EPL: Referee Mike Dean was MOTM, provided assist for Alexander-Arnold’s goal – Dean Saunders

Former Premier League star, Dean Saunders, has said that referee Mike Dean was the man of the match in Liverpool’s 3-1 win against Newcastle on Thursday.

According to Saunders, the referee assisted Liverpool to win the match and even helped Jurgen Klopp’s side in scoring the third goal.

Referee Dean failed to give any decisions Newcastle’s way and was even involved in Liverpool’s third goal.

Just before Trent Alexander-Arnold scored from 30-yards, the referee appeared to make a run past the right-back, blocking Jonjo Shelvey and blinding goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

And Saunders noted that the ref got the assist for the full-back’s goal.

He told talkSPORT: “Mike Dean – he might’ve got man of the match for Liverpool

“What about his run? I’ve never seen a referee make a run like that [across Alexander-Arnold].

“He’s linked up with Jota and Trent. He’s taken two defenders away. Textbook, off the training ground.

“Goalkeeper is unsighted. Then Alexander-Arnold hits it top corner.

“Mike Dean got an assist!”