The Premier League has assigned Michael Oliver as the referee for this weekend’s highly anticipated clash between Chelsea vs Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, according to Mirror.
Oliver, a familiar face for Arsenal, previously officiated the Gunners’ 2-2 draw against Manchester City earlier this season.
In that match, he drew criticism for a controversial first-half decision, sending off Leandro Trossard for kicking the ball away—a move that left Arsenal, who were leading 2-1, at a disadvantage.
Pay Attention: Get the best tips from our Bet of the Day
Michael Oliver to Officiate Chelsea vs Arsenal
Since that incident, Oliver has not overseen another Arsenal fixture, adding extra attention to his return as the main referee for this matchup against Chelsea.
Assisting Oliver on the field will be Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, while Andy Madley will serve as the fourth official.
In the VAR room, Paul Tierney will be responsible for video review decisions, another layer of officiating scrutiny in a game likely to draw intense focus from fans and analysts alike.
With tensions running high and both teams aiming to make their mark in the league, Oliver’s officiating is bound to be under close watch as he navigates a potentially pivotal Premier League showdown.
