Ref who left Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ confirmed for Arsenal vs Tottenham

Michael Oliver will take change of Sunday’s north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.

The Gunners sit top of the Premier League as the final international break of the year comes to an end with Tottenham occupying fifth place, eight points behind their arch-rivals.

Mikel Arteta’s side had been in relentless form since dropping points at home to Manchester City in September, rattling off 10 wins in a row in all competitions while conceding just one goal. But a 2-2 draw at Sunderland last time out offers Spurs some hope.

Thomas Frank will be experiencing the derby for the first time with Tottenham desperate to avoid what would be a fourth straight defeat to Arsenal.

Olivier will be the man tasked with keeping things under control at the Emirates on Sunday – the first time the country’s leading official has refereed an Arsenal game since the Gunners’ victory over Wolves in January.

Arsenal won 1-0 that day thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s goal but there was huge controversy in the first-half when Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card.

The left-back fouled Matt Doherty on the edge of his own box as Wolves pounced on the counter attack.

The teenager was shown a straight red despite the foul taking place over 70 yards away from the Arsenal goal, leaving Arteta ‘absolutely fuming.’

‘It is that clear and I will leave it to you guys,’ Arteta said. ‘I am absolutely fuming. But I will leave it with you, it is that obvious that I don’t think my words are going to help.’

Arteta was left similarly miffed with Oliver sent off Leandro Trossard in his side’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City in September 2024.

The Belgian, already on a booking, was shown a second yellow for fouling Bernardo Silva and then kicking the ball away on the stroke of half-time.

Arsenal felt particularly aggrieved given City winger Jeremy Doku escaped unpunished for what appeared to be an identical incident earlier in the game.

Declan Rice had been sent off in similar circumstances against Brighton just weeks earlier.

‘We were more efficient and went 2-1 up and then there were two incidents, very similar, one in particular, but had a very different outcome which then forces you to have a game which nobody wants to watch,’ said Arteta.

‘I think it’s very clear. Very obvious. Hopefully what 100 per cent of what people thinks. It’s not my job to come here and judge what happened. My job is to survive in the most difficult environment you can throw in football for 55 minutes. And try to get things done to survive. That’s my job, the rest is not my job.

‘It’s already the second time it has happened in five games, which is really, really worrying if we want to see the best Premier League.’