Moyes blames Declan Rice’s exit for West Ham’s 5-0 defeat to Chelsea

West Ham manager, David Moyes, has claimed the exit of Declan Rice is responsible for his team’s poor performances away from home.

Rice joined Arsenal last summer for a staggering £105m fee.

The England midfielder has been integral to the Gunners’ title charge this season.

He scored, assisted and was named man of the match on Saturday as his side saw off Bournemouth 3-0.

But 24 hours later, Moyes watched on as his side were thrashed 5-0 at Chelsea.

When asked why West Ham are struggling this season, Moyes said: “Declan Rice.

“When you’ve got the best midfield player in the country protecting, probably limiting 50 per cent of their attacks, it makes you a much better defensive team.

“We’ve lacked protection in front of the back four, lacked good enough defending, not been good enough at those things in many games.”