Today West Ham fell to a 4-1 loss against Arsenal. The result leaves the Hammers six points clear of relegation with games against Man United and Man City to come.
While Arsene Wenger dominated the evening, Declan Rice's misfortune saw his manager David Moyes single him out for some criticism after the game. As reported by Football London, Moyes was unimpressed with Rice after the Irish qualified centre-half failed to attack a cross that resulted in a fortuitous Aaron Ramsey goal.
Up until 81 minutes we looked worthy of a point. Had moments in the first half, but a young player makes a poor mistake for the second goal. He’s got big potential but it really flattened the team. The last thing you do is let the ball go. To be fair we had done most things really well defensively. He has to show it won’t happen again and he will have to step up.
But actually, that's on Declan Rice there....Just a moment of inexperience, as Joe Hart asks why there. #ARSWHU pic.twitter.com/upK2cJLHir
— Brace The Hammer (@BraceTheHammer) April 22, 2018
After the game Rice took to Twitter to explain his performance.
I'm young.. I'll make mistakes.. it's all a leaning process to get to the top. thank you too the fans again who were brilliant❤⚒ ready to bounce back next week.
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) April 22, 2018
It was an odd move from Moyes to signal out the 19-year-old, given his high-standard of performance this year. Moyes has demonstrated considerable more reluctance to discuss Joe Hart's costly errors this season. It was a statement that irritated several West Ham fans.
Moyes on Rice: "Up until 81 minutes we looked worthy of a point. We had moments in the first half but a young player makes a poor mistake for the second goal.”
That’s it Davey, keep the youngsters on side!— HLTCO (@HLTCO) April 22, 2018
So in his post match interview Moyes dug out Rice, a hugely promising kid, for his mistake and said we fell apart because we had too many attacking players on the pitch? Tells you everything you need to know about the man. Can't stand the man.
— ☘️Irish Tommy 5280 ⚒️ (@tomster36) April 22, 2018
It’s really quite disappointing that David Moyes has publicly laid into Declan Rice for his mistake today. He’s a young lad who has been excellent for us and that’s his first big mistake. Not sure he has said a word publicly about all Joe Harts errors this season. #poor #COYI
— Adam Bridge (@abridge75) April 22, 2018
Moyes should go right now for the way he publicly dug Rice out. Yes the lad got one thing wrong Moyes gets it all wrong @davidgold
— Carl B #GSBOUT (@HitchinCarl) April 22, 2018
Also, I think Moyes was critical of Rice in the way that he was because he knows - as we all do - of Rice’s massive potential. It did seem like he was digging the lad out but it could be a tough love tactic, like he did with Arnautovic. Who knows
— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) April 22, 2018
Next up for West Ham is the visit of Pep Guardiola's champions, before traveling to Leicester City a week later.
