The Premier League have confirmed their match official appointments for the upcoming round of fixtures, including Arsenal’s game against Chelsea on Sunday.
The Premier League have confirmed their match official appointments for Matchweek 28, with Arsenal playing in the final game of the round at home to Chelsea in the 16:30 GMT kick-off on Sunday, March 1st.
Darren England will referee the contest, with Scott Ledger and Akil Howson acting as his assistants. Tom Bramall will be the fourth official for the game.
John Brooks will be on VAR, with Dan Robathan acting as the assistant VAR on this occasion.
England hasn’t been a hugely regular referee for Arsenal matches in the past, only taking charge of eight games involving the Gunners so far in his career. Similar is true of Chelsea, as he’s refereed seven of their matches.
Looking at the positives, Arsenal have won six and drawn one of those eight games, only losing against Newcastle United back in May 2022. That’s a better record than Chelsea have, winning three, drawing three, and losing one with England refereeing.
On the other hand, Arsenal have received one penalty and given one away in England’s games, with no red cards shown, whilst Chelsea have been awarded three penalties, given zero away, and seen two red cards given to their opponents.
Mikel Arteta was particularly unhappy with the one penalty England gave against the Gunners for Everton last April, arguing: “It’s for me never a penalty.”
So England’s officiating has done a lot more for Chelsea than Arsenal, despite their respective win rates. We can only hope Chelsea are due a big decision against them from the referee.