Manchester City overcame Manchester United in the first Manchester derby of the season after Erling Haaland’s highly controversial goal in the second half of a 1-0 win.
City were down to 10 players for nearly 70 minutes after Phil Foden was sent off in the first half, but managed to maintain their perfect start to the season thanks to Haaland’s ninth goal in eight Premier League games against United.
The opening 20 minutes were fairly balanced, before the biggest talking point in the first half when Foden became only the second City player to be sent off in the Manchester derby.
During an altercation with Bruno Fernandes, Foden was brought down after what looked like a kick from Fernandes, before the England international kicked out in retaliation. He was given a straight red card by Michael Oliver, as Fernandes escaped punishment.
Before half-time, United had the wind in their sails and came closest to breaking the deadlock when Marcus Rashford struck the foot of the post from a free-kick.
After the break, United rattled the woodwork again when Kobbie Mainoo’s strike also struck the foot of the post, with Gianluigi Donnarumma well beaten.
But then came another brilliant finish from Haaland on the hour mark, as he pounced on Josko Gvardiol’s cross before firing into the roof of the net.
He was initially ruled offside by the assistant referee, before VAR took an in-depth look at the replays. Haaland was ruled onside, but the controversial point was that Enzo Fernandez – who was well offside – attempted to head the cross and, in turn, interfered with play.
However, it was ruled that he did not have an impact and the goal was given to the delight of Enzo Maresca and the travelling City contingent.
United, with their player advantage, were underwhelming and failed to pose a threat as they pushed for an equaliser, before Bryan Mbeumo was presented with a golden opportunity to score in the final minute of added time – but had his one-on-one effort saved.
The win means that after four games, only City and Arsenal have registered the maximum 12 points, while United have lost two out of their first four, picking up just one win.
