VIDEO: Declan Rice comes back to haunt West Ham with unstoppable 25-yard strike to put Arsenal 6-0 up at London Stadium – but refuses to celebrate

Declan Rice marked his return to the London Stadium with a goal as he netted with a thunderous shot to put Arsenal six goals up against West Ham.

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Article continues below

• Rice scores against West Ham
• Scores thunderous shot from 25 yards out
• Arsenal romp to 6-0 win

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  On a day when Arsenal were already showing the Hammers exactly why they are real title challengers, Rice further showed off the Gunners' quality as he smashed a first-time shot into Alphonse Areola's net from 25 yards out. Having come up through the ranks at West Ham, Rice showed a touch of class as he refused to celebrate the goal and apologized to fans.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The game was Rice's first return to the London Stadium since he joined the Gunners in the summer of 2023. He made the move for a reported fee of 100 million ($127m) upfront plus £5m ($6.4m) in add-ons. Rice had been a loved figure for Hammers fans, however, he received a frosty welcome to the London Stadium earlier today. The show of respect after scoring, however, seems to have pulled the fans back on his side as he received a standing ovation when he was subbed off for Mohamed Elneny.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RICE?

  The Englishman appeared to be limping after the full-time whistle, however, it is very likely that he will be fully fit to feature in Arsenal's next match against Burnley on Saturday, February 17.