Although millions of people worldwide probably take having Christmas with their family for granted, that’s one thing Arsenal won’t be doing this year.

For the first time in their careers, many Arsenal players and even Arsene Wenger will be able to spend time at home on Christmas Day.

The Gunners played Liverpool on December 22 and now don’t face Crystal Palace until December 28. That’s a whole five days of rest – more than any other Premier League team!

As Petr Cech explained to the Gunners’ website, the Premier League fixtures list often means that footballers in the UK play a match on Boxing Day. It’s a British tradition almost.

However, while we’re at home, down the pub or at the Emirates watching the sport with our families, we forget that the players have had to be in training the last couple of days. Thus missing out on the celebrations.

arsenal v liverpool fan
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: An Arsenal fan wearing a santa hat during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on December 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
“This year is the first time ever that I don’t play on Boxing Day, and that makes a huge difference,” said Cech.
“During Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can spend the time with your family. You can go home and sit with people and enjoy more of the time.
“When you play on Boxing Day, you sometimes travel on the evening of Christmas Day, so your time with the family is limited. This year it’s going to be different.”

Even Wenger admits that it’ll be somewhat of a novelty to have Christmas off.

“It’s new for me as well, I will have to adapt like the players,” said the boss. “It’s also good to think that you can have a little breather over Christmas.”

Hopefully, the ‘rest’ over the busy festive period will do the lads good.

Last time we travelled to Selhurst Park we embarrassingly lost 3-0 and it was something of a low point.

We can’t let that happen again.