Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when they host rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners will be intent on building on their victory over Tottenham Hotspur last time out by securing another significant three points in a London derby. Mikel Arteta’s side were rampant in their 4-1 win in N17, and the Spaniard must try to elicit a similar level of offensive intensity from his players when they take to the field against Liam Rosenior’s outfit.
Second-place Manchester City remain five points behind the Gunners, although they have a game in hand and are breathing down the necks of the league leaders. Pep Guardiola’s men visit Leeds United on Saturday evening, so the gap could be cut to just two points by the time Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea commences.
In the reverse fixture between the two London giants back in November, the Gunners were held by a stubborn Enzo Maresca side at Stamford Bridge. Moises Caicedo was shown a straight red card after making a reckless tackle, but Arsenal failed to capitalise and were ultimately bailed out by a Mikel Merino header after going behind to a Trevoh Chalobah goal.
Arteta will hope Chelsea’s ill-discipline continues at the Emirates, and that the Gunners find themselves in a similar position to take advantage. With that said, here’s a look at the Premier League’s pick for the match officials for Arsenal vs Chelsea.
Who is the referee for Arsenal vs Chelsea?
The Premier League have announced that Darren England will be the referee in charge of Arsenal’s match against Chelsea.
England has officiated two Gunners league matches so far this season, with Arteta’s men winning both of these two games.
The official oversaw Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest back in September, as well as Arteta’s team’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa in December.
Darren England’s record against Arsenal
England has been a Premier League referee since 2020 and has officiated eight Arsenal games throughout his career.
In these games, he’s handed the Gunners 10 yellow cards, no red cards and one penalty.
| England’s record refereeing Arsenal matches | |||
| Matches | Arsenal wins | Draws | Arsenal defeats |
| 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
Darren England’s record against Chelsea
As for Chelsea, England has officiated seven of the Blues’ games, giving them 12 yellow cards, no red cards and three penalties in the process.
| England’s record refereeing Chelsea matches | |||
| Matches | Chelsea wins | Draws | Chelsea defeats |
| 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Alongside England as the referee will be his assistants, Scott Ledger, Akil Howson and Stuart Attwell, with the former two running the line and the latter the fourth official.
In the VAR room at Stockley Park, John Brooks will oversee the game, with Dan Robathan assisting him.
