Mikel Arteta has moved swiftly to dismiss any suggestion of a rift within his Arsenal camp, insisting that a heated tunnel exchange between record signing Declan Rice and assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg is already resolved. The incident occurred during the Gunners' dramatic 3-2 Carabao Cup victory at Chelsea midweek, but Arteta emphasised the squad's unity as they prepare for a crucial Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest.
Tunnel Tension Quickly Diffused
Television cameras captured Declan Rice and assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg in a tense discussion as the Arsenal team headed out for the second half at Stamford Bridge. Teammate Gabriel Jesus was seen intervening in the apparent disagreement. However, any concerns were seemingly laid to rest when Rice, who was substituted later in the match, shared a long embrace with Stuivenberg before taking his seat on the bench.
"All sorted, all good," was Arteta's succinct summary when questioned about the matter in his pre-match press conference. "The good thing is that by the time I found out, the problem was resolved so that's very good." The manager shifted focus to his team's impressive form, highlighting their six-point lead at the Premier League summit and perfect Champions League record.
Transfer Window Drama Across the League
Elsewhere in the Premier League, managers are grappling with squad issues as the January transfer window enters its final stages. Sean Dyche confirmed Nottingham Forest are actively seeking a new striker following the loan departure of Arnaud Kalimuendo to Eintracht Frankfurt and with Chris Wood sidelined after knee surgery.
"The obvious one is the striker area because we are a bit short there," Dyche admitted ahead of Forest's clash with league leaders Arsenal. He described the challenge of navigating the "shifting sands of the market," indicating the club is working on potential deals.
At West Ham, manager Nuno Espírito Santo is looking to rebalance his squad, telling out-of-favour players like James Ward-Prowse and Callum Wilson to "go and pursue their careers." Nuno stressed the importance of avoiding mistakes in a "very tricky transfer window," following the significant signings of strikers Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe.
Opposition Praise and Defensive Concerns
Fulham's Marco Silva heaped praise on in-form Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a player he managed during his time at Everton. Calvert-Lewin has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances, propelling Leeds away from the relegation zone. "He is a proven Premier League striker," Silva stated, warning of the formidable challenge of facing him at a raucous Elland Road.
For Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, the primary concern is his team's porous defence, particularly on their travels. The Cherries have conceded a league-worst 29 goals in 10 away matches this season. "It definitely concerns me," Iraola said. "If we don't improve this, it's going to be difficult to get more wins."
Burnley's Scott Parker also pinpointed concentration as a critical failing for his struggling side, who face a daunting trip to Liverpool. "You can't switch off as this league is a deadly league," Parker lamented, reflecting on costly lapses that have left the Clarets eight points from safety.
