Premier League make controversial announcement for Arsenal vs Tottenham showdown
Mikel Arteta will not be happy with who the Premier League have appointed for Arsenal’s North London derby against Spurs.
Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at Sunderland sees the Gunners lead the Premier League table by four points over nearest rivals Man City.
Arteta may be without star defender Gabriel, who picked up an injury whilst playing for Brazil on international duty.
The Gunners have not lost at home to Spurs in the Premier League since 2010, but Thomas Frank’s side have only been defeated once the road this season.
Michael Oliver to officiate North London derby
The Premier League have announced that Michael Oliver will referee the North London derby this Sunday.
Oliver’s last match officiating Arsenal ended in controversy after he wrongly sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly at Wolves in January.
Arsenal won their appeal to overturn Lewis-Skelly’s three-match ban, and PGMOL chief Howard Webb later confirmed that Oliver should not have sent off the left-back.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Keith Hackett also agreed that Lewis-Skelly should not have seen red.
Oliver’s record officiating Arsenal
Oliver has only taken charge of more games involving either Liverpool or Everton than he has Arsenal, with the Gunners having seen three red cards under his watch.
| Games Officiated | 54 |
| Arsenal Wins | 24 |
| Arsenal Draws | 12 |
| Arsenal Defeats | 18 |
Spurs meanwhile have won 23 of their 47 games under Oliver, with the referee having handed out two red cards in those matches.
The last red card between the two rivals came in 2022 for Spurs defender Emerson Royal in a 3-1 win for Arsenal.