The Premier League have confirmed Darren England will be on VAR for Arsenal's clash against Aston Villa with the official having a history of angering Mikel Arteta. The Gunners close out a busy six days away at Villa Park after also facing Brentford and Chelsea.
Their game with the latter took place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon with Mikel Merino cancelling out Trevoh Chalobah's opener. Although both goals came in the first half, Moises Caicedo being shown a straight red card was a major talking point from the opening 45 minutes
Piero Hincapie was, arguably, fortunate to not also be given his marching orders after catching Chalobah with a stray arm having already been booked.However, only a foul was given against the Ecuador international.
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Mikel Arteta's squad have certainly been on the wrong side of 50/50 VAR decisions this campaign with the most notable of those coming against Newcastle United. Viktor Gyokeres thought he had won a penalty after a foul by Nick Pope only for VAR to recommend an on-field review which saw Jarred Gillett overturn his original decision.
Despite his team winning, Arteta was far from happy with the outcome. He said: "If it's not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene. It's clear that VAR does not have to intervene because it's a penalty.”
Leading the technology for that clash was England and the Premier League have confirmed he will be back in the hot-seat at Stockley Park, assisted by Mark Scholes, for Arsenal's huge clash against Villa at 12.30pm this Saturday.
Peter Bankes has been selected as the on-field referee with Eddie Smart and Blake Antrobus as assistants, while Adam Herczeg is fourth official.
As the first fixture of game week 15, Arsenal have a chance to put down a serious marker before Manchester City host Sunderland and Chelsea travel to Bournemouth just a few hours later.
Arteta will be hoping that controversial incidents are avoided at Villa Park with England having previously sided with Arsenal's opponents for such matters. When in charge of the Gunners' clash at Everton last season, England waved away a dangerous Jake O'Brien tackle on Ben White.
He was instructed by VAR to have another look at the foul but as opposed to sticking by his original decision or sending the Everton man off, he pulled out a yellow card which Ifab have stated is something that can't be done following VAR intervention.
In the second half, England pointed to the spot after Myles Lewis-Skelly upended Jack Harrison in the penalty area with replays showing minimal contact - and that most of it took place outside the box. Arteta was also left far from pleased by that decision.
He said: "I've seen it 15 times. There's no way, in my opinion, that's a penalty. There's no question that apart from that they had nothing but, obviously, that changes completely the momentum and result."
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