TAKING THE MIK

Arteta wants Everton game moved as Gunners now face fixture pile-up

- TOM CANTON in Prague

MIKEL ARTETA has called on the Premier League to move Arsenal's match with Everton after more fixture rescheduling drama.

The Gunners’ Carabao Cup quarterfinal with Crystal Palace has been moved to December 23, two days after their trip to Everton the previous Sunday.

Moving the League Cup fixture, something which the EFL yesterday claimed “undermines the reputation” of the competition, means Palace no longer face playing four games in eight days, a scenario which Eagles boss Oliver Glasner had described as “irresponsible”.

Understandably Arteta wants a similar courtesy to be extended to his side and, when asked about the announcement of the quarterfinal switch, the Spaniard was blunt in his assessment of the decision.

“Hopefully they will move our Premier League match (against Everton), because to play two days later doesn't make any sense,” the Arsenal boss said ahead of tonight's Champions League match against Slavia Prague.