With Newcastle on Saturday, it remains to be seen if Declan Rice will be in the starting line-up for Arsenal’s EFL Cup tie with West Ham on Wednesday evening.
Mikel Arteta didn’t include the England international in his team for the 1-0 win over fellow Premier League side Brentford in the previous rounds, but Rice had been withdrawn at half-time in the North London derby the weekend before.
The Gunners boss said it was possible that the summer signing could be involved for what would be his first return to his former club.
Asked if he thought he would receive a good reception, Arteta said, ” I would say so. I hope so.
|Every time you hear him talk about West Ham and what they did for him and everybody at the club, he cannot talk any higher, so hopefully they will be the same way towards him.”
Those sentiments were backed up by Hammers boss David Moyes, who made it clear he still holds his former captain in high regard.
“You’ve got to remember this is the man who lifted this club’s first European trophy in more than 50 years,” said Moyes.
“He should be welcomed back with open arms. We’re all looking forward to seeing him again.
“He was a brilliant member of the team. He led the team brilliantly well. He conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain and as a player.
“The most important thing was that he gave 100 per cent in every game, even though we sort of knew he probably wasn’t going to stay at West Ham. So all credit to him. He conducted himself brilliantly well and for that alone he deserves to be cheered.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Dec again. I’ve not seen him since he left. I don’t know if I want him to play, but I hope he’s there!”
Let’s see what happens. It’s possible Rice could be on the bench with Jorginho starting in a side that will see changes from the weekend win over Sheffield United, and despite what Arteta says, a selection that will likely be informed to some degree by the trip to St James’s Park on Saturday.
I’d rest Dec for this one. No disrespect to this cup, useful minutes for some players who will have a big say in what happens to us this season.
Perhaps, the player would like to play against the former team. Plus, Arteta isn’t Mourinho to ignore the circumstances.
Give him 10 minutes off the bench, just so he can get a big cheer and thank you from the home fans, Hopefully we’ll have won the game by then but if not he’s welcome to put another 35 yarder past their keeper.
I’m unfortunate enough to live in a area where the local pub is basically all west ham……the general consensus coming from there is his reception is not going to be a positive one. Maybe it will be different in the stadium
Totally agree. Dye to Partey not being available, we’re probably getting close to overplaying him already.
David Moyes – “The most important thing is that he gave 100 million….err…..percent in every game”
I have a soft spot for Moyes. This comment while he was at Sunderland still makes me laugh. You and me both, Moyes.
“ I probably spend Saturday night, and quite often, in a darkened room somewhere.”
Because he helped fuck up Manure?
There, you fixed him for him. Not sure what your day job is mate, but stand-up comedy lies awaiting if you ever need another line of work.
I’d like to see Vieira and Nelson start this one
One thing you can be sure of is sentiment will not inform Mikel’s decision.
Start Elneny and rest the first team please!
He’s a decent player all right, but I reckon he’d appreciate having a few others with him out there.
Agreed… I don’t think fielding a solitary player is even legal. Could result in an FA hearing.
It’s the FA, it might take a decade after the city fiasco to complete the hearing. By then Elneny’s one man spectacle on the road to Wembley alone will have turned to dust, trophy and bone
Dust, trophy and bone. I think I have that album.
Dust, trophy and bone. Hmm.
Adore DR. Pure class & a £100M bargain!
Don’t adore a cold AR no doubt being thrown into this game, then removed like a confirmed No2 would be by the manager for the Newcastle game.
I’m sure the warmth of your deep care and respect will be all he needs. And my guess is he would prefer to be on the pitch rather then off it!
Hi Goons, new patreon member here, how do I get access to the Discord chat?
I’m not on the Patreon but a post from back in 2019 may help?
I can’t login to see if it works, obviously.
https://www.patreon.com/checkout/arseblog?rid=2251678&redirect_uri=%2Fposts%2Fhow-to-access-28076332
I’ve a song idea if it’s not already been mooted for Declan Rice to the tune of “push the feeling on” by Nightcralwers ( aka the webuyanycar.com jingle)
” You sold your Star to Mikel Arteta!” on repeat…
T
Love it, but only when your playing against the hammers.