Premier League

PGMOL stands by referee Michael Oliver amid controversial red card, assigns him to key fixtures

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has decided not to drop referee Michael Oliver for the upcoming Premier League fixtures despite recent controversy.

Oliver has faced criticism for his decision to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly during Saturday’s match against Wolves. The 39-year-old referee issued a straight red card to Lewis-Skelly after he caught Wolves defender Matt Doherty’s calf and ankle with his studs. The decision was upheld by VAR, and Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory at Molineux.

There had been speculation that Oliver would be sidelined due to the backlash and online abuse. However, he is scheduled to referee Wednesday’s Champions League clash between Barcelona and Atalanta.

The Premier League has confirmed that Oliver will officiate Ipswich Town’s match against Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday.

Additionally, he has been assigned to handle next month’s rescheduled Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park.

Related Topics:Arsenal Michael Oliver PGMOL

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Premier League

David Raya doubtful for Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that goalkeeper David Raya may miss the Gunners’ crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Sunday.

Raya was absent from Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League, with Neto stepping in for his debut after joining on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

Although Neto conceded the opening goal to Arnaut Danjuma in the 28th minute, Arsenal responded with Jorginho’s penalty and a spectacular goal by rising star Ethan Nwaneri.

Arteta did not provide specific details on Raya’s injury but noted, “He certainly could not play, and he’s injured, and that’s it. We’ll see how it improves.”

When asked whether Neto could continue in Raya’s absence, Arteta expressed confidence in the experienced goalkeeper, stating, “That’s why he’s here, to do that job… I’m very happy that he played and we won again.”

Arsenal will be hoping Raya recovers in time for the vital clash as they look to maintain their strong position in the league.

Premier League

Andy Gray Urges Arsenal to Tempt Aston Villa with £100m Bid for Ollie Watkins

Former Aston Villa forward Andy Gray has encouraged Arsenal to launch a £100million bid to secure the services of Aston Villa’s star striker Ollie Watkins before the January transfer window closes.

Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Gray acknowledged Villa’s rejection of Arsenal’s initial £60million offer and highlighted Watkins’ finishing ability, which he believes surpasses that of Arsenal’s Germany international Kai Havertz.

“I would be amazed if Aston Villa decided, for any money, to part ways with Ollie Watkins,” Gray said. “Arsenal are his boyhood club, so it’s always a dream to play for them, especially when they’re this good.”

Gray emphasized Watkins’ potential impact at Arsenal, citing the team’s creativity and Watkins’ instinctive finishing ability as reasons why he would thrive at the Emirates.

“He is a better finisher than Kai Havertz and knows how to play in that position better,” Gray added. “In Arsenal’s team, with the chances they create, he would score a lot of goals.”

With only days left in the transfer window, Gray suggested Arsenal might need to act decisively: “Throw £100million on the table and see if that tempts them.”

Despite Arsenal’s urgency to sign a striker, Gray expressed hope that Villa would retain Watkins, particularly given uncertainties surrounding fellow striker Jhon Durán.

Premier League

Rashford must “change” to return for Manchester United, says Amorim

£40m Striker: Man Utd, Liverpool In Transfer ‘Tug Of War’

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has emphasized that Marcus Rashford “has to change” before being considered for selection again. The 27-year-old forward has not featured for the club in seven weeks and recently expressed his desire for a “new challenge.”

Rashford was once again omitted from United’s squad for Thursday’s Europa League match against FCSB in Bucharest.

“Imagine a talent like Rashford; our team should be so much better with him — but he has to change,” Amorim stated during a press conference on Wednesday.

“If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him]—and we need it. But in this moment, we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.”

Amorim dismissed suggestions that the situation was personal.

“You (the media) want to make it personal, I have nothing against Marcus, but I have to make the same rules for everybody,” he explained. “We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third.”

Despite training at Carrington on Wednesday, Rashford was not included in the 21-man Europa League squad, fueling speculation about a potential transfer before the window closes on Monday.

Following United’s narrow 1-0 win over Fulham, Amorim made a strong statement about maintaining team standards:

“I would prefer to select my 63-year-old goalkeeping coach rather than play someone who did not meet those standards.”

Rashford, who debuted for the club in 2016, has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the senior team.

“The situation is the same for every player,” Amorim reiterated. “I will not put [in] any player that doesn’t give the maximum. When I feel it is the right moment, I will put in any player to play. We are a better team with Rashford, that is clear, but until the right moment I will not change my mind.”