Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was involved in a heated tunnel exchange with assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg, often referred to as 'AirPod Albert,' during half-time of Arsenal's 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Chelsea. Footage circulating on social media captured the animated discussion, where Rice appeared visibly frustrated and gesticulated angrily. Lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman, commissioned by the Daily Mail, provided an interpretation of the exchange. According to Freeman, Rice reportedly initiated the confrontation by telling Stuivenberg to 'just go.' As the argument escalated, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães intervened, pleading with Stuivenberg to 'Stop, please stop, please stop.' Rice then allegedly exclaimed, 'Oh for f***'s sake,' before delivering a scathing remark: 'He doesn't know what the hell he is on about?' Gabriel continued his efforts to keep the peace throughout the incident. Despite the intense half-time disagreement, reports indicate that Rice and Stuivenberg were later seen embracing after Rice was substituted in the second half, suggesting the issue was quickly resolved within the team. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also addressed the incident, stating that the matter was 'all sorted, all good' by the time he became aware of it. The incident highlights the high emotions and pressure inherent in elite football, even when a team is leading, as Arsenal were 1-0 at the break.