Premier League announcement ahead of Sunderland match will frustrate Aston Villa fans
Aston Villa travel to Sunderland this weekend in the Premier League as they still seek their first win of the campaign.
Unai Emery’s side are struggling in front of goal as they were poor in the 1-1 draw with Brentford in the Carabao Cup, even if Harvey Elliott did find the net.
Off the back of Aston Villa’s exit from the Carabao Cup and a wretched end to the summer transfer window, Villa certainly need a win to alleviate some of the concerns that continue to linger.
Now, the Premier League have made a new announcement for the clash, which will damage hopes of Aston Villa getting their first win on the face of it.
Sam Barrott set to take charge of Sunderland vs Aston Villa
For the first time since Aston Villa’s 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on 14 December last year, Sam Barrott will officiate the Villans’ encounter this weekend.
The Premier League confirmed this weekend’s refereeing appointments in an announcement on their official website.
Barrott is one of the least experienced referees in the Premier League, and has not been favourable to Emery’s side in the past.
Aston Villa had the most refereeing decisions go against them in the Premier League last season, with six decisions in all.
The conclusion was made by the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel, and supporters will be hoping that trend doesn’t continue this season.
| Nottingham Forest | Team | Aston Villa |
| 50% | Possession | 50% |
| 17 | Shots | 8 |
| 6 | On target | 2 |
| 6 | Fouls won | 12 |
In the defeat to Forest last season, Barrott didn’t give Rogers a clear penalty and denied Matty Cash a free kick, which led to their winner.
Despite the errors, the referee awarded 12 free-kicks in Villa’s favour and six to Forest, in a game where he tried to even things out towards the end.
Aston Villa’s record with Sam Barrott in charge
Barrott has been an official Premier League referee since 2024, having been a match official for 15 top-flight matches during the 2023-2024 season.
Last season, he was in charge of 23 Premier League matches.
Villa have only been refereed by the 33-year-old once, and he was a fourth official for Aston Villa’s 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in February.
That day, Aston Villa were denied two goals for offside, one by Jacob Ramsey and a second by Morgan Rogers.
Supporters will be hoping that their record changes this weekend with Barrott among the officials.
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