However, following the announcement that Michael Oliver will officiate the match, a troubling statistic has surfaced, sparking frustration among Arsenal fans. ..Continue Reading
The North London derby is known as one of the fiercest rivalries in British football and remains a highly anticipated fixture each season.
Separated by just four miles, the intensity of match day is always high, with both fanbases eager to claim bragging rights.
The fixture has produced some iconic moments in English football history, including Arsene Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ clinching the league title in a 2-2 draw back in 2004.
Arsenal, who have often come out on top in this clash, will be aiming to secure all three points and strengthen their position at the top of the table.
Given the stakes, emotions are expected to run high, and Oliver’s appointment has reignited concerns, especially since this will be his first time officiating an Arsenal game in ten months.
Statistics show that he has issued more cards to Arsenal players than any other club. He has overseen 55 matches involving the Gunners — second only to Liverpool, with 60.
Yet, Arsenal have received more yellow cards under his watch than any other team, with 97 bookings.
He has also handed out more red cards to Arsenal than any other side, the latest being the dismissal of Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolverhampton Wanderers in January — the last time he officiated a match involving Arsenal.
Their total of eight red cards surpasses Tottenham’s by three, and Spurs have also received fewer yellow cards in comparison.
Although Oliver ranks ninth among referees for yellow cards shown this season, despite officiating the joint-highest number of games, Arsenal fans remain uneasy about his role in the upcoming derby.
Some have pointed to the Lewis-Skelly incident as justification for their concerns.
One supporter wrote: “They have brought back Michael Oliver to referee a game involving Arsenal for the first time since last season when he sent off Lewis Skelly against Wolves. PGMOL we’re watching you.”
Another echoed the sentiment, urging fans to be vocal: “Michael Oliver will be in charge of Sunday’s North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium.
“It will be the first Arsenal game he has taken charge of since he incorrectly sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly in the game at Wolves back in January.
“It’s at the Emirates. The Arsenal fans have a huge part to play on Sunday. Shout for every single decision. We cannot let Michael Oliver do us over again.”
A third fan added: “This is the first time Michael Oliver has officiated an Arsenal match since the bizarre Myles Lewis-Skelly red card against Wolves in January. I’m not one for a conspiracy theory because I think all of the English referees are useless apart from Sam Barrott.
“Oliver’s record whilst in charge of Arsenal is odd. The amount of red cards per foul is way higher than other teams, the made up rules for red cards (MLS vs. Wolves, Martinelli double yellow vs. Wolves, Trossard red vs. City, Kovacic escaping red at the Emirates and the list goes on…).”
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