Enzo Maresca urges focus on Manchester City’s 10-man derby display after VAR error

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has called for greater recognition of his side’s performance in Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester United, saying the match has been unfairly defined by the controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s decisive goal.

City played for more than an hour with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes. Despite the dismissal, Maresca’s side held on to secure a fourth consecutive Premier League victory.

Haaland’s goal, scored shortly after the hour mark, initially appeared to be offside and was ruled out. VAR subsequently overturned that decision, allowing the strike to stand.

Refereeing body Pro Ref later acknowledged that the decision was wrong. Officials had failed to take into account the position of Enzo Fernandez, who was offside and interfering with play.

Maresca said the attention given to the VAR mistake had overshadowed what he regarded as an exceptional effort from his players, particularly after they had been reduced to 10 men for most of the match.

“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 before Thursday’s Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City.

“I think the performance was unbelievable, and I’m pleased with the performance.”

The City manager accepted that errors can occur in officiating, while recognising the demands placed on VAR officials who must reach decisions within a short period.

“There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that’s all. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It’s football,” he said.

“It’s not easy for the VAR, for the people that are in front of the screen, and in 10 seconds, 20 seconds they have to make a decision.

“Sometimes, they make some mistakes. I make mistakes; players make mistakes. I think it’s part of our job.”

He also stressed the personal impact of the criticism directed at match officials after the incident.

“None more so than the officials themselves. They take a lot of personal pride in what they do and they’re obviously hurting now, having fallen short in this situation.”

Manchester United struck the post before half-time and again after the interval, but City survived the numerical disadvantage before Haaland’s controversial goal settled the derby.

Maresca’s team will next face Norwich City in the League Cup on Thursday, before returning to Premier League action against Sunderland on Sunday.