Arsenal reunited with 'very lucky' referee saved by VAR decision in next Premier League match

Referee Simon Hooper will be the man in the middle for (5.30pm kick-off) in the first Gunners encounter since hitting the headlines.

The 42-year-old was in charge of February's North London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur and came under the microscope after were awarded a contentious corner.

Gabriel Magalhaes leaping above Radu Dragusin at the back-post, heading the ball back into the danger area before .

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However, replays showed that in the build-up, Leandro Trossard's cross had come off Pedro Porro before hitting the Belgian on the way out and should have been awarded as a goal-kick.

"Well, it was because the referee gave it so lets just go with that. It looks like it's very lucky," said former Gunners defender Martin Keown.

Mikel Arteta's side once again have the opportunity to

Their evening kick-off against the Bees poses the chance to reduce the deficit to the league leaders to eight points after Arne Slot's failed to capitalise on the Gunners' 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Liverpool host West Ham United on Sunday (2pm kick-off) buoyed by the news that star forward Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year deal - ending the season-long speculation over his future.

The Premier League leaders suffered their second defeat of the season, and first away from home, last weekend as they were punished for mistakes against Fulham.

Their lead could be into single figures by the time a ball is kicked at Anfield on Sunday but Arsenal will go into the showdown against Thomas Frank's side on a high after their emphatic Champions League win over Real Madrid.