RateTheRef

I wrote on the appointments thread that i was looking forward to seeing mr dean in action at villa park, unlike many villa fans and i wasnt disappointed.
An enthralling game, contributed to by all three teams in the positive.
City oozed class especially first half, villa competed better second half and mr dean was impressive throughout.

A game refereed by the card shark, with no cards, first in a while you might think ( did he leave the cards at home? ).
Mr dean was in full control throughout, communicated well with the players both by mouth and by action.
The players respected the official.
Mr dean was impressive, allowed the game to breathe, flow, played some good advantages, read the game well, always seemed well placed without getting in the way of play, and always on hand to diffuse any confrontations to avoid things boiling over.
Allowed play to continue and didnt stop it when certain players were laying down apparently injured.
City actually had a player down when they broke away down the right, a long ball to jesus who crossed inch perfect for bernardo to volley home, as a home fan i could applaud a great goal and the officials.
Mr dean was ably assisted by messrs hussin and cann, not that there were many offsides.

The only slight downside was that the serial offenders messrs fernandinho and rodri could have seen yellow for
Persistent infringement, however most of their game management fouls tend to occur in the oppositions defending half and are rarely carded.
Also Targett lay flat out after neither he nor cancelo, i think, managed to head the ball in a midfield duel,  the game continued for a while, not sure if targett suffered concussion symptoms but he was substituted after receiving attention.
Villa were attacking as the above took place and to be fair if it was a head injury mr dean may not have been aware as it seemed to be an awkward landing from the jump that caused injury.

Overall a top class performance from a top class referee.

I am sure villa will be relieved the cards remained at home as they have 3 important players on 4 yellows at present.
City will be pleased to come away with a win, having two goalkeepers on the bench, messrs grealish and foden not fully fit and the rest academy players be it two who have premier league minutes under their belts in palmer and mactee.

Look for forward hopefully to a similar performance on sunday from the highest royalty of the refereeing fraternity
In england.

Overall he was okay. You mentioned the serial City foulers . Yes I think he should have cautioned them particularly Rhodri who at one point screaming abuse at him. Let himself down there but otherwise okay

Technology was failing me last night so didn't get uninterrupted coverage of this game. Think I prefer this version of Mike Dean to the cardshark, but it was good judgement from Mr Dean to loosen the reins a bit in a game where both teams main aim was playing football. From a City perspective, it seemed like Villa appeared to be getting the rub of the green with some decisions; it didn't seem like VAR looked at the first half challenge on Jesus in the penalty box and some might have given a foul against Zinchenko rather than the corner which led to Watkins' perfectly placed finish, but nothing to lose any sleep over. Missed the Rodri incident, but agree Fernandinho on another day would have been carded.

Overall it was a quality game where Villa might feel a bit hard done to coming away with nothing after a stirring second half and one where the team of officials contributed to that high standard.