Arsenal’s game against Tottenham on 1 October looked like it would be the next match after the Queen’s death was announced at half-time of the game against FC Zurich on Thursday but the game against Brentford will go ahead with a rearranged kick-off time.
Like everyone else in the Premier League, Arsenal’s game against Everton on Sunday was postponed while all the posh sports played on.
It was hoped that Arsenal’s game against PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League on Thursday would be cleared to go ahead but, after lengthy discussions, it has also been postponed.
The police refused to allow it to go ahead behind closed doors and the option of playing in the Netherlands was also rejected.
With Arsenal’s next game against Brentford the day before the Queen’s funeral, it seemed likely that would be cancelled too. If the police could not supply enough officers for one game in London on Thursday night, I highly doubted that they would be able to supply officers for Arsenal’s game on Sunday along with policing Chelsea v Liverpool the same day, less than 24 hours before her funeral.
But, it seems I was wrong.
Arsenal’s game will now kick-off at 12pm instead of 2pm as previously planned:
Our @PremierLeague campaign will resume on Sunday with a trip to Brentford.
Kick-off is now set to take place at 12pm (UK time).
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 12, 2022
Chelsea vs Liverpool, however, seems to be off.
BREAKING: Believe Premier League statement due shortly. Told Chelsea v Liverpool and Manchester United v Leeds United are OFF.
— Mike Keegan (@MikeKeegan_DM) September 12, 2022
Arsenal’s game against Brentford is the last one before an international break, with Arsenal’s next game the North London derby on 1 October.
UEFA are believed to have told Arsenal that they want the postponed game against PSV Eindhoven played before clubs break for the World Cup in Qatar, meaning Arsenal may have to move fixtures against Manchester City or Leeds to accommodate it.
That comes with its own problems, however, and may not be allowed.
Arsenal’s last game before the World Cup break is against Wolves on November 12.
In the meantime, there are still tickets available for Arsenal women’s game against Spurs at the Emirates which will see an FA WSL record crowd over well over 40,000.
