David Moyes blames loss of Declan Rice for West Ham's woeful away record after 5-0 mauling at Chelsea as under-fire boss makes defiant statement on his future amid Julen Lopetegui rumours

Rice moved to Arsenal last summer for a club-record £105m ($137m) and 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. In contrast, Moyes’ West Ham were on the receiving end of a 5-0 demolition at the hands of Chelsea a day later. When asked why the Hammers were struggling this season, Moyes said the answer is clear.

Asked why his side have been so poor away from home, 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 much a 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.”

West Ham brought in James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez to replace the void left by Rice in the middle of the park and had success initially. However, as West Ham’s performances and results - particularly away from home - have declined, it is clear the loss of Rice has been incredibly damaging.

Moyes can do Rice a favour on the final day of the season as they face Manchester City. Arsenal need their title rivals to draw at least one of their remaining three games to have a chance of winning the title. Should City see off the threat of Fulham and Spurs, it will all be on the Hammers to stop City from winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title.

West Ham are in a downward spiral at present, however, and questions are being asked over Moyes' position, with former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui reportedly in the frame to replace him. Moyes issued a defiant statement when quizzed on his future, though, telling reporters: “I’m going to talk to the board at the end of the season, so we’ll do that then.”