Premier League make huge referee decision for Fulham vs Arsenal after VAR controversies

The Premier League have confirmed the match officials for this weekend’s round of games – with two controversial appointments made for Arsenal’s trip to Fulham.

The Premier League has confirmed officials for this weekend’s fixtures, with two potentially controversial decisions made for Arsenal’s match against Fulham. The Gunners – playing on Saturday evening – will be looking to establish a four-point lead at the top before Liverpool take on Manchester United the next day.

Just over a week ago, Arsenal triumphed over West Ham United ant it saw them move above Liverpool in the standings. The October international break and Chelsea beating Arne Slot’s side has seen that remain the case.

This weekend sees Arsenal playing first but also, arguably, facing a tougher challenge as they visit Craven Cottage, while the reigning champions host struggling Man Utd in desperate need of a victory after three consecutive losses. Key decisions could ultimately determine the result of their upcoming match, with referee Michael Oliver having the whistle and Darren England overseeing VAR.

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Oliver has been at the heart of several controversies involving Arsenal – including Myles Lewis-Skelly’s wrongful dismissal in last season’s victory against Wolves. The Premier League has also confirmed match officials for other games, with two controversial appointments made for Arsenal’s clash against Fulham.

Anthony Taylor will officiate that all-London derby, while Stuart Attwell has been chosen for VAR duty. Assisting Attwell will be Craig Taylor, with Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn and Sam Barrott on hand to support Taylor.

He has enjoyed a reasonable beginning to the campaign, so far, but previous questionable decisions continue to haunt him. One such incident occurred during last campaign’s 2-2 stalemate between Arsenal and Liverpool when he whistled for a dubious foul that prevented Arsenal from scoring what would likely have been the match-winner.

Contentious calls have been delivered by VAR official Attwell this season, though, with a particularly prominent one coming just prior to October’s international interval in Man Utd’s 2-0 triumph vs Sunderland. Attwell had originally signalled to the penalty spot for a high boot on Benjamin Sesko; nevertheless, replays demonstrated that minimal, if any, contact occurred – with VAR needed to reverse the decision.

Arsenal have found themselves on the receiving end of some marginal decisions with one such instance arising in the triumph over Newcastle United when summer signing Viktor Gyokeres was brought down in the penalty area, but it was overruled by VAR.

Speaking in a press conference, Mikel Arteta said: “I’ve watched it live and then I watched it on the screen and for me it was a penalty. We were instructed very clearly again this season that unless it’s a clear and obvious error, the referee isn’t going to intervene. It’s not.

“So that’s my opinion. We find a way to win the game. The team is still emotionally very, very, very calm and very composed. And that’s a lesson that we took as well, probably from a few years ago.”

Darren England, who suggested a review to Jarred Gillett, will be returning to Stockley Park this weekend. He’ll be the lead operator for Liverpool’s clash with rivals Man Utd and assisting Alex Chilowicz for Bournemouth’s journey to high-flying Crystal Palace.

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