Chelsea vs Arsenal referee left Mikel Arteta fuming over 'really worrying' decision
Michael Oliver will take charge of Arsenal's contest at Chelsea this weekend - his first time reffing them since his controversial calls in their draw at Manchester City
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorMichael Oliver has been assigned Arsenal's clash with Chelsea this weekend - his first Gunners' game since sending off Leandro Trossard.
The Premier League referee, regarded by many as the best official in the country, will be the man in the middle as Arsenal look to get back to winning ways at Stamford Bridge. The north Londoners have only claimed one point from the last nine available as they lose ground in the title race.
A trip to Chelsea presents another difficult challenge for Mikel Arteta's men. The Spaniard will have frustrating memories of the last time Oliver officiated his side. That being the 2-2 draw against Manchester City when Arsenal spent the second-half down a man.
Trossard was dismissed after being handed a second yellow. The Belgian kicked the ball away - delaying the restart - which led to him receiving his marching orders. It was the second time in a matter of weeks that Arsenal had seen a player sent off for that offence after Declan Rice saw red against Brighton.
Arteta said after the contest: "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."
Whilst Arteta was clearly fuming with the decision Roy Keane claimed he could have no complaints with the red card. "It's not even a debate," he said. "You don't need to watch it 30 times. It's wrong, it's a second yellow and it's the height of stupidity."
Despite the frustration surrounding Oliver's decision Arsenal's record when he's refereed them is largely positive. Earlier this season they secured a 2-0 win at Aston Villa - the only time Oliver has taken charge of one of their games this term.
Last season Oliver was the man in the middle for their final day win over Everton at the Emirates. He also officiated their north London derby success back in April, when they won 3-2 at the home of their rivals.
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