David Seaman surprised by what he saw 24-year-old Arsenal star do against West Ham

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David Seaman has suggested that he was surprised to see what Declan Rice did against West Ham on Sunday after helping Arsenal to a 6-0 win at the London Stadium.

The Gunners made a real statement with their performance over the Hammers. Of course, West Ham won the reverse fixture and put a large dent in Arsenal’s title push at the same ground last season.

Declan Rice was one of the stars of the show in the victory. The former West Ham captain set up two of the goals, with two brilliant set-pieces. And he rounded off the scoring with an amazing strike from well outside the box.

David Seaman surprised Declan Rice did not celebrate Arsenal goal

Rice’s early touches were booed by some of the West Ham fans inside the ground. Nevertheless, the Englishman decided to put his hands up immediately after finding the back of the net in the second-half.

It is common now to see players not celebrate against former clubs. And Rice has a stronger connection with his old side than most. So many may have expected Rice to suppress any urge to go crazy.

But speaking on Seaman Says, David Seaman suggested that he was taken aback by what Rice did do when he scored.

“To see him not celebrate, it was strange because it was such a good goal. And it was just the icing on the cake. I was so happy for him because he was getting a lot of stick. He got a lot of stick at the Emirates recently when West Ham beat Arsenal. I was just so happy for him,” he said.

Gunners midfielder conducted himself extremely well

Rice conducted himself extremely well. Criticism of the West Ham fans who booed him seems incredibly odd. Their loyalty lies with their club, not with the player who has now moved on. And for those 90 minutes, he is one of the players they need to try and put off.

That was highlighted by the fact that he got a really good reception as he came off the pitch.

Obviously, Rice had the last laugh as Arsenal ran riot in that middle period of the game. There was no need to do anything else.

And you do get the sense that he will always feel a special bond with West Ham.