Maresca Says City’s Derby Display Deserves Credit After VAR Error

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has described as “quite poor” the way controversy over Erling Haaland’s winning goal has overshadowed his side’s performance in Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League victory at Manchester United.

Haaland struck on the hour mark, and the goal was allowed after the VAR ruled in City’s favour. It proved enough to secure the derby win at Old Trafford even though City played most of the match with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off.

The decision was later declared incorrect by the referees’ body, and discussion since City’s fourth successive league win has been dominated by the incident.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Norwich City, Maresca said: “Talking about one episode or one moment after that game when we played for 70-75 minutes with 10 players, I think it’s quite poor. I think the performance was unbelievable, and I’m pleased with the performance.”

Haaland’s goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review found the striker was just onside and the goal was awarded. It later became clear that officials had erred by not identifying an offside offence by Enzo Fernandez, who was diving at the ball in a central position and interfering with opponents.

“There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that’s all. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It’s football,” Maresca said.

Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola in the summer, said City had previously been on the wrong end of VAR decisions, including in a 2-1 defeat at United in January 2023.

“Three years ago when I was here [as Guardiola’s assistant], it happened the exact same against United,” he said. “The goal was not a regular goal and no one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology for that.”

Pro Ref chief Howard Webb has admitted the VAR did not consider whether Fernandez was offside before Haaland converted the winner.

“I was really disappointed with this outcome. We all are,” Webb said on ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’. “None more so than the officials themselves. They take a lot of personal pride in what they do and they’re obviously hurting now, having fallen short in this situation.”

Foden was dismissed in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes, and United hit the post either side of half-time before Haaland’s controversial goal.

“The VAR gets super-focused on Haaland,” Webb said. “He establishes he’s onside, he thinks that’s a good goal. He doesn’t truly evaluate the full impact of Fernandez’s position. He has a look to see if he touches the ball, because then that relates to potentially knocking it to Haaland, who goes on to score.”

City host Norwich on Thursday before returning to league action against Sunderland on Sunday, 20 September.