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Harri Burton

Tue 14 April 2026 18:30, UK

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Manchester City and Arsenal will be treated to a refereeing display from Anthony Taylor when the two sides meet at the Etihad Stadium.

The 47-year-old was last in charge as Liverpool and Fulham clashed at Anfield on Saturday, 11 April, and while it was an indifferent display from the official, he has been under pressure from fans this season.

He is also set for the 2026 World Cup, a competition spanning across America, Canada and Mexico, alongside Michael Oliver, but Richard Keys is unimpressed by his appointment for a huge Premier League clash.

The Premier League title race could be decided at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 19 April, and PGMOL chief Howard Webb is receiving a lot of criticism for the refereeing appointment.

Richard Keys wished for alternative to Anthony Taylor appointment

Writing on his online blog (14 April), he said: “I do wish the PL had appointed a different ref for the game v City this weekend though. They’ve named ‘Altrincham’s’ Anthony Taylor.

“Why do they stubbornly do this sort of thing? I’ll repeat what I always say – not for a minute do I think Taylor will make bad decisions on purpose, but what if….? What if he makes a big call and it’s wrong?

“Why put him under that kind of pressure? It’s Taylor I feel for. If you’re telling me we don’t have another ref good enough to handle the game of the season, then that’s a further indictment of Howard Webb and the PGMOL.”

While Keith Hackett told Football Insider that Taylor has earned his place at the World Cup, his mistakes this season include not sending Diogo Dalot off against Man City after a studs-up foul on Jeremy Doku.

Arsenal fans to take relief from Premier League appointment

Although Keys is clearly unhappy with the appointment, Arsenal fans have a very real reason to want Taylor in charge for the upcoming clash.

The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League games when the referee has been in charge, and that might be the positive omen that the current league leaders need away from home.

Webb has come under heavy fire throughout the campaign, with the PGMOL chief being urged to make several changes ahead of next term.

Of course, Taylor could change fans’ perception of him with a good performance at the Etihad. But let’s face it, one section of supporters will always be unhappy with a decision.