Arsenal handed referee for Man City clash who made controversial mistake in same fixture last season
Arsenal are set to face Manchester City in a crucial clash in the Premier League title race this weekend, knowing that a loss could be a significant blow.
Mikel Arteta’s side recorded a superb result in the North London derby as they beat Tottenham Hotspur despite missing several key players, and will travel to Atalanta in the Champions League before a tough trip to the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal could still be without captain Martin Odegaard, who missed the victory over Spurs with an ankle injury, but will have Declan Rice back from suspension.
Rice was sent off against Brighton before the International break, in a controversial decision from referee Chris Kavanagh, and Arsenal fans have furiously pointed out similar incidents of players delaying restarts without punishment since.
There will be plenty of focus on the referee and VAR when Arsenal face Man City with the chance to take the lead in the title race, and the match officials have now been confirmed.
Michael Oliver will referee Manchester City vs Arsenal
The Premier League have now confirmed that experienced referee Michael Oliver will officiate the clash between Man City and Arsenal, with John Brooks on VAR duty.
Oliver last refereed Arsenal in their 2-0 victory away at Aston Villa early on in the season, in which he was praised for the way he dealt with an incident between Ben White, William Saliba and John McGinn.
The 39-year-old has refereed 59 Arsenal games in his career, with the Gunners winning 30, drawing 11 and losing 14 times. 101 yellow cards have been handed out in those games, with three second yellows, three straight reds and five penalties.
Michael Oliver made huge mistake in Arsenal win over Manchester City
Oliver sparked controversy as Arsenal beat Man City 1-0 at the Emirates last season, as midfielder Mateo Kovacic committed a bad tackle whilst already on a yellow card.
Many were furious that the midfielder was not sent off, and Arteta was clearly frustrated after.
“When I saw the action live, it looked like a big challenge but I haven’t seen the replay. I just want to enjoy the win, we will talk about it and understand we have to do something about it but thankfully we managed to win the game,” Arteta stated after the victory.
Arsenal will be hoping for a similar result against Man City, but they will be wary of further refereeing controversy after what happened to Rice against Brighton.
