The Premier League have confirmed all refereeing appointments for this weekend's fixtures - with Michael Oliver set to take charge of the North London Derby.
The Premier League have announced their refereeing line-ups for this weekend's fixtures, and it's a familiar face that has previously ruffled Mikel Arteta's feathers set to officiate Arsenal's clash against Tottenham. The Emirates Stadium is set to host the latest North London Derby, undoubtedly the highlight of game-week 12.
The Gunners are heading into the meeting on the back of a minor hiccup in their Premier League title race, having drawn with Sunderland. The November international break has made Brian Brobbey's last-minute equaliser feel like a distant memory, particularly with so much happening since then.
Martin Zubimendi and Bukayo Saka have both found the back of the net for Spain and England, respectively, but the headline news revolves around Gabriel Magalhaes. The defender sustained a groin injury during Brazil's friendly against Senegal over the weekend, casting doubt over his availability for the Spurs showdown.
A hip issue for Riccardo Calafiori also saw him miss both of Italy's games, but he's still expected to be fit in time for Sunday's clash. With Arteta likely already irked by the unfolding situation, the confirmation of Michael Oliver as the referee for Arsenal vs Tottenham is unlikely to lift his spirits.
As per the Premier League's announcement, Oliver will officiate in the North London Derby, assisted by linesmen Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, not to mention fourth official Michael Salisbury. They'll be backed up by Stuart Attwell as the lead VAR operator and Constantine Hatzidakis as his assistant.
Oliver hasn't been at the heart of many contentious incidents so far this season, but Arteta will certainly recall him making significant decisions against Arsenal in recent seasons. Back in September 2024, he gave Leandro Trossard his marching orders during a match against Man City for kicking the ball away, which ultimately delayed the restart.
Arteta was understandably irked, especially as Declan Rice had been dismissed for a similar action just a few weeks prior. His frustration was further fuelled by Jeremy Doku doing exactly what Trossard did, but escaping punishment.
"There were two incidents, very similar," Arteta commented on the decisions. "In particular one was very different with a different outcome that forces you to play a game that nobody wanted to watch.
He later clarified: "It's [Trossard kicking the ball away] is less than a second. The previous one [Doku's] is more than a second. That's it. It's simple."
Just a few months later, Oliver incorrectly sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves for a late challenge that was neither reckless nor denied a goal-scoring opportunity. Although Calafiori netted the winning goal and, in turn, that red card was subsequently rescinded, the decision still sparked furious reactions.
"I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you," Arteta told Sky Sports. Because it is that obvious, I don't think my words are going to help."
Oliver will be hoping for a quiet afternoon. However, that seems unlikely given the two teams playing.