Two former Moyes stars discuss criticism of West Ham star Rice

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Joleon Lescott and Kevin Kilbane both played under David Moyes at West Ham.

Match of the Day pundits Kevin Kilbane and Joleon Lescott defender David Moyes’ criticism of West Ham United defender Declan Rice after the latter was at fault during the Hammers’ 4-1 loss to Arsenal.

West Ham had gone into the match in high spirits after a run of decent results, and were in with a shout of a point at the Emirates Stadium as Marko Arnautovic cancelled out Nacho Monreal’s opener.

It took the Gunners until the 82nd minute to get their noses ahead again, as Rice failed to intercept an Aaron Ramsey cross which found the back of the net. Alexandre Lacazette then scored a quick-fire brace to earn a comfortable win.

After the match, Moyes told Sky Sports: “The young centre-half should head the ball away and it wouldn’t have even got to 2-1, it was that easy. Why he would duck in the box I’ve got no idea.”

He has since faced quite a backlash on social media for criticising 19-year-old Rice, but Kilbane and Lescott – who played under Moyes at Everton – believe that Moyes is just that kind of manager.

Kilbane: “He’s still only a young lad learning. David Moyes is maybe trying to stress that point today, saying, ‘look you need to get your head through it’ and that’s Moyes’ management style. He’s tell you exactly what he wanted from you – he’d tell you to your face.”

Lescott: “Obviously there was times when we frustrated each other, but Moyes will let you know when you have made a mistake. At times he finds it hard to give you praise, but I’m sure Rice will be fine.”

Rice has been a rare positive from the Hammers’ 2017-18 season, breaking through into the first team to become a first-team regular at centre-back. He showed just how good he can be with a near-perfect display against Chelsea.

But now, the Ireland youth international must show his grit and mental strength to get over his mistake against Arsenal with the Hammers’ fight against relegation likely to go to the wire.

They remain six points above the bottom three with four Premier League games still to play – their next outing against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.