City's flawless start to the season survived a chaotic afternoon that needed the Premier League's Match Centre to clarify exactly why Erling Haaland's goal was allowed to stand.
The assistant referee had raised his flag for offside, and for a moment the Etihad held its breath. Then VAR intervened. The review checked the referee's call of no goal for offside and determined Haaland was in an onside position, recommending the goal be awarded. The Match Centre later released an official statement to explain the decision.
The key lay with Enzo Fernández. While in an offside position, Fernández made no touch or active play toward the ball. The VAR officials confirmed he was not interfering with play, which left Haaland legally onside to finish.
That alone would have been enough controversy for one match. Earlier in the half, Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes escaped without punishment despite initiating the exchange with a challenge from behind.
City were reduced to 10 men following Foden's dismissal. What followed was a display of tactical discipline from Enzo Maresca's side, grinding out a massive victory.
The win keeps City's 100% winning record intact and maintains their place at the top of the table alongside defending champions Arsenal. Both sides continue to set the pace.
For City, it's another three points and another afternoon where the fine margins went their way. For everyone else, the gap at the top remains.