---
title: "Anderson takes the headlines but Rice shines in Southampton win"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2018/12/28/anderson-takes-the-headlines-but-rice-shines-in-southampton-win/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2018-12-28T13:00:13Z"
modified: "2018-12-28T13:00:14Z"
---

# Anderson takes the headlines but Rice shines in Southampton win

**Declan Rice turned in an outstanding performance as West Ham came away from Southampton with a well-earned 2-1 win.**

The youngster started his 15th consecutive Premier League match at St Mary’s Stadium on Thursday evening and produced a metronomic display, guiding his team to a comfortable away victory.

West Ham portrayed plenty of character to come from a goal down to defeat Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men. Nathan Redmond’s goal in fortuitous circumstances was a cruel, undeserved blow for the visitors but they bounced back in admirable fashion.

A response was needed from Manuel Pellegrini’s side after their disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Watford in the preceding top-flight fixture. Their luck didn’t appear to be in as Southampton took an early second-half lead but two superb goals from Felipe Anderson inspired the team to a comeback.

The Brazilian drove a right-footed strike from distance beyond Alex McCarthy to immediately level proceedings before finishing off a counter-attack in ruthless fashion.

![Michael Steele/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2018/12/1075229356.jpg)

Moments of magic won West Ham the game against Southampton in what was a scrappy affair, but the best player by a clear stretch on the night was Rice.

The versatile midfielder was near-faultless from the first minute until the last and dictated the tempo of the match, emerging as a calming influence amidst robust challenges and overzealous passes from both sides.

Doing the simple things well remains an underappreciated art in the modern game but Rice is a master of his trade. There are never any frills with the youngster and, as has been the case since his emergence onto the first-team scene, he plays with a maturity that is far beyond his years.

The double pivot of Pedro Obiang and the 19-year-old worked a treat for Pellegrini’s Hammers as they comprehensively outperformed their opposite numbers, Oriol Romeu and Mario Lemina.

West Ham were forced to work for the ball and play with caution at times as Southampton’s attackers aimed to retrieve possession in advanced areas when possible.

![Marc Atkins/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2018/12/1056979596.jpg)

However, at Pellegrini’s disposal is a rare breed of player in Rice; one who is press-resistant, and capable of using simplicity and positional intelligence to his advantage.

The academy graduate was calmness personified against Southampton. Despite being the youngest player on the pitch at St Mary’s on Thursday evening, he orchestrated his side’s performance and led by example.

It is in games such as these that Rice’s importance to Pellegrini’s short-term and long-term plans at West Ham must not be understated. He is a crucial cog in the team and can provide the Irons with a reliable holding midfielder for years to come.

The best bit of business that the club can do ahead of upcoming transfer windows is to secure Rice’s future.

He clearly has immense potential and West Ham must now ensure that they enjoy the benefits of his development and growth as he continues to mature into a truly impressive player.