- Arsenal beat Wolves and returned to the top of the Premier League
- Mikel Arteta had his team’s congested schedule in mind
- Hope is not lost for Arsenal and it is wrong that Oleksandr Zinchenko is the scapegoat – listen to everything is beginning podcast
Mikel Arteta warned football authorities that his players’ welfare is at risk after Arsenal beat Wolves to return to the top of the Premier League.
An unorthodox goal from Leandro Trossard in the first half set up the victory, and Martin Odegaard added a second goal late in added time.
The Gunners are now a point ahead of Manchester City, with a better goal difference, but having played one more game.
The result came after two consecutive defeats, including a Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Although Arteta had his team’s congested schedule in mind. Arsenal have played two games in four days and will now play rivals Chelsea on Tuesday.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta warned that the well-being of his players is in danger
“It’s not about us, nor about Pep or me, it’s about the well-being of the players,” he said. ‘When you compete in a European competition, all teams have to compete in the same way.
“You can’t have a team that hasn’t played for seven days, or three days before, and has more recovery time and then you have to play in the Premier League and the FA Cup.
‘Not well. If you look at it from any angle, it’s not right. If you want to protect, let’s talk about the players and the protagonists.
“Let’s protect the players and do everything we can to give them maximum time to help them recover, perform and put on the show they do every week.”
For the first time in league history, Arsenal have kept six consecutive clean sheets away from home.
He added: “The kids were amazing, the staff was amazing.” It is a pleasure to work with them.
“We realized that if you want to be in the big competitions fighting for the Champions League, fighting for the Premier League and the level that it requires, you have to do something special.
‘You have to be something special and love to compete and put yourself out there when necessary to get the result you want. I thought the boys did very well today.
Manchester City manager Guardiola criticized the 66-hour gap between Wednesday’s Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid and the FA Cup semi-final against Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea, which City won 1-0 .
During his post-match press conference, he stated that he cannot participate in activities with broadcasters, given his busy schedule.
He said: “For the broadcasters [shrugs]. Don’t ask me to do extra things later because we’re not going to do that.”
Leandro Trossard’s goal helped fuel Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard scored three points with a goal late in the second half.
Immediately after the match, Guardiola made an impassioned speech during BBC coverage, where he called the match schedule “unacceptable.”
“It’s unacceptable,” said the City boss. ‘Because I have won I have the courage to tell you. For the health of the players it is not normal. I don’t understand how we survived today.
“Why play today and not tomorrow, when Coventry, Chelsea and United didn’t play midweek?”
‘Why not have one more day for the players’ health? Tell me how you prepare for this final against Chelsea at the best moment of the season. As? It is impossible. There is no chance.
