West Ham captain Declan Rice lays down challenge to Elland Road faithful amid unique Leeds United claim
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In January, Leeds’ barnstorming Jack Harrison-inspired victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium was a glimmer of hope amid a tough season.
But earlier in the campaign, the Hammers inflicted a miserable 2-1 defeat upon Leeds at Elland Road as the Whites went a sixth Premier League game without a win.
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Hide AdUnited fans felt their team might be on their way to shaking off a tricky start to the season when Raphinha opened the scoring in LS11 in September 2021.
But after a deflect Jarrod Bowen effort levelled the scores after half time, Rice set up Michail Antonio to bag a late winner in the 90th minute to the despair of the home support.
Though the afternoon ended in victory for Rice’s side, the experience made quite an impression on the England international, who insists the Elland Road atmosphere is something quite unique.
“Going to grounds such as Leeds and Everton last year, they are such tough grounds,” Rice told YouTube show Tubes and Ange’s Golf Life. “And their players are strong men.
“Then the crowd (get behind them). It’s a tough stadium.
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Hide Ad"Like Leeds, I have never seen anything like it. It’s proper.”
This season, David Moyes’ side will go hunting for points at Elland Road on Monday January 2 2023.
But Rice isn’t afraid of the hostile energy inside the Whites’ home crowd – if anything, he welcomes it.
"I love it,” Rice revealed. “I love getting stick from opposition fans.
"I am buzzing off it.”