Arteta doubles down on criticism of PL scheduling

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed concern over when the north London derby with Tottenham will be rearranged after standing by his criticism of the Premier League's scheduling. Arteta sarcastically said "thank you to the Premier League" and claimed it was "not fair" that the Gunners have to travel to Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime having been in action against Liverpool on Wednesday night. The game against Tottenham, which was called off in January after Arsenal had a shortage of players, has yet to be rearranged, with broadcasters seemingly keen to hold it back in order for it to have more significance in the top-four battle.

The Spaniard is keen to ensure the rearranged date will not leave them with a quick turnaround for their next game. Asked whether he had concerns about when their trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be, he said: "Yes, because I don't know and it is going to be important. "It is nothing to do with me, the club has to arrange those conversations.

Hopefully (we have a say), I would doubt it but hopefully." Arteta was keen to clarify that he understands teams who compete in Europe are expected to play Wednesday night and then Saturday lunchtime, but insists it is not acceptable in the Premier League. "I heard some comments about when you are in Europe, that is nothing new, that is nothing new to me, but I am not talking about Europe, I am talking about the Premier League and how we schedule the games in the Premier League," he said. "When you are in Europe it is a different story, but I am talking about the Premier League and it is very different.