Chelsea vs Arsenal Referee Stats: Michael Oliver's appointment spells bad news for Gunners

Chelsea will look to head into the international break in third place when they take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge today. Victory will see the Blues move onto 21 points in England’s top tier this term as they continue to impress under Enzo Maresca. 

The Italian has performed better than many expected following his summer appointment as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement in west London. However, Chelsea don’t have a great home record against Arsenal having lost three and drawn two of the last five league meetings between the pair in west London. 

The man in the middle today may prove decisive for the final result. Michael Oliver takes charge of his 10th Premier League game this season, and his third Arsenal game. The Gunners have bad blood with Oliver, who has sent off an Arsenal player seven times in his career, more times than any other team. 

Oliver has also awarded 94 yellow cards to Arsenal players, more than any other team in his career. In addition, Oliver has sent off an opposition player in Chelsea’s favour four times. 

In terms of results, Chelsea have a 59.1% win ratio in the 22 games Oliver has officiated at Stamford Bridge, losing just 13.6% of matches on home turf and their points per game standing at an impressive 2.05 in west London. By comparison, Arsenal have won just 29.6% of the 27 away matches with Oliver in charge, returning a 44.4% loss rate and earning just 1.15 points per game. 

Arsenal fans will have been unhappy to realise Oliver was referee today, and it’s an appointment that undoubtedly benefits Chelsea.