Anthony Taylor has been appointed as the referee for the upcoming match between Manchester City and Arsenal scheduled for Sunday.
Taylor, an experienced referee in English football, will officiate the game, bringing his expertise to ensure fair play and adherence to the rules during the highly anticipated clash between the two Premier League clubs.
Anthony Taylor
One of the PGMOL’s most trusted referees, Taylor has officiated the Blues 36 times. However, City don’t have the best recent record with him in charge, losing twice to Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool once, drawing to both West Ham and Liverpool 2-2 – and finally, just the one victory against Wolves in recent years.
As for cards, the Wythenshawe-born official has dished out 55 yellow cards and two reds in the league; that’s an average of 3.67 yellows per game. In the UEFA Champions League, however, his record increases; Taylor has given out 19 cards in just four games.
For such an important fixture, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have appointed their top official, Anthony Taylor, to referee the game.
The 45-year-old is the Premier League’s top referee having officiated in the division since 2010, and was one of two English referees to work at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Yet despite his credentials, City boss Guardiola might not be too happy.
The Spaniard hit out at Taylor after City’s controversial 3-3 draw with Tottenham in December.
Jack Grealish was played through on goal deep into injury-time, but after waving play on referee Simon Hooper decided to pull play back for a foul on Erling Haaland.
Guardiola and his players were incensed, and after the game Guardiola revealed fourth official Taylor offered him no explanation for Hooper’s decision.
Taylor has only refereed three City matches this season, most recently their 6-2 FA Cup demolition of Luton Town in February.
Arsenal Will travel to the Etihad to face Pep Guardiola’s Men in a crucial encounter.
Manchester City currently ranks 3rd on the log, one point behind Liverpool in second place and Arsenal at the top of the summit.
A win for Manchester City could reshape the look of things at the top of the table. Football lovers eagerly awaits the clash between this two English top teams.