Japanese Maple Looking a Bit Sad

Hi there. I planted this earlier this year as a new plant and it's thrived so far. As I've never had one before I'm not sure if the leaf drop in the middle and the grey coloured stems are normal? Or is there something wrong??? Thank you.View attachment 113731

 

Not sure about the grey stems, but leaf fall is normal for the time of year, looks like the same as I have

 

My red leafed Japanese Maple is losing it's leaves as usual at this time of year. It also has grey bark. Over winter keep an eye out for slugs and snails grazing the bark off the younger twigs.

 

NigelJ