Fan angles of Declan Rice’s screamer against West Ham United on Sunday have revealed some amusing reactions to the goal.
With the London Stadium rapidly emptying after Arsenal’s fifth goal against West Ham United in the 63rd minute, the home fans who stuck around were treated to a wonder-strike from their former captain Declan Rice.
Rice had received a mixed reception at best throughout the game, after setting up William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes’ goals in the first half.
But it was only got worse for his critics, as the midfielder curled in a shot from well outside the penalty area.
One West Ham fan took a video that showed the finish from the perfect angle, along with the reactions of some disbelieving supporters around them.
What an angle of Rice’s finish. pic.twitter.com/LOABWku5fm
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) February 12, 2024
An Arsenal fan sitting amongst the West Ham support caught the eruption of the Arsenal away end, along with the decision of a couple of West Ham fans that they’d seen enough.
This might be the greatest video I’ve ever taken pic.twitter.com/r3bqfVXM4v
— BH (@COYGBH_) February 11, 2024
In a third fan angle, below, a West Ham fan or two could be heard applauding Rice’s finish.
Bukayo Saka and Odegaard’s reaction to Declan Rice goal ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cikbLhnH0T
— 𝗙 𝗥 𝗘 𝗗 🗽 (@AFCFrediNho_) February 11, 2024
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard can be seen in the above clip with their hands on their heads in shock, but Ben White has perhaps the most amusing reaction of the lot.
White turns to Odegaard and Trossard and sarcastically applauds them both for their mix-up, which ultimately led to the goal. White ended up picking up an assist thanks to their mistakes.
According to fan reports in the home end, the majority of West Ham fans were clapping Rice by the end. He certainly seemed to get a good reception when he was substituted, despite some boos during the game.
After a wondergoal and two assists, there’s not much you can do but admit the player has got the better of you.