Split image of Mikel Arteta and Oliver Glasner
Credit: Imago

‘What a joke’ – Arsenal fans can’t believe EFL announcement for Carabao Cup quarter-final

Tom Griffin
Tom Griffin

Arsenal’s progression into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals may have come at a cost during a hectic fixture schedule.

Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Brighton on Wednesday, October 29, saw them book their place in the last eight of the competition.

The Gunners will face Crystal Palace, who beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield after Arne Slot named a weakened side.

It was only on Sunday, October 26, when Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over Palace in the Premier League, and now the pair will meet with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Eberechi Eze in action for Arsenal
Credit: Imago

Arsenal will play Crystal Palace on December 23

Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 23 at 8pm GMT.

The fixture was due to be played on the week commencing December 15 – along with the other quarter-finals – but due to Palace’s Europa Conference League commitments, that would have seen the Eagles play four games in eight days.

Remarkably, the scheduling of the Arsenal-Palace tie means the two teams will only have a day’s rest between games, with both sides playing in the Premier League on December 21.

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Mikel Arteta’s men travel to Everton, while Oliver Glasner’s troops face Leeds United at Elland Road, with the EFL explaining the reason behind this decision.

Carabao Cup quarter-final schedule

  • Cardiff City vs Chelsea — Tuesday, December 16 (8pm)
  • Manchester City vs Brentford — Wednesday, December 17 (7.30pm)
  • Newcastle United vs Fulham — Wednesday, December 17 (8.15pm)
  • Arsenal vs Crystal Palace — Tuesday, December 23 (8pm)

“In determining the schedule for the quarter-finals, the league recognises the challenge it presents to Arsenal and Crystal Palace in particular, and the frustration and concern that will undoubtedly be felt by their managers and players,” the EFL said in a statement. “These are concerns which are shared by the league.

“The expansion of European cup competitions and number of exclusive match nights across Europe ahead of the 2024-25 season, implemented without adequate consultation with domestic leagues, means that such scheduling conflicts — for both the EFL Cup and other competitions — are now entirely unavoidable.”

Arsenal

Arsenal fans react to EFL’s fixture scheduling nightmare

Unsurprisingly, Arsenal fans aren’t happy that their side only have one day’s rest before the quarter-final and have voiced their concerns online.

Reacting to the news via X, one supporter wrote: “Yeaahh they are trying so hard to slow Arsenal down. 1 day rest is absolutely criminal.”

“What a joke”, someone else commented, while a third agreed: “Get ready for both clubs to play their C teams in this match. What a joke.”

One Arsenal fan stated: “We really need everyone back fit and no more injuries for the winter period. If we can play full strength against Everton then have a team of Kepa, White, Mosquera, Hincapie, MLS, Norgaard, Merino, Ethan, Gabi, Kai, Noni against Palace then we’re so clear.”

“Very unnecessary,” a sixth supporter replied, and another Arsenal fan said: “So they’ve gone against the laws to spite us. We’re throwing this anyway, thankfully.”

The other option the EFL considered was playing the fixture on Christmas Eve, but that would have been an issue for supporters, players and staff.

Realistically, Arsenal will prioritise the Premier League title, with both sides set to play weakened teams in this clash.

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