In a dominant performance, The Gunners outclassed their rivals in east London, scoring four first-half goals before Bukayo Saka added a stunning fifth. Following this, Rice was substituted off to a mixed reaction from the home crowd.
Some clapped for him while others made rude gestures in the stands. Rice responded by clapping and apologizing once again.
The debate arose whether Declan Rice should have celebrated his goal against his old club. One viewpoint emphasizes that he does not want to celebrate, quoting, “That’s part of the reason why he doesn’t want to celebrate.
I don’t care if you raised me from age 2, if I score a screamer, tops coming off, knee slide then in the crowd.” Some observers noted a subdued reaction from Declan Rice against his old club and highlighted his upcoming tough challenges in the Premier League.
Other fans praised Rice’s performance, while some were less forgiving, expressing disdain for his departure from West Ham. At the end of the match, Rice made his way to the West Ham dugout to embrace his former colleagues.
He then acknowledged and clapped for the home supporters and waved to fans in the stands, who stayed for the full 90 minutes despite witnessing their team’s biggest defeat of the season.
