Arsenal are preparing to face Crystal Palace in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with the Gunners still in contention for all four trophies this season
07:47, 23 Dec 2025
Mikel Arteta's table-topping Arsenal are still in contention for four trophies this season
View 4 Images
Mikel Arteta's table-topping Arsenal are still in contention for four trophies this season
Arsenal are set to face off against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, with Mikel Arteta's men still in the running for all four major trophies this season.
A win in this London derby would see them through to the semi-finals of the League Cup - a trophy they last lifted in 1993. The Gunners will be riding high after their solid 1-0 victory over Everton at the weekend, bouncing back from a nervy 2-1 win against Wolves that could have derailed their Premier League title hopes.
Arteta's boys remain two points ahead of Manchester City as they gear up for this weekend's league action, where they'll welcome Brighton to their turf. With talk about Arsenal's chances of bagging Premier League and even Champions League glory this season heating up, here's all the latest news from the Emirates.
Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice of Arsenal
View 4 Images
Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice of Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Rice tipped for captaincy
Wayne Rooney has thrown his weight behind Declan Rice to take over the England captain's armband once current skipper Harry Kane hangs up his international boots.
Even though Kane is usually the one leading the Three Lions, midfield dynamo Rice has donned the armband twice in his 72 senior appearances, most recently in the 3-0 triumph over Wales in October, reports the Mirror.
Rice, who has consistently delivered for England, has elevated his performances to new heights under Arteta, with his dynamic display against Everton leaving Toffees icon Rooney thoroughly impressed.
The 26-year-old's exceptional talent and relentless determination to influence matches has Rooney firmly believing that Rice possesses the qualities needed to captain his nation.
England team-mates Declan Rice and Harry Kane
View 4 Images
England team-mates Declan Rice and Harry Kane(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking on BBC Sport's The Wayne Rooney Show, the former striker gushed: "I have to say Declan Rice is incredible, it was a pleasure to watch. He was by far the best player on the pitch. For me, he's the future captain of England. He's the one who's probably waiting for Harry to hang up his boots at some point."
Rooney continued his praise, adding: "He was all over the pitch. His decision-making – when to pass it, where to pass it, what foot to pass it to, his detail on his pass – it was a pleasure to watch. He was absolutely incredible."
The Manchester United legend was particularly struck by Rice's versatility: "He was splitting centre-backs, taking the ball off Arsenal's centre-backs, acting as a third centre-back, then next minute he's in the box, trying to score a goal. Sometimes, some of the stuff he does is a bit underrated."
Rooney concluded: "He's the right one to take over Kane for me, because of his drive, his personality. Everyone seems to love him, who knows him, who's close to him. He's irreplaceable for England."
Odegaard's leadership highlighted
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal gestures during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
View 4 Images
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal against Everton(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has once again sung the praises of Martin Odegaard's captaincy after the Arsenal skipper handed Viktor Gyokeres the ball for the Gunners' spot-kick against Everton.
The Norwegian midfielder has faced stick over the past 12 months for patchy performances, with Arsenal legends like Tony Adams even suggesting Rice should take over the armband.
But Arteta has consistently stood by his captain, now lauding Odegaard for stepping up and letting Gyokeres take the penalty when the striker was desperately needing a confidence boost after struggling for goals.
The boss explained: "They took ownership on the pitch between Martin and Bukayo [Saka] and him to decide who was the taker. They made a great decision because Viktor put the ball in the back of the net."
Article continues below
When quizzed whether this demonstrated the playmaker's leadership qualities, Arteta replied: "Yes I agree with that. And as well the confidence in the player [Gyokeres] because obviously he practices every day.
"He's unbelievable at it and he put the ball in the back of the net. I love when players take ownership and decide what is the best decision. That's something really positive."