Declan Rice bemoans West Ham’s woeful defense but defends David Moyes
‘I don’t think we’ve conceded five worse goals since I started here’: Declan Rice laments WOEFUL West Ham defense but insists he’s ‘loved’ working with boss David Moyes despite being dragged into relegation dogfight
Declan Rice bemoaned West Ham’s poor defense after a crushing 5-1 defeat at home to Newcastle put them in further danger.
West Ham came into the game this weekend after three vital points against Southampton, although they struggled all the way against Eddie Howe’s side and eventually found themselves on the receiving end of a beating.
David Moyes, on the verge of being sacked for much of the season, stood motionless for large periods of the second half as his side dominated all over the field.
West Ham captain Rice said after the game it was ‘hard to take’ before commenting on his and his fellow players’ defensive efforts for each of the goals.
He also offered his support to Moyes, saying he is “happy” to play under him.
Declan Rice appeared to be on the verge of crying after the final whistle on his side
Rice came forward and admitted West Ham’s defense for the goals was not acceptable
David Moyes’ face was an accurate representation of the magnitude of West Ham’s loss on Wednesday
‘Hard to take. Five goals you can’t concede on any level. Five very bad goals together, that’s not good enough,” he said Sky Sports.
“When you play for this badge, the fans want to desire, work hard and go out in high heels.
“And today it was a weird one we went 2-0 down, we were pushing. We got the target and there was a real belief that we could get something.
“But the goal at the start of the second half really killed it and it was hard to come back after that. The effort was there. When you’re five goals behind it’s hard to keep going, but you always have to keep pushing.’
He added: “The game really got stretched when we were 2-0 down. When you’re at home pushing and have fans behind you, you don’t want to sit back and defend the game. The five goals are not what West Ham are built for.
“I don’t think we’ve conceded five worse goals as a team since I’ve been playing for West Ham, to be honest.”
Goals from Callum Wilson, Joelinton and Alexander Isak saw the Hammers lose. Kurt Zouma briefly brought them back into the game and halved the deficit to make it 2-1.
Rice added of Moyes, “I like working with the manager. How he is as a person, as a man, he’s great to us. Fans have their say, but it’s football.
Kurt Zouma’s effort on the stroke of half-time aroused the hosts, but hopes were soon dashed
West Ham await a crucial few weeks as they desperately try to stay in the Premier League
It’s difficult because they want to see performance, but there’s been an inconsistent lack of that this season.
“We have to keep the positivity. I’m trying to keep the boys in there. I’ve been to West Ham before where you can feel negativity, with this group of lads that doesn’t happen. I think a run and we can get by.’
The result means West Ham remain fifteenth, although they have wasted one of their games in hand on the teams below them. Their goal difference has also taken a significant blow, which could prove to be decisive after all.
Moyes’ team will take on Fulham on Saturday and receive leader Arsenal. They have a crucial trip to fellow contenders Bournemouth on April 23, ahead of games against Liverpool and Crystal Palace
Newcastle, meanwhile, remain third and their hopes of qualifying for the next Champions League are growing by the week.