Home · Sports · Sep 16 archive
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 derby against Manchester United.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca believes the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's winning goal has overshadowed his team's performance in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United, despite playing most of the match with 10 men. Speaking before Thursday's Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City, Maresca said, '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.
Pro Ref chief Howard Webb acknowledged an error was made 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 Manchester United's influence on the play. Webb explained, 'tunnel vision' led to the incorrect decision.
Haaland's goal, initially ruled out for offside, was allowed to stand after the VAR reviewed the play and concluded he was onside. The goal secured a 1-0 Premier League victory for Manchester City, who had been playing with 10 men for most of the match following Phil Foden's red card.
Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola in the summer, has previously experienced similar controversial decisions against City, including a 2-1 defeat by Manchester United in January 2023. He added, 'We're still waiting for our apology,' referring to the latest howler from VAR.
What's confirmed
- "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.
What's still developing
- '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?
- Maresca was part of Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff at Man City when Man United benefitted from a similar controversial derby incident involving Marcus Rashford for a goal scored by Bruno Fernandes in January 2023.
- Meanwhile, Maresca has also shared fresh thoughts on Foden’s red card, the impact of his absence for three matches and whether Man City intend to challenge his suspension.
- 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.
- The result keeps City unbeaten under Maresca and level on points with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
- Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Norwich City, Maresca said the attention given to the incident had taken away from what he considered a strong performance from his team.