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Declan Rice highlights key factor for capitulation of West Ham v Man City
Star midfielder Declan Rice believes the lack of discipline was a key factor as West Ham United gave away a two-goal lead against title-chasing Manchester City.
The Hammers were in cruise control at the halfway mark at the London Stadium on Sunday, courtesy a brace from striker Jarrod Bowen. But the Citizens made a grand comeback to make it 2-2 in the second half.
Talking after the match to West Ham TV, Rice stated that the home side could’ve scored more goals in the first half had they taken clear-cut chances.
“Obviously we had a game plan to try and stop them,” he said. “You can’t always stop Man City, but we knew we had strengths as well that we could exploit.
“We did that in the first half – 2-0 up. We had so many chances today – clear-cut chances, it could have been three or four – but that’s football. That’s what they do to you, Man City.
“You’ve got to stay disciplined against Manchester City and use your mind and use your head. It was a good, positive result, and to do it in front of our fans, it was a positive day all round.”
Decent result
Even though Rice was of the opinion that it was not a bad result for West Ham, the fans, his fellow players and manager David Moyes would be slightly disappointed with the overall outcome on Sunday as despite leading with two goals, they could not register which would bring them on equal points with sixth-placed Manchester United.
That result left the Hammers two points behind the Red Devils going into the final game of the season, knowing that they must win their last match to have any hopes of securing a return to the same competition where they narrowly missed out on a place in the final.
However, David Moyes will know that the task will not going to be an easy one as they will go up against top-four chasing Arsenal who, while playing at their home venue the Emirates Stadium, will do all within their power to ensure a return to UEFA Champions League next season.
In other West Ham news, the boss could do with offloading this ageing defender to make room for new arrivals.