Adedokun Waliyu 
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland fired 10-man Manchester City to a memorable 1-0 victory over Manchester United despite Phil Foden’s first-half red card, extending a perfect start to Enzo Maresca’s reign.
Foden was sent off after kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes in the 23rd minute. However, the home side failed to make their numerical advantage count and were punished when Haaland’s strike was controversially allowed to stand following a VAR review for offside.
City’s new-look midfield also impressed, with the near £250 million pairing of Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez proving their worth.
Haaland’s winning goal was surrounded by controversy after Fernandez was deemed not to have interfered with play when he attempted to head the ball before it reached the Norwegian striker.
United manager Michael Carrick questioned the decision.
“It’s worrying, if that’s really how it is, if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” Carrick said. “I just don’t get it, I really don’t get it, I can’t understand them.”
The defeat compounds a miserable Premier League start for United, who are already eight points behind City and defending champions Arsenal.
For City, the victory was a major statement for Maresca and helped ease concerns about a potential decline following Pep Guardiola’s trophy-laden decade in charge.
“It’s a kind of new experience to win with 10 men. It’s amazing, I have to be honest,” Haaland said.
City started the match strongly but appeared to have been undone by Foden’s lack of discipline.
City argued that Fernandes should also have been sent off after fouling Foden before appearing to kick him in the back.
“I think Foden’s red card is a red card, but I also think that in the same action it’s a red card for them,” Maresca said.
However, Foden’s retaliation made his dismissal difficult to dispute as he lifted both legs into Fernandes’s midriff.
Marcus Rashford came close to giving United the lead before the break when his free-kick struck the post.
Donnarumma Rescues City
The woodwork came to City’s rescue again shortly after half-time when Kobbie Mainoo curled an effort onto the post from distance, with the rebound falling into the hands of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City then delivered the decisive blow on the hour mark.
Haaland adjusted brilliantly to sweep the ball into the net from Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross.
A VAR review confirmed that Haaland was onside and that Fernandez had not interfered with play when he attempted to head the ball.
City came close to doubling their lead when Fernandez’s effort was turned onto the post by Senne Lammens.
Haaland also missed an opportunity for a second goal after connecting with Fernandez’s dangerous low free-kick delivery.
United, despite having a numerical advantage, failed to create enough clear chances to punish City.
In the final minute of stoppage time, Fernandes produced a clever reverse pass to find Bryan Mbeumo, but Donnarumma made an excellent save to preserve City’s victory.
Maresca celebrated wildly at the final whistle after his side secured an impressive victory with 10 men.
After last season’s title race went down to the final week, Arsenal and City once again appear to be a class above their rivals. Both sides have 12 points, while Chelsea, Liverpool and United have already fallen behind.
