Arsenal Demands Respect After Controversial Crystal Palace Ruling Sparks Outrage

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal are challenging the decision to arrange their Carabao Cup quarterfinal match against Crystal Palace for Dec. 23, calling for "respect" following a grueling schedule of two fixtures within three days next month.

The Gunners' cup encounter with the Eagles was initially set for Dec. 16. While this would have given Palace a brutal run of four games in eight days, Arteta maintained that moving the fixture to the day before Christmas Eve would be unfair.

The Spanish manager was conscious that his team were already scheduled to face Everton away in the Premier League on Sunday, Dec. 21, leaving Arsenal with merely 52 hours to prepare for Palace's visit. Oliver Glasner's squad also has a fixture against Leeds United on the same date. Arsenal have submitted an appeal to postpone their Goodison Park encounter.

"Hopefully they will reschedule our Premier League fixture because playing on this date makes no sense whatsoever," Arteta expressed frustration. "So we will determine the date now. I'll leave that to the club. I believe we're very clear about what would be the optimal, most sensible date to play.

"They've proposed a different date so I'm confident we'll need to adjust accordingly. I'm certain we will apply the principles of prioritizing the players first, then the fans, and ensuring we have equality and equal opportunities for every club. Hopefully it will be equitable."

Arteta expressed concern about the broader fixture congestion. "If we keep doing this every three days... we demand respect," he stated firmly. "What we previously discussed [player welfare], that in our view is the most crucial aspect."

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Arteta: Squad Depth. What Squad Depth?

Arsenal have been hailed from all quarters as the clear Premier League title favorites. Following three straight runner-up finishes, many anticipate this will be the season the Gunners break their two-decade drought for league glory, primarily due to their squad depth.

Arteta dismissed such claims. "I'm not sure what depth people are referring to because we're without numerous players, many attacking players," he complained after confirming that Viktor Gyökeres would be absent from Tuesday's European trip to face Slavia Prague in Czechia.

The Swedish forward has joined Gabriel Martinelli on the treatment table with a muscle problem, while questions remain about Martín Zubimendi's fitness. Arsenal have also been hit by an unlucky series of knee injuries, with Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke all suffering issues in this area during the current campaign.

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