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Arsenal fans will hope their Darren England record continues against Brighton

Arsenal visit Brighton on Saturday afternoon at the Amex.
ByAlfie Cairns Culshaw
Hull City v Manchester United - Premier League 2026/27
Hull City v Manchester United - Premier League 2026/27 | Molly Darlington/GettyImages

Arsenal will be looking to keep their 100% record this season going when they travel to the south coast to take on Brighton at the Amex on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners have won each of their first seven matches across all competitions this term, scoring 16 goals and conceding just three in the process. Brighton will test their resolve on this front, with the Seagulls performing excellently so far this campaign under Fabian Hurzeler.

The two sides played out a close game at the Amex back in March, with the North Londoners narrowly coming out on top courtesy of a strike from Bukayo Saka. This clash elicited words of criticism from Hurzeler towards the Premier League champions about their style of play - comments which certainly didn't go down well amongst Arsenal supporters.

For that reason, there could be some animosity between the two clubs when the game kicks off on Saturday afternoon, and things could threaten to boil over if it's not well managed by the officials.

With that said, here’s a look at the Premier League’s pick for the match officials for Brighton vs Arsenal.

Who is the referee for Brighton vs Arsenal?

The Premier League have announced that Darren England will be the referee in charge of Arsenal's match against Brighton.

England officiated just three of the Gunners' league matches last season, most recently overseeing their 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates. He also refereed routine Arsenal home victories over Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.

Unlike many other English referees, England hasn't been involved in many high-profile contentious decisions relating to the Gunners.

Darren England's record officiating Arsenal

England has been a Premier League referee since 2020 and has officiated nine Arsenal games throughout his career.

In these games, he’s handed the Gunners 11 yellow cards, no red cards and one penalty.

Matches

Arsenal Wins

Arsenal Draws

Arsenal Losses

9

7

1

1

Darren England's record officiating Brighton

Having been an EFL official before being promoted to the Premier League, England has more experience overseeing Brighton games than he does Arsenal matches.

He's taken charge of 13 of the Seagull's games, giving them 24 yellow cards, no red cards and one penalty in the process.

Matches

Brighton Wins

Brighton Draws

Brighton Defeats

13

6

5

2

Who are the assistant referees and VAR?

Alongside England as the referee will be his assistants, Scott Ledger, Alistair Nelson and Michael Salisbury, with the former two running the line and the latter the fourth official.

In the VAR room at Stockley Park, Tim Wood will oversee the game, with James Mainwaring assisting him.

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