Erling Haaland fired 10-man Manchester City to a memorable 1-0 victory over Manchester United despite Phil Foden's first-half red card to extend a perfect start to Enzo Maresca's reign.
Foden kicked out at United captain Bruno Fernandes on 23 minutes to give the visitors a mountain to climb. But a new-look City were up to the challenge as the near £250mn ($340mn) midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez proved their worth.
Haaland's winner was laced with controversy as Fernandez was deemed not to be interfering with play when he attempted to head in before the ball reached the Norwegian.
"It's worrying, if that's really how it is, if that's how the game is seen by those who are officiating it," said United boss Michael Carrick. "I just don't get it, I really don't get it, I can't understand them."
Defeat compounds a miserable Premier League start for United as they are already eight points adrift of City and defending champions Arsenal. By contrast, victory was a huge statement for Maresca to quell fears of a major drop-off from City following Pep Guardiola's trophy-laden decade in charge.
"It's a kind of new experience to win with 10 men. It's amazing, I have to be honest," said Haaland.
The visitors had made the better start in the opening quarter but looked to have been completely undone by Foden's ill discipline. City will argue that Fernandes should also have seen red as he fouled Foden and then seemed to kick him in the back.
But there was little case for Foden's defence as he retaliated by throwing both legs up into Fernandes's midriff. "I think Foden's red card is a red card, but I also think that in the same action it's a red card for them," said Maresca.
Marcus Rashford was inches away from his first United goal since December 2024 when his free-kick came crashing back off the post with the home side's best effort before the break. The woodwork came to City's rescue again just after half-time when Kobbie Mainoo curled onto the post from distance and the ball rebounded kindly into Gianluigi Donnarumma's grasp. But the City sucker punch arrived on the hour mark.
Haaland adjusted his body brilliantly to sweep in Josko Gvardiol's deflected cross. A VAR review deemed Haaland was onside and that Fernandez was not interfering as he stooped to try and head in himself. City came close to landing the telling blow when Fernandez's effort was turned onto the post by Senne Lammens. Haaland also should have had a second when he got onto Fernandez's wicked low free-kick delivery.
City, though, were not made to pay for failing to add a second as United lacked the composure and quality to make the man advantage count until the final minute of stoppage time. Fernandes's reverse ball perfectly picked out Bryan Mbeumo but he was denied by a fine save from Donnarumma. Maresca scampered down the touchline in delight at full-time.
After a battle for the title went down to the final week of last season, Arsenal and City look a class apart from the competition once more. Both are locked on 12 points with Chelsea, Liverpool and United already cut adrift.
Brighton run rampant against 10-man Coventry
Meanwhile, Brighton thrashed 10-man Coventry 5-0 to move into fourth place and leave Frank Lampard's side rooted to the bottom of the table. Charalampos Kostoulas put Brighton ahead in the first half and Malick Yalcouye doubled their lead soon after the interval. Coventry striker Taiwo Awoniyi was sent off for violent conduct in the second half.
Pascal Gross netted from the penalty spot and Lewis Dunk curled home from long range. Yasin Ayari wrapped up Brighton's emphatic victory as Coventry's frustrated fans flooded to the exits well before the final whistle.
Coventry are still looking for their first Premier League goal since 2001 after going scoreless while losing their first four top-flight matches this season. Lampard's men are the only Premier League team without a point this season. The Sky Blues were promoted from the Championship last season to end their 25-year exile from the Premier League.
