Arsenal manager rants as he insists rivals have advantage ahead of derby clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is not pleased with European soccer’s governing body UEFA decision to swap Tottenham Hotspur’s first leg against Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb to home as he noted that it’s an added advantage to their rival.

Jose Mourinho’s team and Arsenal were both due to play their last-16 first legs away from home on 11 March and the second legs at home a week later before UEFA took the decision.

This decision was made because two clubs from the same city cannot play on the same day and Mikel Arteta team will have to travel to face Greek champions Olympiakos Piraeus three days before their derby.

Mikel Arteta during his press conference was asked if the decision handed Jose Mourinho’s side an edge ahead of the game on March 14 and he made his thoughts known.

According to the Spaniard, the changes has given Tottenham an edge but unfortunately it’s not going to change.

He noted that his team can raise their voices and they should do that, because they want to have two teams playing in equal conditions, but the decision has been made.

Arteta added that he does not want to use one bit of excuse going towards that game saying, ‘oh, they have an advantage.

Arsenal will be eager to prove a point in their match against Olympiakos Piraeus before they face Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur.