Phil Foden was sent off after 23 minutes at Old Trafford but Erling Haaland scored a controversial winner to hand Manchester City all three points
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Foden was sent off in the first half of Sunday’s derbyopen image in gallery
Foden was sent off in the first half of Sunday’s derby
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Phil Foden was ecstatic in the dressing room following Manchester City's resilient victory over Manchester United, despite his first-half red card, according to teammate Elliot Anderson.
A single goal from Erling Haaland, awarded following an extensive VAR check, sealed a hard-fought 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the 199th Manchester derby.
The visitors' triumph was rendered more impressive by playing with 10 men after Foden was sent off midway through the first half for reacting petulantly to Bruno Fernandes.
Addressing whether the forward felt conflicted after the derby win, Anderson said: "Yeah, a bit of both, I guess. Obviously, gutted to not play in the full game, but no, he was bouncing up and down in the changing room, as we all were.
"It made the game a lot harder and we’ve all came together and it shows real fighting and leadership from the lads.
Elliot Anderson played a key role in Man City’s winopen image in gallery
Elliot Anderson played a key role in Man City’s win (PA Wire)
"It wasn’t ideal Phil going off but we all fought for it and, yeah, it changed the way of playing but we’ve done really well at it."
The post-match celebrations from manager Enzo Maresca and his squad demonstrated what the result meant to a team that has now won all four of their opening Premier League matches.
"There’s no doubt we have all the quality but we’re showing real mentality," Anderson said.
"In the first four games, especially in this one. Not giving up, fighting, fighting for every tackle, every duel, and waiting for our chance, and obviously Erling scores."
While Haaland took the headlines by scoring his ninth goal in this fixture to become the leading Premier League scorer in Manchester derbies, Anderson was named man of the match.
The 23-year-old was previously targeted by United before completing a £116million move to City, having famously claimed his new club were the "kings of Manchester".
Reminded of that comment following the win, Anderson said with a smile "we are now" after navigating the match without encountering major hostility.
"I just gave everything for the team – duels and playing through the lines I thought I did quite well in," he said. "Just staying calm in possession with the team and helping everyone."
Anderson is enjoying playing alongside Enzo Fernandezopen image in gallery
Anderson is enjoying playing alongside Enzo Fernandez (Getty)
Asked if he had expected a harsher reception for those remarks, he said with a laugh: "I was just trying to let my football do the talking. I think we came here and we played really well and, yeah, that’s all I can say."
Anderson delivered a strong performance alongside deadline-day arrival Enzo Fernandez, who has transformed from an adversary in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina into a crucial midfield partner.
"He’s very good," the City midfielder said. "He shows real quality on the ball and knowing you’ve got someone alongside you who has got your back is a massive help and, yeah, he’s top."
When put to Anderson that Fernandez is the kind of player opponents detest but teammates appreciate, he said with a laugh: "Yeah, he is.
"I found that obviously before I was playing with him, but no, he’s a brilliant guy and he’s a real top player."