The latest installment of the North London Derby was supposed to occur this past weekend, but the matchup was postponed after Arsenal put in a request to the Premier League to have the fixture rescheduled.
Arsenal cited that they’d be under the ’13 player’ threshold, given they have registered a positive Covid-19 case within their squad, are without Granit Xhaka through suspension, have several injuries, and players away at the African Cup of Nations.
The Premier League granted the request, which was controversial in many people’s eyes. Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso stated his thoughts, which were relayed by Metro.
“We had some games with a lot of players out, some games with only four defenders, but we still had to play,” Alonso said. “It has to be fair for everyone to have the same treatment from the Premier League, not just some games yes, some games no.”
Alonso joins the likes of Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who also had harsh words for the Premier League’s decision to grant Arsenal’s request. Neville stated that The Gunners used this as a loophole since they didn’t have their best squad.
Furthermore, with Tottenham and Arsenal neck and neck fighting for a top-four spot, the three points on the table are valuable.
No favours allowed. Tottenham have been screwed over here. Arsenal only have 1 player out with covid. The rest is their own fault.
It’s a case of returning a favor…
The arse played the opening game of the PL against Brentford not knowing how many players were Covid free on the morning of the game. That game could and should have been called off but it would have been bad publicity for the brand on opening night. The suits owe them one and didn’t hesitate to repay.
They have broken no law so why the hysteria.
We should be confident of beating them at the lane anytime they agree to show up.