Arsenal legend identifies what West Ham fans did when Declan Rice was substituted in emphatic 6-0 win

Declan Rice had about as good a return to the London Stadium as he possibly could have with Arsenal as he played his part in a 6-0 thrashing of old side West Ham United.

The holding midfielder was one of the biggest transfer moves last summer when he moved across London to the Gunners for an initial £100m fee.

Since then, the 25-year-old has been an ever-present in the heart of the engine room for Mikel Arteta's side as Arsenal seek to build on finishing as Premier League runners-up last season.

This afternoon, Rice returned to the London Stadium for the first time since leaving the Hammers as the Gunners travelled for a London derby.

Arsenal absolutely thrashed West Ham 6-0, with Rice teeing up two goals before capping off the victory with a stunning strike.

Arsenal ran riot and went in 4-0 up half-time, and a mass exodus ensued inside the ground but those who did stay saw two further Arsenal strikes, including the goal of the game from Rice.

He picked up the ball outside the box and curled an outrageous effort past Alphonse Areola, before refusing to celebrate against his former team.

Rice had initially been booed when he touched the ball by the West Ham supporters, who used to adore him and whose final appearance helped David Moyes's side win the UEFA Europa Conference League.

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Rice was taken off after 67 minutes by Arteta and was replaced by Mohamed Elneny as the Gunners boss rested the summer signing to preserve his freshness for upcoming matches.

And when the Three Lions star left the pitch at the London Stadium for the first time as an opposition player, many West Ham fans opted to applaud their former star off the field of play.

The game was broadcast live on Sky Sports and commentator Rob Hawthorne noticed how some Hammers fans clapped the midfielder.

He said: "It’s actually his last touch because now is time for change and even some West Ham fans are applauding Declan Rice as he leaves the pitch."

And Arsenal legend Alan Smith, who was co-commentating, noticed many around and below their position were doing exactly the same.

He said: "Yeah, there’s a lot down below clapping him."

A nice touch from those Hammers fans that didn't leave early.