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West Ham shouldn't have collapsed after Declan Rice error, says Marko Arnautovic

West Ham United via Getty Images
West Ham United via Getty Images

Marko Arnautovic says there are no excuses for the late collapse that condemned West Ham to a 4-1 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday.

Arnautovic made it 1-1 in the 64th minute when he drove the ball into the corner of the net at the Emirates.

However, the hosts were gifted the lead eight minutes from time when Declan Rice ducked out of a header and Aaron Ramsey’s cross-cum-shot sailed past a confused Joe Hart. It appeared the goalkeeper shouted “away” but Rice misheard.

Two late goals from Alexandre Lacazette put a gloss on the scoreline, which frustrated Arnautovic.

“Until 80 minutes, we played some very good stuff and had good chances,” said the striker. “In the last 10 minutes, we just went over and sometimes this happens against the top teams.

“Against them, we know they go to the end but the second goal was an individual mistake and after that, we needed to stay organised. We couldn’t do that and we conceded two more and it got away from us.”

It was an uncharacteristic error from Rice. The 19-year-old played only one minute of Premier League football before this campaign but has established himself in the side this term. David Moyes accepts young players are prone to errors and his biggest concern is that Rice learns from it.

The West Ham boss said: “The centre-half should head the ball away and it wouldn’t have even got to 2-1, it was that easy. Why he would duck in the box I’ve got no idea.

“But look, we’ve all been young players going into games and we’re always going to make mistakes. The most important thing is you learn from your mistakes, you don’t do it again and you understand how important it is.

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On target: Arnautovic drew West Ham level before Arsenal's late goal rush (REUTERS)

“You can never let the ball go. You deal with it and you argue about it after. The rules for any centre-half have always been ‘I’m going to head it clear first and talk to you after’.”

The defeat leaves West Ham six points above the relegation zone with four games remaining. Unfortunately for the Hammers, two of those matches are against the Manchester clubs with champions City up next at the London Stadium on Sunday.

West Ham also go to Leicester and then end their campaign at home to Everton. Moyes added: “I think we are capable of winning games between now and the end of the season, so I’m hoping I am able to do my own work and not rely on anyone else.”