At a Glance:
- Arsenal host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
- The Gunners need to win this game to rejuvenate their title hopes.
- The Premier League have confirmed who will oversee the clash.
Arsenal face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday evening at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to rejuvenate their title hopes following back-to-back defeats.
The Spaniard’s side have had a week off following their 2-1 defeat at the Etihad on Sunday – a result that significantly dented their dreams of winning the English top flight for the first time in over 20 years. The Citizens’ victory over Burnley on Sunday saw Pep Guardiola’s team leapfrog the Gunners in the table, and the pressure is now on Arteta’s men to regain their grip on top spot.
However, with winnable home matches against Newcastle and Fulham to come, Arsenal will be confident that they can re-establish their lead and pile the pressure back on City.
Newcastle come into this pivotal clash in dire form, having lost each of their last four matches across all competitions, conceding 13 goals in the process. On top of this, Eddie Howe will be without both Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento, both of whom have sustained groin injuries in recent weeks. Joelinton is also unavailable, as he’s set to serve the second of a two-match suspension.
In the reverse fixture between Arsenal and Newcastle back in September, Arteta’s side left it late to claim all three points courtesy of a 96th-minute header from Gabriel Magalhaes. Arteta will hope the encounter in N5 is significantly more serene.
With that said, here’s a look at the Premier League’s pick for the match officials for Arsenal vs Newcastle.
Who is the referee for Arsenal vs Newcastle?
The Premier League have announced that Sam Barrott will be the referee in charge of Arsenal’s match against Newcastle.
Barrott has officiated four of the Gunners’ games so far this season, with Arteta’s men winning three of these without conceding, before losing the most recent.
He was in charge of Arsenal’s defeat away at Southampton in the FA Cup a few weeks ago, when the North Londoners were surprisingly knocked out of England’s oldest cup competition by the Saints.
Sam Barrott’s record against Arsenal
Barott has been a Premier League referee since 2024 and has officiated eight Arsenal games throughout his career.
In these games, he’s handed the Gunners nine yellow cards, no red cards and one penalty.
| Barrott’s record refereeing Arsenal matches | |||
| Matches | Arsenal wins | Draws | Arsenal defeats |
| 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 |
Sam Barrott’s record against Newcastle
As for Newcastle, Barrott has officiated six of the Magpies’ games, giving them eight yellow cards, no red cards, and one penalty in the process.
| Barrott’s record refereeing Newcastle matches | |||
| Matches | Newcastle wins | Draws | Newcastle defeats |
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Alongside Barrott as the referee will be his assistants, Tim Wood, Wade Smith and Steve Martin, with the former two running the line and the latter the fourth official.
In the VAR room at Stockley Park, Jarred Gillett will oversee the game, with Adrian Holmes assisting him.
