Alex MacQuoid
The Premier League have confirmed their match officials for the midweek round of fixtures, and Arsenal’s huge clash with Liverpool on Thursday night will once again be overseen by one of the division’s most high-profile referees.
Anthony Taylor has been appointed as the referee for the Emirates Stadium showdown, with Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn assisting on the lines. Simon Hooper will act as fourth official, while John Brooks takes charge of VAR, assisted by Dan Robathan at Stockley Park.
Given Taylor’s long history with both clubs — and his reputation among Arsenal supporters — his appointment has already generated plenty of discussion.
Anthony Taylor: Background and Refereeing Style
Born in Wythenshawe, Manchester, Anthony Taylor began refereeing in the Northern Premier League in 2002 before rising rapidly through the ranks. He joined the National List in 2006, made his Premier League debut in 2010, and became a FIFA-listed referee in 2013.
Taylor has since officiated at major international tournaments, including the European Championships and the FIFA World Cup, as well as domestic showpieces such as FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2020 and the EFL Cup final in 2023.
In terms of style, Taylor is often viewed as a referee who applies the laws of the game strictly. He is known for issuing a relatively high number of yellow cards and tends to allow physical contests to develop before stepping in decisively — a combination that can frustrate players and supporters alike.
- Also read: Arsenal vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Record: What History Tells Us Ahead of the Emirates Clash
Anthony Taylor and Arsenal: A Complicated Relationship
This will be the 58th time Taylor has refereed an Arsenal match, making the Gunners the second-most officiated club of his career. Arsenal’s overall record under Taylor is respectable, but it comes with notable disciplinary baggage.
Arsenal have won 32 of their 57 matches with Taylor in charge, drawing 17 and losing just eight. However, Taylor has sent off seven Arsenal players — more than any other club — including three straight red cards.
He has awarded Arsenal 10 penalties while giving 11 against them, a near-even split that has done little to ease fan concerns. Most recently, Taylor oversaw Arsenal’s fiery draw with Chelsea, where the Gunners received six yellow cards compared to Chelsea’s two — despite Moises Caicedo being sent off.
That disciplinary imbalance resulted in Arsenal receiving a £25,000 FA fine for accumulating six bookings in a single match. Several players were withdrawn early by Mikel Arteta to avoid further sanctions, potentially affecting Arsenal’s attacking rhythm.
Anthony Taylor and Liverpool: A Familiar Figure
Thursday’s match will be Taylor’s 70th Liverpool game as a referee — more than any other club he has officiated. Liverpool have won 37 of those matches, drawing 21 and losing 11, equating to a 52.17% win rate.
Taylor has awarded Liverpool 16 penalties during his career, also the most of any side, while giving just seven against them. One of those spot-kicks came in his most recent Liverpool fixture, a dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
Disciplinary-wise, Liverpool tend to fare better under Taylor. The Reds average fewer red cards and marginally fewer yellow cards per game compared to Arsenal when he is in charge.
Arsenal vs Liverpool Under Anthony Taylor
This will be the sixth time Anthony Taylor has refereed a competitive match between Arsenal and Liverpool. Of the previous five meetings, Arsenal have won two, drawn two, and lost one.
The two most recent fixtures both ended in 2-2 draws, while the last meeting saw Arsenal finish with 10 men following a late second yellow card. Across Taylor’s six Arsenal vs Liverpool games, he has shown 20 yellow cards and three red cards.
All three red cards in this fixture have been the result of second yellow cards, with Arsenal players sent off twice. Taylor has also awarded two penalties in this head-to-head — both to Liverpool.
What Should We Expect on Thursday?
With Taylor in the middle, cards are likely to be part of the story. His track record suggests a low tolerance for dissent and repeat fouling, particularly in high-intensity fixtures involving top-six sides.
For Arsenal, discipline will be crucial, especially given Taylor’s tendency to punish sustained pressure with bookings. Liverpool, meanwhile, may benefit from Taylor’s relative leniency in physical duels, particularly in midfield.
As Arsenal aim to extend their lead at the top of the table and Liverpool fight to stay in the title conversation, the referee’s influence — fairly or otherwise — is unlikely to go unnoticed.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm on Thursday night, with Anthony Taylor firmly in the spotlight.