Arsenal fans were blown away by how Declan Rice played against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.
Declan Rice returned to haunt West Ham United today as Arsenal thrashed the east London club 6-0.
The 25-year-old produced a dominant display at the London Stadium. In the first half, via two inch-perfect set-piece deliveries, he picked up two assists. His first arrived in the 32nd minute, as William Saliba met his corner to put the Gunners ahead. Only a few minutes later, Rice bagged another assist as his free-kick was nodded home by Gabriel Magalhaes.
After the break, Rice got a goal of his own. In the 65th minute the ball broke to the 48-cap England star who hit it first time from range. The ball thundered into the back of the net, yet Rice only produced a mooted celebration out of respect for his former club.
Mikel Arteta will have been delighted by Rice’s performance against West Ham. Even as the game was very much won, the midfielder remained committed and professional, battling for every loose ball, right up until he was withdrawn from the action.
Arteta has previously tipped Rice to be a future Arsenal captain, and the player certainly led by example today.
Arsenal fans amazed by Declan Rice display v West Ham
Prior to this match, Rice was already an established fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium, as he has been a revelation for the club since his £105 million arrival in the recent summer transfer window. Many Arsenal supporters have long been convinced that Rice is living up to his club-record price tag.
After his performance against the Hammers, Arsenal fans flocked to X to laud his quality. One supporter said, “This is the Arsenal I want to see more! Declan Rice should be our captain, what an absolute beast!”
Another stated, “Rice was on hot beast mode today , exactly how I like my Rice.” One other fan claimed, “Declan Rice is an absolute midfield monster.” Another insisted, “Mr. Declan Rice you are a special footballer.”
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