Arsenal predicted XI
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE FA The main referee, Craig Pawson, who officiated the match between Arsenal and Manchester United, has received THE MOST SEVERE DISCIPLINARY SANCTION IN THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE
following a series of serious professional errors and controversies related to the clear deprivation of Arsenal’s opportunities.
This is considered the harshest disciplinary measure ever imposed by the FA in the whole history of Premier League football.
In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through English football, the Football Association (FA) announced on January 26, 2026,
that referee Craig Pawson has been handed the most severe disciplinary sanction in Premier League history following his performance during Arsenal’s controversial 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on January 25.
The FA’s official statement, released late Monday afternoon, described Pawson’s errors as “a series of grave and repeated professional failings that materially deprived one team of legitimate scoring opportunities and undermined the integrity of the competition.” The sanction includes an immediate and indefinite suspension from all Premier League and FA Cup matches, a mandatory 12-month demotion to lower-tier officiating (Championship and below) upon any potential return, a record fine of £75,000, and compulsory attendance at an advanced refereeing integrity and decision-making course overseen by former FIFA referees.
This punishment surpasses any previous disciplinary action taken against a top-flight referee in the Premier League era. For context, past high-profile cases—such as Mark Clattenburg’s one-match suspension in 2016 for inappropriate language, Andre Marriner’s four-match demotion in 2014 after a red-card error, or Anthony Taylor’s brief touchline ban in 2022—pale in comparison. Never before has the FA imposed an indefinite top-flight ban combined with such a lengthy forced demotion and financial penalty on a serving Premier League referee.
The match itself was already one of the most talked-about fixtures of the season. Arsenal dominated large periods, created 2.8 expected goals (xG) compared to United’s 1.1, and appeared to have strong claims for at least two penalties denied. The first incident came in the 28th minute when Bruno Fernandes appeared to handle the ball inside the box during a corner; Pawson waved play on and VAR did not intervene. The second, and more contentious, occurred in the 67th minute when Gabriel Martinelli was brought down by Noussair Mazraoui just inside the penalty area.
Replays showed clear contact on the trailing leg with no attempt to play the ball; Pawson again pointed for a corner instead of a spot-kick. Arsenal’s late consolation goal from Declan Rice could not prevent a third United strike from Rasmus Højlund sealing the result.
Post-match, Mikel Arteta had been unusually restrained in public but reportedly furious in private. He told Sky Sports: “We all saw what happened. I won’t say more now, but the images speak for themselves.” Behind the scenes, Arsenal lodged an official complaint with the FA within hours of the final whistle, supported by detailed video analysis and statistical breakdowns of the denied opportunities.
The FA’s independent disciplinary panel, comprising former referees Howard Webb (now PGMOL chief), Dermot Gallagher, and two external legal experts, reviewed the footage over an intensive 24-hour period. Their conclusion was damning: Pawson’s decisions on both penalty claims were classified as “clear and obvious errors” under VAR protocol, and the failure to award them constituted “a significant miscarriage of justice that directly influenced the outcome.”
The statement continued: “The panel found that Mr. Pawson’s performance fell well below the standards expected of a Select Group 1 referee. The repeated nature of the errors, combined with their high-impact nature in a high-profile fixture, necessitated the strongest possible response to protect the credibility of refereeing and the competition.”
Pawson, 45, has officiated over 280 Premier League matches since 2013 and was widely regarded as one of the more experienced and reliable officials. He had taken charge of both title-deciding games and cup finals in recent years. The severity of the sanction has stunned colleagues and former referees alike. Mark Halsey, a retired Premier League official, called it “draconian but perhaps necessary after years of mounting criticism around big-game decisions.” Keith Hackett, ex-head of PGMOL, described the punishment as “a watershed moment” that signals zero tolerance for repeated high-level mistakes.
