The Hammers stunned a capacity crowd at the Emirates Stadium, which included the returning Arsene Wenger, when they took a first half lead through Said Benrahma’s penalty.
Arsenal are made of sterner stuff these days, however and a spirited second half fightback which featured goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah yielded another three points.
Rice was overrun after the restart as Arsenal’s array of attacking talent ran rings around the visitors who had no answer to an impressive onslaught.
Mikel Arteta’s upwardly mobile side currently enjoy a seven-point lead over Newcastle and are a further point clear of champions Manchester City who face Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday.
‘100%,’ said Rice emphatically when asked if Arsenal could go all the way and end a 19-year wait to win the Premier League.
‘They are a top team, you can see they are coached incredibly well. They have a young squad with attacking talent and can go the whole way, that is for sure.
‘They’re a good team. First half we tried as hard as we could to stop them but it’s really hard. In the end we came up short and it’s really frustrating.’
West Ham manager David Moyes, meanwhile, was a little more circumspect on Arsenal’s chances, fearing City may just have too much nous and strength in-depth in the long-run.
‘We saw Leicester City win the league so it is not to say you cannot do it. Arsenal have a good side, good players,’ he said.
‘But Manchester City are waiting out there. Most people will say they are a step above others.’
MORE : Eddie Nketiah sends message to Arsene Wenger after Arsenal legend watches West Ham win
MORE : Arsenal submit £57m offer to sign Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk
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