The Premier League have confirmed their match officials for Arsenal’s fixture against Bournemouth this weekend.

sheffield united v manchester city premier league
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND: Referee Jarred Gillett gestures during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane on August 27, 2023. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Premier League have officially confirmed their match appointments for the coming weekend’s round of fixtures, including Arsenal’s trip away to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Rob Jones will referee the match, assisted by Neil Davies and Simon Long. Tim Robinson will act as the fourth official, with Jarred Gillett on VAR assisted by Harry Lennard.

Brentford's Nathan Collins (L) remonstrates with Referee Robert Jones during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 9, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Brentford’s Nathan Collins (L) remonstrates with Referee Robert Jones during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 9, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

In an amusing (or annoying) coincidence, VAR Gillett is a Liverpool fan, and referee Jones is excluded from refereeing Liverpool as he’s from Merseyside.

Jones is also unable to referee Everton games, and it’s never been confirmed whether or not he supports one of the two clubs. But there’s clearly a link to the league leaders when it comes to Arsenal’s officials on Saturday.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Referee Robert Jones during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Referee Robert Jones during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

In terms of Arsenal’s history with Jones refereeing, the Gunners have won four and drawn two.

That’s certainly a good record, though fans might argue they would have won five of the six if not for Jones’ decisions in a 1-1 draw with Southampton in 2022/23.

The call to deny Gabriel Jesus a penalty was particularly poorly received, as was a decision to book Bukayo Saka for diving despite clear contact.

Ideally, this trip to the south coast will go a bit better than that one for Arsenal.