By JohnB
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The first Manchester derby of the season delivered plenty of drama; controversial refereeing decisions, feisty tackles and some huge post-game celebrations.
Manchester City came away from Old Trafford with the bragging rights, thanks to Erling Haaland’s goal on the hour mark, which was enough to seal a 1-0 win.
It’s a potentially pivotal victory so early in the Enzo Maresca era — it felt like the type of performance that this new-look Man City team needed to really show they are candidates this season; that there is life after Pep Guardiola.
They had to do it the hard way.
Phil Foden was sent off, harshly, in the 23rd minute. But Man Utd, who have now taken only four points from their first four Premier League games of the season, could not make their numerical advantage count.
They hit the post twice, with Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo going close, but they only got two shots on target following Foden’s dismissal.
And Haaland was the difference, albeit his goal was not without contention and the debate is sure to rumble on.
Haaland expertly turned in at the back post after meeting Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
Initially, Haaland was flagged for offside, but the replays showed Patrick Dorgu had played him on, and VAR overturned the call and gave the goal.
Credit: Instagram - @mancity
However, Man Utd’s fury centres on Enzo Fernández, who was in an offside position and clearly made a play at the ball before it made its way through to Haaland. The question is, how come the officials did not deem Fernández to be interfering with play?
But from there, City were brilliant. Iliman Ndiaye offered great running power and work rate from the bench, while Elliot Anderson was magnificent in midfield. When Man Utd finally created a decent chance, late in stoppage time, Gianluigi Donnarumma spectacularly denied Bryan Mbeumo.
A huge win for Man City, and more questions for Man Utd.
Graphic via Sofascore
HAALAND THE MAIN DERBY MAN
A big man for the big moments.
According to Opta, Haaland is now the top scorer in Premier League encounters between Man City and Man Utd.
Haaland has netted nine goals in such games, from just eight league appearances against the Red Devils.
He has overtaken Sergio Agüero (eight goals in 13 appearances) and Wayne Rooney (eight goals in 21 appearances).
BRUNO GETS LUCKY
While Michael Carrick must again ponder why his team lacked any control, he should also be thankful that the officials chose to ignore Bruno Fernandes’ part in the Foden fracas.
Foden was sent off for kicking out at Fernandes.
However, Man Utd’s captain had instigated the flashpoint by kicking Foden twice while the Man City playmaker was on the turf.
Referee Michael Oliver had a tough day, but he should have kept things cool by simply giving both players a booking.
Instead, he got everyone’s blood boiling.
PLAYER RATINGS
Man Utd: Lammens (6); Dalot (6), Maguire (6), Martinez (7), Dorgu (6); Tielemans (7), Mainoo (7); Mbeumo (5), Fernandes (6), Rashford (6); Cunha (6). Subs: Zirkzee (5), Šeško (6).
Man City: Donnarumma (8); Nunes (8), Guéhi (7), Dias (7), Gvardiol (7); Anderson (9), Fernández (7); Foden (3), Cherki (5), Semenyo (6); Haaland (8). Subs: Ndiaye (8), O’Reilly (6).
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