Why Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest delayed today?

Kick-off has been delayed by 30 minutes due to an issue at the turnstiles.46 mins ago

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest was delayed after issues outside of the stadium.

“Even 15-20 minutes can affect the players, because stuff like nutrition comes into it. Players will need to fuel up before a game at a certain time and if that’s thrown off, then it can affect the players badly. 9:30am is probably their usual time before a lunchtime kick off and they’ll want to stock up on carbs and pasta and things like that.

Joe Cole added: ” I think it could be a bit difficult for the new boys coming here, [Jurrien] Timbers and Kai Havertz etc. The boys that have already been here before might take it easier while the delay could mess with the new players’ heads, because they want to get out there and play.”

Commentator Ally McCoist was insistent that supporters – estimated to be around 35,000 – must be told about the kick-off time being changed in order to keep the frustrated masses calm. “I think the most important thing is that the people outside are told there’s a delay so there’s no pushing or shoving or making it dangerous.”

 The warm up is vitally important but they [the coaches] don’t want to be on top of the players. They’ll have said what they already wanted to and I think it’ll be a very similar warmup. I’ve found that as an individual, you’ll do bits and pieces on your own and then a few minutes as a team..”

The delay did lead to a relatively pedestrian start from the Gunners, but supporters were reminded why they waited so long to get inside with two classy first-half goals.