Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in a contentious Premier League match marked by a red card incident involving Phil Foden and Bruno Fernandes, a disputed goal, and a standout performance from new signing Elliot Anderson. The match, played on 13/9 at Old Trafford, saw Man City's coach Enzo Maresca express his views on the officiating and tactical shifts.

The primary controversy unfolded in the 23rd minute. During a challenge near the touchline, Bruno Fernandes kicked Phil Foden in the back while the Man City player was on the ground. Foden reacted by kicking back, causing Fernandes to fall to the ground in pain. Referee Michael Oliver promptly showed Foden a direct red card but did not penalize the Man Utd captain for his initial foul.

Phil Foden reacts as Bruno Fernandes lies on the ground during Man City's 1-0 victory over Man Utd in the 4th round of the Premier League at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, on 13/9. *Photo: EPA*

Following the match, Coach Maresca stated that Fernandes was fortunate to avoid dismissal. "Foden deserved the red card, but Bruno's similar action also deserved a red card," the Italian coach said. "I reviewed the incident. It's clear Foden received a red card because it was a reaction. But you can also see Bruno fouled Foden. Regardless, it happened. We got a red card but still won."

Maresca explained that Foden's red card completely altered the tactical plans for both Man City and Man Utd. "We had a plan for 11 versus 11, but after the red card, the game changed entirely, and that was true for them too," he noted. "Man Utd likes to transition and exploit space behind the defense. But when we dropped deep, didn't expose space behind, and didn't give them counter-attacking opportunities, the game became more difficult for both teams, especially for them."

Man City's decisive goal, scored by Erling Haaland in the 60th minute, also sparked considerable debate. Semi-automated technology determined Haaland was not offside when he tapped in. VAR further confirmed that Enzo Fernandez, despite being in an offside position, did not interfere with play, leading to the goal being allowed. "Erling was not offside," Maresca affirmed. "The fourth official told me the issue was only with the situation in the center of the penalty area. But I think it's completely clear that Erling was not offside."

Coach Enzo Maresca (center) celebrates with Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez after the match. *Photo: Reuters*

Looking ahead, Maresca emphasized the need to manage Haaland's workload, particularly after the 2026 World Cup. He believes Man City must proactively rest the Norwegian striker at appropriate times to prevent overload, as maintaining high intensity throughout the season could be challenging. The Man City coach expressed satisfaction with Haaland's current condition and trusts that his player's health will positively impact the team's morale. The 46-year-old coach concluded with a familiar English idiom: "As the English say, happy wife, happy life. For us, a happy Erling means a happy life."

Adding to Man City's victory was the impressive performance of Elliot Anderson, a 153 million USD new signing in midfield. The English midfielder played the full 90 minutes, covering 11,6 km, touching the ball 77 times, completing 87% of his passes, regaining possession six times, winning seven duels, and ultimately being voted Man of the Match.

Anderson credited the team's collective effort for the win and reiterated the sentiment that "Man City are the kings of Manchester." "Now we are the kings of Manchester," the 23-year-old midfielder said after the match. "Losing Phil so early wasn't good, but we told ourselves at halftime that a win would make everything more meaningful. The red card gave us even more motivation to go out there, and we secured three points. We had to run more, fight more. All of us shone and delivered a great performance."

Hong Duy (via ESPN)