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Arsene Wenger frustrated by Premier League fixture list

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

Wenger believes his side have been hard done by

Arsene Wenger has hit out at the Premier League fixture list after his side’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

Arsenal play Hull, who have not played since 12 December, on Saturday after away games on Sunday and Wednesday.

“The guy who organised the fixtures this season must have come from a special school, because he’s more intelligent than I am,” said Wenger.

“I think the Premier League has a basic promise to organise the fixtures in a normal way.”

Hull’s week without a game was a result of Everton’s Europa League commitments, and Wenger believes his side have been unfairly treated.

Arsenal won 2-1 at Liverpool on 13 December before taking on Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday, during which they lost Cesc Fabregas to a hamstring injury that will keep him out of the next match at least.

606: DEBATE

“For sure, (the fixture organisers) have never played football, organising midweek games in a week when you have a Europa League programme,” said Wenger.

“We have some teams who do not play at all. We play Sunday and Wednesday away and at home on Saturday against Hull, who have not played all week.”

Wenger also criticised Wolves boss Mick McCarthy’s decision to field a weakened side against Manchester United.

McCarthy – with one eye on Sunday’s game against fellow newly promoted side Burnley – made 10 changes to his side at Old Trafford, and saw his side fall to a 3-0 defeat.

“We will have to compete with Manchester United over 37 games instead of 38,” said Wenger.

“I believe it is a problem for the international credibility of the Premier League, but it is not my problem, it is a Premier League problem.”

But Burnley boss Owen Coyle refused to condemn McCarthy’s decision, despite the fact his side will now face a relatively fresh Wolves team at the weekend.

“If that is the motivation for Wolves, to galvanise them, then so be it,” said Coyle.

“Mick McCarthy is an outstanding manager and fantastic man, somebody I have a lot of time for.

“He has done a fantastic job at Wolves and does what he sees fit for Wolverhampton.”

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Written by Israel Saria

For the last 20 years I have been working as a football pundit. This experience has provided me with a very useful insight into football and the opportunity to carry out extensive research into the game including its players, the stadiums, the rules and tactics and I have also been grateful to meet a wide range of people connected to football in the UK, Tanzania, Germany .....

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