Anthony Taylor’s selection as referee for Manchester City’s crucial Premier League meeting with Arsenal has prompted discussion, but former top-flight official Graham Scott insists there is no cause for concern.
The highly anticipated clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday could prove decisive in the title race, with Arsenal looking to respond after a costly defeat and City aiming to capitalise on their momentum.
Despite Taylor’s roots in Greater Manchester — a detail that has occasionally raised eyebrows in the past — Scott believes the official’s record and professionalism make him a fitting choice for such a significant encounter.
Appointment draws attention but not concern
Taylor, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees, was confirmed for the fixture earlier this week by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
His selection comes at a time when scrutiny is heightened, given the stakes involved at the top of the table.
Arsenal head into the match after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, while Manchester City strengthened their position with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chelsea.
That combination of results has tightened the gap in the title race, increasing the importance of Sunday’s meeting.
Because Taylor hails from the Greater Manchester area, his appointments to matches involving City or Manchester United have occasionally been questioned.
However, Scott dismissed any suggestion of bias, pointing to the referee’s long-standing support for a different club altogether.
“Eyebrows are sometimes raised when he is appointed to a match involving either of the Manchester giants, given he lives within a few miles of both grounds,” Scott told The Athletic.
“But his support for his home-town club Altrincham is genuine, not convenient, and he has no allegiance to either City or United.”
Under current regulations, referees are required to declare the teams they support, ensuring they are not assigned to fixtures involving those sides or their direct rivals.
In Taylor’s case, that allegiance lies outside the Premier League spotlight.
Experience and form behind selection
Taylor’s connection to non-league side Altrincham has been well documented, with figures at the club confirming his loyalty over many years.
Club president Grahame Rowley previously spoke about the referee’s commitment, even amid the demands of officiating at the highest level.
“Anthony has always been an Altrincham fan,” Rowley told The Athletic.
“Even now, he gets a season ticket every year, despite the fact he can’t go to all the matches.
“People around here always ask if you’re a Red or a Blue. He’s actually a great advocate for non-League football and should be praised, not criticised.”
Such backing reinforces the view that Taylor’s professional duties are not influenced by local affiliations.
Over the course of his career, he has officiated hundreds of matches at the top level and built a reputation as a reliable and composed figure.
His experience is further underlined by his inclusion among the referees selected by FIFA for major international tournaments, placing him among the elite officials in the game.
This season alone, he has already overseen fixtures involving both Manchester City and Manchester United without incident.
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Scott believes those credentials, combined with Taylor’s recent performances, made him the natural choice for Sunday’s high-profile encounter.
“Anthony Taylor’s appointment to this weekend’s likely title decider comes as no surprise given the magnitude of the fixture, Taylor’s stature and his recent form,” Scott explained.
“The assignment would have been pencilled in a few weeks ago so he could be kept away from both teams’ recent fixtures.
“The other contenders for the match of the season were Michael Oliver, who officiated Arsenal vs. Bournemouth on Saturday, and Chris Kavanagh, who was on duty for City’s game at Chelsea.
“Taylor produced an exemplary performance in the derby between Newcastle United and Sunderland last month, and won praise for allowing an advantage to Liverpool before their first goal against Fulham at the weekend.”
With the spotlight firmly on the Etihad Stadium this weekend, Taylor’s performance will be closely observed.
