Moyes claims West Ham are “stronger” without Declan Rice before Arsenal clash

28 December 2023 , 12:04

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Moyes claims West Ham are “stronger” without Declan Rice before Arsenal clash

West Ham boss David Moyes has claimed the Hammers are a stronger side without former captain Declan Rice ahead of Thursday night's trip to Arsenal.

The east Londoners visit the Emirates for the first time since Rice made the move to the Gunners as part of a £105million transfer. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a sensational start to life as an Arsenal player, transforming Mikel Arteta's midfield as well as popping up with some vital last-gasp winners.

Upon his departure, many fans and pundits alike were of the belief that West Ham would struggle in his absence. However, Moyes has made clear that the Hammers are not struggling in light of Rice's absence and have actually improved since the start of the season.

"From our standpoint, we had to go again and it can make you stronger and make you grow," Moyes explained. "In many ways, that’s what we’ve done. We’ve had to go out and find new players, who we thought could help us, and I think we’ve done it well.

The Hammers boss did go on to insist there are no ill-feelings towards Rice, adding: “We’re all pleased for Declan Rice, no one ever doubted his ability and, while we won’t be cheering him on against us on Thursday evening, we’re always looking out for him.

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"I said right from the start that I thought Declan Rice was a top player and I thought his value could have been greater. We got the price we wanted though, and Dec got the move he wanted, so it was a move that worked for both parties."

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Declan Rice left West Ham to sign for Arsenal in July (Getty Images)

West Ham certainly spent the £105m received for Rice wisely, bolstering their squad with a number of smart additions. Ex-Ajax duo Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus have already established themselves as key players in the Hammers starting line-up.

James Ward-Prowse has also proved to be a welcome addition and helped Moyes' men work their way up to seventh in the table. A win away at Arsenal would see West Ham leapfrog Manchester United into sixth.

However, Rice will be out to ensure that no such victory occurs for his former side. The 24-year-old is yet to taste defeat in an Arsenal shirt at the Emirates and will be desperate to continue that run when his old team-mates arrive in north London.

Josh O'Brien