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A Manchester derby day memorable for a plethora of reasons sparked controversy, debate, and sky blue jubilation as City snatched a well-deserved 0-1 victory against United despite spending the majority of the affair with a numerical disadvantage.
Phil Foden's kick out on United captain Bruno Fernandes 23 minutes in was deemed by referee Michael Oliver to be a red card offence, leaving Manchester City in what looked to be an perilous position with more than 70 minutes to play in their neighbours' back yard.
There was work to be done to pick up the pieces and the Citizens were relentless in their fight, notably summer signing Elliot Anderson patrolling midfield and almost making up the numbers himself. A man of the match performance saw the England international cover 11.6 kilometres alongside a match-high 14 defensive contributions.
While the hosts had their shots and opportunities, including both of their local lads Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo leaving the woodwork shaking, Manchester City's defensive pursuits remained stable and structured, with the Reds scrambling for a way past.
The hour mark hosted the moment of the match when City celebrations were initially subdued following Erling Haaland's back-post finish from Josko Gvardiol's clipped cross met with the rise of the assistant referee's flag.
A long check procedure by VAR intervened, and deemed the protruding Enzo Fernandez to have been ineffective in interfering with the defence from an offside position, thus ensuing what will become famous celebrations in the away corner of Old Trafford.
There is a privately-held view at Manchester City that the VAR controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's winning goal in Sunday's Manchester derby amounts to justice eventually being served, as per a new report.cityxtra.co.ukMan City's Private Belief on Haaland Derby Winner After 2023 Controversy
There is a privately-held view at Manchester City that the VAR controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's winning goal in Sunday's Manchester derby amounts to justice eventually being served, as per a new report.
The Argentine international Fernandez went on to hit the post himself, after his bending effort was spared by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who kept his side's hopes alive.
But it was Erling Haaland who proved to be the X-factor once again in sky blue, with his goal proving the telling touch after an incredible save from close range by Gianluigi Donnarumma on Bryan Mbeumo's strike in the closing stages.
The Norwegian international superstar creeps closer towards Eric Brook's 177 Manchester City goals, and looks to become the club's second-highest goalscorer in history in as little time as possible.
It was a lot to take in, but Manchester City's attentions now turn swiftly to their first venture back in the Carabao Cup since lifting the trophy ahead of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal last March.
Norwich City make the trip north, led by Phillippe Clement, to test their fate against the golden badge bearers at the Etihad stadium. The Canaries sit 12th in the Championship so far, and face the blues after wins over MK Dons and Cardiff in earlier rounds.
Here is everything you need to know about the match this Thursday night!
Match Details
Manchester City face Championship outfit Norwich City in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday 17 September at 19:30 BST.
Match Officials
Ruebyn Ricardo will officiate the match between Manchester City and Norwich on Thursday night, in what will be the 28-year-old's first encounter with the sky blues in his professional career, having held the whistle three times in matches involving the visitors.
You can check out the full team of match officials below!
The English Football League have confirmed the team of match officials to oversee the Carabao Cup third round tie between Manchester City and Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium.cityxtra.co.ukMatch Officials: Ruebyn Ricardo to Referee Man City vs Norwich City (Carabao Cup Third Round)
The English Football League have confirmed the team of match officials to oversee the Carabao Cup third round tie between Manchester City and Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium.
Team News
For Manchester City, Belgian speedster Jeremy Doku is still expected to watch from the sidelines while nursing the final stages of a calf injury picked up against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield in August.
Geronimo Rulli is expected to make his debut between the sticks as Manchester City's cup competition goalkeeper. The Argentinian had a spell at the club 10 years ago without an appearance, however that status may change against Norwich.
Phil Foden serves the first of a three-match ban following his red card for violent conduct against Manchester United, and the midfielder will also miss the home clash against Sunderland in the Premier League, and the trip to Liverpool after the international break.
For the visitors, youngster Lucien Mahovo is still uncertain in the run up to his return from a muscle injury. The left-back did not feature in their last match against Middlesbrough.
Canadian World Cup star Ali Ahmed will also miss out on the trip to Manchester with an unfortunate ligament tear, along with Mirko Topic - who nears his return after an almost year-long stint on the sidelines.
Press Conference Quotes
Enzo Maresca is due to face the media in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Refresh this page for updates.
Head to Head
Thursday night will see the 73rd meeting between the two City clubs - an acquaintance spanning back to 1938.
Some memorable moments have emerged through the years of this fixture, including a 7-0 win for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in 2013, a 3-2 defeat at Carrow Road in 2019, and of course, Delia Smith's iconic half-time antics in 2005 - which saw Robbie Fowler go on to win the match in it's dying seconds in a big away victory.
The last meeting between the sides came in 2022 - a Premier League trip to Norwich which saw a Raheem Sterling hat-trick push Manchester City further along the road to their second consecutive English top-flight title.
Statistics
Manchester City have won their last three matches against Norwich by an aggregate score of 15-0.
The last time Norwich City beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was way back in May 2013 (2-3).
With 10 goals from 5 games at the start of this season, City boast a steady average of 2.00 goals per game, along with a 100% win rate in competitive action under Enzo Maresca
No other Championship team has picked up more points in the league than Norwich since the arrival of Belgian manager Philippe Clement in November 2025.
The Canaries sit 12th in the Championship standings, however are 4th in the league table in goals scored (13).
How to Watch
For viewers in the UK, the match will be available to watch live on Sky Sports+, along with regional radio coverage from BBC Radio Manchester.
For those based in the United States, the tie will be broadcast live on Paramount+.
You can view the full global TV listings HERE!
City Xtra will have full live coverage available on our X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram channels throughout matchday, with content also provided on cityxtra.co.uk!