew Amoah scored a consolation goal for NAC Breda in their 3-1 defeat to Willem II.

BELGIUM

Niger striker Moussa Maazou put Lokeren ahead in his side's 1-1 draw with Westerlo.

Togo striker Olufade Adekanmi scored twice for Gent, but his side went down 4-2 at Mouscron.

Dieumerci Mbokani from DR Congo continued his fine form with one of Standard Liege's two goals in a victory over Kortrijk.

Congolese Geoffrey Bia found the back of the net as Charleroi fought hard to beat Cercles Bruges 3-2. Burkina Faso defender Mahamadu Kere also scored for Charleroi in that win.