Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
News
‘Wasn’t like that a year ago’: Declan Rice loved what one West Ham player did on Saturday
West Ham United captain Declan Rice says “something’s really changed” at the London Stadium over the past year.
The Hammers star cited Vladimir Coufal’s post-match reaction after Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City as a sign of the team’s heart and desire.
This time last year, the Hammers were fighting relegation from the Premier League, but now they’re sitting fourth in the table, a point clear of fifth-placed Chelsea.
West Ham had the unenviable task of going to the Etihad Stadium last Saturday to face a team that had won their prior 19 games in all competitions.
David Moyes’ charges gave a great account of themselves against the runaway league leaders, who had to work hard for their narrow 2-1 victory.
West Ham conceded the opener in the 30th minute as Kevin De Bruyne teed up Ruben Dias, who headed home City’s first attempt of the game.
However, the visitors restored parity just before half time, Michail Antonio converting from close range.
It was the first goal City had conceded in the Premier League at home since December 15, a shutout lasting 587 minutes.
In the end, the hosts got over the line as Riyad Mahrez cut back to John Stones for a far-corner finish midway through the second half.
Coufal, who has a superb game, was pictured after the game sitting on the ground and looking disconsolate.
“A year ago, no beating around the bush, we were a poor side,” Rice told the West Ham .
“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 are full of heart and desire and we’re leaving everything on the pitch.
“You saw Vladi at the end with his hands on his head and the lads were gutted in the changing room. It wasn’t like that a year ago, but something’s really changed and things are improving.”
TBR View:
As Rice said, West Ham weren’t a good side this time last year, but their improvements over the past 12 months have been amazing, with some shrewd signings bolstering the ranks and the players who were already there improving massively.
Coufal is one of those shrewd signings, a player who cost just £5million and is now one of the Premier League’s best right-backs, a player full of quality and passion who has become a Hammers fan favourite in no time.