Declan Rice personally contacts West Ham United player prior to Arsenal win v Everton
Declan Rice personally contacted Aaron Cresswell ahead of Arsenal’s victory over Everton on Sunday (19 May), the West Ham full-back has revealed.
The Gunners were locked in a two-way battle for the Premier League title with Manchester City heading into the final day, and the Hammers had the ability to have a telling say in who was crowned champions.
Despite a spectacular goal from Mohammed Kudus in the first half, Man City were able to secure a 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium and beat Arsenal to the league title for the second season running.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off on Sunday (19 May), Cresswell said: “We’re here to do a job. We have to be professional; there’s 3000 travelling fans coming to watch us, and we’re representing West Ham.
“Decs [Declan Rice] has been on the phone, but we’re here to do a job,” and when asked what Rice said to him, Cresswell replied: “No comment.”
West Ham United falter to Manchester City as Arsenal miss out on Premier League
Despite the 3-1 defeat, Moyes’ players should hold their heads high when leaving the Etihad Stadium after a decent showing against the newly crowned Premier League champions.
Tomas Soucek looked to have added some uncertainty to the party atmosphere, though his goal was ruled out for handball after a VAR check, which would have made for a nervy ending.
Of course, Rice will be extremely deflated after missing out on the Premier League title with the Gunners, having made the £105million move to the Emirates Stadium last summer. [BBC Sport]
Fans had mixed reactions to the idea of the former Hammers captain leaving the club and winning silverware straight away, with some taking a proud approach while others wishing Arsenal to fall.
Either way, West Ham were unable to help out as Man City were just too strong on the final day, condemning the Irons to defeat in Moyes’ final game as manager.
In other West Ham news, Nigel Reo-Coker believes Graham Potter would take West Ham United to the next level.
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