Enzo Maresca claimed he celebrated Erling Haaland’s controversial 10-man winner early. Manchester City in the Old Trafford derby as he knew he was not offside.
Haaland earned City a 1-0 win over their arch-rivals Manchester Unitedthat they kept their perfect Premier League It starts below Maresca, who scored the only goal of the game on the hour mark, heading Josko Gvardiol’s deflected cross into the far post in the top left corner.
That goal was just reward for the way City adapted to going down to 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking Bruno Fernandes in the stomach in the 23rd minute.
It looked like he wouldn’t be allowed to stand as the offside flag cut short Haaland’s celebrations. However, a lengthy VAR check deemed Patrick Dorgu to be playing Haaland. Enzo Fernández, who was offside and only narrowly failed to make contact with Gvardiol’s delivery, declared that he had not interfered in the game.
While this decision His left-wing managerial counterpart Michael Carrick ‘confused’City manager Maresca insisted it was obvious the goal would be allowed to stand.
“It was completely clear that the goal was not offside,” Maresca told Sky Sports. “The moment the fourth official told me, I celebrated early, because I knew.”
Maresca praised the performance of City signing Fernandez, and also had plenty of plaudits for goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who produced a brilliant save to deny Bryan Mbeumo late on after Fernandes took him down.
“Enzo Fernández was incredible today and it was a pleasure for him to help us get the win,” added Maresca.
“And my God, the salvation. That’s why Donnarumma is here. That’s why we bought him because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.”
But the Italian took issue with referee Michael Oliver’s decision to send Foden off only after his altercation with Fernandes.
Foden sent off Fernandes after the Portuguese appeared to foul him and then pounce on the City forward while he was on the ground.
Maresca considered that both offenses could be considered red card offences.
“The decision may be a red card for Foden,” he said. “But in the same action, it can be a red card for Bruno because he also kicks Phil.”