Arteta: ‘Impossible to talk both: players’ welfare of the players and integrity of the competition’

Arsenal's match at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday has been postponed due to Covid-19 cases and injuries in the visiting squad, allowing players some respite from a packed Christmas and New Year schedule that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta called "impossible".

Speaking on Sunday before Wolves called for the postponement, Arteta said he had voiced his concerns that "the welfare of the players and the integrity of the competition" were incompatible at a meeting between the Premier League and managers.

"We are wasting our time when you are trying to accomplish both of them," insisted the Gunners boss, adding that change was essential.

Sunday's 5-0 win at Norwich City marked Arteta's two-year anniversary in charge at Arsenal.

IMAGE: AP