Reactions across the football world have been swift and polarized. Arsenal supporters celebrated the decision as long-overdue accountability, flooding social media with memes of “Justice for the denied pens” and calls for retrospective points to be awarded (though the FA has already ruled that out). Manchester United fans, while acknowledging the refereeing controversy, accused the FA of “bowing to pressure from a big club.” Neutral observers noted the irony: the same weekend saw Liverpool manager Arne Slot praise referee Michael Oliver for “a perfect game,” highlighting the razor-thin line referees walk every week.
For the PGMOL, the governing body for referees, the sanction represents a major embarrassment. Chief Howard Webb is expected to address the media later this week, with sources suggesting internal reviews of VAR communication protocols and big-match referee selection will be accelerated.
Craig Pawson has not yet issued a public statement. Friends close to him say he is “devastated” but accepts that standards must be upheld. He is reportedly cooperating fully with the FA and has already begun preparations for the mandatory course.
As the Premier League enters its decisive phase, this historic sanction serves as both a warning and a turning point. It reaffirms that no official is untouchable, even those with decades of experience. Whether it leads to improved consistency or simply more scrutiny on every whistle remains to be seen. One thing is certain: English football will be talking about Craig Pawson’s Emirates nightmare—and the FA’s unprecedented response—for many months to come.
Arsenal predicted XI
Here’s a predicted head-to-head starting XI for the upcoming Arsenal vs Sunderland Premier League match (Saturday, 7 Feb 2026), based on the latest line-up news and analytics sources:
Premier League
Arsenal vs. Sunderland: Preview, Predictions and Lineups
Predicted line-ups for Matchweek 25
Today
Yesterday
🔴 Arsenal – Predicted XI (likely 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1)
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4-3-3
Probable Lineup:
GK: David Raya
Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori
Midfield: Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, (Kai Havertz / Eberechi Eze)
Attack: Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Leandro Trossard
📌 Notes:
Bukayo Saka is out or doubtful with a hip injury; Ødegaard also doubtful. This boosts chances for Madueke and Trossard starting wide. �
The Standard +1
Some outlets predict Havertz in midfield alongside Rice & Zubimendi. �
Squawka
Max Dowman and Merino are ruled out long-term. �
Sports Mole
Probable Arsenal XI (compact):
Raya – Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori – Rice, Zubimendi, Havertz/Eze – Madueke, Gyökeres, Trossard �
The Standard
⚫ Sunderland – Predicted XI (likely 4-2-3-1)
Manager: Régis Le Bris
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Probable Lineup:
GK: Robin Roefs
Defenders: Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava
Midfield: Lutsharel Geertruida, Noah Sadiki (or Trai Hume)
Attacking Mid: Enzo Le Fée, Chemsdine Talbi
Forward: Brian Brobbey
📌 Notes:
Granit Xhaka is unavailable due to injury. �
Sports Mole
Sunderland’s shape often sits compact, with Le Fée and Talbi creative in the line behind Brobbey. �
Opta Analyst
Probable Sunderland XI (compact):
Roefs – Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Mandava – Geertruida, Sadiki – Hume, Le Fée, Talbi – Brobbey �
Opta Analyst
📊 Head-to-Head Context
Sunderland drew 2–2 with Arsenal earlier this season. �
Opta Analyst
Historically Arsenal have dominated home meetings with Sunderland. �
Opta Analyst
If you want formation diagrams or variants (e.g., if Saka/Ødegaard are fit), just let me know!
Arsenal predicted XI
Bukayo Saka could miss Arsenal’s match with Chelsea on Tuesday 11 players who could miss Arsenal vs Chelsea Carabao Cup clash as Blues handed blow
Arsenal will be hoping to secure their place in the Carabao Cup final when they take on Chelsea in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal and Chelsea face the prospect of having a combined 11 players unavailable for Tuesday evening’s Carabao Cup clash at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners approach the fixture in strong form, having secured a 3-2 victory over the Blues at Stamford Bridge during the first leg of the semi-finals last month.
In that match, Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi cancelled out an Alejandro Garnacho brace to gain a slender advantage heading into the crucial second game While both sides will be hoping to book their place in March’s final when Tuesday evening’s clash concludes, Arsenal and Chelsea may be compelled to compete in north London without a complete squad at their disposal.
