Stats don't lie*

Everyone makes mistakes and over the course of a season refereeing decisions will even themselves, but…

• In the four Arsenal matches Phil Dowd has refereed this season, the Gunners have conceded four penalties and had two players dismissed. An average of one penalty a game and half a dismissal.
• In the other 17 top-flight games Dowd has taken charge of this term, three penalties have been awarded and five players dismissed. An average of one penalty every five and a half games, and one dismissal every three and half games.

* Alternative title = The Referee's a wanker