West Ham United fans had the perfect response to what Arsenal supporters chanted at them about Declan Rice.
Few would have seen that coming as West Ham comfortably beat Arsenal 3-1 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The Hammers went into the game against the Gunners off the back of three straight defeats.
So it was clear vastly improved performance levels were needed from West Ham as Declan Rice returned for the first time since his £105m move to Arsenal in the summer.
West Ham fans had perfect response to what Arsenal supporters chanted at them about Declan Rice
Much of the focus before and during the match was on the kind of reception Rice would receive from the fans who used to adore him.
Hammers News predicted it would be very much mixed with jeers being drowned out by applause when he was welcomed onto the pitch as a second half Arsenal substitute.
And that proved to be the case with West Ham fans then booing his every touch – in a customary fashion dating back years.
It seems Arsenal’s travelling support couldn’t wait to taunt the Hammers about their former captain.
But West Ham fans had the perfect response to what Arsenal supporters chanted at them about Rice.
Arsenal fans left with their tails between their legs
‘He left cos’ you’re s—, he left cos’ you’re s—, Declan Rice, he left cos’ you’re s—‘ the Arsenal supporters sang loud and proud at the London Stadium.
West Ham fans are famed for their quick-wittedness, though. And they didn’t disappoint.
The home fans universally responded with ‘Champions of Europe, we know what we are’.
And as West Ham strode into a 3-0 lead, the home faithful had a few more up their sleeve – ‘You should have signed for a big club’ and ‘Declan, what’s the score, Declan, Declan what’s the score’.
It’s fair to say the Arsenal fans left the London Stadium – many long before the final whistle – with their tails between their legs.
As they did West Ham fans had one last dig – ‘We can see you sneaking out’.
