David Moyes says his joyous celebration in the aftermath of Declan Rice’s wonder-goal against Gent on Thursday night was directed towards his wife, Pamela, after admitting she has seen “quite a miserable husband” throughout much of this season.
Moyes could not contain his delight, dancing down the touchline as Rice drove from inside his own half to open up a two-goal cushion and set West Ham on their way to the Europa Conference League semi-finals.
It has been a taxing season for Moyes, who has been under constant scrutiny amid West Ham’s Premier League struggles, but the campaign could yet end in triumph, with European silverware still on the table and the Hammers’ form having picked up sufficiently to ease relegation fears ahead of Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth.
Speaking ahead of that game, Moyes paid tribute to his family for their support, as well as the club’s owners, who have stood by the 59-year-old as all-but one of their relegation rivals made managerial changes.
“I have got more of them to come I hope,” Moyes said of his celebration. “My wife and my brother were there last night. It was a wee bit as well for the board. They have been strong when they have had to be.
“My wife got a smile out of me last night, which is not normal. Sometimes what you must not forget is how much of our families all care - they are engrossed in it because it is part of your life.
“If you are going to be a football manager, your wife, family, kids have to understand exactly how it is going to be. It plays a big part in their life because they don’t want a miserable husband or dad coming home. They’ve seen quite a miserable husband or dad quite regularly, to be honest.”
Despite their convincing second-half display, Moyes was critical of his side for taking their foot off the gas after racing into a four-goal lead with three goals in eight minutes soon after the break.
Declan Rice puts West Ham 3-1 up in style!! 🔥
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 20, 2023
What a run from the West Ham captain! 🤩#UECL pic.twitter.com/LJRSUwIX4G
Jarrod Bowen had a fifth ruled out for offside, while the Irons were guilty of wasting a number of options to punish the deflated visitors late on.
“I want us to play with confidence but I was a little bit annoyed at the end as we abused opportunities to score more goals,” Moyes added. “You never get above your station. I don’t want us to do that, you gave got to be humble and you have got to play correctly.
“We messed up a five-vs-four and if this was Manchester City or even Arsenal, they may have cut you open and been clinical. I want us to be that. I don’t want us to be an ‘Ole’ team. I want us to cut them up and finish the job off.”
