Unai Emery admits unpopular opinion after Aston Villa 1-1 Bournemouth

Emery believes referee Chris Kavanagh put on an excellent performance throughout Villa’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

The official was heavily involved in the game from the outset as he took just four minutes to brandish a card. Kavanagh went on to show 13 yellows in total, seven of which were dealt to Villa players.

Many of the bookings appeared to be a little harsh but the low bar Kavanagh set meant yellows had to be dished out more than usual. It’s not often a popular approach - especially among fans in attendance - as it can slow the match down.

It wasn’t just bookings that Kavanagh was conducting as the referee was in direct communication with VAR to disallow John McGinn’s first half goal and he waved away two Bournemouth penalty appeals late in the second period.

Emery, despite seeing his team on the wrong end of the most important decision of all, was impressed by Kavanagh’s work.

“Today, the referee was fantastic,” Emery told the media. “He did a fantastic job. VAR is refusing the goal because it was out, it was very tight, but I accept it completely and the referee was right.

“The handball of Leon Bailey is not a penalty but it’s not relevant, yes he touched the ball with his hand but the ball was going to the corner of the box, it’s not the position deserving a penalty.

“And the penalty of [Matty] Cash on [Antoine] Semenyo, the referee watched it perfectly and the VAR confirmed it. I think he did a fantastic job,” Emery continued.