Chelsea boss explains why his team found it tough

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri explained how the Hammers made life so difficult for his team at the London Stadium to deprive them of their sixth win on the trot.

Sarri said: “It was very difficult to play inside,’They were cutting out every pass for Giroud and we needed two wingers.’

Declan Rice was central to yesterday’s defensive performance although the back four looked as solid as it gets in times of stress from the visitors.

He quickly spots potential danger and on several occasions was seen leaving his central position to chase to the left wing and stop dangerous Chelsea moves.

He is powerful in the air and unflinching ion the tackle with the ability to pick a pass as he did to set Yarmolenko and Antonio move in on goal with a brilliant first half through ball.

The Mail got it spot in in their match report when saying: “Rice’s presence helped West Ham frustrate Chelsea, as the full backs stayed deep and encouraged Eden Hazard and Willian inside into a congested central area.

He slowed them down and smothered the danger when they tried to link up with Olivier Giroud.”