Pablo and Dec on the City game that got away

West Ham’s squad are still revelling in the performance at the Etihad and the scare they gave probably the world’s best team along the way.

Both Pablo Fornals and Declan Rice have been giving their thoughts on the narrow 2-1 defeat as they prepare for the next challenge against Leeds a week on Monday evening.

The Hammers were so close to taking what would’ve been the most well deserved point, with Issa Diop sadly heading wide in injury time.

The final result did nothing to help the challenge for European qualification but had those who have seen little of the team this season sitting up and taking notice of the born again West Ham suad.

Both Pablo Fornals and Declan Rice made it clear how proud but disappointed they were at the result when most would agree that a point was the least we deserved.

Speaking to the club website Fornals said: “”We feel a bit sad because we did a lot of things to take a point.

“But I think all our supporters have to be proud of this team, how we played against the best team in the Premier League right now. Of course we are upset but happy for how we played.

“When you see their starting XI you just think what a good team they have, you look at the bench as well and the people there are probably better than those playing. It is not easy to come here, in their stadium, and compete with it.”

“I thought you saw a different West Ham, one which was confident and really believed they could take it to City,” said captain Declan Rice.

“A year ago, we’d have a couple of games when we were good, then have games when we were poor, but now you can see our performances week in, week out – we’re leaving everything on the pitch.”