Rightly or wrongly, Mike Dean has developed a reputation for favouring Tottenham Hotspur.
Indeed, Dean is usually revered as one of the Premier League’s least partial referees simply because he seems to enjoy infuriating every team by equal measure. But over the years, accusations have grown that he’s got a soft spot for the Lilywhites, partly because of the exceptionally harsh treatment he usually reserves for their bitter rivals Arsenal.
Accordingly, Gunners fans aren’t too happy that he’s been appointed for the North London derby this weekend, and the statistics suggest those concerns are justified. Despite his reputation, out of the 18 referees to officiate in the Premier League this season, Dean has ranked in the bottom seven for fouls per tackle and fouls per game – and that would seem to benefit the visitors more.
Indeed, the difference between Arsenal and Spurs for tackles and fouls this season is minimal, 0.4 and 0.7 respectively, but it will likely be Tottenham who set up to do the majority of defending on Saturday – not only are they the away side but they’ve also shown real potency on the counter-attack this season.
That inevitably requires more tackles and more physical challenges than the opposition, something Dean is showing a surprising leniency towards this season. Likewise, whereas Arsenal have seen 15 yellow cards this term, Spurs have been issued just eleven – and Dean is currently averaging the third-most per game in the top flight. Clearly, the Gunners will have to show better discipline to avoid bookings this weekend.
On top of that, only one referee has overseen more away wins in the Premier League so far this season, while Dean’s ratio of 38% is only bettered by six of his colleagues.
That makes the three points Arsenal crave on Saturday the least likely result under the 49-year-old, the remaining 62% hinting that Spurs will leave the Emirates Stadium with at least a draw.
That being said, the idea of Dean favouring Tottenham remains a bit of a myth. He’s already overseen one Arsenal win this season, whereas the only Spurs match he’s refereed ended in a disappointing draw against Swansea City at Wembley.
Perhaps the worst thing Arsenal fans can do then, is give Dean an unnecessarily hostile reception.
