At a Glance:
- Arsenal host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
- The Gunners will be looking to build on their midweek Champions League victory over Sporting CP.
- Michael Oliver has been appointed as the referee for the clash with the Cherries.
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they host Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s team snatched a win away at Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday night, bouncing back after consecutive domestic cup defeats. The Gunners and the Portuguese giants played out a cagey affair in Lisbon, which was ultimately decided by Kai Havertz’s composed late winner.
Attention now turns back to the league for the North Londoners, and they’re set to face a resolute Bournemouth side who haven’t lost since Arteta’s outfit made the trip to the Vitality Stadium back in January. Andoni Iraola’s men have gone on an impressive unbeaten run, although a series of draws mean that they haven’t made giant leaps up the table and remain stuck firmly in the middle of the pack.
Thus, this game has the potential to be a chaotic encounter, and it could ultimately prove to be a stumbling block in Arsenal’s pursuit of the title. Arteta will hope that this isn’t the case, and that a serene and comfortable victory for his side ensues instead.
With that said, here’s a look at the Premier League’s pick for the match officials for Arsenal vs Bournemouth.
Who is the referee for Arsenal vs Bournemouth?
The Premier League have confirmed that experienced referee Michael Oliver will be the man in charge of Arsenal’s game against Bournemouth.
This will be this xth time Oliver has officiated a Gunners game so far this season, with the last coming when…
Michael Oliver’s record against Arsenal
Oliver has been a referee at the top level for several years, and he has officiated over 60 Arsenal matches throughout his career.
In these games, he’s handed the Gunners 111 yellow cards, 8 red cards and 5 penalties.
| Oliver’s record refereeing Arsenal matches | |||
| Matches | Arsenal wins | Draws | Arsenal defeats |
| 64 | 32 | 14 | 18 |
Michael Oliver’s record against Bournemouth
As for Bournemouth, Oliver has officiated 18 of the south coast club’s games, giving them 34 yellow cards, one red card, and two penalties in the process.
| Oliver’s record refereeing Bournemouth matches | |||
| Matches | Bournemouth wins | Draws | Bournemouth defeats |
| 18 | 6 | 7 | 5 |
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Alongside Oliver as the referee will be his assistants, Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring and Gavin Ward, with the former two running the line and the latter the fourth official.
In the VAR room, Darren England will oversee the game, with Wade Smith assisting him.
