Enzo Maresca: VAR controversy overshadowing 'unbelievable' Man City performance

City played for more than an hour with 10 men after Phil Foden was sent off for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes in the 23rd minute, but still held on for a fourth successive Premier League victory.

Haaland appeared to have been caught offside when he scored shortly after the hour mark, but the goal was initially disallowed before VAR overturned the decision. Refereeing body Pro Ref later admitted that the decision was incorrect because the officials failed to consider the position of Enzo Fernandez, who was offside and interfering with play.

Maresca believes the focus on the VAR error has taken away from what he considers an outstanding effort from his players.

"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 ahead of Thursday's Carabao Cup meeting with Norwich City.

"I think the performance was unbelievable, and I'm pleased with the performance."

The City boss accepted that mistakes are part of refereeing, while also acknowledging the pressure placed on VAR officials to make decisions within a matter of seconds.

"There is knowledge that there was a mistake and that's all. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against you. It's football," he said.

"It's not easy for the VAR, for the people that are in front of the screen, and in 10 seconds, 20 seconds they have to make a decision.

"Sometimes, they make some mistakes. I make mistakes; players make mistakes. I think it's part of our job.

"None more so than the officials themselves. They take a lot of personal pride in what they do and they're obviously hurting now, having fallen short in this situation."

Despite United hitting the post either side of half-time, City survived the numerical disadvantage before Haaland's controversial strike proved decisive.

Maresca's side now turn their attention to Norwich in the League Cup on Thursday before returning to Premier League action against Sunderland on Sunday.

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