The officiating team for Tottenham’s clash with Everton has been confirmed, arriving at a sensitive moment given the VAR storm from Spurs’ last outing. Roberto De Zerbi’s men host the Toffees on Saturday lunchtime still searching for their first league win, with the goalless draw at Nottingham Forest continuing to dominate headlines after Neco Williams saw a potential winner ruled out by VAR, despite footage suggesting the ball struck his arm.
Darren England has been appointed referee for the north London fixture, assisted by Scott Ledger and Alex James, with Gavin Ward as fourth official. Paul Tierney takes charge of VAR duties, supported by Adam Nunn.
England’s history with Tottenham offers some reassurance. He has overseen nine Spurs matches, with five wins and four defeats, and while he has dished out 16 yellow cards to Tottenham players in that span, he has never sent one off.
Discipline is another storyline to watch. Last season Tottenham racked up four red cards and 101 yellows, a poor record that left them short-handed through suspensions at various points. This term, though, they’ve shown real improvement, picking up just four yellow cards across their opening three league games.
Results have been harder to come by. Spurs have lost to Brentford and Newcastle and drawn with Forest, leaving Saturday’s home game as a chance to finally get their campaign moving. De Zerbi will want his side focused purely on performance, though with the Forest controversy still fresh, every big call from England and Tierney’s VAR team is sure to be scrutinised closely at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
