Anthony Taylor (Aston Villa v Norwich City)

Aston Villa 4-1 Norwich City

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Assistant 1: Michael McDonough

Assistant 2: Matthew Wilkes

4th Official: Christopher Foy

TRR Assessor: Hubert (Leszno, Poland)
Date: 02/03/2014
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
Kick Off: 16:30
Competition: Premier League
Match Difficulty: Challenging

THE REFEREE

Foul Detection

UNACCEPTABLE

Comment...
The referee's foul detection was unacceptable. The game was full of passion and fight, therefore Anthony Taylor - not always correctly (rather not) - allowed a really hard play. Many pullings and pushings were not whistled, although players were not always satisfied with this line of handling the game. There were also several important situations I would like to highlight:

27' - Christian Benteke (20/AVL) wins the header and scores on 2-1. In fact, there was a clear foul on Sebastien Bassong (5/NOR) while jumping for the ball. Benteke wrapped his neck, making his opponent unable to compete with attacker for this head. The goal definitely shouldn't have stood and it was a real turning point.
27minuta from kilpki on Vimeo.

30' - The second crucial mistake happened when Mr. Taylor failed to dismiss Alexander Tettey (27/NOR) for his high-boot challange on Nathan Baker (2/AVL). It was typical attack made with usage of excessive force, highly endangering the opponent's health. Instead of yellow card given by the ref, the only adequate punishment should've been a straight red card.

30minuta from kilpki on Vimeo.

45+2' - Robert Snodgrass (7/NOR) commits a foul on Ryan Bertrand (23/AVL). Whilst I would like to see such brainless challenges punished by red cards, I can still accept the referee's decision to only book a player for reckless challenge in this case. No studs-up, no straightened leg are enough arguments to defend a Mr. Taylor's call in this case.

47minuta from kilpki on Vimeo.

57' - Perfectly positioned referee totally overlooks a highly dangerous Bradley Johnson's (4/NOR) tackle on Ashley Westwood (15/AVL). Norwich' player attacked an opponent's calf with studs, endangering his health. Clear red card-foul missed by the international referee.

57minuta from kilpki on Vimeo.

77' - Culmination of referee's poor alertness. Anthony Taylor doesn't give a penalty kick although Russell Martin (2//NOR) jumped to block the shot, increasing his body surface by hands in which the ball hit. Even taking into account small distance between shot-taker and defender, according to current guidelines given to referees, the only natural position of hands when blocking a shot or centre should be a such position that doesn't increase a player's body surface. Having said that, it's another 'crucial mistake' made by Anthony Taylor in this game.

77minuta from kilpki on Vimeo.


Four important mistakes in one match is definitely too much for the Premier League referee...


Positioning

GOOD

Comment...

The referee's positioning was of a good standard. Anthony Taylor chose a very central way of movement on the field, but was able to adjust position when needed. The referee was well-positioned even in situations where he made the above-mentioned important mistakes.

Man Management

SATISFACTORY

Comment...

The referee's man-management was satisfactory. Mr. Taylor rarely explained decisions to players and allowed too much dissents, especially from Andreas Weimann (10/AVL) who questioned referee's call quite often and not always in a well-mannered way. Sometimes too passive approach.

Card Issuing

POOR

Comment...

The referee correctly booked Snograss (7/NOR) and Elmander (16/NOR) for reckless challenges. However, Tettey (27/NOR) should've received a straight red card instead of yellow issued by the referee for his high-boot-challenge from 30'. Anthony Taylor missed another red card (and also a foul itself) to Johnson (4/NOR) who should've gone for very dangerous studs-up challenge from 57'.

Fitness

GOOD

Comment...
The referee had very good fitness which allowed him to keep up with play throughout the game.

THE ASSISTANT REFEREES

Assistant 1 - GOOD [8.4]
Assistant 2 - GOOD [8.4]

Comment...
Both assistants counted good performances. The Norwich' goal (3') seems to be 5-10 cms offside, but it's acceptable and even reccomendable to keep a flag down being not sure about potential offside. Here, the AR1 couldn't be sure, so benefit of the doubt is for him.

OVERALL

DISAPPOINTING

SCORE

7.2/10