Arsenal face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon at the Etihad, with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to move a step closer to winning their first league title for over 20 years.
The Spaniard’s side overcame a stern test against Sporting CP in midweek, securing their progression into the last four of the Champions League for the second consecutive season. Kai Havertz’s 91st-minute winner in Lisbon was enough to separate the two sides over both legs, and a semi-final date with Atletico Madrid now awaits.
Attention turns back to the intense title race the Gunners are currently embroiled in, with a showdown against City to come on Sunday. Arteta will be acutely aware that his team must play significantly better than they have done in recent matches to come away from Manchester with a point at the very least, although he may also feel that merely needing a draw could suit his team.
City come into this pivotal clash in exceptional form, having won each of their last three matches across all competitions without conceding. Pep Guardiola’s men cruised to victory at Stamford Bridge last week and will subsequently be hungry to further reduce the points gap to the Gunners this weekend.
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 then spent the rest of the game chasing a goal in a chaotic encounter.
Arteta will hope this clash in the north-west is significantly more serene. With that said, here’s a look at the Premier League’s pick for the match officials for Arsenal vs Manchester City.
Who is the referee for Manchester City vs Arsenal?
The Premier League have announced that Anthony Taylor will be the referee in charge of Arsenal’s game against Manchester City.
Taylor has officiated just three Gunners matches so far this season, with Arteta’s men winning just one of these games.
The official oversaw Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Fulham back in October, controversially overturning a penalty initially awarded for a foul on Bukayo Saka, after having looked at the incident on the monitor.
He also sent Moises Caicedo off during the Gunners’ 1-1 draw away at Chelsea in November, while he took charge of the North Londoners’ 0-0 draw against Liverpool in January.
Antony Taylor’s record against Arsenal
Taylor has been a Premier League referee since 2010 and has officiated 58 Arsenal matches throughout his career.
In these games, he’s handed the Gunners 103 yellow cards, seven red cards and ten penalties.
| Anthony Taylor’s record refereeing Arsenal matches | |||
| Matches | Arsenal wins | Draws | Arsenal defeats |
| 58 | 32 | 18 | 8 |
Anthony Taylor’s record against Manchester City
As for City, Taylor has officiated 50 of the Sky Blues’ games, giving them 69 yellow cards, four red cards and nine penalties in the process.
| Anthony Taylor’s record refereeing Manchester City matches | |||
| Matches | City wins | Draws | City defeats |
| 50 | 27 | 10 | 13 |
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Alongside Taylor as the referee will be his assistants, Gary Beswick, Ian Hussin and Paul Tierney, 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 Stuart Burt assisting him.
