Declan Rice delivers brutally honest verdict on West Ham’s defeat to Newcastle

Add as preferred source on Google

Declan Rice has expressed his thoughts about West Ham United’s opening day performance against Newcastle United, and he hasn’t minced his words.

The Hammers were beaten 2-0 at home by the Magpies, with the visitors deserving winners.

Goals came via two of Steve Bruce’s new signings in Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick, and West Ham showed very little in the match.

Rice, who came in for some heavy personal criticism for his performance, has fronted up about the result with a brutally honest assessment.

He said (Daily Mail): “I don’t think we could have played any worse. There is no good time to be playing poorly in the Premier League. We found that out last season. We had a dip in form and found ourselves in the deep end. It’s not enjoyable.

“Whether it was slack passing or rustiness in our touches, things didn’t happen. We didn’t create enough or stretch them.”

Pressure will only now increase on the board to provide funds for David Moyes to improve his squad.

Tensions are high at the moment following the controversial sale of Grady Diangana to West Brom.

TBR’s View – Rice must inspire

It couldn’t have gone much worse for West Ham in their opener, and Rice is right to tell things as they are.

It’s on people like him now to try and drag the club to a much-needed victory.

He may still only be 21, but his influence in the team is great, and the England international has the potential to inspire a turnaround.

He will, of course, though need some help.