Maresca says VAR controversy has eclipsed City’s derby performance

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has criticised the focus on the VAR controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s winner, saying it has overshadowed his side’s performance in a 1–0 Premier League victory over Manchester United.

City played most of Sunday’s Manchester derby with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute. Haaland scored in the second half to secure the win, which was City’s fourth successive league victory.

The goal was initially ruled offside before VAR overturned the on-field decision. The referees’ body later said the goal should not have been awarded because Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and interfered with opponents.

“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, according to BBC Sport. “I think the performance was unbelievable, and I’m pleased with the performance.”

Howard Webb, the Premier League refereeing body’s chief, said the VAR became “super-focused” on Haaland’s position and did not fully evaluate Fernandez’s involvement. Webb described the officials’ failure as a mistake and said they were disappointed with the outcome.

Maresca also referred to a disputed decision against City in a 2–1 Manchester derby defeat in January 2023, saying the club was still waiting for an apology. The officials involved in the latest VAR error will not officiate again until after the international break, Webb said.