Arsenal's Declan Rice: A Fiery Exchange Unveiled
The rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea reached fever pitch during the Carabao Cup semi-final, with Declan Rice involved in a heated argument with Arsenal coach Albert Stuivenberg. Gabriel Magalhaes steps in as a peacemaker as tensions rise in an X-rated half-time row.
Declan Rice was involved in a furious row with Arsenal coach Albert Stuivenberg during the half-time interval of the Gunners’ Carabao Cup semi-final, first leg clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The England international was spotted on camera saying "oh, for f*ck’s sake" and suggesting that a member of Mikel Arteta’s backroom staff "doesn’t know what the hell he is on about".Arsenal appeared to be in a positive position at the time, with Ben White’s goal from another corner putting Arteta’s side 1-0 up in west London. It was not, however, an entirely happy camp as players made their way back to the dressing room.Rice had clearly been irked by something that Stuivenberg - who is known as ‘AirPod Albert’ due to his penchant for wearing wireless earpieces on the touchline - had said and hit back in an X-rated rant.Casting an eye over the video in question, expert lip-reader Jeremy Freeman has told the Daily Mail of what was said in the fiery exchange. Rice opens the sequence by saying "just go". Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes then steps in and tells Stuivenberg: "Stop, please stop, please stop."As the conversation continues, Rice blurts out: "Oh for f*ck’s sake". The agitated Gunners midfielder goes on to say: "He doesn’t know what the hell he is on about?" Gabriel, who acts as peacemaker, tells his club colleague: "Calm, hey stop, hey calm."Arsenal did have cause for celebration at the final whistle, with Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi finding the target for them in an entertaining second-half at Stamford Bridge. Alejandro Garnacho did, however, bag a brace for the hosts to keep Chelsea in the tie.With the Gunners holding a narrow 3-2 lead, the return leg of a heavyweight Carabao Cup encounter - with a place at Wembley up for grabs - will take place at Emirates Stadium on February 3.Who is Declan Rice arguing with at half-time? Chelsea vs Arsenal. #chelsea #arsenal #premierleagueLooking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Rice and Stuivenberg will have had plenty of time in which to iron out their differences by then. The latter has been part of Arteta’s coaching set-up since 2019. They struck up a rapport when studying for their UEFA A coaching licences together in Cardiff with the Football Association of Wales.Stuivenberg moved into coaching after seeing his playing career in the Netherlands cut short by a cruciate knee ligament injury. He was forced to hang up his boots in 1989 and explore other opportunities away from the field.Some 13 years were spent working with Feyenoord, where he helped to bring the likes of future Arsenal striker Robin van Persie through a fabled academy system, while he also graced the Dutch national team ranks alongside Louis van Gaal. Productive stints with Genk in Belgium and with Wales were enjoyed before heading to the Emirates.While Stuivenberg often operates in the shadows, as a trusted lieutenant of head coach Arteta, he did take temporary charge of the Gunners in January 2022 when their manager contracted Covid-19 and was forced to isolate instead of taking to the touchline for a meeting with Manchester City.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingStuivenberg and Rice were not the only prominent figures at Arsenal to lose their temper during a heated derby date with London rivals Chelsea in Carabao Cup competition - with major silverware still up for grabs there.Spanish midfielder Zubimendi and Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus also clashed with World Cup-winning Argentina international Enzo Fernandez at the final whistle, with there plenty of passion on display from both sides.Arteta will be demanding more of the same from his team as they remain in the hunt for prestigious honours at home and abroad. Arsenal will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Nottingham Forest.They hold a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table and have important domestic meetings with Manchester United and Leeds to take in alongside Champions League clashes with Inter and Kairat before attempting to finish the job against Chelsea in early February.
The Clash at Stamford Bridge
During the recent Carabao Cup semi-final clash between Arsenal and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, tensions ran high as Declan Rice was caught in a fiery exchange with Arsenal coach Albert Stuivenberg. The England international was visibly frustrated, expressing his disapproval towards a member of Mikel Arteta's backroom staff. As Ben White scored, putting Arsenal 1-0 up, the situation in the Gunners' camp seemed strained.
The Revelations of Lip-Reading
A lip-reading expert revealed the details of the intense mid-match confrontation. Rice's expletive-laden outburst and his criticism of Stuivenberg were clearly captured on camera. Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes intervened to calm the situation, urging for peace in the heated moment.
A Closer Look at Albert Stuivenberg
Albert Stuivenberg, also known as 'AirPod Albert', has been a key figure in Mikel Arteta's coaching staff since 2019. His coaching journey, starting from his days in the Netherlands and leading him to the Emirates Stadium, showcases his dedication to the sport despite his playing career being cut short by injury.
The Significance of the Ongoing Rivalry
The intense rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea was further highlighted by post-match altercations involving players like Zubimendi, Gabriel Jesus, and Enzo Fernandez. The passion displayed by both sides underscores the stakes involved in this high-profile competition.
Arsenal's Pursuit of Glory
As Arsenal remains at the forefront of the Premier League and continues its pursuit of domestic and international silverware, the team's focus remains steadfast. With key fixtures on the horizon, including a crucial Carabao Cup return leg against Chelsea, Arteta's side is determined to maintain its winning form.






