Arsenal are set to face Manchester City in a crucial game in the Premier League title race on Sunday, and there will be plenty of focus on the match officials.
Manchester City drew with Liverpool in their last Premier League outing before the International break, in a game which saw several controversial refereeing decisions, as Liverpool should arguably have been given a penalty in the final minute.
Mikel Arteta has had several public battles with the FA and Premier League referees this season, amid a number of contentious decisions given against his side, some of which have cost Arsenal vital points.
Ahead of Sunday’s huge game, the Premier League have confirmed that Anthony Taylor will be the referee, with Jarred Gillet on VAR duty, and Arteta will be far from happy with these selections.
Anthony Taylor and Jarred Gillet appointed for Man City vs Arsenal
Anthony Taylor actually has a positive record with Arsenal this season, as both his matches ended in victories against Manchester United and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
Jarred Gillet was also the fourth official for the game against United, and the pair caused controversy when they cancelled a penalty awarded to Kai Havertz after the German claimed he was fouled in the box.
The Liverpool game also saw Taylor frustrate Arsenal fans by blowing his whistle inexplicably to stop play when Leandro Trossard found himself in a good position to score.
Arsenal will be more wary of Gillet though, given some of the disastrous decisions he has given against the Gunners this season.
Jarred Gillet has previous VAR controversy with Arsenal
Gillet was the centre of controversy after Arsenal fell to defeat at Aston Villa earlier this season, with several questionable decisions.
Many wondered why a referee who was a self-admitted Liverpool fan was allowed to take charge of a match involving their title rivals, but he will be officiating an Arsenal game again.
Gillet on VAR duty also awarded a controversial penalty against William Saliba against Chelsea earlier this season, and was criticised after an equaliser from Kai Havertz was disallowed against Villa.
Arteta will have to watch his words should the officials make any errors. The Spaniard was cleared of of all charges when investigated for comments he made about refereeing after a defeat to Newcastle earlier this season, but there will now be plenty of focus on how he reacts to any decisions against his side.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
