Arsenal face West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday evening at the London Stadium, with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to take another huge step towards the title.
The Gunners were involved in an intense Champions League semi-final second leg at the Emirates on Tuesday night. Arteta’s team emerged as 1-0 winners, courtesy of a Bukayo Saka goal, meaning they’ve booked their place in the final in Budapest, where they’ll meet Paris Saint-Germain at the end of May.
However, the North Londoners now need to divert their attention back to the title race this Sunday. They host a West Ham side desperately bidding to avoid relegation, who are currently a point behind 17th-placed Tottenham Hotspur with three games remaining.
This will therefore clearly be a tough test for Arsenal, but they can move to the edge of glory with a victory in East London. Only Burnley and Crystal Palace would then be standing in their way.
In the reverse fixture between Arsenal and West Ham back in October, Arteta’s side ran out 2-0 winners thanks to a goal from Declan Rice and a penalty from Bukayo Saka. The Spanish manager will hope his side can win another spot-kick in the affair at the London Stadium, to ease their nerves.
With that said, here’s a look at the Premier League’s pick for the match officials for West Ham vs Arsenal.
Who is the referee for West Ham vs Arsenal?
The Premier League have announced that Chris Kavanagh will be the referee in charge of Arsenal’s match against West Ham.
Kavanagh has officiated four Gunners matches so far this season, with Arteta’s men winning three of these games.
The official oversaw Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Anfield back in August, as well as their away wins at Brighton, Bournemouth and Burnley, in March, January and October, respectively.
Chris Kavanagh’s record against Arsenal
Kavanagh has been a Premier League referee since 2017 and has officiated 28 Arsenal games throughout his career.
In these games, he’s handed the Gunners 52 yellow cards, two red cards and no penalties.
| Kavanagh’s record refereeing Arsenal matches | |||
| Matches | Arsenal wins | Draws | Arsenal defeats |
| 28 | 15 | 7 | 6 |
Chris Kavanagh’s record against West Ham
As for West Ham, Kavanagh has officiated 24 of the Hammers’ games, giving them 33 yellow cards, two red cards and six penalties in the process.
| Kavanagh’s record refereeing West Ham matches | |||
| Matches | West Ham wins | Draws | West Ham defeats |
| 24 | 8 | 6 | 10 |
Who are the assistant referees and VAR?
Alongside Kavanagh as the referee will be his assistants, Dan Cook, Ian Hussin and James Bell, with the former two running the line and the latter the fourth official.
In the VAR room at Stockley Park, Darren England will oversee the game, with Akil Howson assisting him.
