Manchester City star moans about fixtures but Arsenal have it just as bad | OneFootball

Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has hit out at the relentless football schedule ahead of their crucial clash with Arsenal, but a closer look reveals the Gunners are facing an equally gruelling fixture list.

Silva voiced his frustration after learning that City will play two games in three days, with a Champions League tie against Inter Milan followed the Premier League game against Arsenal and then a Carabao Cup fixture against Watford two days later.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 08: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal is tackled by Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on October 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Speaking after playing 90 minutes for Portugal against Croatia, Silva did not hold back. “The schedule is completely crazy. We play Arsenal, rest for a day, and then have the game against Watford,” he said. “If we don’t get knocked out of any other competition, we’ll be playing every three days for months.”

While Silva has a point about the congested calendar, Arsenal are dealing with a similarly packed schedule as they juggle domestic and European commitments.

Arsenal’s calendar was recently reshuffled to ensure they have a crucial 72-hour recovery period between games, including the move of their Premier League fixture against Bournemouth but that hasn’t helped much.

The Gunners travel to Atalanta in the Champions League on September 19, just days after an intense derby against Tottenham Hotspur and immediately before their showdown with Manchester City.

All of Arsenal’s games in that run aware away.

All of City’s are at home.

And while Arsenal do indeed have an extra day to recover for the game against Bolton in the Carabao Cup, City have an extra day before they face Arsenal.

Which, would you say, is the more important game?

Silva’s comments shed light on the toll these fixtures take on players, but Arsenal are in a similarly taxing situation. Arteta’s men also face a sequence of back-to-back away games and difficult European ties that could stretch their squad to the limit.

The trip to Inter Milan on November 6 comes right between more away matches at Newcastle United and Chelsea, presenting an immense challenge for the North London club.

Silva also highlighted the personal toll of this relentless calendar, noting how little time he has to spend with family and friends. “The amount of games we’re subjected to is absolutely absurd,” he said. But Arsenal’s players are also facing a similar struggle, with their packed schedule leaving little time for rest and recovery.

While City have the added burden of playing Watford in the Carabao Cup just two days after their match against Arsenal, the Gunners are also contending with a similarly relentless schedule as they balance Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup competitions.