Declan Rice matched incredible Frank Lampard record in Arsenal 6-0 win v West Ham

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice certainly will have felt the usual pressure heading back to his old club West Ham United today.

Rice hadn’t previously beaten West Ham in his last two attempts, succumbing to two losses.

However, that certainly wasn’t the case today, as Mikel Arteta watched his side win 6-0 in ruthless fashion.

If Arsenal struggled to finish their chances in the corresponding fixture at the Emirates, there was no such issue today.

And as well as securing two assists from set-pieces, deliveries that shouldn’t be understated, Rice also scored a beautiful long-range goal.

The result and Rice’s individual performance probably did represent the perfect trip back to East London.

And with that being said, Rice’s performance today matched a Frank Lampard record that has stood since 2008.

Football data expert Harvey Downes shared the stat on X following Rice’s goal in the second half, which was swiftly followed by his substitution. 

And whilst Rice will never be the scorer that Lampard once was, he will surely be delighted to be mentioned in the same echelon. 

Declan Rice matched Frank Lampard record with goal and assists for Arsenal against West Ham

Rice became just the second player to score and assist in a Premier League away game against West Ham after previously playing for them.

Lampard also managed a goal and an assist for Chelsea back in March 2008.

Of course, this stat both demonstrates how strong the West Ham academy is, but perhaps why those individuals were right to take the next step.

Perhaps Declan Rice will have been delighted that it turned out not to be a difficult, nervy day for himself and Arsenal at West Ham.

Rice doesn’t deserve any boos at his former club, just as David Moyes mentioned before the game.

And whilst the minority will still jovially boo Rice, it was good to see the West Ham fans also applauding their former captain – who did only just lift an historic European trophy with the side.

But on a lighter note, Arsenal fans will very much enjoy a humorous moment involving Gabriel Magalhaes today.