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09/13 13:58 CDT Haaland's disputed goal wins Manchester derby for 10-man City
against United
Haaland's disputed goal wins Manchester derby for 10-man City against United
By JAMES ROBSON
AP Soccer Writer
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 on Sunday.
At first, the goal was ruled out for offside, but after 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 buildup. 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, soccer 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 halftime - 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% start to the season. City moved
level on points with defending champion 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 is 13th in the standings with just one win from four games.
Carrick's teams 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 plays winless Fulham next weekend before
the international break.
"We haven't got as many points as we would have liked at this point, for sure.
There's no getting away from that. But we don't need a break or a restart.
We've just got to move on and get winning again," Carrick said.
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.
"You can see he's happy, not only today, even day by day in the training
sessions," Maresca said. "As much as we keep Erling happy, we are all happy.
How do you say in English, ?happy wife, happy life?'
"Happy Erling, happy life."
City extended its 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 is 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.
Brighton led 1-0 at halftime through Charalampos Kostoulas before going on a
scoring spree after the break with goals from Malick Yalcouye, Pascal Gross,
Lewis Dunk and Yasin Ayari.
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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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See AP's full soccer coverage here
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