West Ham boss blames recent defeats on Arsenal star | OneFootball

David Moyes believes the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal is to blame for West Ham United’s heavy away defeats this season.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of Arsenal is challenged by Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 28, 2024. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

West Ham United suffered another heavy Premier League defeat at the weekend, losing 5-0 to an inconsistent Chelsea side.

The Hammers lost 5-2 to Crystal Palace in their previous away game, and they’ve also had bad away defeats to Aston Villa, Fulham, and Manchester United this season, among others.

When questioned on that away record, David Moyes suggested Declan Rice’s departure was behind it.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of Arsenal shows appreciation to the fans following the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on April 14, 2024. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

“Declan Rice,” Moyes said when asked to explain West Ham’s away defeats.

“When you’ve got the best midfield player in the country protecting, probably limiting 50 per cent of their attacks it makes you much a better defensive team.”

Arsenal certainly seem to have reaped the rewards of the acquisition of Rice, with the Gunners recently going six away games in a row without conceding a goal.

That run only ended away to Tottenham Hotspur, and it took a significant individual error to finally breach the Gunners’ net.

The 25-year-old has also directly contributed to 17 goals for Arsenal at the other end, with seven goals and 10 assists.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of Arsenal applauds the fans after the team’s victory during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on February 11, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Rice has gone on to be named the runner-up for the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award, with his impressive performances recognised by journalists across the country.

Whether Rice could have prevented West Ham’s defensive issues this season on his own is something we’ll never really know. But Moyes certainly seems convinced that’s the problem.