Jonty Banks

Tue 28 February 2023 7:40, UK

Alan Shearer has named West Ham United duo Danny Ings and Declan Rice in his Premier League Team of the Week for their performances in the 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

January recruit Ings opened his scoring account for the Hammers with a quickfire second-half brace at the London Stadium, while Rice notched up his second goal of the Premier League season in a complete midfield performance.

Shearer also praised Moyes for his decision to move his West Ham United side from a back-five to a 4-2-3-1, which reaped its rewards against Steve Cooper’s side and helped the club climb two points clear of the relegation zone.

Writing on the Premier League website, he stated: “Danny Ings: He showed brilliant instincts for the first of his two goals. Not a bad way to mark your full debut.

“Declan Rice: Magnificent goal and a driving force in midfield for the Hammers.

“David Moyes: “His decision to start with a back four proved to be an excellent choice as he masterminded West Ham to a dominant victory against Nottingham Forest.”

Masterstroke

Moyes must take all the credit for the decision to alter his starting line-up from a back-five to a 4-2-3-1, which finally helped to unlock the Hammers’ stuttering forward line.

The return of Lucas Paqueta from injury and the choice to start Ings suddenly turned the team from a blunt-looking attack into a free-flowing and confident outfit.

Performances such as this were exactly why West Ham signed Ings in the January transfer window. His potent ability in front of goal has never been doubted throughout his career, and if he is given a run of games in the team he will score goals; it’s as simple as that.

With an FA Cup tie against Manchester United and a European Conference League encounter versus AEK Larnaca awaiting in the next three matches, the Hammers have an opportunity to build some confidence away from the pressures of the Premier League before returning for crunch clashes against Brighton and Aston Villa.