'Just keeps getting better and better': Charles Watts not happy with update ahead of Arsenal derby clash

With the international break now out of the way, Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways in one of the most important fixtures of the season.

Aside from matches against direct title rivals, the Gunners will be especially keen to triumph against their bitter North London rivals.

However, things haven’t been exactly going swimmingly for Arsenal in recent weeks, and now they find themselves with a depleted midfield.

Gunners summer signing Mikel Merino was already out injured, while Declan Rice is suspended for the North London derby due to the controversial second yellow he picked up against Brighton.

And this week, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard picked up an ankle injury on Norway duty that is likely to rule him out of the trip to the Gunners’ rivals.

Now, Arsenal expert Charles Watts has expressed his dismay with another update relating to the North London derby.

Charles Watts not happy with Jarred Gillett appointment for Arsenal trip to Tottenham

Watts has taken to X to comment on the choice of referee for Arsenal’s trip to N17, namely Jarred Gillett.

He wrote on the social media platform: “The news just keeps getting better and better.”

READ MORE: Arsenal masterstroke could soon have them ‘laughing all the way to the bank’

Why are Arsenal fans unhappy about Gillett appointment?

The decision to appoint Gillett for the North London derby hasn’t gone down well among Arsenal fans due to a number of controversial refereeing calls involving the Gunners in recent years.

For instance, Gillett angered Arsenal supporters in the season opener against Wolves when he didn’t send off Yerson Mosquera after he appeared to grab Kai Havertz by the throat.

In the Gunners’ 1-0 loss to Aston Villa last December, Gillett didn’t award a penalty for a foul by Douglas Luiz on Gabriel Jesus in Villa’s box before disallowing a last-minute Havertz goal.

Arteta said at full time after the match in Birmingham: “Clear and obvious, clear and obvious. That’s what I mean. That’s my opinion, that’s all I can say.”