Arteta complains about the irregular schedule in the Premier League

According to the arrangement of the organizers, Premier League clubs will not play earlier than 3pm on Saturday London time, after attending the European Cup in the middle of the week. However, Arsenal must be a guest of Aston Villa in round 24 today at noon - at 12:30, just 63 hours after the match for round 12 of the Premier League lost to Man City 1-3 on Wednesday night.

At a press conference on February 17, Arteta called this arrangement of the schedule "unusual" and wanted the organizers to apply the above rule to all clubs. He analyzed: "I think the short time between matches is one of the reasons the organizers changed the schedule with Champions League clubs. I think on the same principle, in terms of birth Therefore, it is very difficult for other clubs to achieve the best results and reduce the risk of injury during this period."

Arsenal will face a similar situation in March, when they continue their journey in the European Cup. At that time, the "Gunners" respectively met Fulham on March 12 and Crystal Palace on March 19 at 2pm on Sunday, after kicking two rounds of the 1/8 Europa League round on Thursday evening.

Arteta emphasized "no excuses" when Arsenal knew in advance that they would face a tight schedule. The Spanish coach is also confident that the whole team will be "full of energy" for the trip to Aston Villa - the club led by his predecessor at the Emirates Stadium, Unai Emery. "He always gives a tough test. Emery is a good coach and I have great respect for what he has done at every club and the success he has achieved," added Arteta.

Arsenal once created an eight-point gap with Man City and held the advantage in the title race. But the "Gunners" fell when they did not win the last three matches, lost to Everton 0-1, drew Brentford 1-1, lost to Man City 1-3, thereby allowing the team under Pep Guardiola to fill the gap and take the throne. head.

"We wanted to get the maximum points and failed to do so in the last three games," said Arteta. "What's important is what we do tomorrow. We need to show energy, continue to believe and most importantly play more efficiently. We know we have to be very efficient with each new game. can beat Man City in the championship race. We have great motivation to do that."

According to the Guardian, Thomas Partey - who missed the match against Man City because of a thigh problem - will be further examined to determine the extent of the injury, and Jorginho is likely to continue to start. Emile Smith Rowe left open the possibility of playing and Arteta could refresh the starting line-up, with Leandro Trossard replacing Gabriel Martinelli - a striker who has lacked in recent matches.

Despite losing the first place, Arsenal still have the right to decide to win the championship because they played one match less than Man City. After meeting Aston Villa, Arteta's teachers and students will march to Leicester's field on February 25.