#7 Flashpoints and controversial decisions
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It would not be an understatement to say that this weekend was full of flashpoints – poor, contentious as well as inconsistent refereeing altering the course of the games.
Although referee blunders seemed to be the order over the course of the two days, there were two decisions that completely altered the course of the match or handed over the advantage unduly to one team.
(a) Anthony Taylor: Manchester City vs. Chelsea
David Luiz appeared to have strayed onto the path of Sergio Aguero and had no eyes for the ball as he shoulder-challenged the Argentine striker and denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity. His sending off could have turned the game but was not to be.
Anthony Taylor had one howler of a game as he also went on to deny a strong penalty call in favour of City when Marcus Alonso tripped Jesus Navas in the box.
The referee’s extremely poor standards of officiating were jeered and booed at but that did not stop Chelsea winning 3-1 at the Etihad. The damage was done.
(b) Penalty decision in favour of Spurs
Dele Alli dived spectacularly over next-to-nothing contact from Swansea’s Kyle Naughton and referee Jonathan Moss pointed to the spot.
Spurs’ first goal took the wind out of the Swans’ sails; their defensive setup was far from ideal for a comeback win at the home of a side reputed for their discipline at the back.
Honourable mentions:
Cesc Fabregas getting away cheaply with a yellow despite being the chief instigator of trouble against City’s Fernandinho; Marco Rojo not sent off by Michael Oliver for a two-footed studs-up challenge on Idrissa Gueye; Marc Muniesa getting away with a yellow for a prolonged shirt pull on Andre Gray when the latter was yards ahead and through on goal - these are only three of a host of other refereeing blunders this weekend
