It wasn't long ago when Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta took aim at the Premier League, slamming the organizers for making the north London giants play on Wednesday night against Liverpool back in March, which they lost 2-0, and then again against Aston Villa in an early Saturday kick-off.
Additionally, the Spaniard went a step further, sarcastically thanking the English top-flight for putting the Gunners through this once again this week as Saka and Co. prepare to visit Chelsea on Wednesday before hosting Manchester United on Saturday at noon.
However, Thomas Tuchel has hit back at the Emirates Stadium tactician, reminding the Spaniard that Arsenal's situation pales in comparison to Chelsea's. The Blues, having reached the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals while making it all the way to the quarterfinals in the UEFA Champions League, have played 54 matches this term. The Gunners, on the other hand, have played 38 games so far in all competitions.
Speaking ahead of their run-in, the German boss reminded everyone that congested fixtures list is not exclusive to Arsenal, stating that his side have been there and simply chose to roll with the punches and adapt.
"He must have reasons if he felt this way - but he also cannot compare to us in minutes," Tuchel said, as per the Sun.
"We can use it as an excuse, they can use it. You use the situation how you want.
"You can use it to feel tired and say we feel the challenge mentally and physically.
"And from there it is a given to be used as an excuse if things go wrong.
"Or just accept it - this is what we try to do."
The north London giants were within close proximity of third-placed Chelsea not too long ago, leaving fans hopeful of seeing their side leapfrog the FA Cup finalists. Unfortunately, Arsenal have gone on to lose three games in a row since returning from the international break, going down away to Crystal Palace and Southampton while losing at home to Brighton in the middle.
As a result, not many expect the young Gunners to pull off a victory at Stamford Bridge. With Mikel's side facing Chelsea today and Manchester United next weekend, the task for Saka and Co. is to emerge from these two fixtures with results that keep them in the running for UEFA Champions League football next season.
