Declan Rice wasn’t himself in West Ham’s win over Watford and teammate Michail Antonio just can’t find form says David Moyes.
If there is one player with enough credit in the bank to last a long while with West Ham fans it is Rice.
The Hammers academy graduate has established himself as one of the best midfielders around for West Ham and England over the last two years.
But with great performances and high praise comes big expectation.
Rice was imperious when he came on to rescue West Ham in that FA Cup tie against Kidderminster at the weekend.
The 22-year-old had a very rare off night when Watford visited the London Stadium in midweek, though.
Rice was dispossessed on a couple of occasions and his all round play fell below the ridiculously high standards he has set for himself at West Ham.
He was still crucial to the narrow 1-0 win, particularly defensively, but would be the first to admit it was not one of his best performances.
Up top meanwhile, teammate Antonio continues to struggle for any kind of form. The striker started the season on fire. But his form and all round play has hit a wall since the November international break.
Thankfully Jarrod Bowen is in sparkling form and carrying the goalscoring and making burden for West Ham.
Declan Rice wasn’t himself in West Ham win and teammate Michail Antonio just can’t find form says David Moyes
After the Watford game an honest Moyes said Rice had an off night in West Ham’s win and admitted Antonio just can’t find form (whufc.com).
“I didn’t really enjoy how we played, but I think Watford made it hard for us…” Moyes told the club’s official site when reflecting on the game.
“I think Declan wasn’t Declan you know. And a few others were a bit like that as well. When we’ve been a bit down recently we’ve had Declan to rely on (but) Declan tonight, it wasn’t his night either…
“Early part of the season Micky Antonio was the goals. He was getting the goals and they were coming easy for him. He’s having a bit of a struggle at the moment to get himself a goal or get in a goalscoring position…
“So thankfully Jarrod is the one that’s stepping up at the moment and we’ve needed him.”
If there is one thing you can be sure of Rice will be back on it next time out against Leicester.
And Antonio needs to rediscover his form fast if the Hammers are to have any hope of making this season a memorable one during the run in.
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