‘Too much praise makes you soft’

David Moyes has revealed why he appeared to be frustrated with captain Declan Rice during West Ham’s crushing 4-0 win over Bournemouth.

The Hammers eased their relegation fears with an impressive display at the Vitality Stadium.

Rice netted the third goal, but before scoring had appeared to upset manager Moyes, who called him to the dugout for a discussion.

Speaking after the match, Moyes said: “I told him that I didn’t think his passing had been good enough in the opening part of the game.

“His standards are so high. I’m not just going to pat him on the back all the time. Too much praise makes you soft.”

“[It was] probably one of our best weeks. We scored four in this game and the midweek game,” Moyes told the BBC.

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“I’m glad we set the tone early – we got a great start and it gave us something to hang onto.

“We certainly didn’t start the season well so hopefully we can finish it well.”

West Ham’s improved form will be put to the test as they face Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Manchester United in their next four games.

Moyes added: “We might not be quite as good as where we want to be, but hopefully running into form at this time of year for various reasons, whether it be the Premier League or European competition, we want to keep that going now.

“The momentum and feel-good factor now give us a chance going into games and we’re not panicking so much how we’re going to play or what’s going to happen.”

Bournemouth are one point and two places behind West Ham in 15th.

“Not good enough in both penalty areas,” said manager Gary O’Neil.

“David [Moyes] said to me afterwards it was never a 4-0 game.

“They are physical, good in the air and they can counter-attack so if you don’t cope with their key strengths you set the game up perfectly for them. We need to learn of course.”