Arteta wins fixture battle as Arsenal’s trip to Everton moved | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has won his battle with the Premier League to have Arsenal’s December clash at Everton moved back to a Saturday evening slot.

The Gunners’ trip to Goodison Park was originally scheduled for 2pm on Sunday, December 21, but will now kick off at 8pm on Saturday, 20 December.

The change, confirmed after discussions between the Premier League, broadcasters and both clubs, gives Arsenal an extra day’s recovery ahead of a Caraboa Cup quarter-final at against Crystal Palace.

Arteta had voiced concern that the original fixture left his side at a disadvantage, with the London derby at home Crystal Palace originally looming just two days later.

The Arsenal manager’s squad has been ravaged by injuries since before the season even started and they played their last Premier League match, away to Sunderland at the weekend, without SEVEN starters available.

He was and is wary of fatigue building over a congested run of fixtures that includes key Premier League and Champions League dates.

The adjustment is viewed as a small but significant win for Arteta, who has often been vocal about the need for greater scheduling fairness and player welfare. Arsenal will still face a demanding festive period, but the extra preparation time could prove vital as they look to maintain momentum across multiple competitions.

Everton’s home match remains live on Sky Sports, now taking the prime Saturday-night slot. A Premier League statement said the decision was made “in consultation with broadcasters and to ensure competitive balance.”

For once, Arteta’s persistence has paid off and Arsenal’s December diary looks just a little kinder.

The switch does not massively help Palace, even though their Premier League away day on the Sunday before the cup tie has also been switched to teh Saturday night. Oliver Glasner’s side have a total of three games in under a week. They host Finnish side KuPS on Thursday 18 December, go to Leeds United on Saturday 20 December and then from south to north London to face Arsenal three days later.

A Premier League spokesman said: “Player welfare is a priority for the Premier League, and we have therefore granted requests from Arsenal and Crystal Palace to move their respective fixtures.

“This comes after the scheduling of matches from other competitions around Premier League fixtures without adequate player recovery time. This is also further evidence of the impact the expanded UEFA competitions have on the domestic fixture calendar. 

“The League would like to thank Leeds United and Everton for their co-operation in accommodating these changes. Both matches will remain live on Sky Sports.”