Premier League make official decision ahead of Arsenal vs Ipswich Town
Arsenal host Ipswich on December 27 as they aim to get their third win in a row in all competitions.
Arsenal will be looking to build on a positive week as they prepare for their fixtures after Christmas with a contest against Ipswich Town first up later this week. The Gunners beat London rivals Crystal Palace 5-1 in their last game when goals came from Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice.
Jesus netted twice and took his tally for just this week up to five, after scoring a hat-trick against Palace in Arsenal’s 3-2 Carabao Cup win during the week. The Brazilian hadn’t scored a single league goal this season before this week, he is now one of the most in-form strikers in the Premier League. The win left the Gunners third in the league table, six points behind league leaders Liverpool.
However, Mikel Arteta did suffer a big blow after Bukayo Saka, who was seen leaving the stadium on crutches after the game. According to the Times, he could face ‘several weeks’ on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Premier League appoint referees for Arsenal vs Ipswich Town
The Gunners’ next game comes against Ipswich Town, who sit 19th in the league table, and two points off safety as things stand. They come off a heavy 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United over the weekend. Darren England has been appointed as the referee for the game on Friday. This season, he has officiated in seven Premier League matches, showing 32 yellow cards and two red cards.
His last game came when Tottenham Hotspur beat Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium, which led to the sacking of Russell Martin. He is yet to referee an Arsenal match this season.
England’s assistants will be Wade Smith and Akil Howson. Smith was involved in Liverpool’s 6-3 dismantling of Spurs on Sunday last time out. Whereas Howson was last an official in Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
Lewis Smith will be the fourth official, he has refereed in three Premier League games this season, handing out 10 yellow cards, and one red. Finally, the VAR will be Alex Chilowicz, who has refereed games in League Two, League One, and the Championship this year.