West Ham United were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City yesterday, but Declan Rice’s performance impressed.
Rice was thrown in at the deep end by David Moyes, after a series of injuries left West Ham short in defence.
And the youngster stood up to the challenge at the Etihad Stadium well.
Rice generally coped with City’s attacking threat, as West Ham put in one of their best defensive performances of the season.
Unfortunately for the Hammers, it was not enough to stop them leaving empty handed from the Etihad Stadium.
But Upson has suggested that West Ham could take heart from the performance of Rice.
“For his first Premier League start at centre-back, he handled himself brilliantly,” Upson said.
“His decision making, when to come out, and when to hold his position, was brilliant. He has been working on it in training and improving tactically.”
West Ham actually had the lead against City for a stage, when Angelo Ogbonna headed home from a corner.
However, City hit back with goals from Nicolas Otamendi and David Silva, to inflict further misery on West Ham.
The Hammers are currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, with their next two matches coming against Chelsea and Arsenal.
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