Arsenal squad stuck at Luton Airport  before Champions League flight

Mikel Arteta’s pre-Lens press conference was cancelled as the Arsenal squad were stuck at Luton Airport because of storms delaying their flight to France Arsenal’s preparations for their first away Champions League game in six-and-a-half years were left in disarray after they were left stranded at Luton Airport for FIVE HOURS.

The Gunners were due to fly to France on Monday afternoon ahead of their clash with Lens on Tuesday at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Arsenal boss Arteta was due to speak to the media at 6pm UK time – along with defender William Saliba – as the Gunners prepare for their second European match of the season, after the 4-0 win over PSV last month
But a storm in the surrounding areas of Luton Airport saw Arsenal’s chartered flight delayed.

The Gunners had trained at London Colney late on Monday morning. It’s understood Arsenal will not face a fine as the cancellation was out of their control – with their flight finally taking off in the evening.
Arteta was ultimately forced to conduct his media duties over the phone, discussing a range of topics, including the fitness of Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka.

Arteta confirmed that Partey could play some part against the squad.
He’s progressed really well in the last two weeks and he managed to train in the last two or three days with the team and that’s great news for us obviously,” the Gunners boss said.

“I don’t know. I think his progression in the last week has been very good. He might have some exposure tomorrow depending how the game goes.When quizzed on Saka’s fitness after the winger limped off during Arsenal’s trip to Bournemouth, Arteta said: “He’s fine. He’s much better. It was a big knock but he has recovered well and trained with us today.”

France international Saliba was asked if he was confident the team would still be at their best despite Monday’s delay. He replied: “Yes, of course. We have to arrive first but tomorrow is another day and we will give our best against Lens.
“It is a really good feeling.

My second game in the Champions League with Arsenal. I can’t wait to play in France so it is a good feeling. We know it won’t be an easy game. It is a really good team who finished second last season. They didn’t start well but in the last two or three games, they are better so we have to be focused on tomorrow and give our best.”

Arteta was also asked about VAR after what happened during Tottenham’s win over Liverpool over the weekend, where he weighed him on his opinion following Luis Diaz’s controversial offside goal. The 41-year-old admitted the pressure is increasing on the officials across Europe, not just the Premier League.

We had some big discussions before the start of the season and everyone had the right intentions to improve the game and find the best way to take it forward,” Arteta said. “But it’s true that with everything that already happened this season, not just in the Premier League but in other countries as well, the pressure is increasing.

Arsenal will aim to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League when they host Manchester City at London’s Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners, who face Manchester City, will be hoping to end their long winning streak against the Citizens in the National Championship. Here are the compelling reasons why Arsenal can win the match.

Arsenal in form: The Gunners have been outstanding this season, winning five of their last seven EPL games, including a memorable 3-1 victory over Manchester United. This positive momentum bodes well for their chances against Man City.

Manchester City’s injuries: The away team could be without some key players. Star players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones are all sidelined through injury, while Rodri is expected to miss out due to suspension. For Mikel Arteta’s side, these absences are an important opportunity to exploit them and pick up important wins.

Given Man City’s recent impressive run of form and the setbacks of key players, Arsenal will be aiming for a win in what promises to be a thrilling clash between two of the Premier League’s best.