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Premier League make huge Chelsea vs Arsenal referee decision after Man United VAR controversy

Arsenal players surround referee Michael Oliver
-Credit: (Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))


The Premier League have confirmed the officials for matchweek 11 with Arsenal and Chelsea learning who will take charge of their Premier League clash. Both London clubs have been at the centre of controversial decisions in recent weeks with the Blues angered by a major call against Manchester United this past weekend.

In the late stages of their encounter at Old Trafford, which ended level, Lisandro Martinez was booked for a high challenge on Cole Palmer though many believed he should have been sent off. As for the Gunners, a controversial disallowed goal against Liverpool followed a red card for William Saliba with inconsistencies the main issue.

This past Saturday against Newcastle however, Mikel Arteta's side could have no complaints as they were far from their best in defeat at St James' Park. And the challenging fixtures don't stop there for Arsenal as they seek to end a three-game winless run in the league with a trip to Stamford Bridge.

Before that, a Champions League tie away at Inter takes place on Wednesday while Chelsea are on home soil for their Conference League clash against Noah on Thursday. Despite that being the immediate focus, the Premier League have already confirmed the officials in charge of this weekend's games.

As the big clash of the weekend, Michael Oliver has been confirmed as the referee for Chelsea vs Arsenal and he will be assisted by linesman Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring and fourth official Andy Madley, while Paul Tierney is at Stockley Park on VAR.

It is certainly interesting that Oliver has been handed a clash of such magnitude just over one week on from controversially recommending a review for a potential penalty, that Jarrod Bowen scored, in West Ham's 2-1 win over Manchester United which ultimately led to the departure of Erik ten Hag.

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He also sent off Leandro Trossard for two bookable offences, one of which was for delaying the restart, during Arsenal's huge title clash against Manchester City back in September.

Elsewhere, Anthony Taylor, who disallowed Arsenal's late winner against Liverpool will oversee Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle. Michael Salisbury meanwhile, who did not deem the foul on Palmer worthy of a VAR check, will have the whistle for the London derby between Crystal Palace and Fulham.