Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told the Premier League that he expects his side’s fixture with Everton to be rearranged.
The Gunners have been caught up in a scheduling nightmare due to their progression through cup competitions this season.
Arsenal booked themselves into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with their recent victory over Brighton in the previous round.
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There, they will take on London rivals Crystal Palace, but the Eagles have a scheduling headache of their own.
Their involvement in the Europa Conference League has made it tough to find a spot to play the game, with a date now announced that is causing frustration for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta reacts during Burnley vs Arsenal
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta demands Premier League change Everton date due to Crystal Palace fixture
With both Arsenal and Crystal Palace struggling to find a date that works for both teams to play the Carabao Cup quarter-final, the EFL have announced a new time for the game to take place.
That is for December 23, which is just two days after both clubs are in action in the Premier League.
Other dates would’ve caused similar frustrations for the two teams, due to commitments in Europe.
Now, Mikel Arteta has demanded that Arsenal’s match with Everton, on December 21, is rearranged by the Premier League.
He told the press: “Well, hopefully they will move our Premier League match because to play two days later doesn’t make any sense.”
When asked about whether a request will be made, he continued: “I leave that to the club; we were very clear what was the best date to play.”
It’s a frustrating moment for Arsenal, who already have issues with fitness and injuries.
Just one day of rest between games during a busy Christmas period may only further those concerns, as highlighted by Leandro Trossard.
Mikel Arteta reacts during Burnley vs Arsenal in the Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Leandro Trossard discusses Arsenal players’ workload
While there is clear frustration from Mikel Arteta, he isn’t the only one speaking out about the scheduling.
Leandro Trossard, one of the ever-present stars in the current Arsenal team, was asked about the same problem.
Speaking in the press conference, he said: “I would say so [there’s an issue with fixture scheduling], obviously it’s up to the people who make the calendar at the start of the year, I think they should know that these types of things can happen.
“With already a lot of players mentioning there are a lot of games, I think they should. We need to deal with it at this point.”
“It’s not ideal, definitely, but it’s up to the players to recover well, use every tool there is to play that game.”
Arsenal will be hoping that things can change for their sake, but that is the price they are paying for being successful.