Arsenal’s clash at West Ham United has been moved to Sunday, 10 May after being selected for UK broadcast by Sky Sports.
Originally scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, the match will now kick off at 4.30pm. It could prove significant at both ends of the table, with the Gunners pushing for the title and the Hammers fighting to avoid relegation.
Reports last week suggested West Ham are tightening restrictions on ticket sales to first-time buyers in the home end, having noticed an unusual spike in purchases. The assumption is that some Arsenal supporters are attempting to secure seats for a potential title-winning moment.
An email sent from the West Ham ticket office, relayed by the Mirror, informed some purchasers:
“We are currently conducting ticket checks for this fixture to ensure that away supporters do not purchase tickets in the home end and, accordingly, advise that your ticket is currently on hold and will not permit you entry into the stadium on match day in line with our terms and conditions.
“These conditions have been accepted by you during the purchasing process and state ‘home match tickets are for the use of supporters of the club only’.
“As you have no previous booking history with us or have only/mainly booked this particular fixture, we require evidence of you and your guest(s) being a West Ham United supporter.
“Therefore, could you please provide photographic evidence that you are a West Ham United supporter which can be from a party, event or fixture, wearing West Ham merchandise or West Ham-related evidence (please note any merchandise will need to be purchased prior to January 2026).”
In reality, the chances of wrapping up the title with three games to spare remain slim. Arsenal currently need 16 points to be untouchable. It would therefore require Arsenal to win their next four league matches against Bournemouth, Manchester City, Newcastle and Fulham, while Pep Guardiola’s side drops further points elsewhere.
It’s worth remembering that the Newcastle fixture could also move if Arsenal beat Southampton on Saturday and progress to the FA Cup semi-finals, which are scheduled for the weekend of 25 April. There is talk that the game could be brought forward to 22 April.