Premier League confirm Arsenal vs Tottenham referee that has already left Mikel Arteta fuming

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Arsenal take on bitter rivals Tottenham at Emirates Stadium this weekend with the Premier League announcing a major refereeing decision.

The Premier League have confirmed refereeing appointments for this weekend's fixtures with a familiar face that has angered Mikel Arteta in charge for Arsenal's clash against Tottenham. Emirates Stadium hosts the latest North London Derby with it undoubtedly as the showpiece fixture of game week 12.

The Gunners head into the meeting following a minor setback in their pursuit of the Premier League title after drawing to Sunderland. The November international break has made Brian Brobbey's last-gasp equaliser feel an awfully long time ago especially with plenty having happened since.

Martin Zubimendi and Bukayo Saka have both scored for Spain and England, respectively, but the bigger news has surrounded Gabriel Magalhaes. During Brazil's friendly against Senegal over the weekend, the defender picked up a groin injury which has made him a huge doubt to face Spurs.

Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have also picked up issues, but both are expected to be okay before Sunday's clash. With Arteta likely already annoyed at the scenario that has played out, Michael Oliver being confirmed as the official for Arsenal vs Tottenham is unlikely to cheer him up too much, either.

As confirmed by the Premier League, Oliver will take charge of the North London Derby - with Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring as his linesmen and Michael Salisbury as the fourth official. They will be supported by Stuart Attwell as lead VAR operator and Constantine Hatzidakis as his assistant.

Oliver has not been at the centre of many controversial incidents this season, but Arteta will certainly remember him making big decisions against Arsenal. Back in September 2024, he sent off Leandro Trossard away at Man City with his second caution for kicking the ball away which ultimately delayed the restart.

Having lost Declan Rice to a similar action a few weeks earlier, Arteta was - unsurprisingly - annoyed with his anger heightened by Jeremy Doku doing exactly what Trossard did but going unpunished.

"There were two incidents, very similar," Arteta said when speaking about 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 wrongly dismissed Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves for a late but not reckless nor goal-scoring denying challenge. Though Calafiori grabbed the winning goal - and that red card was later overturned - the decision still brought about furious responses.

"I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you," Arteta said to 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, but that seems unlikely given the two teams playing.