The Premier League Match Centre has explained why Erling Haaland’s goal for Manchester City against Manchester United was awarded after an initial offside decision was overturned by VAR.
The assistant referee had raised the flag during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, but a review concluded that Haaland was in an onside position when he scored.
Premier League Match Centre explains Haaland goal VAR decision
In an official update, the Match Centre said: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for offside – and determined that Haaland was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded. The VAR also deemed that while in an offside position, Fernandez didn’t play the ball.”
The explanation centred on Enzo Fernández, who was judged not to have touched the ball or made an active play towards it despite being in an offside position. As a result, he was not considered to have interfered with play and Haaland’s finish stood.
The decision was one of two major officiating talking points during the contest. Phil Foden was shown a straight red card earlier in the match for lashing out at Bruno Fernandes.
That dismissal also prompted debate, with Fernandes escaping punishment despite having initiated the exchange with a challenge from behind. The red card and the VAR intervention on Haaland’s goal kept refereeing decisions at the centre of attention.
Manchester City preserve perfect Premier League start
City were reduced to 10 men following Foden’s dismissal, but Enzo Maresca’s side showed tactical discipline to secure victory.
The result preserved Manchester City’s flawless start to the Premier League season. They remain level at the top of the table with defending champions Arsenal, who have also won every match.
