Erling Haaland delivered the decisive moment as 10-man Manchester City edged Manchester United 1-0 in a dramatic Manchester derby on Sunday.

The victory preserved Enzo Maresca’s perfect start as City manager, despite the hosts being reduced to 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute for kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes.

United had the numerical advantage for most of the contest but struggled to turn it into meaningful pressure or create enough clear chances to seriously trouble City.

Instead, City remained compact and posed a threat on the counter before Haaland eventually broke the deadlock.

The Norwegian striker kept his composure to finish and put City ahead, although the goal was subjected to a VAR review over a possible offside during the build-up. The goal was eventually upheld.

United increased the pressure in search of an equaliser as the final whistle approached, but City’s defence remained organised and successfully protected the lead.

The result represents another significant victory for Maresca and keeps City’s perfect record intact, while United will regret failing to take advantage of playing against 10 men for more than an hour.

For Haaland, the decisive strike once again underlined his importance to City’s early-season success.

AFP.