Declan Rice appeared to become embroiled in a heated argument with an Arsenal staff member in the Stamford Bridge tunnel at half-time of the Gunners’ 3-2 win over Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Rice started the match in west London on Wednesday (January 14) and will no doubt be relatively pleased with the result heading into the second leg, which will take place on February 3.
Ben White opened the scoring on seven minutes before Viktor Gyokeres doubled the Gunners’ lead on 49 minutes, but summer signing Alejandro Garnacho pulled one back for Liam Rosenior’s side on 57 minutes.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side added a third via Martin Zubimendi on 71 minutes to make it 3-1 to the delight of the Arsenal faithful.
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And the north London side seemingly had one foot in the final before Garnacho netted a second on 83 minutes to keep Chelsea in the tie and make it 3-2.
Despite conceding a late goal, Arteta will no doubt be pleased with the one-goal advantage.
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However, not everyone appeared happy during the game.
A video emerged on social media after the game, which appeared to show Rice embroiled in a heated debate with Arsenal assistant coach Albert Stuivenburg.
The pair, who were both standing in the tunnel ahead of the second half, appeared to exchange words in an animated manner during the clip before Gabriel gets in between them.
The reason for the altercation remains unclear, but fans put forward their theories and offered their thoughts on social media.
However, it must be noted that the pair hugged after Rice was withdrawn and replaced by Kai Havertz on 82 minutes.
One fan asked: “Why was Declan Rice angrily shouting at Albert Stuivenberg in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge before the second half???"
Another added: “Did anyone else see the argument that looked like it was between Rice and Albert Stuivenberg in the tunnel, coming out for the second half?
“Rice appeared to be telling him to go away, then, when he got subbed off, he gave him a long hug.”
A third commented: “Happens all the time, I bet with staff and players, cameras just happened to catch this one.”
While a fourth explained: “Anyone who has ever played knows this happens all the time between players themselves and coaches as well. Nothing to see here.”
Neither Rice nor Stuivenberg has commented on the matter.
Arsenal return to action at the City Ground on Saturday (January 17), where they will take on Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest.
Topics: Declan Rice, Arsenal, Chelsea, Carabao Cup, Football
Luke Davies