Arsenal face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon at Wembley Stadium, with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to win their first piece of silverware since 2020.
The Spaniard’s team overcame a stern test against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, securing their progression into the last eight of the Champions League, courtesy of goals from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice. Eze gave the Gunners the lead with a stunning strike in the first half, before Rice’s composed finish from the edge of the box sealed the win.
Arteta will be delighted with his team, who looked reenergised by the dramatic win over Everton at the weekend. The North Londoners were dominant and fluid as an attacking team, while they effectively kept Leverkusen at bay – the Arsenal boss will hope his players can replicate this display at Wembley.
City come into this final in turgid form, having won just one of their last five matches across all competitions. Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Tuesday night, this Wembley showdown will now mean a lot more to Pep Guardiola’s outfit.
In the reverse fixture between City and Arsenal back in September, Arteta’s side salvaged a late point courtesy of an exceptional last-minute Gabriel Martinelli equaliser. The Gunners conceded early in N5 and spent the rest of the game chasing a goal as City sat back in a frenetic encounter.
Arteta will hope this clash in north-west London is significantly more serene than that chaotic affair in the autumn. With that said, here’s a look at the EFL’s pick for the match officials for Arsenal vs Manchester City.
Who is the referee for Arsenal vs Manchester City?
The EFL have announced that Peter Bankes will be the referee in charge of Arsenal’s match against Manchester City.
Bankes has officiated just three Gunners matches so far this season, with Arteta’s men winning two of these games.
The official oversaw Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg victory over Chelsea last month, as well as Arteta’s team’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa back in December.
He was also in charge of the Gunners’ 4-1 North London Derby victory at the end of February.
Peter Bankes’ record against Arsenal
Bankes has been a Premier League referee since 2019 and has officiated 14 Arsenal games throughout his career.
In these games, he’s handed the Gunners 13 yellow cards, no red cards and no penalties.
| Bankes’ record refereeing Arsenal matches | |||
| Matches | Arsenal wins | Draws | Arsenal defeats |
| 14 | 10 | 1 | 3 |
Petere Bankes’ record against Man City
As for City, Bankes has officiated 12 of the Sky Blues’ games, giving them 18 yellow cards, one red card and no penalties in the process.
| Bankes’ record refereeing Man City matches | |||
| Matches | Man City wins | Draws | Man City defeats |
| 12 | 6 | 1 | 5 |
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Alongside Peter Bankes as the referee will be his assistants, Neil Davies, Steve Meredith and Tom Bramall, 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.
