Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tactical decisions made it difficult for Manchester United, with only a late alteration in style sparking their fight-back against Sheffield United.
And with Jose Mourinho back in the Premier League with Tottenham, how did Spurs play compared to under Mauricio Pochettino?
Goal breaks down how the key coaching decisions impacted the weekend's action...
1) Solskjaer’s tactical rejig triggers a comeback that hides clueless opening 70 minutes
For 70 minutes at Bramall Lane, Manchester United were dreadful, and Solskjaer must take the blame for a 3-4-3 formation that made little sense.
An unfamiliar three-man defence clearly confused the United players, with Sheffield United's long balls into the channels consistently causing problems, but more importantly it meant the visitors only had two central midfielders on the pitch.
The Blades outnumbered them centrally, which is why playing a narrow front three was so bizarre.
Daniel James, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial should not have been so static, but clearly they had been told to stay narrow - even though central defence and central midfield is precisely where Chris Wilder's side are strongest.
Andreas Pereira and Fred looked hopeless in possession with nobody to pass to, leading to yet another aimless display.
That all changed when Solskjaer switched to a 4-2-3-1 in the second half, with Rashford deployed as a No.10, and indeed the manager deserves praise for this innovation. Rashford was instrumental in a deeper role, crossing for the second goal before scoring the third.
The hosts were clearly made nervous by Solskjaer throwing so many attackers onto the pitch, dropping far too deep and inviting pressure from what had looked a very secure position.
It was a good tactical recovery from Solskjaer, but it should not hide the initial mistake.
It is hard to think of a tactical strategy – two in midfield and narrow forwards – less suitable for playing Wilder’s team.
GOAL
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