The Premier League has announced the appointment of all referees for this weekend’s games, with Michael Oliver set to take charge for the north London derby.
The Premier League has announced the referee line-up for this weekend’s match, and the referee is a familiar face who has previously ruffled feathers with Mikel Arteta, who refereed Arsenal’s match against Tottenham. Emirates Stadium is set to host the latest North London derby, which is sure to be the highlight of Week 12.
The Gunners have drawn with Sunderland in the Premier League title race and are coming into the match with some minor issues. During the November international break, Brian Brobbey’s last-minute equalizer felt like a distant memory, especially with so much that had happened since then.
Martin Zvimendi and Bukayo Saka have scored for Spain and England respectively, but the top news revolves around Gabriel Magalhães. The defender suffered a groin injury during last weekend’s friendly between Brazil and Senegal, raising doubts about his availability for the clash with Spurs.
read more: Arsenal ‘accept offers’ to sign four stars including Ethan Nwaneri ahead of January deadlineread more: What Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury really means for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta faces Tottenham dilemma
Riccardo Calafioli also missed both matches against Italy due to a hip problem, but is still expected to be fit for Sunday’s game. Arteta is likely already frustrated with the way the situation is unfolding and he is unlikely to be buoyed by the approval of Michael Oliver to referee Arsenal vs. Tottenham.
Oliver will officiate the North London derby and will be supported by linesmen Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring and fourth official Michael Salisbury, the Premier League said in a statement. They will be supported by Stuart Atwell as lead VAR operator and Konstantin Hadjidakis as assistant.
Oliver has not been at the center of many controversial incidents so far this season, but Arteta will recall that he has made important decisions against Arsenal in recent seasons. Back in September 2024, Leandro Trossard was given his marching orders for kicking the ball away against Man City, ultimately delaying the restart.
Arteta was understandably furious, especially since Declan Rice had been sacked for similar conduct a few weeks earlier. His frustration was further fueled by the fact that Jeremy Dok had done exactly the same thing as Trossard and yet went unpunished.
Manager Arteta commented on the decision: “There were two very similar incidents.” “It was a very different game with a different result, especially forcing us to play a game that no one wants to see.
He later clarified: “(Trossard kicked the ball away) for less than a second. The previous (Doc’s) ball was more than a second. That’s it. It’s easy.”
Just a few months later, Oliver mistakenly sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves for a late challenge that was neither reckless nor denied a scoring opportunity. Calafioli scored the winning goal and the red card was subsequently rescinded, but the decision still provoked a furious reaction.
“I’m really pissed off but I’ll leave it to you,” Arteta told Sky Sports. It’s obvious so I don’t think my words will help. ”
Oliver will be expecting a quiet afternoon. However, given the way both teams are playing, that seems unlikely.
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