Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has demanded that the Premier League reschedule his team’s upcoming December 21 fixture, citing the unreasonable turnaround before their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on December 23. The congested schedule has sparked widespread debate across English football about the growing strain caused by the expanded European calendar.

The EFL confirmed that Arsenal’s home tie against Crystal Palace will kick off at 20:00 GMT on December 23 at Emirates Stadium, just two days after the Gunners’ league clash with Everton at Goodison Park. Speaking at a news conference, Arteta voiced his frustration:

“Hopefully they will move our Premier League match, because to play two days later doesn’t make any sense. With the EFL Cup date now fixed, I’m confident the Premier League will make the necessary adjustments.”

Arteta noted that communication with league officials had been handled internally by the club, emphasizing that Arsenal had “made clear” what they consider the only “logical” scheduling solution.

The situation also places a heavy burden on Crystal Palace, whose December fixtures include a daunting run of four matches in nine days. Their schedule features clashes with Manchester City, Finnish side KuPS in the UEFA Conference League, and now, the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal.

The EFL has openly criticized the current fixture congestion, blaming UEFA’s expanded European competitions. In a statement, the league said the problem was “entirely unavoidable” due to “expansion implemented without adequate consultation,” warning that repeated scheduling concessions risk undermining the reputation of the EFL Cup.

The EFL further cautioned:

“To continue making endless concessions only serves to undermine the domestic game. Managers and players are rightly frustrated by the relentless schedule, which restricts preparation time and the ability to field competitive teams.”

UEFA’s revised European format, which expanded from six to ten midweeks, has left domestic leagues struggling to accommodate fixtures. The Premier League has already scaled back its traditional Boxing Day schedule, with only Manchester United vs Newcastle United set for December 26, a stark break from one of English football’s most cherished traditions.

Echoing Arteta’s plea, Palace boss Oliver Glasner described the scheduling as “irresponsible,” insisting that no team should be asked to play two high-stakes matches in three days. Arteta concurred, stressing that football authorities must “respect player welfare” and “preserve fairness and integrity across competitions.”