Finance guru: ‘People are so angry’ at Arsenal after statement issued
Arsenal have exposed a “major governance issue” at the heart of the Premier League after the North London derby drama last weekend.
So says finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Tottenham clash slated for last Sunday (16 January).
The Premier League announced last Saturday (15 January) that the game would be postponed following a successful application from the Gunners.
They cited injuries, suspensions, Covid cases, and players away at the Africa Cup of Nations for their inability to cobble together a matchday squad.
Spurs said they were “extremely surprised” their rivals’ application had been successful in an official statement also released last Saturday.
Arsenal have been accused by certain members of the punditocracy of gaming the system to gain a competitive advantage.
Plumley claims the saga has highlighted a flaw in the Premier League’s constitution.
“We often set apart the Premier League and the clubs,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“From a corporate aspect, of course, they are two separate entities. But we have to remember that the league is there to serve the member clubs.
“Clubs vote on the policies and implications of rule changes and regulations. In some ways, the clubs are driving the Premier League anyway.
“They are in many ways one and the same. Clubs will try and influence the clubs, and bigger clubs are in a more powerful position.
“They have more influence. Arsenal are in that bracket. Other games have perhaps gone ahead despite being in arguably a more serious position.
“That need for consistency is important. Lots of these clubs are more powerful than the Premier League. That’s why a lot of people are so angry about this.
“If you look at the youth players and the players they have out on loan, you’re asking can they really not field a team?
“It’s moving away from not being able to field a team towards not being able to field your best team.
“You are also doing the youngsters a disservice. They are on the books but they are choosing not to play them.
“But it is a governance issue. The clubs are the ultimate powerful entity.”
A new date for the Spurs-Arsenal clash is yet to be confirmed.
Tottenham are currently 6th in the league, two points behind Arsenal with two games in hand.
In other news, Tottenham insider slams “bottlers” Arsenal and swipes at what they did to Leeds United.