Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down a heated exchange between midfielder Declan Rice and a member of his coaching staff, insisting the situation is “all sorted” ahead of their English Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, January 17.
The incident took place at Stamford Bridge during the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea, where Arsenal claimed a 3-2 victory.
In footage shared widely on social media, Rice was seen in a tense moment with assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg, nicknamed ‘AirPod Albert.’
The clip appeared to show the England international gesturing and speaking angrily with Stuivenberg in the tunnel at half-time.
Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes intervened and separated the two before the players returned to the pitch.
However, when asked about the exchange in his pre-match press conference, Arteta stressed there was no lingering issue.
“All sorted. All good,” the Spaniard said. “The good thing is that by the time I found out the problem was resolved so that’s very good.”
Asked whether the flare-up showed Rice’s desire to win, Arteta responded: “Yes, and the good thing is that by the time I found out the problem was resolved so that’s very good.”
A crucial win in an important stretch of the season
The Declan Rice incident did not derail Arsenal’s performance on the night, with Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi all finding the net.
The Gunners now take a slender lead into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on February 3.
Arsenal currently sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League. Crucially, Arteta believes the squad’s momentum remains strong despite occasional tensions.
“We are building very good momentum. And the belief comes from performances and the level of consistency we have shown already this season.
“What we did at Stamford Bridge should help us to be very convinced that we have the ability.”
Moving forward, focus will be vital as they continue to compete on all fronts this season.
As the title race continues, managing energy levels and personalities within the squad will be important for Arteta.
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