Said Benrahma’s strike will be splashed over on Twitter, TikTok, whatever social media platform you want to name. Nothing wrong with that — the way the ball dipped in was beautiful.
But Declan Rice’s intervention immediately before the winner deserves just as much praise. It was Rice’s perfectly-timed tackle on Yoane Wissa that created the chance for Benrahma to score from 25 yards, which he gladly took, albeit without celebrating, in respect for his old club.
It was a brief glimpse of a better West Ham in a bad season — their best player of the campaign pinching possession in midfield, then their second-best player settling this tie.
Declan Rice’s work in their 1-0 FA Cup win over Brentford ailed an under-fire David Moyes
There is a running joke among West Ham supporters that no matter what Benrahma does, his manager will find fault in his post-match press conference.
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Yet there was none of that in the aftermath of West Ham’s first win since November 3, setting up a fourth-round tie away to Derby.
David Moyes had only praise for Benrahma’s influence from the bench, but he wanted to highlight Rice’s match-winning input while shutting down any talk of him leaving in this transfer window. ‘That won’t be happening in January, that’s for sure, and it never was,’ Moyes said.
Said Benrahma’s goal off the bench for the Hammers secured a fourth-round date with Derby
‘I would’ve loved to have thought we could have wrapped Declan up and given him time off, but overall he’s such a huge influence.
‘I’d like to win the FA Cup if it’s possible and to have the best chance of doing that I probably need to play Declan Rice.’
Moyes fielded a strong side, partly because he was overdue a win but also due to his desire to go far in the FA Cup. Yet he accepted the Premier League is his ‘bread and butter’.
Moyes said the ‘huge influence’ of Rice will not be allowed to leave West Ham in January