West Ham United shocked Chelsea to claim a 3-2 win at the London Stadium on Saturday, and Declan Rice’s performance even stunned a raft of rival supporters on social media.
The Blues had not lost on the road in the Premier League so far this term before visiting the Irons. Thomas Tuchel had overseen six wins and a draw in seven trips away from Stamford Bridge, and even boasted the division’s best defensive record with just two goals allowed.
Thiago Silva put Chelsea on course to extend their unbeaten away run when the Brazilian headed home Mason Mount’s corner. But Edouard Mendy gave West Ham a route back into the game when the goalkeeper fouled Jarrod Bowen.
Manuel Lanzini converted from the spot, only for Mount to restore the Blues’ advantage on the cusp of half-time. Yet Bowen drew West Ham back level soon into the second period.
Chelsea had started the second-half on the front foot before Bowen’s goal, yet left West Ham empty-handed. Arthur Masuaku snuck the ball in at Mendy’s near post in the 87th-minute for the winner, having spotted the shot-stopper off his line with an audacious drive.
There seemed little danger when Masuaku collected possession beside the touchline after a quickly taken throw-in. But Mendy’s positioning a few yards off his post as he anticipated a cross offered the full-back a slim opening.
Rivals fans laud Rice role in West Ham win over Chelsea
West Ham are fourth-place in the Premier League table, six-points behind Chelsea, after their 3-2 win, which also saw Rice dictate the engine room to impress some rival fans.
Rice screened the West Ham defence all afternoon against Chelsea and sparked a number of attacking moves. He also covered every blade of grass while charging around the pitch.
The England international’s display was not perfect, having been sloppy in possession in the build-up to Mount’s goal. But his efforts still stunned some rival supporters online…
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