The Brazilian only received a booking for the use of an elbow against Diego Costa, while Francis Coquelin escaped a red card at Selhurst Park, writes Mark Halsey.
Title clashes, whenever they happen in the season, always are difficult occasions, but as a referee you go out to manage the event and manage the players. Overall, Martin Atkinson had an excellent game in the match between Chelsea and Manchester City. His movement and positioning were good, and he started very well which set him up for the rest of the afternoon.
Chelsea has questioned whether Fernandinho should have been shown a red for leading with the elbow in a challenge with Diego Costa.