Controversy and raw emotion defined a fiery Manchester derby at Old Trafford where, despite Phil Foden seeing red early on, Erling Haaland delivered the decisive blow to prove once again that the city’s football hierarchy remains undeniably blue.
Phil Foden was shown a red card midway through the first-half at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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Controversy and raw emotion defined a fiery Manchester derby at Old Trafford where, despite Phil Foden seeing red early on, Erling Haaland delivered the decisive blow to prove once again that the city’s football hierarchy remains undeniably blue.
It only took this thrilling clash 23 minutes to encounter controversy when, despite being kicked twice beforehand, Foden was shown a straight red card as a consequence of kicking out at Bruno Fernandes in the heat of the moment.
Foden, who will now miss home clashes against Norwich City and Sunderland before an away visit to Liverpool as a result, reasoned with the referee, Michael Oliver, but VAR confirmed the decision, while Fernandes walked away without consequence.
There will be particular protests about the decision due to Fernandes’ initiation of the conflict, but Enzo Maresca - who was cautioned himself just before the interval - guided his team through the turmoil as City began playing better, but with few chances to show off.
There were no clear-cut chances during the first half except for a remarkable free-kick from Marcus Rashford, who wrapped his foot around the ball and hit the post from 28 yards out moments before the interval.
But when both teams emerged for the second period, United looked relentless, and it wasn’t long before they hit the woodwork again, this time through a Kobbie Mainoo strike from the edge of the penalty area.
Less than 30 seconds later, Rashford, appearing energised and motivated, flashed a left-footed shot into the outside of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s net after 51 minutes.
However, the tables turned completely on the hour, when Haaland latched onto the end of a deflected cross from Josko Gvardiol before finishing into the net.
At first, it seemed as though Enzo Fernandez had interfered with the run of play, but VAR replays proved otherwise as Patrick Dorgu played Haaland onside, with the goal confirmed just a matter of minutes after the Norway international’s shot went in.
There was an abundance of emotions flowing through Old Trafford following its confirmation, yet City remained composed and pushed for a second; Fernandez had an impressive right-footed shot pushed onto the post by Senne Lammens after 68 minutes.
After all, City had started the brighter team in this contest, with £125 million man Fernandez advancing with Haaland before earning the away side their first corner of the game, but momentum shifted sharply following that wasted opening.
On seven minutes, Rashford broke free from Antoine Semenyo before colliding with Elliot Anderson, while Lisandro Martinez submitted a weak shot that failed to test Donnarumma from the resulting free-kick.
Michael Carrick’s side pushed on with the spirit and tenacity that threatened a late equaliser, and Bryan Mbeumo had the chance to level when he found himself one-on-one with Donnarumma after 95 minutes, but the City goalkeeper stopped it breathtakingly.
In the end, Maresca's side held on until the very last minute and Manchester, as it has been for the last 15 years, was proven to be blue once again.
Here’s how we rated the Manchester City players from their derby day victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford!
Phil Foden was sent off for violent conduct in the first-half of Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.cityxtra.co.ukPhil Foden was sent off for violent conduct in the first-half of Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Revealed: Michael Oliver and VAR Outlook on Phil Foden Red Card Challenge in Manchester Derby
Starting XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma - 7/10
Beaten by Rashford and Mainoo but saved by the frame of his goal on those occasions. Looked nervous and panicked whenever the ball came near him. Output a problem once again but made a huge save in the final minute of the game.
Matheus Nunes - 6.5/10
Recovered many balls when United were on the counter, particularly after Haaland’s opener, and played a strong game alongside Guehi on the right side of defence.
Ruben Dias - 6/10
A commanding character in defence. The defender worked tirelessly off the ball, from a structural and tactical standpoint, to see out this thrilling derby
Marc Guehi - 8/10 (POTM)
Held off United’s attack well across various stages and was comfortably City’s best player on the day. Perhaps his greatest performance for City since he joined.
Josko Gvardiol - 6/10
Played a decent game on the left. Contributed excellently in defence and worked well with Semenyo, as he has done in recent games.
Enzo Fernandez - 7.5/10
Acted as the centrepiece of City’s revival after Foden was sent off, and played exceptionally. Up and down the pitch, in defence and attack, a wonderful performance.
Elliot Anderson - 7/10
Aggressive in the opening stages, which helped silence United’s threat momentarily, and stepped up when City needed him.
Phil Foden - 3/10
Looked promising before his silly mistake, which simply shouldn’t have happened. There will be arguments against Fernandes’ initial kick, but Foden shouldn’t have reacted. Poor decision.
Rayan Cherki - 5/10
Replaced by Ndiaye at half-time. Not the Frenchman’s best performance despite showing an array of his dribbling ability in the opening half.
Antoine Semenyo - 6.5/10
Provided chances from the left once again. Would be great to see him more confident in front of goal, but his ability to deliver a dangerous cross is hugely beneficial.
Erling Haaland - 7/10
Sixth goal in four games for Haaland and a wonderful finish that perhaps looked easier to put away than it actually was. Wasn’t involved too much, but it’s often because he doesn’t need to be.
Substitutes
Iliman Ndiaye - 6/10
Looked electric when he came on for Cherki at half time. Some really good positives to take from this showing.
Nico O'Reilly - 5/10
Stayed calm in the middle of the pitch following Fernandez's much-needed substitution.