Rice strikes to earn West Ham draw at struggling Saints

Declan Rice’s first Premier League goal in nearly a year denied Southampton a much-needed win as West Ham fought back to draw at St Mary’s.

Romain Perraud put the Saints ahead in controversial fashion with the Hammers claiming Jarrod Bowen had been impeded by the referee in his attempt to reach the ball before the full-back’s effort deflected into the bottom corner.

West Ham failed to convert several chances before Rice combined with substitute Said Benrahma and curled a right-footed effort past Gavin Bazunu for his first league goal since 31 October 2021.

While Southampton earned their first point in five games, a draw keeps the pressure on boss Ralph Hasenhuttl with the club remaining in the bottom three. (BBC)