Arsenal v Liverpool will see Michael Oliver take charge of his first Arsenal match of the season.
Michael Oliver will referee Arsenal v Liverpool on Sunday at the Emirates.
The 37-year-old was on VAR for Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham but apart from that, has not been involved in any Arsenal games this season.
The same cannot be said of Liverpool, however. Oliver was in charge of their 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in August.
Last season, Oliver sent Gabriel Martinelli off for two quick yellows without telling him he had received the first one.
The same weekend, he punished the exact same double-offence with just one yellow.
Michael Oliver gave just a yellow card to Brighton player Davy Propper for these two successive challenges.#WOLARS #michaeloliver #PGMOL #arsena #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/JZj6THeuFV
— Membooda (@memebooda) February 12, 2022
I had a quick look at this earlier, for the 5 red cards we have, it has been 3 referees. 11 games 5 red cards between them. With Arsenal being their favourite for red cards too. pic.twitter.com/kMaoRg90lq
— Gareth Breslin (@bres84) February 11, 2022
Only Paul Tierney has issued more yellow yards this season than Michael Oliver.
Tierney has given out 26 across six games whereas Oliver has issued 23 over seven matches.
On VAR will be Darren England, who was also on VAR for Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
You might remember Bukayo Saka being flung to the ground in the box in that game while Gabriel Jesus was grabbed around the neck not once but twice, yet nothing was given.
That was also the game Aaron Ramsdale was clearly fouled before Villa’s goal.
Arsenal v Liverpool officials
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- Assistants: Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett
- Fourth official: Andy Madley
- VAR: Darren England
- Assistant VAR: Eddie Smart