Declan Rice was all smiles at full-time against Manchester United and it is not hard to understand why.
West Ham United had just secured a massive three points in front of the voracious Claret and Blue Army in the 62,477 in attendance at London Stadium, as Saïd Benrahma’s first-time finish was the difference versus the Red Devils.
In truth, a 1-0 Premier League victory was no more than the Hammers deserved for an absolutely brilliant performance, with Rice just one in a squad full of players who shone under the lights in London Stadium.
It was not just the captain who thoroughly earned his plaudits though. Benrahma was terrific, as was Lucas Paquetá. Michail Antonio led the line superbly while Aaron Cresswell and Thilo Kehrer were near impervious at full-back.
It was, according to Rice, a big win that was claimed thanks to the whole team.
“It’s massive,” Rice told BT Sport. “The points it puts us on now put a nice gap between us and the teams at the bottom. There’s still three to go but the significance of the three points is massive.
“We had our eye on this game as one we could win in front of the home fans. Tonight, the lads gave absolutely everything and it was a thoroughly deserved win.
“As players you can’t help to look around you. To win this one was big, to give ourselves a gap between ourselves and the bottom. Mathematically, you still need 40. We’ve got our [UEFA Europa Conference League] semi-final [first leg against AZ Alkmaar] on Thursday and then we go to Brentford so we want to finish on a high.”
There may have been more than a touch of fortune about the West Ham goal that stood, as Benrahma’s low shot from distance could not be kept out by David de Gea’s outstretched hand, despite not being struck with much power.
While the one that went in had a smidge of assistance, West Ham had more than enough chances to warrant the victory.
“Sometimes things go for you in football and today it was one of those things,” Rice continued. “But I think that’s our best performance at home this season. We were on the front foot and we were aggressive in our 1v1s and on the ball. Everything today was a real positive performance.
“As a player, the whole world is watching these games. For me, for the lads, you put on the shirt, you go out there and you want to do it – you’re playing against Manchester United – you want to do it and today we did it so I’m buzzing.”
A quick turnaround sees another huge game at London Stadium as AZ Alkmaar visit east London in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final first leg on Thursday.
Having reached one semi-final last season, Rice is desperate to go, at the very least, one better in Europe this year.
“The semi-final is so big,” he added. “Last year we got to one and we know what it feels like. In football, that’s what it’s all about.
“Us at West Ham, we’ve not won one (a major trophy) for years so we’re looking to stamp our authority, and what a massive achievement that would be for the Club. We’ve got the semi-final first but we’re setting our sights on the final.”
