Tottenham Hotspur’s record in matches officiated by Michael Oliver this season has added another layer of intrigue to an already tense afternoon at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Spurs take on Everton.
The importance of Sunday’s game for Tottenham Hotspur this season cannot be overstated, given what is on the line.
Tottenham have suffered so many defeats this season, 17 to be precise, and an 18th loss on Sunday could prove disastrous should West Ham beat Leeds at the London Stadium.
That one possibility out of nine different outcomes from the clash involving the two sides in Sunday’s games will spell the end of the Spurs’ nearly 50-year stay in the Premier League without relegation.
A lot is riding on this singular match, and that could well have been avoided had Tottenham secured a single point in their game against Chelsea.
Tottenham will be hoping for another home victory with Michael Oliver as referee
Spurs will now be fully focused on getting the job done against Everton, but they will also hope to avoid any officiating controversies after what unfolded in Tottenham’s previous two Premier League matches.
The Premier League have confirmed that Michael Oliver is the referee set to take charge of the Tottenham versus Everton game, and Spurs will be hoping that his presence brings some luck.
That hope is not entirely far-fetched when looking at Tottenham’s record when Oliver has been in charge of their games, as they have won 28 out of 56 matches.
Of that 28, one came at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, with one of the two matches Spurs have won featuring the Englishman as referee.
That victory came a long time ago in matchweek one when Spurs beat Burnley 3-0. How fitting it will be if they end the season on a similar high.
Spurs last three games under Oliver makes for painful reading ahead of Everton clash
However, it has not all been positive for Tottenham when Michael Oliver has taken charge of their games this season. Spurs have still suffered defeat under his watch, losing three other times after their victory over Burnley in matchweek one.
In fact, those defeats have been heavy, with Spurs losing 4-1 to Arsenal, 3-0 to Nottingham Forest, and 2-0 to Manchester United.
In the United game, Oliver was also on hand to send off a Tottenham player, with Cristian Romero given his marching orders for a reckless challenge on Casemiro in that match.
It is a bittersweet experience with Oliver, although mostly bitter, but for one more time this season, Tottenham will be hoping for a sweet experience as they look to beat relegation to the Championship.