Arsenal calm post-tunnel row: Mikel Arteta insists Declan Rice and assistant Albert Stuivenberg are "all good" after a heated exchange during the 3-2 Carabao Cup win. Arsenal's momentum and Gyokeres' return suggest punters might favour Arsenal to reach the cup final and back them as short favourites in upcoming matches, while Gyokeres could be a sensible anytime-scorer pick given renewed confidence.
Arteta Plays Down Tunnel Tension as Arsenal Edge Chelsea
After a 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final win at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta moved swiftly to dismiss concerns over a tense exchange between Declan Rice and assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg. Television footage captured a heated conversation in the tunnel, with team-mate Gabriel intervening as players and staff headed out for the second half.
What Unfolded at Stamford Bridge
Rice was substituted late in the second half and later embraced Stuivenberg before taking a seat in the Arsenal dugout. The incident prompted questions, but Arteta insisted the issue was resolved quickly. “All sorted, all good,” he said, stressing that the squad remained focused after the victory that keeps Arsenal on track for the Carabao Cup final.
Momentum, Fixtures and Competition Focus
Arsenal now turn their attention back to the Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest and a key Champions League away tie at Inter Milan. Arteta highlighted the team’s consistency across 32 matches this season and the confidence built from recent performances. Arsenal sit six points clear at the Premier League summit and have won all six of their European fixtures so far, maintaining challenges on multiple fronts.
Gyokeres Ends Open-Play Drought
Viktor Gyokeres broke a 10-match open-play scoring drought with Arsenal’s second goal at Stamford Bridge. The Sweden international, who scored prolifically at his previous club, showed signs of regaining form with a composed finish that proved decisive on the night. Arteta praised Gyokeres’ standards and work rate, noting the forward’s high expectations of himself and consistent contributions.
Betting Implications and What Punters Should Watch
Arsenal’s continued momentum and a settled dressing-room dynamic after the tunnel incident make them a logical pick for bettors backing progression to the Carabao Cup final or short favourites in upcoming league fixtures. Gyokeres’ goal could prompt punters to consider him for anytime-scorer markets, while squad stability reduces concerns over disruptive off-field rows affecting short-term form.
Rice was engaged in an apparent disagreement with Albert Stuivenberg at half time in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup meeting with Chelsea
The Independent
