Arsenal fans, we’re sorry to say, aren’t very happy
Although revitalised under Unai Emery’s management, this weekend sees their side host north London rivals Tottenham for the first time this season. With plenty of Gooners understandably nervous at the prospect of facing Spurs, they’ve now been hit with the news that Mike Dean, for the second season on the spin, will take charge of the fixture.
Dean’s refereeing hasn’t always gone down well with Arsenal’s supporters, many of them questioning some big decisions the Wirral-born official has made against their team in years gone by.
Conveniently overlooking the fact that it was Spurs fans who felt Dean’s refereeing had cost them in last year’s game at the Emirates (Arsenal won 2-0), some Arsenal supporters have made it known on Twitter that they think Dean shouldn’t have been selected for the game.
Lifelong Tottenham supporter Mike Dean will officiate this weekends North London Derby. pic.twitter.com/XdlOzJkHBL
— AFCAMDEN (@AFCAMDEN) November 27, 2018
How the fuck does Spurs fan Mike Dean get to be the referee for the NLD two seasons running? Absolute fucking disgrace. Fuck you @premierleague ??????
— Unai Emery FC ?⚪️ (@LeeGunner82) November 27, 2018
Mike Dean will be in charge of the #NLD pic.twitter.com/hG0xWkL7ot
— Arsenal Central (@ArsenalCentral) November 27, 2018
Mike Dean penalty stats:
Man Utd – 16 in 61 matches, one every 3.81 games.
Chelsea – 12 in 65 matches, one every 5.42 games.
Man City – 11 in 63 matches, one every 5.73 games.
Spurs – 10 in 58 matches, one every 5.80 games.
Arsenal – 3 in 64 matches, one every 21.33 games.— Mark. (@MarkBFoot) November 27, 2018
When Mike Dean gives Tottenham a penalty late into the second halfpic.twitter.com/89ZpuADrVu
— IDontLikeSpurs (@IDontLikeSpurs) November 27, 2018
Referee for Arsenal vs Spuds is Mike Dean. Again? Seriously???
— Sir Jenkinson (@theEpicGooner) November 27, 2018
I can’t believe I’m flying from America to see Mike Dean fix a game ?
— Luke Hudson (@luke_hudson55) November 27, 2018
Third-place Tottenham will start Sunday’s game three points clear of their local rivals on 30 points. Should they lose, Arsenal, who currently lie in fifth, will move above them on goal difference.
Prior to the game at the weekend, Spurs host Inter Milan in the Champions League at Wembley, hoping to keep alive their slim hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. Arsenal are also in action, taking on Vorskla Poltava in Poland in the Europa League on Thursday.