Premier League hand Arsenal advantage for Man City clash as Mikel Arteta's complaints heard

Arsenal have been handed a huge advantage for their clash against Manchester City following the Premier League's fixture amendments.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hit out at the Premier League's fixture schedule after they faced Aston Villa within three days of their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Fortunately for the Gunners, they still managed to get the three points over Unai Emery's side, coming away 4-2 winners in an enthralling contest.

The victory saw them return to the top of the table, drawing two points clear of title rivals Manchester City after Pep Guardiola dropped points to Nottingham Forest in a 1-1 draw.

Last season, Arteta branded the Premier League fixture list "not fair" after his side were forced to play two Premier League matches over a period of three days.

Arsenal handed advantage ahead of Man City clash

It appears that the Premier League have heard Arteta's complaints, after adjusting Arsenal's April schedule on Tuesday.

The north London side were originally forecast to play Southampton on April Sunday 23.

However, the match has been brought forward to Friday evening, allowing Arteta valuable time to prepare for their heavyweight clash against Manchester City the following Wednesday.

An extra two days could prove crucial. However, the match could still be subject to change.

Should Arsenal reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League, or Southampton reach the FA Cup semi-finals, the match will be moved back to Sunday.

Whilst rules prevent Champions League teams having to play on Wednesdays, the same is not reflective of the Premier League.

Following the game against Aston Villa, Arteta once again took aim at the Premier League, referring to the difference in regulations.

"Well, there are certain rules with the Champions League," the Spaniard said.

"When you are playing on Wednesday night and then you cannot play [on Saturday lunchtime]. So I think that should apply to any competition."