Declan Rice endured a torrid return to the London Stadium as Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen inspired West Ham to a 3-1 win over Arsenal that booked a spot in the quarter finals of the EFL Cup.
England midfielder Rice, who skippered The Hammers to UEFA Europa Conference League glory prior to a £105m move to the Gunners in the summer, appeared as a second half substitute against his old club, but could not inspire a recovery on a disappointing night for the visitors.
David Moyes’s men failed to have a shot in the first 45 but went in at the break in front thanks to Ben White’s headed own goal from Bowen’s right-wing corner.
Arsenal dictated and probed but struggled to carve out anything of real note and they were duly punished as the hosts started the second period with much more intent.
Bowen forced Aaron Ramsdale into an excellent save before Mohammed Kudus produced two touches of quality to double the home team’s lead on 50 minutes.
Bowen then got in on the act with a deflected 20-yard shot on the hour to put the tie well beyond the below-par Gunners, who netted a consolation through substitute Martin Odegaard deep into stoppage time.
Mikel Arteta will now hope for a huge improvement ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Newcastle. West Ham are away to Brentford.
