The date for the Eagles’ visit to the Emirates was changed after it became apparent Oliver Glasner’s side would otherwise face four games in eight days if it stayed on the originally scheduled date of 16 December.
However, in agreeing to the later date, the Gunners created a scheduling clash that Arteta believes is easily resolvable.
When the current schedule was put to him in Friday’s pre-Sunderland press conference, he reacted by saying: “Hopefully not, very hopefully not.”
Asked how much he hopes common sense will prevail, Arteta replied: “I remain super optimistic that this is not going to be the case, because from every angle, from the Premier League, from the EFL, from UEFA, all the time, the only thing that we talk about is the welfare of the players, and the supporters.
“If we want to maintain that principle, we cannot play on Sunday and Tuesday. We have very positive talks with the clubs [Everton and Palace] and the Premier League, and, hopefully, we’ll find a way to help as much as possible.
“Sometimes you cannot help 200 people out there that have an issue, but for that reason, you cannot say, ‘If I can help 100 people, I’m not going to do it because what about the other 100?’
“No, no, no, help the 100 if you can help 100, and the other 100. Next time you have the opportunity, do it as well.
“I think we need to be very thorough, and we cannot allow ourselves to be put in that situation.”
While many supporters will sympathise with Arteta’s stance, the complication lies with those Arsenal and Everton fans who have already booked travel and accommodation for a match currently scheduled on a Sunday. Any late change could leave them out of pocket and the clubs open to criticism.
So yes, moving the fixture would put the players first — but once again, it’s the fans who’d be fucked with.
It’s a difficult one, and the blame lies squarely with the clubs and UEFA for agreeing to further expansion of European competitions at a time when domestic and international calendars are already bursting at the seams.