I was referee when Arsenal won the title at Tottenham, we got kept in the stadium for two hours afterwards
I CANNOT believe it’s been 20 years since Arsenal last won the Premier League.
I was the referee when Arsene Wenger‘s side clinched the 2004 title against bitter rivals Spurs in a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.
Arsenal went on to become Invincibles but I’m really surprised they haven’t got their hands on the league trophy again.
They were a great team. I love football, I’m a football fan aside from being an ex-ref and everyone can only admire the football they played under Wenger.
I was so focused on my own game that I probably didn’t appreciate just how superb they were at the time.
It’s only watching back replays of old matches on TV that you fully take in their formidable attacking play, speed and movement.
Thierry Henry was electric, Dennis Bergkamp was classy but Patrick Vieira was a maestro in midfield and the Arsenal captain always showed me great respect. That led to a good rapport between us on the field.
He appreciated I had empathy for the game and he said he loved it when I refereed Arsenal for that reason.
On that boiling hot day in April 2004, Arsenal had one hand on the title and were 2-1 up and seconds away from winning the league.
Then Jens Lehmann pushed Robbie Keane at a corner with the ball still on its way into the penalty box and I pointed to the spot.
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German goalkeeper Lehmann was always liable to do something silly and he left me with no option but to award a pen.
I cautioned both players as they squared up before Keane slotted home the penalty.
Arsenal’s players calmed down quickly and then celebrated winning the title after I blew the full-time whistle.
I remember we were kept inside the ground for a couple of hours by the matchday police commander and safety officer as it all kicked off outside the stadium.
My team of officials went up to the lounge and had to hang around until peace was restored.
Michael Oliver is in charge of the North London derby on Sunday and he’s the right man for this high-profile occasion.
There will be tension on and off the pitch, it’s a must-win game for both teams – Arsenal gunning for the title and Spurs chasing a Champions League spot – so it will be intense for players and fans on top of the fierce rivalry.
Oliver is our top referee, he’s sensible and has the skills to manage the match but he’ll have to be focused throughout and use all of his vast experience to stay in control of a volatile atmosphere.