Arsenal are set to experience something for the first time ever in the Premier League on matchday nine.
After beating Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League, the Gunners face another challenge when the Premier League resumes.
Arsenal are the team to beat in the Premier League right now, but closely following in terms of difficulty are Crystal Palace.
On matchday nine, Arsenal welcome Oliver Glasner’s side to the Emirates to battle for three points, which will be a special occasion for one figure set to be on the pitch.
Thomas Bramall to referee Arsenal for the first time
Mikel Arteta will expect a faultless game from the match officials at the Emirates after Arsenal were denied a penalty against Fulham.
Mark Clattenburg didn’t agree with VAR’s decision to intervene after Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot, putting pressure on the officials to perform on matchday nine.
The Premier League have announced who the match officials will be when Crystal Palace visit the Emirates, in what will be a career first for Thomas Bramall.
Bramall has never officiated Arsenal in the Premier League, managing to avoid the Gunners in the 34 matches he’s overseen in the competition.
On matchday nine, Bramall will be supported by assistants Simon Bennett and Nick Greenhalgh, with Andy Madley as the fourth official.
Chris Kavanagh and Craig Taylor will be in control of VAR in what promises to be a lively game between two in-form sides.
The fierce complaint that was lodged against Bramall last season
Arsenal will experience being refereed by Bramall for the first time ever in a big game, which might unnerve Arteta slightly.
Last season, Aston Villa publicly complained about Bramall after their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
When the score was 0–0, Morgan Rogers scored by taking advantage of Altay Bayindir’s mistake; however, Bramall wrongly blew for a foul, thinking that the goalkeeper had two hands on the ball.
Though the decision was incorrect, VAR could not intervene as play was stopped before the ball crossed the line.
Post-match, Damian Vidagany, Villa’s director of football operations, complained about how inexperienced Bramall was.
“The complaint is not about the decision; it is about the selection of the referee, one of the most inexperienced referees in the Premier League.
“It’s not about the decision; clearly, it was a mistake. The complaint is about the referee. The problem is why the international referees were not here today.”
There was no response from PGMOL on the matter, and now, Bramall prepares to take charge of another big occasion.
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