Aston Villa vs Man City ref watch: Three Peter Bankes blunders in 2-1 win

Peter Bankes was the man in the middle as Aston Villa and Manchester City clashed in a three-goal thriller at Villa Park that concluded with a 2-1 win for the home side.

Ipswich Town versus Nottingham Forest had already created some refereeing drama after Issa Diop avoided a red card on Friday, 23 October.

Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring on Saturday, 24 October, pouncing on another frustrating mistake from England international Marc Guehi.

Erling Haaland had brought the visitors onto level terms, only for another mistake, this time from Gianluigi Donnarumma, to allow Jackson a second.

Unai Emery's side eventually held out for all three points in front of an electric home crowd, and Jackson deservedly took home the Player of the Match award.

It was an incredible display from both sides at Villa Park, but certainly not one aided by the referee's performance in the middle, that's for sure.

Josko Gvardiol escapes an early booking

In the 25th minute, Josko Gvardiol went flying into a challenge on Alysson, scything him down right in front of the assistant referee.

Bankes was clearly trying to keep his cards in his pocket, because in any other game, that would have been a caution for the right-back, who was struggling early on.

Marc Guehi unfairly forced to walk tightrope

Jackson was undoubtedly causing issues for Man City's defence, but the booking of Guehi was absolutely ludicrous in the 32nd minute.

It was a well-fought battle between centre-back and striker. The referee could have easily waved play on, with players fouling each other, but Bankes somehow punished the City man.

As a result, Maresca felt the need to replace the defender at half-time, and that could have had a defining factor on the end result for the Citizens.

Matty Cash becomes Peter Bankes' next victim

Just like Guehi, Matty Cash unfairly saw his name taken. Up until that moment, the Poland international had dealt with Jeremy Doku incredibly well.

But while chasing the tricky winger, he accidentally caught him on the back of the calf, leaving the Man City ace in pain on the floor.

Just because it hurt, doesn't automatically make it a booking. Poor officiating.