Premier League confirm referee for Man City vs Arsenal and the pick could frustrate Pep Guardiola

The Premier League has confirmed the referee for Manchester City's upcoming clash against Arsenal, but Pep Guardiola might not be best pleased.

City and Arsenal will go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a match that could have huge implications on the Premier League title race.

Mikel Arteta's side are currently top of the table with 64 points, ahead of second-place Liverpool on goal difference.

Pep Guardiola's reigning champions are one point behind in third position, but could take control of the title race with victory on Easter Sunday.

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.

Anthony Taylor will take charge of Man City vs Arsenal. (Image: Getty)

Guardiola and his players were incensed, and after the game Guardiola revealed fourth official Taylor offered him no explanation for Hooper's decision.

"No, the master of commander Anthony Taylor knows everything in this business and didn't tell me anything," he told beIN Sports.

The comment came moments after he told Sky Sports: "When you review image, referee whistle after saying play on and then after pass whistle. This is what I don't understand action."

Taylor has only refereed three City matches this season, most recently their 6-2 FA Cup demolition of Luton Town in February.

City will likely be without Kyle Walker for the match after he picked up an injury during England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday.

Topics: Premier League, Arsenal, Pep Guardiola, VAR, Manchester City

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton