11 February 2024 , 13:53
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Declan Rice’s name was jeered as West Ham supporters reminded him he's not in claret and blue anymore on his latest return to the London Stadium.
The England ace spent 10 years on the books in east London before upping sticks to Arsenal in a £105million transfer last summer, having captained the Hammers to European glory in his final campaign at the club.
Ahead of his first Premier League appearance back at the home of his former side, Rice’s name was the subject of boos and jeers from supporters when it was read out over the tannoy ahead of the game. There is clearly no love lost in the eyes of some, who had no interest in welcoming their former captain back with open arms.
The discussion surrounding what sort of reception Rice would get was a hot topic ahead of kick-off, as it has been the previous two times the teams have met this term. Arsenal have already paid the London Stadium a visit once this season, when they were beaten 3-1 and eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
Ahead of that clash, Arteta Rice's return, telling reporters: “It will be his first time back at his old club and a beautiful moment I think for him.
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"I think it’s beautiful. I had the experience to do it a few times and then you really see what they think of you and what you left at the club. It’s a really good way to measure your experience and your reality within the reality of the people who share moments with you."
On that occasion, Rice’s name was met with a similar reception. Although, it must be noted that when he was brought on for the Gunners off the bench, a few cheers of appreciation for his efforts were also audible. There are some Hammers fans who, although he's now long gone, won't hammer a player they once fervently rooted for.
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A win for Arsenal would go some way to keeping their title hopes alive, while defeat would leave them back at square one after all the joy of last week’s win over Liverpool.
They are again without Emile Smith Rowe, who has suffered a new injury, this time an ankle problem.
Arteta confirmed pre-match: "Emile [Smith-Rowe] turned his ankle in training, so he’s not available. It was too early for Gabi [Jesus] to come back and for him to recover and Jorginho has been struggling with playing 90 minutes in the week.
"He’s been struggling [with a foot injury] for a while now and he aggravated it after playing 96 minutes at that level. He’s here to support the team though, that’s the spirit of Jorgi."
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