Arsenal vs Chelsea: Who is the referee? Premier League match officials confirmed
Arsenal play their first of ten London derbies in the Premier League this season when they host Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners and the Blues have always had a heated rivalry, and since the arrival of Mikel Arteta in North London, the N5 side have got the better of their West London counterparts. Chelsea haven't beaten Arsenal in any competition since August 2021, while they haven't overcome the Gunners at Stamford Bridge since August 2018.
For younger Arsenal fans, beating Chelsea is now an expectation, and thus, the pressure is on Arteta and his players to deliver on Sunday. Xabi Alonso's men will certainly make it tough for them, having enjoyed an impressive start to the season, but the Gunners should be confident in their ability to emerge with all three points.
Emi Martinez's arrival at Stamford Bridge will certainly add a level of animosity to the atmosphere in this encounter. The goalkeeper has had a lot to say about Arsenal over the years since leaving the club and isn't the most popular figure in N5. Things could get feisty.
With that said, here’s a look at the Premier League’s pick for the match officials for Arsenal vs Chelsea.
The Premier League have announced that Chris Kavanagh will be the referee in charge of Arsenal's match against Chelsea.
Kavanagh officiated five of the Gunners' league matches last season, most recently overseeing their dramatic 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium in May. He delivered one of the most iconic moments in recent Arsenal history in that match, ruling out the Hammers' last-minute equaliser by announcing to the stadium, "After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper, and the decision is direct free-kick."
Kavanagh also refereed Arsenal's away wins at Brighton, Bournemouth and Burnley, as well as their defeat at Anfield. This will be his first match at the Emirates since he oversaw Arsenal's 1-0 win over Chelsea in March 2025.
Kavanagh has been a Premier League referee since 2017 and has officiated 29 Arsenal games throughout his career.
In these games, he’s handed the Gunners 56 yellow cards, two red cards and no penalties.
As for Chelsea, Kavanagh has officiated 26 of the Blues' games, giving them 49 yellow cards, two red cards and six penalties in the process.
Alongside Kavanagh as the referee will be his assistants, Dan Crook, Tim Wood and Tom Bramall, with the former two running the line and the latter the fourth official.
In the VAR room at Stockley Park, Darren England will oversee the game, with Constantine Hatzidakis assisting him.
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