Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they host high-flying Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s team endured a difficult test in midweek, as they were held by a stubborn Bayer Leverkusen side at the BayArena in the Champions League. Robert Andrich’s header gave the German outfit the lead shortly after half-time, before Kai Havertz snatched a draw for the Gunners with an 89th-minute penalty.
While the result is largely positive for Arsenal heading into the second leg next week, Arteta won’t be pleased with the manner of his players’ performance. His team were lethargic for long periods, and he’ll need to elicit a much higher level of intensity from his group if they are to take all three points against Everton.
Second-placed Manchester City are seven points behind the North Londoners, although they do have a game in hand. Pep Guardiola’s side visit West Ham United immediately after Arsenal’s game against Everton finishes, and the Citizens could be under enormous pressure if the Gunners manage to overcome the Merseysiders.
In the reverse fixture between Arsenal and Everton back in December, Arteta’s outfit narrowly claimed all three points courtesy of a Viktor Gyokeres penalty. While the scoreline may have been marginal, it was a relatively serene evening for the Gunners in Liverpool, as they controlled the game for 90 minutes and emerged with the victory in uncontroversial circumstances.
Arteta will hope his team can replicate this at the Emirates, although he’ll be yearning for a greater margin on the scoresheet. With that said, here’s a look at the Premier League’s pick for the match officials for Arsenal vs Everton.
Who is the referee for Arsenal vs Everton?
The Premier League have announced that Andy Madley will be the referee in charge of Arsenal’s match against Everton.
This will be the first Gunners game Madley has officiated so far this season, with the referee overseeing 15 top flight fixtures, none of which have involved Arteta’s side.
The last time Madley took charge of an Arsenal league game was over a year ago in February 2025, when the North Londoners were held to a goalless stalemate at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest.
Andy Madley’s record against Arsenal
Madley has been a Premier League referee since 2018 and has officiated seven Arsenal games throughout his career.
In these games, he’s handed the Gunners 16 yellow cards, no red cards and one penalty.
| Madley’s record refereeing Arsenal matches | |||
| Matches | Arsenal wins | Draws | Arsenal defeats |
| 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Andy Madley’s record against Everton
As for Everton, Madley has officiated 22 of the Toffees’ games, giving them 32 yellow cards, one red card and one penalty in the process.
| Madley’s record refereeing Everton matches | |||
| Matches | Everton wins | Draws | Everton defeats |
| 22 | 9 | 3 | 10 |
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Alongside Madley as the referee will be his assistants, Simon Long, Craig Taylor and John Busby, with the former two running the line and the latter the fourth official.
In the VAR room at Stockley Park, Stuart Attwell will oversee the game, with Constantine Hatzidakis assisting him.
