Rice rap was right – Moyes
DAVID MOYES says he was right to publicly criticise teenage defender Declan Rice.
West Ham boss Moyes was fuming after Rice’s mistake sparked a late collapse at Arsenal.
At 1-1 with eight minutes left, the 19-year-old ducked under Aaron Ramsey’s cross, allowing the ball to sneak in at the far post.
The Hammers then conceded two more goals, to lose 4-1, with Moyes giving Rice both barrels.
Many fans felt the hardline Scot was too harsh, but he said: “I’m doing my job.
“I’ve got to tell people when I don’t think they’re doing well. I think that’s part of it. It’s my style.
“When I came to West Ham, I made my mind up, I said, ‘I’m going to tell them exactly what I think’.
“But let me put it right, Declan has done great for us. The level of the mistake was so big it took the wind out of our sails big time.
“We’re fighting for points and he’s part of the team, so more importantly Declan is good as well because he knows he should have done better.
“There wasn’t a call. And even if there was, what are you taught as a young boy? You don’t leave it, you head it clear.
“But it’s been dealt with, we’re on with it, so no problem.”
Rice will keep his place at the heart of the defence when they host champions Manchester City tomorrow.
Keeper Joe Hart drops out against his parent club, giving Adrian another chance to stake a claim to finish the season as No.1.
“I hope Adrian plays so well that he is available for the next one, that’s the plan,” added Moyes.