Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has requested that the Premier League match against Everton on 21 December be moved due to scheduling conflicts with the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace. The Gunners manager feels that playing two days after a crucial league game makes no sense and could compromise the integrity of the competition.
Arteta's call comes after the EFL criticised the "expansion of European cup competitions" for causing fixture congestion, which has led to scheduling issues across all divisions. The Premier League recently defended its schedule, citing the increased number of European fixtures as a major factor in the congested programme.
Arsenal are set to host Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on 23 December, two days after their respective clubs play away games against Everton and Leeds in the Premier League. Arteta has expressed his concerns that playing on consecutive days will "undermine the reputation" of the EFL Cup.
The EFL has stated that it is willing to work with the Premier League to find alternative dates for matches but is also warning that further concessions could have a negative impact on the domestic game.
Arteta's call comes after the EFL criticised the "expansion of European cup competitions" for causing fixture congestion, which has led to scheduling issues across all divisions. The Premier League recently defended its schedule, citing the increased number of European fixtures as a major factor in the congested programme.
Arsenal are set to host Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on 23 December, two days after their respective clubs play away games against Everton and Leeds in the Premier League. Arteta has expressed his concerns that playing on consecutive days will "undermine the reputation" of the EFL Cup.
The EFL has stated that it is willing to work with the Premier League to find alternative dates for matches but is also warning that further concessions could have a negative impact on the domestic game.
? like, can't they just make one of them shorter or something? this whole scheduling thing is getting outta hand... arteta's right tho, playing 2 days after a league game doesn't sound ideal. and what's with the EFL not being able to manage their own schedule? 
i guess it's better that they're willing to work together on this one... but i'm still on the fence about how this is all going to play out 
. I mean, can't they just sort out their schedules already? It's not like Arsenal and Everton are playing each other in the Champions League or something... it's just one league match 
. And now Arteta is saying that playing two days after a big league game could mess up the Carabao Cup? Like, I get it, he wants to keep his team fresh, but come on! 
... and now they're gonna try to move one of the games because of scheduling conflicts 
... maybe its time for a review of the whole schedule system?
I think Arteta's request is kinda fair, you know? Playing two games in three days can be mental for players and coaches alike. It feels like they're being pulled in too many directions and it could affect their performance in both games. Plus, the EFL Cup is supposed to be an important competition that allows teams to compete in a different format, so why make it harder than it needs to be? 
. The Premier League schedule is always tight and it's not all about the EFL Cup. Plus, Everton's been having some tough times this season so maybe playing them on 21st would be good for their morale?