Arsenal fans were left confused by the absence of the Ashburton Army during the first 30 minutes of their Premier League clash against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. The group of fans were noticeably absent from their usual area in the Clock End stand before returning to their seats in time to see Martin Odegaard double the Gunners' lead.
The Arsenal captain opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from the edge of the penalty box before adding a second just 13 minutes later. Gabriel Jesus has since added a third goal for the north Londoners as they look to run away with three points and return to the top of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta made three changes to his starting XI for the clash against the Blues with Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey and Rob Holding all being dropped for the game. Frank Lampard looks set to make it six games without a win after returning to Chelsea as caretaker manager last month.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta explains why three Arsenal stars dropped for huge Premier League clash vs Chelsea
Gunners fans noticed the Ashburton Army leave their seats before kick-off as they returned 30 minutes later during the first-half of action at the Emirates Stadium. It has been claimed that they vacated their seats in protest of the new ticket checking process implemented by Arsenal, making it harder for fans to share tickets with friends and family.
The north London club removed the QR codes from their tickets today and are now checking identification before letting people into the Emirates Stadium. It is still unconfirmed as to why the section of supporters left their seats prior to kick-off and this is an unconfirmed theory.
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