If you thought December was just about mince pies and mistletoe, think again. Mikel Arteta is staring down a schedule so tight it might just snap Santa’s belt. With four Arsenal games shuffled for TV, the Gunners are set for a merry-go-round of kick-offs, late nights, and early drives, leaving players wondering if sleep is now a luxury item. According to sources, the December 3 clash against Brentford at the Emirates has been bumped to 7:30pm, making it another late-night showdown for north London fans.
Mikel Arteta’s Fixture Tetris
The team selection is not the only thing that the man at the helm is juggling. Three days following Brentford, Arsenal leaves up, and go to Aston Villa, where there is a lunch kick off– because we don’t see why not put the players to a test and see if they can digest a full English breakfast and chase a ball at the same time. And as you come to relax and think you are safe to breathe, there looms a European away game to Belgium. According to sources, this schedule could be a subtle attempt by the football gods to see how much caffeine and sheer willpower the squad can handle.
Why Mikel Arteta Might Need a Time Machine
It’s not just the timing, but the sequence. Less rest, less recovery, and high-stakes matches stacked like a plate of Christmas cookies. Rivals like Liverpool enjoy later kick-offs, meaning Arsenal might be dancing on a tighter rhythm. Bernardo Silva’s earlier complaints about City’s scheduling echo loudly here: top-level football isn’t just about skill—it’s about surviving the calendar.
Author’s Take: Arteta’s December Test
Here’s the thing: Mikel Arteta has shown he can turn chaos into a tactical symphony. But even the best conductors need a break between movements. The December grind will either highlight his genius or leave the Gunners looking like a festive truck has hit them. Reports say that if Arsenal handles this schedule and keeps most of its players, they will become serious title contenders and give the fans plenty of exciting evenings to remember.
So, buckle up, Arsenal fans.
December isn’t coming—it’s already here, and Mikel Arteta is driving the sleigh.
