Haaland’s disputed goal wins derby for 10-man City

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

Manchester United was enraged after Erling Haaland’s hotly contested goal settled the 199th Manchester derby.

The Norwegian struck in the 60th minute to seal a 1-0 win for 10-man Manchester City at Old Trafford in the Premier League yesterday.

At first, the goal was ruled out for offside but, after a VAR review, the onfield decision was overturned, sparking a roar of celebration from the away fans, including Oasis’ Noel Gallagher.

United’s players were incensed because Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position during the build-up. The Premier League said the goal was allowed because, despite diving to head the ball, the Argentine did not get a touch before it reached Haaland at the far post.

However, football rules state a player is interfering with play when “clearly attempting to play a ball” or “challenging an opponent for the ball”.

United defender Lisandro Martinez, who was challenging Fernandez, called it an “injustice” and coach Michael Carrick was also perplexed.

“I just don’t get it, I really don’t get it,” he said. “It’s worrying, it really is if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating.”

Asked if he thought he would get a better explanation from the referee’s governing body or even an apology, Carrick said, “I look forward to that.”

City’s fans may have felt justice was done after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

Foden and City’s players remonstrated on the field and coach Enzo Maresca said after that Fernandes should also have been shown a red for the altercation.

With an extra man, United hit the post either side of half-time - first from Marcus Rashford’s long-range free kick and then Kobbie Mainoo’s low shot from the edge of the area.

It was Maresca’s first derby since taking over from Pep Guardiola at the end of last season, and victory extended City’s 100 per cent start to the season. City moved level on points with defending champions Arsenal at the top of the standings.

“The red card changed the plan of the game, but credit to the players and their effort, spirit and togetherness was brilliant,” Maresca said. “It is already an abnormal situation when you are able to win a game with 10 players. It is fantastic. Then this game is a derby, so it is even better.”

United are 13th in the standings with just one win from four games.

Carrick’s team plays Brighton in the English League Cup on Wednesday, having been knocked out of the competition at the earliest stage against fourth division Grimsby last season. United play winless Fulham next weekend before the international break.

ANOTHER RECORD FOR HAALAND

Haaland’s goal makes him the outright top scorer in the Manchester derby in the Premier League with nine.

He moved ahead of Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero, both on eight.

He has reached that total in eight games, compared to Rooney’s 21 appearances and Aguero’s 13.

It was Haaland’s sixth goal of the season in all competitions.

City extended their record as the team to have won more games against United at Old Trafford in the Premier League than any other opponent, with 10 victories.

Liverpool are second with eight wins. Arsenal and Chelsea have six.

COVENTRY ROUTED

Coventry’s nightmare start to the season continued with a 5-0 home loss to Brighton.

After running away at the top of the Championship last season it has been a rude awakening for Frank Lampard’s team since its return to England’s top flight.

Four straight defeats leaves Coventry rooted to the foot of the standings without a goal and a goal difference of minus 10.