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Here, Mirror Football looks at all of the injury updates and potential absentees from Arsenal’s Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea…
1 of 11
Bukayo Saka
Speaking about Bukayo Saka’s hip injury during his pre-match press conference on Monday, Mikel Arteta said: “It doesn’t look like something too serious. Whether he’s going to be available for tomorrow or the weekend, we’ll see.”
(
Image:
PA)
2 of 11
Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino will be out for an “extended period” as he requires surgery for a foot injury. He will miss Tuesday’s match as a result.
(
Image:
Getty Images)
3 of 11
Max Dowman
Speaking about Max Dowman’s ankle injury, meanwhile, Arteta explained: “He’s growing, and we need to be very careful and a little more protective. He has a different schedule as well because he needs to go to school…But I think he’s quite close. He’s on the pitch now, he’s doing well.”
(
Image:
PA)
4 of 11
Estevao
Estevao has been granted compassionate leave by Liam Rosenior, and there is “no pressure” on him to return until he is ready. He looks likely to miss the match on Tuesday evening.
(
Image:
Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
5 of 11
Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens limped off the pitch during Chelsea’s 3-2 comeback win over West Ham at the weekend, with Rosenior since confirming that he “felt his hamstring.”
(
Image:
Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
6 of 11
Tosin Adarabioyo
While Tosin Adarabioyo has made progress on a hamstring injury, the game against Arsenal could come a touch too soon for the defender.
(
Image:
CameraSport via Getty Images)
7 of 11
Filip Jorgensen
Filip Jorgensen is closing in on a return for his club after coming off at half-time against Pafos in the Champions League in January. Rosenior said he should be fit for Tuesday’s match, or potentially Saturday’s trip to Wolves.
(
Image:
Offside via Getty Images)
8 of 11
Dario Essugo
Dario Essugo underwent surgery on his thigh in September, but has since suffered a setback in his recovery after slipping in training.
(
Image:
Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
9 of 11
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia has been out with a thigh injury since November. While he is close to full fitness, it could be another couple of weeks before Chelsea fans see his return.
(
Image:
Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
10 of 11
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill looks to be out until near the end of the season as a result of sustaining an ACL injury in pre-season preparations.
(
Image:
PA)
11 of 11
Mykhailo Mudryk
Mykhailo Mudryk remains provisionally suspended by the FA as a result of a failed drug test. As a result, he will be unable to take on Arsenal.
Arsenal predicted XI
Álvarez Spotted at the Emirates as Arsenal Seal Five-Year Deal Arsenal’s transfer ambitions have taken a major step forward after Juan Álvarez was spotted at the Emirates Stadium, fueling confirmation that the North London club have secured his signature on a five-year contract.
The Argentine forward was seen arriving at the Emirates earlier today, accompanied by club officials, with sources close to the deal indicating that all paperwork has now been completed. The move ends weeks of intense speculation linking Álvarez with a switch to the Premier League, as Arsenal moved decisively to beat off competition from several European giants.
Álvarez, renowned for his intelligence, pressing ability, and clinical finishing, is viewed by Mikel Arteta as a perfect fit for Arsenal’s high-intensity attacking system. The 25-year-old is expected to add depth, versatility, and proven quality to an Arsenal frontline that has already impressed this season.
Club insiders reveal that the five-year contract reflects Arsenal’s long-term belief in the player, with Arteta personally pushing for the deal after identifying Álvarez as a key piece in the club’s title-challenging project. The striker is expected to undergo final media duties before being officially unveiled to the fans.
Supporters gathered outside the Emirates reacted with excitement as images of Álvarez circulated on social media, with many hailing the signing as a statement of intent from the Gunners. His arrival underlines Arsenal’s determination to compete at the very top of English and European football.
An official announcement is expected imminently, with Álvarez likely to be available for selection once registration formalities are completed. For Arsenal fans, the sight of Juan Álvarez at the Emirates signals a bold new chapter in the club’s quest for silverware.
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