In just half a year at Arsenal, some West Ham supporters seem to have erased Declan Rice’s significant contributions to their team. During the recent match at the Emirates, the Gunners’ midfielder faced constant jeers from the visiting fans. Despite this, West Ham’s confidence soared after Tomas Soucek netted a surprising opener, courtesy of Jarrod Bowen’s determined efforts.
However, many on social media expressed disbelief at how these travelling fans seemed to overlook Rice’s remarkable decade-long tenure at West Ham. Aged 24, Rice had been honored as West Ham’s Player of the Year three times, played 245 matches for the club, and played a crucial role in their Europa Conference League triumph last season.
Some fans believed that the jeers might actually motivate Rice in the second half, while others criticized the West Ham faithful for their behaviour, highlighting Rice’s contributions in winning a European trophy, generating substantial revenue for the club, and aiding in team rebuilding.
Despite this, some loyalists remained critical of their former star. Nonetheless, Rice had an impressive first half, boasting a 97% pass completion rate and winning all the duels and tackles he attempted.
West Ham extended their lead in the second half when Konstantinos Mavropanos scored, further complicating matters for Arsenal. Notably, it was James Ward-Prowse, brought in to replace Rice, who assisted from a corner.
The situation worsened for Arsenal and Rice, particularly when he conceded a penalty in the final moments for a foul on Emerson Palmieri. Fans could be heard chanting “You should have signed for a big club” just before the penalty, which was ultimately saved by David Raya.
This wasn’t Rice’s first setback against his former clubs; earlier in the season, West Ham had knocked Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup with a surprising 3-1 victory at the London Stadium.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, remained steadfast in his belief that investing heavily in Rice was the right decision. He praised Rice’s intelligence in handling scrutiny and highlighted the special quality the player brings to the team, emphasizing his personal desire to sign Rice and the challenges that come with the hefty price tag attached to such signings.
D. Rice
Declan Rice
EnglandThis season he played in total 19 times for 1656 minutes for Premier League.
D. Rice scored 2 goals for Arsenal. He procured one assist. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in Premier League. In the last match Arsenal lost 2-0 against West Ham United. The next match in Premier League will be against Fulham.
Arsenal performance and stats
Arsenal is currently 2nd in the Premier League with 40 points.
In the last 19 games, it has won 12 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Arsenal lost 0-2 against West Ham United.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 36 goals and conceding 18.
Arsenal will play the next match in Premier League against Fulham on Sunday 31st of December in London. The prediction is Arsenal winning the match.
