Declan Rice was serenaded by the Arsenal fans after their 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday.
Declan Rice proved the match-winner for Arsenal, when he struck in the 96th minute to put the Gunners ahead. Things got even better for Mikel Arteta’s side, as Gabriel Jesus added a third goal at the end of a quick counter-attack, as Manchester United had committed men forward in search of a late equaliser.
The result ensured that Arsenal took ten points from their first four Premier League matches of the campaign, keeping them within touching distance of early leaders and reigning champions Manchester City.
It was a great result for the club, and a personal milestone moment for Rice, too. The midfielder’s goal was his first for Arsenal, since making his club-record £105 million move to north London from West Ham United this summer.
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The late finish aside, the 24-year-old is already living up to his price tag. He produced a dominant, man of the match display in the middle of the park against the Red Devils, repeatedly winning back possession and launching Arsenal attacks.
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Rice reacts to Arsenal fans
The Emirates Stadium recognised Rice’s brilliance after the final whistle. The Arsenal fans chanted ‘Rice, Rice Baby’ to the tune of the Vanilla Ice hit ‘Ice, Ice Baby’ whilst the players remained on the pitch after the match.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Rice was asked about the response he has been given by the Arsenal fans since his arrival at the club, and his thoughts on the chant they sing in his honour.
The 43-cap England international said, “it’s good to hear the fans. Obviously, as a person you feel a little bit embarrassed walking around hearing that being sung…but I really appreciate all the love they’ve shown me so far, you know, it’s been incredible. Just trying to soak it all in, just trying to enjoy myself.”
Embarrassed or not, Rice will be hoping to hear the chant plenty more this season as he continues to establish himself in the heart of Arteta’s system.