Declan Rice cut a frustrated figure as he was left to reflect on West Ham's disappointing home defeat against Wolves in Stratford this afternoon.
The youngster was moved back into central defence for this afternoon's 2-0 defeat but could do little to help prevent the Irons from falling to a demoralising defeat against the Europa League hopefuls.And he admitted that David Moyes' squad need to get their act together - and fast - if they are to avoid relegation at the end of this extraordinary season.
"In the position we’re in we can't be dropping points," Rice told SkySports. "We need to lift our heads up.
"Obviously the goals are sloppy [and hard] to take. [Adama] Traore came on and they were two great crosses, but we’ve got to deal with them. We were happy with our performance, but we need to be better.
"I think it’s a case of taking our chances. We had one in the first half for [Pabloe] Fornals and I don’t think he knew Michail [Antonio] was there. We’re creating some good chances but not taking them.
"And it’s the other side of the game too where we need to stay switched on for the full 90 minutes. We can’t concede sloppy goals because in recent games that’s happened too much.
"Against Brighton we were 3-1 up and drew 3-3. There’s no time left to do that so it’s at both ends of the pitch."
And when asked about the decision to put him back in defence - where he has barely played this season - Rice refused to criticise Moyes' decision. "I felt comfortable," he replied.
"As has been said before, it’s a position I’ve played before and when the gaffer pulled me during the week and said he wants me to play there, there were no questions asked. I’d go back there and do a job for the team.
"I tried my best and tried to impose myself. When I play at the back I can see the whole game. I’ve got to be a leader and I’ve got to talk because I can see everything that’s going on.
"If I keep my mouth shut the other players wouldn’t know what’s going on, so that’s what I do - I speak to the players and try to encourage them. We’ve got to keep our heads up and push each other on, to give us the spurt to maybe go on and get a goal."
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
