Domestic football is set to resume this weekend following the conclusion of the November international break, with Arsenal and Tottenham locking horns on Sunday. But, following Michael Oliver's appointment as the game's referee, a concerning statistic has come to light which has left Gunners supporters irate.
The North London derby has a reputation for being one of the biggest in British football and one of the most hotly contested matches on the calendar. With just four miles separating the two teams, game days can get incredibly tense as both sets of supporters seek bragging rights.
It's also given rise to some infamous moments in the English game, including when Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' wrapped up the Premier League in a 2-2 draw way back in 2004. Arsenal, often the victors in the tie, will be hoping to seal three points this time around and extend their lead at the division's summit.
Oliver's Disciplinary Record vs Arsenal Emerges
With so much on the line, it would not be a surprise to see tempers boil over during the match. And that has led to a concerning statistic about Oliver emerging following confirmation that he will be taking charge of an Arsenal match for the first time in 10 months.
The numbers demonstrate that he has shown cards to players in red and white more frequently than any other club. Oliver has taken charge of 55 games involving the Gunners — the only team he's been involved with more is Liverpool (60 games). Despite that, he's shown more yellow cards to Arsenal than any other team, with their players booked 97 times under his watch.
He has also shown more red cards to Arsenal than any other club in his career, the most recent of which came when he sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolverhampton Wanderers in January this year — the last time he refereed a game involving the north Londoners. Their tally of eight outstrips Tottenham by three, with the Lilywhites also shown fewer yellows than their rivals.
Arsenal Fans React to Oliver's Appointment
Although Oliver only ranks ninth among officials for yellow cards shown this season, despite taking charge of the joint-most games so far, Arsenal supporters are still far from happy about him being in charge of the upcoming derby. Some have cited his decision to send Lewis-Skelly off as a reason why he should not be taking charge of the game now.
One supporter wrote: "They have brought back Michael Oliver to referee a game involving Arsenal for the first time since last season when he sent off Lewis Skelly against Wolves. PGMOL we’re watching you."
Another shared the same feelings, stating that supporters in attendance had to prevent controversial decisions with outcry from the stands: "Michael Oliver will be in charge of Sunday's North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium. It will be the first Arsenal game he has taken charge of since he incorrectly sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly in the game at Wolves back in January.
"It’s at the Emirates. The Arsenal fans have a huge part to play on Sunday. Shout for every single decision. We cannot let Michael Oliver do us over again."
A final fan then said: "This is the first time Michael Oliver has officiated an Arsenal match since the bizarre Myles Lewis-Skelly red card against Wolves in January. I’m not one for a conspiracy theory because I think all of the English referees are useless apart from Sam Barrott.
"Oliver’s record whilst in charge of Arsenal is odd. The amount of red cards per foul is way higher than other teams, the made up rules for red cards (MLS vs. Wolves, Martinelli double yellow vs. Wolves, Trossard red vs. City, Kovacic escaping red at the Emirates and the list goes on…)."