Anthony Taylor has been appointed to referee Sunday's crucial Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal, and the selection comes as little surprise given his stature and recent form.
The 47-year-old is one of the Premier League’s most seasoned officials, having taken charge of 426 top-flight matches, and is one of only two referees from the division selected by FIFA for this summer’s World Cup.
Taylor, who officiated his first Premier League match in 2010, received praise for his strong display in last month’s Tyne-Wear derby, as well as Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday.
However, his appointment on Sunday has still drawn attention given he lives in Manchester, with some questioning the decision ahead of what could prove to be the title decider.
Anthony Taylor Supports Home-Town Club
Referee Anthony Taylor
Former Premier League referee Graham Scott, as quoted by The Athletic, revealed that Taylor supports his hometown side Altrincham and has no allegiance to either Manchester United or City, despite living near both stadiums.
“Eyebrows are sometimes raised when he is appointed to a match involving either of the Manchester giants, given he lives within a few miles of both grounds.
“But his support for his home-town club Altrincham is genuine, not convenient, and he has no allegiance to either City or United.”
In Sunday’s likely title decider, Taylor will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Ian Hussin, with Paul Tierney serving as fourth official and John Brooks on VAR duty.
Taylor has taken charge of three matches involving Arsenal and three involving City this season, with the North London side winning once and City claiming two victories.
Pep Guardiola’s side go into the clash at the Etihad Stadium as favourites, having beaten Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final last month.
City can move to within three points of Arsenal with a win this weekend, after the Gunners dropped costly points in a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.
Arsenal Make Mikel Arteta Sack Decision
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have not ruled out parting ways with Mikel Arteta after the season if the Spaniard fails to deliver silverware, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish manager’s future at the Emirates could reportedly take a ‘drastic turn’ should he fail to lead the Gunners to either the Premier League or Champions League trophy.
Arsenal have earmarked former midfielder Cesc Fabregas as a potential replacement, having grown impressed with the 38-year-old’s work at Serie A side Como.
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