Tom Clark: Rice cooled bust up between Said Benrahma and Angelo Ogbonna
West Ham captain Declan Rice had to defuse a first-half bust-up between Angelo Ogbonna and Said Benrahma in the first half against West Brom.
Football.London journalist Tom Clark noticed the altercation at the Hawthorns, with the pair showing a rare sign of disunity.
It was a half of football to forget for the Irons as Rice hit the post with a penalty early on before Matheus Pereira opened the scoring for the hosts.
Tomas Soucek brought West Ham level on the stroke of half-time.
Covering the match on Twitter, Clark wrote, “Benrahma not happy with Ogbonna for failing to pass to him and giving him a right earful. Rice attempts to calm the Algerian down.”
Bad time for a falling out
West Ham are so close to qualifying for Europe and we need the players to stick together now more than ever.
The squad spirit has been brilliant this season and a key factor behind our success, with every player working hard for each other.
For Benrahma to be so angered after not receiving the ball is rather disappointing, as he should be professional enough to get on with the game.
We are glad he wants to contribute and do his best but he has to know that the sum is greater than its individual parts.
He cannot have a go and criticise others when he does not get his own way as that threatens to make everyone angry with each other.
Credit for Rice for displaying the leadership qualities necessary to quell the disagreement, he has well and truly taken over the mantle from Mark Noble – except when it comes to scoring penalties.
In other West Ham news, ‘I can confirm…’ – ExWHUemployee delivers major Declan Rice update v WBA after Twitter rumours.
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