Erling Haaland’s second-half goal seals Manchester City’s controversial derby victory over Manchester United despite playing with 10 men.
Manchester City secured a dramatic and highly controversial Manchester derby victory over rivals Manchester United, despite playing with 10 men for more than 70 minutes.
City midfielder Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, allowing United to take control of the contest for a spell.
United dominated after the dismissal and struck the post on either side of half-time, but City remained dangerous on the counter.
The visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when Erling Haaland tapped in Josko Gvardiol’s low, deflected cross at the back post.
Haaland was initially flagged for offside, prompting a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The check ultimately ruled the Norwegian onside, while Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, was not considered to have interfered with play as he stretched to connect with the cross before it reached Haaland.
The victory extends City’s perfect start to the Premier League season under new manager Enzo Maresca and takes them level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table.
For United, the defeat means they have dropped points in three of their opening four league matches, leaving them 13th in the standings.
