Declan Rice fires brilliant Newcastle message after Arsenal's Carabao Cup exit

Declan Rice returned to the London Stadium for the first time since leaving West Ham to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window. However, it was not a happy return for the England international as he was welcomed onto the pitch by a mixture of boos and cheers, with the Gunners suffering a 3-1 defeat against his former side.

The ex-Hammers captain was named among the substitutes as he watched Arsenal go 2-0 down before being introduced to the action - with Jarrod Bowen making it 3-0 just moments later. Rice was unable to help Mikel Arteta's side progress into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals but is now already looking to put things right on Saturday when the Gunners face Newcastle United.

In a message on Instagram, Rice thanked Arsenal fans for their support against the Hammers and is looking to get back to winning ways this weekend. Rice wrote: "Thanks for your support as always!

"Wasn't our night but time to put it right on Saturday," he added. Rice then followed up with a message to West Ham supporters.

"Despite the result, loved being backa t the stadium and seeing so many familiar faces. Thank you West Ham fans for the reception.

"Will be forever grateful to all of you. Wish you all nothing but the best for the rest of the season, see you soon!"

Arsenal travel north to face Newcastle at St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon - a notoriously difficult place to win. The Gunners will be looking to get back to winning ways in an effort to keep pace with those around them inside the top four.

However, Arteta will be without a number of key players including Emile Smith Rowe after he suffered a knee injury earlier this week. The Hale End graduate is set to be sidelined for a number of weeks in what is yet another blow to Arteta's squad - with Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber still sidelined.