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Declan left gutted

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Declan Rice was left gutted by the defeat to Leeds on Sunday.

The Hammers were roundly outplayed for 90 minutes against Marcelo Bielsa’s side and a hat-trick from Jack Harrison proved decisive for the Elland Road side.

Goals from Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals had twice brought the Hammers back into the game but Bowen missed a sitter in the last minute of injury time that would have earned the Irons a point.

Rice was excellent throughout the game, surging forward from midfield and making every effort to stick the ball in the back of the net.

But he couldn’t quite make it happen and he was left utterly dejected after the game, as he rued the Irons’ inability to seize a huge chance in the top four race, especially as Spurs’ clash with Arsenal was postponed.

Speaking after the game, as per BBC Sport, he said: “Very frustrating. Not like our usual selves. We started the game poorly. They were right on the front foot. Their goal was a wake up call.

“We have got this far and doing really well. We are still in the top four at the minute. This was a big chance to close the gap on Chelsea in second, but that is football. It is about how you bounce back.”

Declan has already set his sights on next weekend’s clash with Manchester United, which could be huge in their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

United are five points behind the Irons with two games in hand.

He added: “We always take it one game at a time. We knew today was massive chance, it is a chance missed. Massive. It will be tough but one we are ready for and it is always an unbelievable chance to play at Old Trafford and try and get a result there.

“There were silly mistakes. Just down to mistakes today.”

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A journalist with 10 years' experience of working on National newspapers, now chief reporter covering the club that I've loved since I was a boy. Upton Park remains the greatest football stadium ever built.

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  • Clive says:

    I agree, I’d rather see Dec sitting back and protecting the back four and picking a pass forward the way he used to. The way he plays for England. Especially with Souchek missing. Today he was playing almost as a left winger at times or running the ball into traffic in the middle and then was in no position to stop the Leeds counter attack. All very well leaving Lanzini back to cover and I love lanzini but he’s no defensive midfielder.

  • hammerpete6 says:

    We all love Dec and appreciate him. This season he seems to be pushed forward more – I prefer his early distribution. Today he was winning the ball but then carrying it past Lanzini and Vlasic, then looking for a pass in congestion. I like Dec to bring in the others just past halfway then more layers including him become available. We were guilt of too many 50/50 passes today by everyone – nobody in space to receive. Move the ball lads not run with it.

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