The kick-off time for Arsenal’s game against Newcastle United at the Emirates, which is due to be the first game of 2023, has been moved by 15 minutes to accommodate the wishes of broadcasters.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United goes down claiming for a free-kick during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United goes down claiming for a free-kick during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Newcastle fans travel to London on Tuesday, 3rd January for a game that was meant to kick-off at 8pm.

It will now start at 7.45pm.

The game is being shown live on Sky Sports who requested that the time be moved but have not given any reason, that I can see, for the request.

Before Arsenal face Newcastle, they will play friendlies against Lyon, AC Milan and Juventus before the Premier League returns with our Boxing Day game against West Ham.

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That will kick-off at the absolutely absurd time of 8pm.

It will be followed by a game against Brighton on New Year’s Eve that kicks-off at 5.30pm as broadcasters do all they can to be as disruptive to the holiday plans of Arsenal fans everywhere.

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