ARSENAL have confirmed tonight’s clash with Manchester City is ON.
The Gunners have held lengthy talks with police and transport officials to ensure supporters can get to and from the Emirates safely.
And having received assurances rail connections will continue to operate despite Storm Emma, they have given the go ahead for the match to be played.
An Arsenal statement read: “Thursday night’s match against Manchester City at Emirates Stadium is scheduled to go ahead as planned.
“We will continue to monitor weather conditions and work with local agencies but, unless there is a further announcement, the match is on.”
With Storm Emma continuing to bite hard with wintry conditions across large parts of the country, Arsenal had to delay being able to give the all clear that the game will be played.
The City squad arrived at London Euston after making the two-hour journey down to the capital by train earlier this morning.
And though there were no issues completing the journey, getting Guardiola’s squad to the game was not the only issue the match faced.
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Arsenal officials had to meet with other agencies to determine if it was safe for the match to be staged.
The club worked closely with local authorities to ensure the surrounding areas outside of the Emirates are clear of snow and ice.
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But also crucial to any final decision was the ability of supporters and stewards to get to AND from the ground safely.
Gunners officials spoke with police and rail bosses to ensure stations are open and public transport will be running before and after the match.
There are already some issues with transport in and out of London today on some lines, although the route to and from the North-West remains in operation.
But as conditions deteriorated to such an extent the National Grid are warning Britain’s gas supply may run out, there were growing concerns at whether the game will go ahead.
Both remained in contact as they monitored the conditions, aware that more snowfall and freezing conditions were likelt throughout the day.
And they put the safety of supporters as the main priority before making the final decision on whether to go ahead with the game.
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