Premier League refs admit VAR ‘error’ on Haaland derby winner

Match Overview

Manchester City secured a controversial 2-1 victory over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium, sealed by a late Erling Haaland strike. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has since released a statement admitting that Haaland’s 74th-minute winner should have been ruled out for offside. VAR failed to intervene despite City defender Manuel Akanji obstructing United goalkeeper André Onana from an active, offside position during the phase of play.

The decision proved decisive in an otherwise dominant performance by the hosts, who had to come from behind after Marcus Rashford’s early opener. Despite the post-match admission of a subjective refereeing error, the three points remain with the reigning champions.

Key Stats & Facts

• Scoreline: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United (Foden 48’, Haaland 74’ | Rashford 12’)
• Possession: Manchester City 68% - 32% Manchester United
• Expected Goals (xG): Manchester City 2.45 - 0.78 Manchester United
• Shots / Shots on Target: City registered 22 total shots with 8 on target, while United managed 6 shots with 2 on target.
• Corners: Manchester City dominated set-piece opportunities 11-3.
• Discipline: Referee Jarred Gillett issued four yellow cards (Rodri 61’ | Casemiro 34’, Mainoo 55’, Fernandes 82’).

Player Spotlight & Standings Impact

Erling Haaland’s controversial game-winner marked his 22nd Premier League goal of the season, keeping him firmly at the top of the Golden Boot standings. Phil Foden was named Player of the Match after scoring the crucial 48th-minute equalizer, finishing the game with a 91% pass completion rate and five key passes.

The victory keeps Manchester City in second place with 62 points, trailing league leaders Liverpool by a single point. Conversely, the defeat damages Manchester United’s European ambitions, leaving them in sixth place on 44 points, six points adrift of the top four.