This week in sport: Manchester derby controversy, Zverev wins US Open and Werro beats Hodgkinson

Hello and welcome to a roundup of the past week’s top sporting news and action. There’s been plenty of stories as always, with a controversial Manchester derby that was dominated by referee decisions, the US Open coming to a conclusion and the first Formula One race at the new Madring street circuit.

Hello and welcome to a roundup of the past week’s top sporting news and action. There’s been plenty of stories as always, with a controversial Manchester derby that was dominated by referee decisions, the US Open coming to a close and the first Formula One race at the new Madring street circuit.

City overcome United in Manchester derby courtesy of controversial winning goal

Manchester City were able to keep their winning start to the Premier League season going on Sunday by taking a 1-0 victory away at local rivals Manchester United following a game that was heavily influenced by officiating decisions.

On 22 minutes at Old Trafford, midfielder Phil Foden was shown a straight red card for the Citizens following a kick at United captain Bruno Fernandes, which caught the player in the chest.

Despite it appearing that Fernandes kicked the Englishman while he was on the ground, the Portuguese player avoided punishment while City were reduced to 10 men.

Despite this, City were able withstand the pressure. Enzo Maresca, managing in his first Manchester derby, set up his defence solidly following Foden’s dismissal as Michael Carrick’s side were unable to find a way through.

Instead, it was the away side who broke the deadlock, albeit in controversial circumstances.

Erling Haaland tapped the ball home at the near post following a Josko Gvardiol cross but was immediately flagged for offside.

However, after a lengthy VAR check, officials decided Haaland was being played onside by United defender Patrick Dorgu, awarding the goal.

This was despite Enzo Fernandez, who was in a clear offside position, appearing to affect play as the cross travelled across the box, with the decision to award the goal attracting derision from fans and pundits alike.

It proved to be the game’s only goal, with United never managing to find an equaliser despite their numbers advantage, falling to a 1-0 defeat at home.

Only a few hours after the game, the refereeing body in England, Pro Ref, admitted that an “error of judgement” had been made in awarding the winning goal.

On Monday, it had been revealed that the VAR officials from the match would not be appointed to Premier League games in the upcoming weekend.

Regardless, the result means that Manchester City’s perfect start to the season continues, leaving them second in the Premier League table, only behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference.

Zverev wins second Grand Slam title after beating Shelton in US Open final

For the second time in his career, Alexander Zverev won a Grand Slam tournament following victory against the number eight seed Ben Shelton in the final of the US Open (6-3 7-6 5-7 6-2).

Having won his first major title at the French Open back in June, Zverev was able to overcome the home hero Shelton to complete a breakthrough year for the German.

In a tournament that produced many shock exits early, as well as the absence of world no.1 Jannik Sinner through withdrawal, top seed Zverev didn’t face a fellow top 10 seed until the final but made good on his experience in major finals to secure the win.

Shelton, who had overcome a returning Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller to get to the final, was aiming to become the first American to win a men’s major singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003 but was ultimately unsuccessful despite taking the third set.

The 23-year-old should certainly take pride from his first run to a major final, as leaps up to no.4 in the world rankings.

Meanwhile, in the women’s draw, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina beat defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in three sets (6-4 5-7 6-2) to capture her first US Open title.

Antonelli win is at Norris’ expense in first race at new Madrid street circuit

Current Formula One World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli extended his lead at the top of the standings by winning the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, the first event to take place at the brand new Madring circuit.

Built on the streets of Madrid, there were many fears before the race from drivers, experts and fans that the design of the track would struggle to produce exciting on-track action.

Ultimately, those fears came to pass, with the race being essentially decided by a Virtual Safety Car on lap 15.

Lando Norris, who had done a brilliant job to put his McLaren on pole position and fended off the start his lead from Antonelli, was caught out by a VSC being called after he had passed the pit lane, allowing those behind to take advantage.

Norris did come in the following lap but not only had the VSC period ended by then, but the Briton’s pitstop was slow, resulting in him coming back out in fifth.

It was relatively easy going for Antonelli from then on, with the Italian taking his eighth victory of the season and extending his lead at the top of the championship to 81 points.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took second place while Norris did manage to recover to third by the chequered flag.

With the circuit being almost universally panned, Spanish Grand Prix officials have already announced that changes will be made to the track ahead of its second race next year.

Werro bests Hodgkinson in Ultimate Championships 800m final

Audrey Werro emerged victorious in the women’s 800m final, defeating rivals Keely Hodgkinson and Femke Broeders-Bol at the highly anticipated World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

The trio, whose rivalry has defined the 800m event in 2026, competed in one of the headline events of the inaugural Ultimate Championship, with Werro, who is undefeated outdoors this season, coming out on top.

The 22-year-old showed no hesitation in immediately taking the lead from the start of the race, a position she would not relinquish as she came home to set a time of 1:55.88.

It caps off a remarkable breakthrough year for the Swiss star, who claimed European and Diamond League gold on top of setting the third fastest women’s 800m time in history back in August.

Hodgkinson, who revealed she has been recovering from a hamstring tear, finished second after overtaking Broeders-Bol on the home straight.

When speaking about the rivalry between the top three that has captured the world’s attention in 2026, Hodgkinson had nothing but positive things can come out of it.

She said: "I honestly love it. I think it's really great for our sport and for women's sport to have so many amazing women pushing each other.

"I'm happy to be part of it. Hopefully, next time, I'll come out on top.

"I'm always there fighting. That's something to be proud of and take into the future. I'm only 24 and hopefully I'll be around for a lot longer."