Following the news that Martin Atkinson and Andre Marriner have been appointed as head referee and VAR chief respectively for the game against Chelsea, Manchester City supporters have been feeling pessimistic to say the least.
After falling nine points behind league leaders Liverpool in the title race, City have been left with a mountain to climb if they hope to retain the Premier League for a third consecutive year – with unlikely contenders Chelsea and Leicester City currently ahead of the Sky Blues.
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Losing three games in the league already, almost as much as they lost during the entirety of last campaign, Pep Guardiola’s men cannot afford to slip up again – especially considering Chelsea are their next visitors and awaiting them after the international break’s conclusion.
Taking that into account, the last thing supporters wanted to see was an unfavourable official appointed for the Etihad clash this weekend.
Atkinson last took charge of a City game back in August during the Community Shield, with him dishing out two bookings.
Here’s how the fans reacted to his appointment.
The hits keep coming
— Trade Secrets (@_TradeSecrets) November 18, 2019
Another loss incoming..smh 🤦♀️
— Mohamed Abdulkadir (@mohamedamiin2) November 18, 2019
— Graeme (@MCFCwotafeeling) November 18, 2019
Bugger! So that’s 11 v 15 on Saturday evening.
— David Walker (@djwskyblu) November 19, 2019
VAR masterclass incoming
— Pukey Nips (@NonagonCity) November 18, 2019
Martin Atkinson… Man City vs Man United 2-3 never forget.
— intensiv dr (@intensivdoktor) November 18, 2019
