David Moyes, following his team’s resounding 5-0 defeat against Chelsea, has pinpointed Declan Rice’s absence as a key factor contributing to West Ham’s struggles in away games this season.
Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, and Noni Madueke secured a three-goal lead for Chelsea by halftime, with Nicolas Jackson adding to the tally in the second half.
This loss at Stamford Bridge marked the sixth occasion this season that West Ham has conceded four or more goals away from home, underlining a concerning trend for Moyes.
Moyes believes that Declan Rice, who departed for Arsenal last summer in a £105 million deal, has been sorely missed in midfield.
The absence of Rice, whom Moyes considers the top midfield player in the nation, has left a significant void in West Ham’s defensive setup.
Moyes attributes much of West Ham’s defensive frailties this season to the absence of Rice’s defensive prowess and ability to shield the back four.
He contends that Rice’s presence in midfield significantly reduces the number of attacks his team faces and improves defensive solidity.
The statistics support Moyes’ assertion, with West Ham conceding 70 goals in the Premier League this season, a record for a team under Moyes’ management in a single season.
The absence of Rice has left West Ham vulnerable defensively, particularly in away games, where the team has struggled to contain opposition attacks.
Moyes acknowledges that West Ham has been lacking defensive protection in front of the back four, contributing to the team’s subpar defensive performances away from home.
Despite these challenges, Moyes remains optimistic about West Ham’s prospects and emphasizes the need to address the team’s defensive shortcomings.
He acknowledges that while West Ham is in a strong position, improvements are needed to rectify the team’s poor performances away from home.
Moyes emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and resilience, qualities that he aims to instill in his players to help them navigate challenging periods.
Reflecting on the defeat to Chelsea, Moyes acknowledges the opponent’s quality but also highlights missed opportunities for West Ham.
He points out instances where West Ham came close to scoring, including hitting the crossbar three times and Emerson missing a clear chance.
Despite these near-misses, Moyes laments West Ham’s failure to execute fundamental defensive plays, which ultimately cost them the chance to compete in the game.
Looking ahead, Moyes acknowledges the need for discussions with the board at the end of the season but remains focused on addressing immediate challenges and improving the team’s performance.
He acknowledges the speculation surrounding his position but remains committed to guiding West Ham through the remainder of the season and addressing the team’s deficiencies to ensure continued progress and success.