Eddie Howe was left in awe of West Ham star Declan Rice and admits he dominated Newcastle in the 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
West Ham went to Newcastle United under intense pressure after shock wins for Everton against league leaders Arsenal and Wolves’ thumping of Liverpool.
The Hammers were boosted ahead of the game with news that Newcastle’s two key players Bruno Guimaraes and Aleksander Isak were out of clash.
But it was a disastrous start for West Ham as Joe Willock appeared to open the scoring after just 42 seconds. The goal was ruled out by VAR after replays showed the ball went out of play on the cutback.
West Ham’s relief instantly turned to despair, though. From the goal kick Newcastle played West Ham bogeyman Callum Wilson through for his 11th goal against the Hammers.
West Ham responded really well, though, and hit back when Lucas Paqueta calmly slotted home from Rice’s corner.
It was Hammers captain Rice who stood head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch, though.
He was immense throughout and lived up to his nickname Rolls Royce Rice. Even Newcastle fans applauded one moment from the skipper when he slipped as a ball was fizzed into him in central midfield.
But he somehow managed to control the ball with his heel while on one knee before playing a lovely pass out wide in one swift movement.
Rice has ironically been linked with a move to newly-minted Newcastle given the vast wealth at their disposal. Some believe he will be the player they go after with serious money to make a statement signing in the summer.
So it will not go unnoticed that the Magpies’ manager waxed lyrical about the Hammers hero after the game.
Howe was left in awe of West Ham star Rice and admits he dominated Newcastle.
“I mean, look, West Ham have got very good players,” Howe told Sky Sports with a wistful smile and after taking a long pause to consider his words carefully.
“For the first five minutes we were electric, the crowd were in the game and then, you know, Declan Rice – other players they have in midfield – they’re good players.
“And (as a result of Rice’s dominance), I don’t think we quite stamped our authority in the game like we wanted to…
“We allowed Declan Rice too much time and you can’t do that, he’s a quality player. I wanted our midfield to push higher, to lock on. I thought we did that second half, possession of the ball chances but ultimately we didn’t take one of those chances.”
MORE WEST HAM NEWS
Antonio vows to fight for place after bids but says Ings can stay on the bench.
West Ham right to back ‘perfect’ Moyes and have ‘recruited well’ insists Howe.
Moyes target says he’s ‘delighted’ he didn’t move to West Ham on D-day.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
