Arsenal fixture chaos eased as crunch Carabao Cup quarter-final clash confirmed but women’s fixture moved
ARSENAL’S fixture nightmare involving the Carabao Cup quarter-final has been eased after it was announced the game would be played on Wednesday, December 18.
The Gunners’ progression into the final eight of the competition – where they drew Crystal Palace at the Emirates – caused a horribly congested schedule in the middle of the month.
Mikel Arteta‘s side were fearing a two-day turnaround with an Arsenal Women’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich at the Emirates meaning a Wednesday clash was not possible.
This would have either led to Crystal Palace being left with a two-day turnaround after playing Brighton on Sunday if the game was played on Tuesday 17 or both sides facing a two-day turnaround before their Premier League clash with the Eagles on Saturday evening if the game was played on Thursday.
However, a twist to events has seen Arsenal men given priority to play the fixture at the Emirates on Wednesday.
The EFL have confirmed that the fixture will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 18.
A club statement on the matter of the moved women’s game said: “We are liaising with UEFA, and further details regarding our UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich will be announced in due course.”
Arsenal Women normally play all of their European home games and eight of their 11 home games in the Women’s Super League at the Emirates.
Tickets for the Bayern game have been on sale since September 28.
But Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park, where the women’s team play the rest of their home games, does not meet Uefa stadium regulations.
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SunSport understands that a new venue, rather than a new date, is being targeted for Arsenal on the moved fixture.
Fans of the women’s team were furious with the announcement and the priority given to the men’s team over the women’s.
Taking to social media, the Arsenal Women Supporters Club said: “Really disappointed by the change in priorities for this game.
“It’s been set in stone for a while, and now shifting the date affects so many people, especially traveling and international Gooners who have already booked flights and hotels.”
A second fan said: “Not that the women’s team didn’t already have a champions league game being played here the same night that fans have already booked tickets, days off work, travel and hotels for or anything… Do better Arsenal.”
A third said: “This is ludicrous.”
Carabao Cup quarter-final in full
Quarter-final fixture dates and times confirmed:
Arsenal v Crystal Palace – December 18, 7.30pm
Newcastle v Brentford – December 18, 7.45pm
Southampton v Liverpool – December 18, 8pm
Tottenham v Manchester United – December 19, 8pm
Another said: “Really disappointing that the women’s game against Bayern has been shifted for this.”
A fifth added: “A UEFA game is surely more important than an EFL game, no matter whether it’s the men’s or women’s team?”
Arsenal men’s clash with Crystal Palace will be the early kick-off that evening.
It will be shown on Sky Sports football.
Newcastle’s clash with Brentford will commence at 7.45pm on Wednesday and will not appear on live TV, but rather Sky Sports+.
Southampton against Liverpool will start at 8pm that day and be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s clash against Manchester United will take place on Thursday, December 19 at 8pm.
It will be aired on live TV with Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in full
Edu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.
Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.
We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart.
Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.
“Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.
“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.
“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”
Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.
“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.
“Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”