Arsenal learn referee appointment for Chelsea clash

Anthony Taylor is set to referee Arsenal’s match against Chelsea on Sunday, with the Premier League’s top-two teams meeting at Stamford Bridge.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND: William Saliba, Gabriel and Jorginho of Arsenal speak with the Referee Anthony Taylor after awarding a penalty to Brighton & Hove Albion as Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion is seen on the floor after being fouled during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Arsenal FC at Amex Stadium on January 04, 2025. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) — Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

The Premier League have confirmed their match official appointments for the upcoming round of fixtures, including Arsenal’s trip away to Chelsea on Sunday.

Anthony Taylor will referee the match, assisted by Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn. Sam Barrott will act as the fourth official to complete the team inside the stadium.

Then John Brooks will be on VAR at Stockley Park, with Eddie Smart acting as the assistant VAR.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: A general view as the LED screen displays the message "Checking Penalty Foul" after Bukayo Saka of Arsenal (not pictured) was challenged by Kevin of Fulham (not pictured) and Referee Anthony Taylor (not pictured) awarded a penalty during the Premier League match between Fulham and Arsenal at Craven Cottage on October 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Arsenal actually have a relatively strong record with Anthony Taylor refereeing, winning 32 matches, drawing 16, and losing just eight.

But those matches haven’t been without controversy, with the most recent example being the penalty ultimately not awarded to Arsenal against Fulham for a foul on Bukayo Saka last month. Taylor did originally give the spot-kick, but he then overturned his own decision upon review.

Then there was the controversial penalty given to Brighton against Arsenal last season for a clash of heads between Joao Pedro (now of Chelsea) and William Saliba.

Taylor also sent off Mikel Merino against Liverpool in May, but there weren’t many Arsenal fans complaining about that one. The Gunners goalscorer had committed a rash challenge and deserved the second yellow.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal in front of the Arsenal fans during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield on May 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) — Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Despite those decisions against Arsenal, they haven’t lost a match with Taylor refereeing since the 2022/23 season. The Gunners will hope to keep that run going against Chelsea this weekend.