Manchester City delivered a commanding victory at Anfield to preserve their perfect start to the Premier League season — yet the result arrived under the long shadow of the club's financial regulations verdict, raising serious questions about their future in the competition.

The win looked comfortable from the stands, but the debate around what City's guilty verdict means for the Premier League's long-term integrity continued well beyond the final whistle.

Liverpool's big-money players fail to deliver

Despite spending upwards of £100 million in the transfer market, Liverpool produced a toothless display that will concern their supporters. None of their expensive new arrivals managed to impose themselves on the game, and questions are already mounting over when — or whether — those investments will pay off.

Glasner's return to Selhurst Park ends in defeat

Oliver Glasner made an unwelcome return to his former stomping ground as Nottingham Forest fell 3-1 to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The scoreline flattered Forest's performance, which was marked by a remarkable miss from striker Liam Delap that will haunt highlights packages for days.

Boos ring out at Old Trafford

Manchester United were held to a draw by Tottenham Hotspur, but the result was not the only story — the home crowd greeted the full-time whistle with boos. Spurs, meanwhile, remain winless, though a late equaliser at Old Trafford offered some encouragement for their camp. The draw did little to ease pressure on either side.

Henderson turns back the clock for Chelsea

Jordan Henderson produced a performance that reminded observers of his peak years, helping Chelsea to a positive result. His display was one of the weekend's more uplifting stories, though it was tempered by concern over Bournemouth's alarming winless run to start the campaign.

Ipswich impress, Fulham falter

Ipswich Town continued their eye-catching start to the season, netting late again to claim a third victory already — a remarkable return for a side still finding their Premier League feet. Fulham, by contrast, are struggling to find any rhythm, and their winless patch is beginning to raise concerns in west London.

The Football Daily panel on BBC Radio 5 Live also debated — with some vigour — the identity of the Premier League's most stylish manager, a debate that generated as much heat as any of the weekend's tactical arguments.