Declan Rice scored a long-range stunning goal against his former, West Ham, as Arsenal claimed a 6-0 win at the London Stadium on Sunday to stay within two points of leaders Liverpool.

The fixture was billed as a tough assignment for Mikel Arteta’s side but West Ham completely capitulated as four goals in 15 first-half minutes sent many home fans streaming towards the exits early.

William Saliba’s header from Rice’s corner set the wheels in motion, with Bukayo Saka adding a second from the penalty spot before Gabriel Magalhaes headed home another Rice set-piece and Leandro Trossard added a brilliantly-taken fourth.

Arsenal continued to tear through the abject hosts in the second half, adding two more goals in as many minutes as Saka capitalised on static defending to finish at the near post before Rice’s brilliant curler from 25 yards completed the rout.

The extraordinary victory allows Arsenal to draw level with second-placed Manchester City on goal difference, maintaining their title hopes following last Sunday’s win over Liverpool and piling pressure on David Moyes, with West Ham now seven games without a win.

EPL: Liverpool beat Burnley to regain top spot, Tottenham win

Speaking, Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, said: “I’m extremely happy. The way we performed, the way we played. Such a big score in a really difficult place tells you a lot about how well the boys played today.

“It’s great to make (club) history especially the way we have done it. We’re in a good moment and we you have good moments you have to build and maintain the momentum. The team from the beginning looked really sharp. We had to put right the last two results against them and that was a good motivation for the boys.”

On Rice, he said: “It’s always difficult to come back to your old club. The fans were really good to him. When he went to take the corner they clapped him so it’s great to see that kind of reception. He loves this club so much and I know what it meant to him to play today.

“We have to share the goals. That desire and that commitment to get into the box to make things happen, it was excellent.”

West Ham and Arsenal are back in Premier League action next Saturday, Sky Sports reports.

West Ham travel to Nottingham Forest on February 17, while Arsenal travel to Burnley.

The Star