Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says focus on a controversial VAR decision ignores his team's performance, while noting past officiating grievances.
Key facts
- •Erling Haaland’s winning goal was initially ruled offside before a VAR review awarded it, a decision later deemed incorrect by officials.
- •Phil Foden received a three-match ban after being sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes during the derby.
- •Maresca highlighted that City played with 10 men for approximately 70 to 75 minutes of the match.
- •The manager stated that City is still waiting for an apology from referees' chief Howard Webb regarding a 2023 match decision.
- •Teenagers Ryan McAidoo, Kaden Braithwaite, and Floyd Samba have been included in the squad for the Carabao Cup match against Norwich.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has defended his team’s recent 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United, describing the focus on a controversial VAR-awarded goal as "quite poor." Despite playing with 10 men for most of the match following Phil Foden’s red card, Maresca praised his squad's performance. The goal, scored by Erling Haaland, was initially disallowed for offside before a review overturned the decision, though the referees' body later acknowledged an error occurred during the process.
Historical Officiating Grievances
Maresca noted that Manchester City is still awaiting an apology for a 2023 derby match at Old Trafford, where a goal by Bruno Fernandes was allowed despite Marcus Rashford being in an offside position. Maresca, who served as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at the time, stated that such errors are part of football, noting that decisions sometimes go for or against a team.
Squad Updates and Upcoming Fixtures
Following his red card against United, Phil Foden will serve a three-match ban. For the upcoming Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City, Maresca indicated he may provide opportunities to younger players, including Ryan McAidoo, Kaden Braithwaite, and Floyd Samba. Additionally, summer signings Allan and Gerónimo Rulli could make their debuts, while Jérémy Doku continues his recovery from a calf injury.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Football, BBC Sport.
