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Maresca Criticizes Focus on Controversial Manchester Derby Winner
Confirmed
In Short: Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has criticized the focus on the controversial VAR decision that allowed Erling Haaland's goal to stand in Sunday's Manchester derby.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca believes the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's winning goal has overshadowed his side's performance in the derby, according to reports. Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola in the summer, said it is 'quite poor' that the decision has dominated headlines, especially as City played with 10 men for most of the match following Phil Foden's red card.
Pro Ref chief Howard Webb acknowledged the error in allowing Haaland's goal to stand, stating that the video assistant referee (VAR) became overly focused on the striker's position and failed to fully consider the influence of Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Webb explained that the semi-automated offside system quickly established that Haaland was onside, but the VAR's decision-making process was flawed.
Haaland's goal in the 60th minute secured a 1-0 victory for Manchester City, despite the visitors playing the majority of the game with 10 men. The result keeps City unbeaten under Maresca and level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. Maresca's side has not had an easy start, with previous VAR decisions going against them, including in a 2-1 defeat by Manchester United in January 2023.
Professional referees' body Pro Ref has admitted that an error was made in allowing Haaland's controversial winner to stand, according to reports. Maresca, who was part of Pep Guardiola's backroom staff, has also shared fresh thoughts on Foden's red card and its impact on the team.
What's confirmed
- Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca believes the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's winning goal has overshadowed his side's performance in the derby, according to reports. Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola in the summer, said it is 'quite poor' that the decision has dominated headlines, especially as City played with 10 men for most of the match following Phil Foden's red card.
- Pro Ref chief Howard Webb acknowledged the error in allowing Haaland's goal to stand, stating that the video assistant referee (VAR) became overly focused on the striker's position and failed to fully consider the influence of Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Webb explained that the semi-automated offside system quickly established that Haaland was onside, but the VAR's decision-making process was flawed.
- Haaland's goal in the 60th minute secured a 1-0 victory for Manchester City, despite the visitors playing the majority of the game with 10 men. The result keeps City unbeaten under Maresca and level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. Maresca's side has not had an easy start, with previous VAR decisions going against them, including in a 2-1 defeat by Manchester United in January 2023.
- Professional referees' body Pro Ref has admitted that an error was made in allowing Haaland's controversial winner to stand, according to reports. Maresca, who was part of Pep Guardiola's backroom staff, has also shared fresh thoughts on Foden's red card and its impact on the team.
What's still developing
- Haaland’s second-half strike was initially ruled out for offside before being allowed to stand following a VAR review that concluded the Manchester City forward was onside.
- "Talking about one episode or one moment after that game when we played for 70- 75 minutes with 10 players, I think it's quite poor," Maresca said, speaking before Thursday's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Norwich City.
- 'We're still waiting for our apology' - Maresca VAR did not even consider if Fernandez was offside - Webb Left in the dark - will fans ever get to hear live VAR audio?
- Haaland settled a dramatic 199th Manchester derby in the 60th minute at Old Trafford, finishing from Josko Gvardiol’s cross to secure three points for City.