An Aston Villa executive has called out the Premier League's demanding Christmas schedule, which will see his club play two matches away from Villa Park over the course of 72 hours
Damian Vidagany smiles
Damian Vidagany has spoken out online(Image: PA)
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Damian Vidagany has questioned why Aston Villa must play two away fixtures within 72 hours this Christmas, as the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea enjoy both their matches at home.
The Villans secured a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday courtesy of a second-half double from Ollie Watkins that overshadowed Joao Pedro's opener. Rather than hosting Nottingham Forest for the first time this season next, they will instead make the trip to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night to face league leaders Arsenal.
It comes despite already having played Mikel Arteta's Gunners earlier this month. Consequently, Unai Emery told Birmingham Live: "The day 19 is not against Forest, which is the first half of the season. This is the only thing I don't understand."
Now, Vidagany has also commented on the peculiar situation, as Villa will begin the second-half of the season without having faced each team at least once. Taking to X, Villa's Director of Football Operations wrote: "Totally understand our manager.
"Why EPL brings a match day from 2nd half of season before matchday 19 has not a clear explanation. I asked to EPL people and they didn't tell us. So it is a mystery.
"The fact is that willing or not this makes more convenient the fixtures for certain clubs that are not travelling on this very busy Christmas period. I let you take a look which clubs are playing home both last and next match.
"To make us play two away games in less than 72 hours will be never an excuse but we agree that is much better on the recovery side play twice at home and not travel. We are not, for sure, as it is obvious, having any influence. It would be a disgrace if the fixtures become a political territory."
Aston Villa players celebrate
Aston Villa will play two away games off the bounce
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When one X user replied: "Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd, Liverpool all given two home games over Christmas. How interesting," Vidagany then responded: "Random?" with an emoji of a face sticking its tongue out, reports the Mirror.
It comes as several 'big six' clubs benefited from home fixtures during game week 18 of the Premier League, whilst Villa were travelling to face Chelsea. Manchester United claimed a 1-0 victory against Newcastle United at Old Trafford, whilst Arsenal defeated Brighton 2-1 in north London.
Liverpool, meanwhile, secured their own 2-1 triumph over Wolves at Anfield. Notably, each of these sides will also be playing at home during game week 19 of the Premier League.
Come Tuesday, Chelsea host Bournemouth, Arsenal welcome Aston Villa and Manchester United return to their home turf to face Wolves. On Thursday, meanwhile, Liverpool also take on Leeds United in front of the Kop.
As it stands, table-topping Arsenal have a three-point lead over third-place Aston Villa going into Tuesday's clash. However, due to goal difference, it is highly likely that the Gunners would maintain their position above Villa, even if they suffer a defeat.
Yet, with Manchester City hot on Arsenal's heels by just a point, and Pep Guardiola's side set to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Thursday, Arteta will recognise the significance of his team delivering their best performance against the Villans.