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Man City on five-game winning run but Foden ban looms large over Liverpool trip

📅 September 27, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 3

Red-hot form under Maresca

Manchester City have made a bright start to Enzo Maresca's first season in charge at the Etihad. The Sky Blues opened their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 home win over Bournemouth on opening day, before following it up with a 4-1 away demolition of Crystal Palace. The good times have kept rolling since — City's longest winning run in the division this season now stands at five matches, with their biggest scoreline a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sunderland on 20 September.

Derby drama and VAR chaos

The highlight of September so far came on 13 September, when City travelled to Old Trafford and ground out a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Manchester derby — but the match was never far from controversy. Phil Foden was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute after kicking out at United captain Bruno Fernandes, becoming the first City player to be sent off in a top-flight Manchester derby since Bernardo Corradi back in December 2006. Despite being reduced to ten men, Erling Haaland came up with the decisive goal in the second half, although United were furious that the strike — initially flagged for offside — was allowed to stand by VAR. The Premier League's referee body, Pro Ref, subsequently issued a formal apology to Manchester United, admitting that VAR had made an error in awarding Haaland's winner.

Foden ban — and the Doku update

Foden's red card for violent conduct carried an automatic three-match domestic suspension. The England midfielder has already served two of those games — sitting out the Carabao Cup win over Norwich City and the Premier League match against Sunderland. His final suspended match will be the highly-anticipated trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on 11 October. Manager Enzo Maresca accepted the red card was deserved, though he felt the provocation from Fernandes should also have been punished. The good news on the injury front is that winger Jeremy Doku, who had been sidelined with a calf problem, returned during September and the international break gives him additional time to sharpen up ahead of the Liverpool fixture.

Champions League — off to a winning start

In Europe, City have also started well. In their opening Champions League league-phase fixture, they defeated Porto 2-0 away from home, picking up three points and a clean sheet. Their next European outing brings Paris Saint-Germain to the Etihad on 14 October, making the coming weeks a blockbuster period for Maresca's side.

Transfer talk

Ahead of the current season, City moved decisively in the summer transfer window, bringing in several new faces to bolster the squad. Among the arrivals were Elliot Anderson, goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli, highly-rated youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, midfielder Allan, forward Iliman Ndiaye, and Enzo Fernández. Ndiaye in particular has been identified as ready cover for the suspended Foden in the attacking positions. No fresh transfer rumours have emerged in the last 48 hours, with the window now closed and City focused on their fixture schedule.

Sources

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