Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has pushed back against criticism of the disputed goal that sealed victory over Manchester United, arguing his side is still owed an apology from officials for a similarly contentious incident three years ago.
City's win over their rivals was overshadowed by controversy after Erling Haaland's decisive goal, with United supporters and pundits questioning whether the build-up should have been ruled out. Maresca, however, insists his players cannot be blamed and pointed to history to make his case.
The Italian recalled a near-identical scenario from the 2023 derby at Old Trafford, when he was working as Pep Guardiola's assistant. On that occasion, Marcus Rashford was adjudged not to be interfering with play despite standing in an offside position, allowing Bruno Fernandes to score City's equalizer. Rashford then netted the winner for United shortly afterward.
"The goal was not a regular goal, if you remember," Maresca said. "And to be honest, no one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology for that goal. Sometimes it happens for you, sometimes it happens against you. It's football."
Maresca also expressed frustration that his team's display had been overshadowed by the debate surrounding the goal, especially given City played the majority of the match a man down after Phil Foden was sent off in the first half for kicking out at Fernandes.
"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. "I think the performance was unbelievable, and I'm pleased with the performance."
Foden will now serve a three-match suspension and will miss Thursday's Carabao Cup third-round clash with Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium. Maresca revealed that the England international was deeply affected by his dismissal in the immediate aftermath.
"At half-time, he was very sad, very upset because he knew there was something wrong," Maresca explained. "Then after the game he was a little bit more relieved, he was a little bit more happy. And then yesterday he was very good. He knows the reaction was not a good one, but again, it's finished and we move on."
With the exception of the Community Shield defeat, City have won every match this season and enter the cup tie against Championship opposition as heavy favorites as they begin their defense of the trophy. A victory would also give Maresca the chance to claim his first piece of silverware since taking charge, a feat Guardiola achieved a club-record five times in this competition.
Maresca is expected to rotate his squad significantly for the Norwich fixture, with Sunday's Premier League meeting with Sunderland on the horizon. Brazilian midfielder Allan and goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, both summer signings, could be handed their first appearances for the club.
Three academy products - Ryan McAidoo, Kaden Braithwaite and Floyd Samba, son of former Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba - are also included in the matchday squad after training with the first team throughout the season.
"When we started pre-season we had many young players and then at the end we decided to keep just these three players," Maresca said. "They can work with us every day, they can improve, and at some point they can also get a chance to get some minutes."
Winger Jérémy Doku continues his recovery from a calf problem sustained during the Community Shield and remains unavailable for selection.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football and Standard Football.