The visit of Chelsea could be a very tricky fixture in Arsenal’s tense race to the Premier League finishing line

ARSENAL have been told their big Saturday evening clash with London rivals Chelsea must be moved following a police request.

The title-chasing Gunners were due to host Chelsea on Saturday April 29 for a tea-time kick off, but the Premier League today announced that it was tinkering with the fixture list.

Mikel Arteta’s team will have to wait until the following Tuesday – May 2 – to play the game, which could yet be a crucial game in deciding who remains in the final race to the line.

While Chelsea have had an awful league campaign with four different managers and coaches in the dugout this season , may need to win the Champions League to be in the elite European tournament next season, they still remain an ominous hurdle for Arsenal – who dropped points against Anfield on Sunday and have big-spending Manchester City breathing sweatily down their necks.

The fixture change has been made as a result of the Metropolitan Police revising its position on policing the match.

The Premier League said in a statement: The Premier League fixture between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at the Emirates Stadium, scheduled to take place on Saturday 29 April at 5.30pm, will now take place on Tuesday 2 May at 8.00pm. The initial scheduling of this match was approved at a Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting in February.

“However, the Metropolitan Police has now revised its position regarding the kick-off time and requested a further SAG meeting which determined the match had to be re-scheduled.

“We regret the need to move this fixture at late notice and the impact this will have on supporters. The game will remain live on Sky Sports.”

All tickets and hospitality purchased for the original fixture will be valid for the rearranged date and time.