Arsenal stuck at Luton Airport as storm throws Champions League plans into chaos

Arsenal train ahead of RC Lens

Arsenal’s Champions League plans have been thrown into chaos with Mikel Arteta’s squad stuck at Luton Airport due to a storm. Arteta was due to speak to the media at 6pm UK time but the press conference had to be cancelled, with the Gunners’ trip to Lens delayed. 

The Premier League side were hoping for a smooth second clash in the Champions League after comfortably overcoming PSV a fortnight ago. But a storm around Luton Airport has thrown their preparations into disarray on Monday night. 

Arsenal were left stranded at Luton Airport with their flight delayed due to a storm. It was decided that it would not be safe for the plane heading to France to take off. 

Arteta’s in-person press conference was therefore cancelled and journalists had to settle for speaking to the Spaniard over the phone instead. 

READ MORE: Arsenal star missing from training as Arteta gets update on trio including Saka[LATEST]

Although it is not Arsenal’s fault, UEFA tend to take a dim view of delayed press conferences. The governing body’s rulebook says that teams must hold a briefing with the media between noon and 8pm the day before a game. 

Newcastle were punished for being late to their press conference ahead of their Champions League return against AC Milan last month. The Magpies were still in the air when boss Eddie Howe was scheduled to meet the press in Milan. 

Arsenal will hope that the delayed flight will not have too much of an impact on their performance in France. Arteta’s side have enjoyed a positive start to the season, grasping the momentum from a shock second-placed finish in the Premier League last term.

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Arteta’s side are yet to taste defeat in any competition this term. They are unbeaten in the Premier League, with five wins from their seven matches. The Gunners are through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and lifted the Community Shield thanks to a stunning win over Manchester City in August. 

A 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth on Saturday gave Arsenal the perfect platform to continue their positive return to the Champions League after six years away from Europe’s elite competition. They overcame PSV in their group stage opener by the same scoreline, and face a relatively favourable group that is completed by Europa League winners Sevilla. 

Arsenal now hope to make it a perfect start to their Champions League campaign. Another victory would take them a step closer to the knockout rounds.

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