(Credit: Imago)

Premier League make controversial announcement for Arsenal vs Tottenham showdown

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

Published on:

18 Nov 2025, 10:59 am

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.

Mikel Arteta clapping for the Arsenal fans.

(Credit: Imago)

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.

(Credit Imago)

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

Arsenal's record when Michael Oliver has been the referee in the Premier League.

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.

Arsenal

Michael Oliver