It is the first meeting between the last two seasons’ title challengers in a fresh battle between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, with Manchester City having already set the early pace as they look to win a staggering fifth successive English top-flight crown.
Manchester City have won all of their opening four fixtures in the division this season, including notable away victories against Chelsea and West Ham United, whilst Erling Haaland has found a new level of goalscoring form to further showcase his own development.
The Norwegian striker has recorded a remarkable nine goals in his opening four Premier League matches, including back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham, whilst he is now also one goal away from 100 in a Manchester City shirt.
As for Arsenal, the Gunners battled through injury and suspension problems in their last outing to defeat Tottenham in the North London derby, meaning victory for either side at the Etihad Stadium this weekend would ensure the club’s place as league leaders.
Ahead of a mammoth meeting between the Premier League’s two title favourites this season, the top-flight have now announced the list of match officials to oversee proceedings at the home of the champions on Sunday afternoon!
Match Referee
Michael Oliver has been appointed by the Premier League to the division’s first heavyweight clash at the top of the table this campaign.
Sunday’s meeting between Manchester City and Arsenal will be the 39-year-old’s fifth top-flight clash this season, having already taken charge of one contest involving Pep Guardiola’s side.
That came at West Ham’s London Stadium prior to the recent international break, as an Erling Haaland hat-trick ensured that Manchester City came away from the capital with all three points in a 1-3 away victory.
There has also already been involvement for Michael Oliver involving Arsenal, taking charge of their visit to Villa Park in August as Mikel Arteta’s side recorded a 0-2 win.
As for card total at this point in the ongoing Premier League season, Oliver has issued a total of 21 yellow cards across his four matches, but is yet to send off any player whilst also still looking for his first penalty to be awarded.
Assistant Referees
Supporting Michael Oliver from either touchline will be assistant referees Stuart Burt (44) and Dan Cook (36).
Video Assistant Referees
Over in the VAR Hub at Stockley Park, lead Video Assistant Referee duties have been appointed to John Brooks (34), whilst the role of Assistant Video Assistant Referee will be taken on by Richard West (49).
Fourth Official
Ensuring that all is kept in order in the respective dugouts will be Andy Madley (41), who is this weekend’s fourth official.
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