The Premier League has announced that Michael Oliver will officiate the highly anticipated match between Chelsea and Arsenal this weekend at Stamford Bridge. This appointment comes after Oliver’s previous involvement in a notable match earlier this season, where he was the referee for the Gunners’ intense 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

During that match, a significant and controversial moment occurred when Oliver issued a red card to Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard in the first half for kicking the ball away, an incident that had a profound impact on the game’s dynamics. At the time of the dismissal, Arsenal was leading 2-1, adding to the drama and tension of the encounter.

Since that match, Oliver has not officiated any Arsenal games, making this upcoming clash against Chelsea particularly noteworthy. As he steps back onto the pitch, all eyes will be on him as he makes critical decisions that could influence the outcome of this crucial fixture.

Supporting Oliver in his officiating duties will be assistant referees Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring. Additionally, Andy Madley will serve as the fourth official, while Paul Tierney will oversee VAR responsibilities for this match, ensuring that the officiating team is well-prepared for what is expected to be an exciting and competitive encounter.