Declan Rice spoke to West Ham’s official website after Monday night’s defeat to Liverpool, and suggested that Jurgen Klopp’s men were probably surprised by how many chances his team created.
The 21-year-old also commented on how difficult it is to play at Anfield.
The Hammers were desperately unlucky not to get a result against Liverpool. They showed plenty of attacking intent throughout the game, and were good value for at least a point.
It wasn’t to be, however.
West Ham now have to focus on Saturday’s home game against Southampton.
They at least have some positives to take from the Liverpool game, however. And Rice told WHUFC.com how surprised he thinks the Reds were with the Hammers’ attacking quality:
“We took positives from the first game, that we could create chances and get after them. Tonight was about, when we had the ball, getting up the pitch and creating chances for each other, and I thought we did that. I think they were probably a bit surprised by the chances we had created. We had a few one-on-ones, but the real tough games start now.”
He also highlighted just how tough it is to play at Anfield:
“Everyone knows what Anfield is like. The fans are on top of you and they have top players. We’ve got to be men out there and hold onto the lead. We could have done that tonight, but it wasn’t meant to be. We have to go again now. “
Rice is spot on. West Ham really showed that they have both the quality and the fight needed to stay up this season.
If only the Hammers had shown that more regularly earlier on in the campaign, they wouldn’t be anywhere near the relegation zone now.
But by pushing Liverpool all the way, they will know, and more importantly believe, that they have the ability to beat any of the remaining 11 teams that they face this season.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
