Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest deployed super subs, while Manchester City and Arsenal served up a doozy

The Etihad showed off the best and worst of English football. Arsenal almost rolled back the years when their back five frustrated all-comers. Riccardo Calafiori’s cracking goal reminded of Ronaldinho at his improvisational best. Manchester City’s opener through Erling Haaland was a beauty, too. As for the bad – a referee taking centre stage and often losing control. Michael Oliver should not be headline-maker after this meeting of the Premier League’s best teams, but is likely to be. Sending off Leandro Trossard was correct, the Belgian foolish, but his red card generated the usual conspiracies that now swamp elite football. Arsenal then cranked up the gamesmanship as both sidelines behaved like spoiled children. That City, until John Stones’ goal, were poor – Rúben Dias is no attacking force – will concern Pep Guardiola. So will Rodri’s injury. Without him, City are a lesser force. Mikel Arteta may wonder about Arsenal’s own lack of composure: 10 men need not have meant complete submission. John Brewin

Match report: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal

Match report: Brighton 2-2 Nottingham Forest

Match report: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea

Match report: Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United

Match report: Aston Villa 3-1 Wolves