Rice and shine for West Ham as they finally show fight
DECLAN RICE’s rise to prominence for both club and country continued apace yesterday as he put on another classy display for West Ham in their 3-0 win over Southampton.
Just a week after the 19-yearold was voted man-of-the-match for the Republic of Ireland on his senior debut, the defender slotted straight back in at centre back for David Moyes’ side as they kept a clean sheet and earned a vital three points.
Two goals from Marko Arnautovic and Joao Mario’s first for the club ensured West Ham boss David Moyes went home happy after their last game at the London Stadium was disrupted by fans protesting on the pitch and in the stands.
Southampton — who are now two points adrift of safety — were clueless. ‘This was a very good learning experience that will shape my thinking,’ said Hughes. ‘It’s not going to be easy. But I knew that. Confidence is at low ebb, we have too many that are looking around for inspiration. The only way to do that is by winning games.’
Shane Duffy, meanwhile, described Brighton’s home defeat to Leicester City as ‘one of the most frustrating games’ after the Foxes triumphed 2-0.
‘Didn’t deserve the defeat but that’s the lessons we need to learn. We will bounce back and get ready for huge one on Saturday again,’ Duffy said on social media.
Only Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City had won at Brighton this season but a frantic final 15 minutes ensured Leicester stayed in the hunt for Europa League football yesterday.
Kasper Schmeichel saved a late spot-kick from Glenn Murray, before Vicente Iborra handed Leicester the lead moments later in the 83rd minute. Wilfred Ndidi was then shown a second yellow despite an apparent dive by Duffy, before Jamie Vardy sealed the win in stoppage-time with his 15th league goal this season.
It leaves Leicester eighth in the table with European football within reach.
Elsewhere, Alan Pardew criticised Gareth Barry’s decision to go to a nightclub less than 24 hours before the latest defeat in West Bromwich Albion’s miserable season.
Barry is injured and did not break any rules, but it is another aspect that provides the impression West Brom have given up on this season. The result never looked in doubt from the moment Ashley Barnes put Burnley in front.
Chris Wood added a second and Salomon Rondon pulled one back, but it was too little too late on a day when James McClean was an unused substitute.