Arsenal learn referee appointed for key West Ham clash

The Premier League have confirmed their team of match officials for Arsenal’s game away to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Referee, Chris Kavanagh checks the GDS prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The Premier League have confirmed all the match officials for this weekend’s round of fixtures, including Arsenal’s vital trip away to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.

Chris Kavanagh is set to referee the match, assisted by Dan Cook and Ian Hussin, with James Bell acting as the fourth official.

Darren England will be on VAR, with Akil Howson acting as the assistant VAR for the match.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of Arsenal interacts with match referee Chris Kavanagh after being shown a second yellow card during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) — Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Kavanagh hasn’t been the most popular referee on Arsenal fixtures in recent seasons, with many fans still bitter about his decision to send off Declan Rice in the Gunners’ match against Brighton last season.

The second yellow for ‘delaying the restart’ remains perhaps the most controversial instance of such a booking since the Premier League decided to crack down on it. The only rival for that title would probably be Leandro Trossard’s second yellow against Manchester City.

Kavanagh also hasn’t had the best year, drawing plenty of criticism for his decisions in Aston Villa’s FA Cup match against Newcastle United. The referee made a number of big mistakes, with no VAR to correct them, and he was then stood down from officiating the following week.

fbl eng pr newcastle arsenal 3 — Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP

On the positive side, Kavanagh has refereed three Arsenal wins in a row, with the Gunners beating Burnley, Bournemouth, and Brighton away from home with the 40-year-old as the main match official.

Another away win on Sunday would be very welcome for the Gunners.

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