- Declan Rice received a warm welcome on his return to the London Stadium
- It was Rice’s first appearance for West Ham since his move to Arsenal
- CARABAO CUP LIVE: Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for West Ham vs Arsenal here
Declan Rice received a warm welcome from West Ham supporters on his return to the London Stadium on Wednesday as he faced his former club for the first time since his £105million summer move to Arsenal.
The Gunners midfielder was named on the bench for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup trip through the capital on Wednesday and received a round of applause from the Hammers faithful as he warmed up during the first half.
But with Arsenal trailing in the fourth round after Ben White’s own goal and Mohammed Kudus’ brilliantly taken goal, Mikel Arteta opted to throw on Rice to strengthen his midfield.
His participation caused the home fans to rise to their feet and applaud their former captain who had led them to glory in the Europa Conference League earlier that year, ending the club’s trophy drought.
The England international replaced Jorginho, and although he was initially well received, Rice was booed by the West Ham fans every time he touched the ball.
Declan Rice received a standing ovation on his return to the London Stadium on Wednesday
Rice (right) started the Carabao Cup match on the bench for the Gunners in east London
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Rice’s introduction did not initially appear to have much impact, with West Ham extending their lead to 3–0 just minutes after taking the field.
On the hour mark, Jarrod Bowen extended the Hammers’ lead to three, putting David Moyes’ side in complete control.
Rice, 24, moved to London in the summer for a club record £105 million.
Rice, who has been with the Hammers since he was 14, led the club to their first major trophy in 43 years in the Europa Conference League final in June, the last of his 245 games there.
Ahead of the game, former manager Moyes pleaded with Hammers fans to welcome their ex-skipper with ‘open arms’.
“You have to remember that this is the man who lifted this club’s first European trophy in more than 50 years,” he said.
‘He should be welcomed with open arms. We are all looking forward to seeing him again.
Rice (right) received a round of applause from the Hammers faithful as he warmed up
Rice’s introduction did not have the desired impact, and Arsenal conceded not long after
‘He was a brilliant member of the team. He led the team excellently. He conducted himself impeccably as West Ham captain and as a player.
‘The most important thing was that he gave 100 percent in every game, even though we kind of knew he probably wouldn’t stay at West Ham. So all credit to him. He behaved excellently and for that reason alone he deserves to be applauded.’
More to follow