Credit: Breaking Media

Daniel Lewis

Fri 8 May 2026 11:10, UK

Jarrod Bowen has praised former West Ham United teammate Declan Rice ahead of his latest return to the London Stadium with Arsenal.

Rice is set to start for Arsenal when they face West Ham on Sunday in a truly massive game at both ends of the Premier League.

Arsenal need all three points to keep their title aspirations in their own hands with two games to play, while West Ham are in desperate need of at least a point to boost their survival hopes.

It is fair to say Rice has had a better time of things than West Ham since he departed for Arsenal in a £100million-plus deal in June 2023.

Bowen has now been speaking about Rice ahead of West Ham’s crucial showdown with the Gunners in East London.

Jarrod Bowen expects positive reaction for Declan Rice

Rice cemented his name in West Ham folklore when lifting the Europa Conference League trophy three years ago.

That was a famous night for West Ham, who unfortunately have been unable to build on that success in the years since.

It came as a surprise to many, then, when Rice was booed by West Ham fans when he made his first return to the London Stadium with Arsenal.

Arsenal favourite Rice continues to get booed by West Ham fans. It may only be a minority, but the jeers are loud enough to hear.

And that is why it continues to be a talking point even now, despite Rice and West Ham having crossed paths multiple times now.

That is why comments made by Bowen to West Ham’s official website on Friday unfortunately appear likely to be wide of the mark.

“He was captain when we lifted a trophy and he’s going to get a good reception because people respect him as a player and as a person,” Bowen said.

“But obviously we don’t wish him well for when we play him because we want to win!”

Rice will be given a good reception by plenty of West Ham fans and a negative reception by some. In truth, a non-reaction is likely from the vast majority.

As ever, though, those boos can be made out better and it will no doubt be a topic of debate once again this weekend.

What has Rice said ahead of West Ham return?

Those who feel the need to boo Rice for wanting to take the next step in his career – with West Ham getting a nine-figure sum in return, remember – should read his comments from this week.

Speaking on Amazon Prime, Rice said: “It’s a club that gave me everything. Without West Ham, there’s no me. I honestly believe that. They gave me a chance when Chelsea didn’t.

“It’s not nice to see the position they are, but it’s football and I have a job to do. We’re trying to win a Premier League title. May the best team win.”

West Ham fans attending the match have every right to make their feelings known one way or another.

And in truth, every Arsenal player should be jeered on the day as the London Stadium needs to be as intimidating as possible.

But to single out Rice for jeers – pantomime or otherwise – is just wrong.