A Premier League point at Southampton came thanks to Declan Rice’s unstoppable second-half equaliser in front of the travelling Claret and Blue Army.
The skipper's superb strike – his first since our UEFA Europa League quarter-final second-leg triumph at Olympique Lyonnais in April – pulled the Hammers deservedly level to earn a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s Stadium.
And as always seems to be the case with the No41, it was a fine goal too. His first strike of the season was a first-time effort that curled into the bottom corner from the edge of the area and stretched the Irons’ unbeaten run to five games in all competitions.
Rice was happy to celebrate with the travelling away support and believes the Hammers were unlucky not to leave Southampton with more than a point following a dominant second-half performance.
“I was due a goal,” the skipper admitted, honestly. “I love scoring goals; it does not come around often for me. When I do put one in the back of the net, I feel really passionate about it.
“I love to celebrate with the away fans. The fans have travelled to come to see us. When I score a goal, I go a bit crazy sometimes.”
Just after the hour, Rice’s strike deservedly pulled David Moyes’ men level after Romain Perraud put Southampton ahead with 20 minutes played.
After Scamacca hit the post in the first half, the Italy striker might have struck a winner late on but for the quick reactions of Gavin Bazunu.
The No7’s efforts were just a couple of the hatful of chances that the Irons created, with Rice gutted his side could not find what he feels would have been a warranted winner on the south coast.
“I think we dominated the game,” he explained. “Other than their goal I don’t remember many of their chances. We had all the chances. We did not put them away but luckily I came up with a goal, and we got a good point.
“That’s seven points from the last three [Premier League] games. We would have taken that. And we keep pushing.”
At the interval, West Ham were aggrieved by the Southampton opener, too.
Despite the Hammers' protests about where Kyle Walker-Peter’s’ throw-in was taken from and referee Peter Bankes appearing to accidentally impede Jarrod Bowen as he tried to get to the ball, Perraud was able to gather the ball on the edge of the area and strike at goal, finding the bottom corner via a deflection.
“Jarrod was running towards the ball,” Rice stated. “From what I have seen [on the pitch] – I have not seen it back – the referee was stood right in the way of him and disrupted the player.
“Obviously, [the referee] didn’t touch the ball. It is a split-second decision and the referee has said he has done nothing wrong.
“But we are starting to find our feet in the Premier League now. You are seeing a better footballing side. We have big games coming up – Liverpool and then Bournemouth – and our focus switches to that now.”
Ahead of those matches, Rice explained that even with a FIFA World Cup on the horizon, all his focus on the Irons ahead of a busy schedule in the Premier League, UEFA Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup between now and then.
To do anything else would be a disservice to both his Club and himself.
“If I didn’t go out there a give 100%, it would be disrespectful to [West Ham],” Rice stated. “Injuries happen, and I would not wish it on anyone. You have to go out there and give 100%. You can’t shy out of tackles or headers.
“Obviously, there is a World Cup, but West Ham is the focus at the moment. There are so many important games for us.”
