The Premier League has confirmed the full officiating team for Arsenal’s opening fixture of the new campaign.
Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title on Friday at home against newly-promoted Coventry City, and the Premier League has confirmed the officials who will oversee the opening fixture at Emirates Stadium.
The most notable thing is that Jarred Gillett appointed as VAR for yet another Arsenal match. Does he ever do any other teams?
Tom Bramall will take charge of the contest, assisted by Gary Beswick and Mat Wilkes.
Bramall has only refereed two Arsenal games – the 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace in October 2025 and the 2-1 FA Cup win at Mansfield Town in March 2026.
Adam Herczeg has been named as fourth official.
On VAR duty, Gillett will oversee the match from Stockley Park, with Neil Davies serving as assistant VAR.
Arsenal head into the match full of confidence after their commanding 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City, with Mikel Arteta looking to turn that impressive performance into three points as their Premier League title defence gets under way.
Match officials
- Referee: Tom Bramall
- Assistant referees: Gary Beswick, Mat Wilkes
- Fourth official: Adam Herczeg
- VAR: Jarred Gillett
- Assistant VAR: Neil Davies
As an aside, something you might have missed this summer is that Anthony Taylor has retired as a referee and is now Head of Refereeing in Turkey.
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