Arsenal vs Leeds: Who is the referee? Premier League match officials confirmed

Arsenal are set to play their first game at the Emirates Stadium in over a month as they welcome Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.

Following three weeks away from club action due to the extended international break, the Gunners are looking to bounce back after suffering a devastating 3-0 defeat to Brighton in their final match before the pause.

Mikel Arteta will contend with injuries when he picks his starting lineup for the clash with much of the debate surrounding Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze's involvement in their respective bids to improve their club form, but as always one man faces the chance of being the centre of attention.

Paul Tierney is set to take charge of the match between Arsenal and Leeds and will be hoping to stay out of trouble in an encounter that is expected to be exciting and could bring plenty of drama as the Gunners look to return to winning ways while the Whites look to maintain their unbeaten start.

Paul Tierney to take charge of Arsenal vs Leeds

The Premier League confirmed the match officials for matchweek six earlier this week with Tierney being named in the hotseat for Arsenal's Saturday afternoon clash with Leeds.

He oversaw just two of the Gunners' games last season, both coming in the Premier League with one home and one away. His first encounter with the North Londoners came at Molineux in February as he witnessed Arteta's side let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with a Wolves side that had practically already accepted their fate of relegation.

Tierney then returned to the Emirates for the first time in over two years as Arsenal defeated Burnley 1-0 to go one step closer to the Premier League title. He could have had a major impact on the outcome of the title race when he didn't award the Gunners a penalty when Saka was tripped in the box, but it didn't matter as they secured the three points ahead of Manchester City drawing with Bournemouth, leading to the title returning to North London.

Paul Tierney's record officiating Arsenal

Tierney first officiated in the Premier League in 2014, but didn't encounter Arsenal until the third round of the 2016/17 League Cup when they won 4-0 at Nottingham Forest. His first league match in charge came two years later as the Gunners defeated Fulham 5-1 at Craven Cottage.

Arsenal have won 11 of the 23 matches Tierney has taken charge of, drawing six and losing six. They have been shown 42 yellow cards, two second yellows, one red card and been awarded six penalties by the Wigan-born referee.

Paul Tierney's record officiating Leeds

Tierney has taken charge of two more Leeds matches, officiating 25 since first overseeing a game in 2010. That tie was a 4-0 win over Lincoln City in the first round of the League Cup.

Leeds have been victorious in 10 matches officiated by Tierney, drawing three and losing 12. The Whites have been shown 49 yellow cards, one second yellow, one red card and awarded three spot kicks.

Who are the assistant referees and VAR?

Richard West and Steve Meredith have been named as Tierney's assistants for this match with Oliver Langford coming in as the fourth official.

Tony Harrington will be the watchful eye on VAR while Nick Greenhalgh will assist him at Stockley Park.

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