Arsenal were scheduled to face north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a vital Premier League fixture on Sunday, with both teams chasing a top-four finish.
But the Gunners requested the Premier League to postpone the match on account of being unable to field enough players for the game.
The Premier League’s new rules this season allow clubs to ask for a postponement if they do not have 13 outfield players and one goalkeeper ready for match action.
However, the rule was originally made to help clubs comply with COVID-19 absentees. Arsenal, however, have only one player missing through COVID - Martin Odegaard.
The rest of their absentees are either suspended, injured or away representing their nations at the AFCON 2021. Hence, the Premier League’s decision to postpone the Arsenal-Spurs game, has caused a lot of backlash.
Paul Robinson told Football Insider in this regard:
He added:
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher also unhappy with Premier League for accepting Arsenal’s request
Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher also expressed their unhappiness with the Premier League postponing the north London derby.
Speaking on the postponement, Neville said:
Carragher chimed in by saying:
Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League table with 35 points from 20 matches. Tottenham, meanwhile, are a place and two points adrift of the Gunners, but have two games in hand.
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