Published: 17:57, 5 November 2025 | Updated: 17:57, 5 November 2025

Crystal Palace have joined Arsenal in asking for a Premier League match during the Christmas period amid a pile-up of games.

It was confirmed on Monday that the Gunners will play Palace at the Emirates on Tuesday December 23 at 8pm — even though the fixture was originally designated to fall on either Tuesday December 16 or Wednesday December 17.

Arsenal had formally requested for the match to be played on December 16, with the new date just 53 hours after they kick-off against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday December 21.

Arteta hinted Arsenal have asked the Premier League to reschedule the Everton fixture to give his players sufficient rest amid a jam-packed schedule, saying: 'If we continue to do that (play) every three days… we want respecting again. What we discussed previously, that in our opinion is the most important part.

'Hopefully they will move (our) Premier League match because to play to this date doesn't make any sense, obviously. So we will now decide the date. I'm sure...