Michael Oliver’s appointment to officiate the Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur clash on Sunday has been questioned after ten-month absent from Gunners matches following error made in Wolves win
Arsenal supporters have awoken to the news that Michael Oliver is set to take charge of the North London Derby on Sunday as Tottenham come to the Emirates Stadium. This is not an announcement that has been welcomed and understandably so when looking back at the last time Oliver officiated an Arsenal match.
Oliver took charge of the Gunners’ trip to Wolves on January 25 earlier this year, in which he sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly with a straight red card. The defender had committed a cynical foul on Matt Doherty, which in any other game most would assume a yellow card, but the sending off was not expected.
When asked post-match for his thoughts, Arteta was clear without saying much at all: “I think it’s that obvious that we don’t need any comments today. Hopefully, the right thing will happen after today.”
Arsenal successfully appealed the decision, despite Arteta also stating that he had hoped it would not be necessary. An independent panel of three were “unanimous” in their view that Oliver had made an obvious error sending off the youngster.
Lewis-Skelly would go on to score in the following game, which happened to be against Manchester City. Oliver allegedly received “threats and abuse” online in the wake of the match, and the police launched an investigation as a result.
Arteta was asked for his thoughts on the matter, to which he replied: “[It] leaves a bad taste and makes people’s lives more difficult. Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out.”
Which brings us to Sunday where Oliver has been selected for the North London Derby. It leaves a simple question of “Why now? Why this game?”
Oliver has not taken charge of any Arsenal matches since that fateful afternoon in January 2025. Oliver is seen by many as one of the league’s best and is often given high profile games.
He has officiated several derbies this season, including West Ham vs Chelsea, Fulham vs Brentford and Liverpool vs Manchester United. However, he has also officiated many lesser-profile fixtures too.
Rob Jones and Tony Harrington are the other officials in action on Sunday. Jones has officiated the Gunners seven times, but none so far this season. Harrington has officiated Arsenal once before, in the home win over Southampton in October 2024.
Oliver could have been selected to officiate any of Arsenal’s matches this season, but has been given the most high-profile so far. If anything, if there is a case to ease Oliver back into action involving Arsenal, is this the best for his own welfare to referee the most frenetic, chaotic and emotional date on the calendar at the Emirates Stadium? Probably not.
The hope will be this trial by fire will see Oliver flourish, and by flourish, I mean have a performance whereby he’s hardy in the spotlight whatsoever. Unlikely, based on the history of these affairs, but hopefully all the same.
