Premier League make good VAR official decision for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

The frustrating factor for Arsenal is that they return from the break not only needing to win, but they face a Forest side that has hugely impressed under Nuno Espirito Santo so far this season. The East Midlands club are currently in fifth place and just goal difference below the Gunners, and that’s despite the fact they spent last season fighting relegation.

Forest did lose to Newcastle United before the break, but they went into that one on the back of three straight wins, beating West Ham, Crystal Palace and Leicester City. They have also drawn with Chelsea and beaten Liverpool already this season, suggesting they could be dangerous for Arsenal here.

Ahead of the Emirates Stadium clash, the Premier League has confirmed that Simon Hooper will be the man in the middle. Hooper has stayed clear of any significant controversy this season, and that will be seen as good news for both teams.

Interestingly, Hooper has only overseen seven Arsenal games so far, and five of them have been Gunners wins, including a 2-1 win over Forest last season at the City Ground and a 5-0 win over the Midlands club at the Emirates Stadium in the season before.

As for Forest. they have much more experience with Hooper due to his long stint in the Championship. In the 24 Forest games Hooper has overseen, they have won only eight, losing 11.

Elsewhere, the assistants for this game are Adrian Holms and Simon Long, while the fourth official is Dean Whitestone. The VAR referee is Darren England, while his assistant is Marc Perry.