Premier League backing ref Webb

Webb is building an impressive reputation as a referee

The Premier League has no qualms over referee Howard Webb officiating an Arsenal game for a second week running.

Webb was in charge of Arsenal's draw at Liverpool and will referee their match against Manchester United on Saturday.

Former referee Graham Poll is worried about the pressure Webb will be under, but a Premier League spokesman told BBC Sport: "Referees are selected on form.

"Howard Webb is the best performing at the moment and it's only right he takes charge of the highest-profile games."

He added: "The best referees get the best games."

Webb recently took charge of a Euro 2008 qualifier between Germany and the Czech Republic and the South Yorkshire official has a growing reputation.

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But Poll told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Never before have you seen a referee in the Premier League get appointed to the same team in consecutive weeks.

"It doesn't happen. What's Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson going to make of that?

"Is Howard Webb going to have to prove his impartiality and will that mean he is going to favour Manchester United?

"There are all sorts of connotations with it. It's unfair pressure on a very good referee."

The Premier League spokesman added: "Graham Poll is entitled to his opinion but it is not particularly helpful."