Enzo Maresca claims that focusing on Erling Haaland's Manchester derby goal instead of how well they played with 10 men is "poor".
Manchester City beat rivals Manchester United 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, playing with 10 men from the 23rd minute after Phil Foden's red card for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.
Haaland scored the winner on the hour, with the goal given after a lengthy VAR check, though controversy surrounded the decision.
Enzo Fernandez – in an offside position – attempted to head the ball but did not make contact before Haaland scored, with Pro Ref, the governing body, later confirming they had contacted United to concede an error had been made.
However, Maresca feels that decision should not take away from City's dominance, as they outperformed United to maintain their 100% start to the Premier League this term.
"To talk about one moment after that game when we played for 70, 75 minutes with 10 players is quite poor," Maresca said in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Norwich City in the EFL Cup third round.
"I think the performance was unbelievable and I'm pleased.
"[On Thursday], it's another competition, but the ambition is the same. There is no VAR, but we don't plan the game in a different way."
City are the reigning EFL Cup champions and begin their defence of the trophy at home to Norwich on Thursday, having won six of their last seven home games against the Canaries in all competitions (L1).
They have progressed from each of their last 18 EFL Cup ties against lower-league opponents since going out on penalties to League One Brighton in the 2008-09 second round.
City have also progressed from 12 of their last 13 EFL Cup third-round ties, failing only in 2023-24 when they lost 0-1 to Newcastle United.
Asked where the EFL Cup ranks in terms of importance for City this season, Maresca said: "One more competition.
"We need to compete in all of the competitions. We will try our best, and we will see where we finish.
"They are all tricky games, different games. We need to do our job in the right way, and I have no doubt it will be a tricky game for many reasons."
City will be without the suspended Foden on Thursday, while Jeremy Doku is "quite close" but unlikely to feature against Norwich.
Maresca has confirmed he will be making changes, though, as he looks to get his players ready for the busier schedule later in the year.
"For sure we will make some changes, but I don't know many. For different reasons," he added.
"The ones that are going to play, I'm sure that they are going to play important games in the Premier League or Champions League. Now it's early season with no injuries or suspended players. In November, December, January and February, with the amount of games, we will need rest.
"The players that are going to play tomorrow, it's an opportunity for them to get better and better. At some point, we need them."
hiycdensy
0
we grilled the idiots who thought they knew better than City. They boasted before the game began but today they are crying babies.
Rawadiprtu
0
Manchester is blue and will live to be blue
yodcdeios
0
I don't think you dominated the game that's a lie without that goal that never was you would have lost that game but after you scored the fake goal you parked the bus , you celebrated the fake goal as if you had won the world cup, the season is long Mr Maresca we wait and see
satbcety
0
Man United should bury their head in shame. how many goals were they able to score against 10 man City before and after the goal. let us text run it next game, let them be one man down against City with a promise that if City didn't score till the time they scored against Man United in last game they should award Man United a goal and also watch what will happen in the remaining minutes before final whistle. such a lazy players who can't press finally got excuses for their lazy and weak team.
satbcety
1
All know that the goal was never on. United were so dominating at that time that the goal demoralize the team & influence the results.
Did you said demoralize? with your sh**t team that can't press enough against 10 men. what will now happen to them is city are 11 and score they will faint on the pitch be that. Shame
Jieaemoty
2
All know that the goal was never on. United were so dominating at that time that the goal demoralize the team & influence the results.
kaucdist
1
this doesn't affect onlyan Utd but even Hull, Arsenal and the whole EPL log is now fake.
Tobbclnpry
2
how much do you pay VAR?
disbcelnpr
2
once again, poor officiating determines which team resides at the top.
truthisbitter
3
Very true, they want to deflect the defeat, Instead of conceding superiority to city and swallow their pride and defeat against 10 men,they resorted to blame game to hide their inadequacy
vosikmptuz
1
How wrong Maresca's claims. Dominance and goals are two different things based on which side is favoured. Maresca would choose goals rather than dominance if that goal was in United's favour .
buzabmoruy
1
Manchester is blue
Nozklmorty
1
🤣🤣🤣
Baalutsch
1
Man cheaty