Mike Dean causes shock at '100%' certain Aston Villa red card vs Crystal Palace

Mike Dean shocked his colleagues in the Sky Sports studio by confidently declaring Ian Maatsen deserved a “100% red card” for Aston Villa against Crystal Palace.

The former Premier League referee, who is known for often being more reserved in his assessments as a pundit, broke from his usual tendency to offer a bold verdict on the incident that saw the Dutch defender booked when he brought down Ismaila Sarr in the 66th minute on 23 November.

The incident occurred when the Eagles forward was through on goal just outside the 18-yard box, but Maatsen, apparently the last man, caught him with a foul, and Dean insisted he should have walked in the 2-2 draw.

Clinton Morrison said on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (4.30pm): “Palace want Ian Maatsen to get sent off. Ismaila Sarr was in and Maatsen catches him…They went back to have a look at it and Mike can have his say but I thought it was a red card, but looking at it now Pau Torres was coming across and I think that’s why it’s not gone to VAR.”

Dean responded: “VAR wouldn’t have looked at it but I’ve got the freeze frame now when he was brought down and he’s just gone inside the 18-yard area. For me, I think its a 100% red card.”

Host Simon Thomas replied: “Goodness me, 100%, that’s as definitive as we get from you Mike.”

The ex-ref went on: “Because the defender is on the edge of the D, he’s got probably 15 yards to make up, and the guy’s just entering the penalty area. For me, I think it’s 100% red.” Morrison added: “It’s not but I can’t argue with Mike, I agree with him.”

Villa’s winless streak in the Premier League reached four matches after they fought back twice to draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace.

Ian Maatsen lucky to escape as Aston Villa draw exposes lack of depth for Unai Emery

Football Insider Opinion

The Villains squad depth has been a key factor in their recent struggles, particularly in attack and midfield. Leon Bailey has seen a significant drop in form, with just two goal involvements in the Premier League this season after contributing 19 in the 2023-24 campaign.

The sale of Moussa Diaby for £50m [ESPN], who registered 14 goal involvements last season, has further depleted Villa’s creative options. As a result, their attacking output has diminished, leaving them overly reliant on the impressive Morgan Rogers.

Unai Emery has attempted to mix things up, notably bringing on Jhon Duran to partner Ollie Watkins in the forward line. However, the change in system has not yet been fully effective. Unlike Rogers or the now-departed Diaby, who could link midfield and attack, Villa’s current strike force tends to create bigger gaps between the lines.

This has led to moments of disarray, such as in their 4-1 defeat to Tottenham on 3 November, where the introduction of Duran saw Villa’s forward players pulling the team lengthways, leaving midfield exposed.

The consequence of this tactical shift was evident as Spurs capitalized on the space, scoring twice within 10 minutes of the Colombian’s introduction, and the Midlands club’s defensive structure unraveling as the game became more stretched.

The 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace did little to improve Villa’s ongoing concerns. As a result, Villa remain in eighth place in the Premier League, and their inability to secure consistent victories has left them trailing behind the top teams.

In other news, Aston Villa make Diego Carlos transfer decision ahead of January – sources.

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