'.

Wolves-Arsenal ref handed 1st Gunners game in 2 seasons

The Premier League have confirmed the match officials appointed to Arsenal’s match away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND: Referee Paul Tierney looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal FC at Molineux on April 20, 2024. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images

The Premier League have confirmed the match officials for Arsenal’s game away to Wolves on Wednesday, the only remaining match in Matchweek 26.

The rescheduled fixture was originally due to be played in March, but given Arsenal avoided the Champions League play-off round and succeeded in reaching the League Cup final, this was a more convenient date for the game to take place.

So whilst the rest of the league either have this midweek off or are taking part in European play-offs, Arsenal and Wolves are the only teams involved in Premier League action.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Referee Paul Tierney indicates a throw in during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion at Vitality Stadium on April 28, 2024. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

The Premier League have appointed Paul Tierney to referee the match, assisted by Richard West and Mark Scholes. The fourth official will be Craig Pawson.

On VAR, Michael Salisbury will take charge, assisted by Craig Taylor at Stockley Park.

Arsenal have a relatively mixed record with Tierney refereeing, winning 10 but drawing five and losing six.

Those games haven’t been without controversy either, with three red cards awarded to the Gunners and one to an opponent, as well as nine penalties (six for Arsenal, three for opponents).

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Steve McClaren, Assistant Coach of Manchester United, Steve Round, Coach of Arsenal and Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal interact with Match Referee Paul Tierney at half time during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on September 04, 2022. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

It’s been quite a while since Tierney was last given an Arsenal game, with the last one occurring in May 2024. That was two seasons ago now, with Tierney avoiding the Gunners throughout 2024/25 and 2025/26 so far.

That’s largely because Tierney suffered an injury ruling him out of much of the 2024/25 season, barring VAR duties. But he’s been back on Premier League games again this season, including a couple of matches involving Arsenal’s title rivals Manchester City.

Tierney’s last Gunners match was a relatively uncontroversial 1-0 win for Arsenal away to Manchester United. Most fans would probably welcome a similarly drama-free game on Wednesday.

Related Topics