COMBO DEAL

Eagle-eyed Arsenal fans spot Gabriel run over and whisper to Rice just before pair combined to score against West Ham

Arsenal star Declan Rice scored a goal and produced two assists

By Kostas Lianos

11th February 2024, 6:01 pm

Updated: 11th February 2024, 6:14 pm

ARSENAL star Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes already knew what they wanted to do before their third goal against West Ham.

The Gunners destroyed the Hammers 6-0 at the London Stadium to put their Premier League title bid into full gear.

Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes had a secret chat before the third goal

This came just before Arsenal took on a free-kick from a promising position

Rice then delivered a cross to Gabriel who scored Arsenal’s third goal

Reuters

Arsenal went on to beat West Ham 6-0 at the London Stadium

Gabriel practically sealed the three points in the 44th minute following centre-back partner William Saliba’s opener and Bukayo Saka’s penalty kick.

The North Londoners showed exactly why they are the most dangerous Premier League team on set pieces a few minutes before half-time.

Eagle-eyed Arsenal fans noticed Gabriel and Rice having a secret chat after the visitors got a free-kick from a promising position down the left.

That led to a wonderful combination between the defender and the former West Ham superstar.

Rice delivered a pinpoint cross which met Gabriel who put the ball past the hosts’ goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

This marked the England international’s second assist of the night as he also set Saliba up just 12 minutes earlier.

The 25-year-old then went on to score to cap off a wonderful afternoon after Saka completed his brace and Leandro Trossard also hit the target.

Shortly after Gabriel’s goal a raft of West Ham fans left the ground at half-time when the score was already 4-0.

Manchester United legend Roy Keane described the East Londoners’ performance as an “absolute disgrace”.

Keane told Sky Sports: “West Ham have been shocking and frustrating.

Fuming West Ham fans stream out of London Stadium before HALF-TIME during Arsenal drubbing

“I can’t believe what I’m watching – they way they’re getting beat. West Ham in the last 10-15 minutes have been an absolute disgrace.

“There’s a way to lose a game of football, but the way West Ham are doing it they look slow, they look sluggish in midfield, they’re running back.

“There’s no desire and no hunger. David Moyes must be fuming at half-time.

“All credit to Arsenal – they’ve flexed their muscles – they look sharp, they look at it. West Ham, disgrace.”