The Premier League have confirmed their match officials for the upcoming round of fixtures, including Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa.
The Premier League have officially announced which match officials will be on Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa on Tuesday, with Darren England to referee, assisted by Scott Ledger and Akil Howson.
Tom Kirk will be the fourth official, with Jarred Gillett on VAR, and Tim Robinson as the assistant VAR.
Gillett is a self-confessed Liverpool supporter, though that shouldn’t be a major issue in this case, with Arne Slot’s side 10 points behind Arsenal and seven points behind Villa. There’s not an obvious result for Liverpool fans to root for.
In fact, it’s somewhat odd that Gillett was involved in so many of Arsenal’s games at the start of the season (four of the opening six) whilst Liverpool were top of the Premier League and the Gunners were second, yet he’s been involved in so few since the Merseyside club dropped off.
You’d think it would be the opposite, with Gillett involved in Arsenal matches as the referee or on VAR when Liverpool’s fortunes didn’t depend on the Gunners.
Instead, he’s hardly touched an Arsenal game during Liverpool’s recent struggles. Until now, at least.
As for Darren England, this will be just his eighth game refereeing Arsenal. The Gunners have won five, drawn one, and lost one of the previous seven, including a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the only other match he’s refereed them this season.