Sunderland are looking to end Arsenal’s impressive run of results on Saturday evening, and Mikel Arteta will probably be conscious of the fact the referee for the game has a long history of controversial decisions involving the Gunners.

Quite simply, Arsenal look unstoppable right now. They are unbeaten in 13 games in all competitions and haven’t conceded a goal in their last eight.

Click to subscribe to the podcast

It already looks like the Premier League title is Arsenal’s to lose, but a strong Sunderland side stand in their way and an away trip to the Stadium of Light is never easy.

The Black Cats will be desperate to halt Arsenal’s record-breaking run of form, while both sides will be hoping the referee for the game doesn’t play too significant a role in the outcome of the match.

Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

The referee for Saturday’s game will be Craig Pawson. James Mainwaring and Mat Wilkes will be the assistants on the day, while Anthony Backhouse is in as the fourth official.

Meanwhile, in the VAR room, James Bell will be in charge. He will be assisted by Adam Nunn.

Looking at Pawson’s record in 2025/26, he’s taken charge of...