Arteta hands Hammers a Rice warning
Mikel Arteta has handed the Hammers a Rice warning claiming there is much more to come from his prize signing. The former Hammers captain has been doing the business week in week out since he left the east end and could be a thorn in our side at the Emirates this evening although the new Hammers midfield may well have him weighed up given they offer their best form.
Declan was of course superb for the Hammers ad how we would replace him was a big worry until technical director Tim Steidten swooped for Ajax defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez who has proved a more than adequate successor.
Arteta hands Hammers a Rice warning
And of course in his first confrontation with the Hammers since leaving Declan was an Arsenal loser as we knocked the Gooners out of the Carabao Cup. We will be hoping he won’t come back to haunt us this evening.
However, his new manager Mikel Arteta could hardly be more enthusiastic about Declan who cost Arsenal £105 million declaring: “When they put the price-tag you have to carry that and it is not easy. “He has done it in a brilliant way. He is a really humble guy and the way that he wants to learn and take positive criticism is really powerful. He has other levels to go. I love his presence on the pitch. He’s there and he’s got something special. I felt it when I played against him, that’s why I was mad to sign him.