Declan Rice suggests change of formation could be needed for goal-shy West Ham

George Sessions, PA

West Ham captain Declan Rice has expressed his frustration with their lack of goals and suggested a change of formation could be required.

The Hammers finished the weekend in the Premier League relegation zone after they were unable to react at Tottenham to wins by Bournemouth and Everton on Saturday.

After a goalless first half at Spurs, Emerson Royal and Son Heung-min struck in the second period to consign West Ham to another defeat with David Moyes’ side winning only once in the top flight since October 24.

Moyes again started with three centre-backs but his skipper appeared to call for a change after their poor goalscoring form continued with the 18th-placed club finding the net only 19 times in 23 league fixtures this season.

“I think when it comes to Spurs, it’s always going to be tough but it’s down to us to perform, create chances and score goals,” Rice told Sky Sports.

“Everyone knows the position we are in but it’s up to us to sort it out.

“Last year we were so good, we felt we’d score a couple of goals each game but sometimes this happens.

“When you play with five at the back the strikers can feel a bit isolated so we need to give them more support.

“There are six or seven teams in and around us. We are the only ones who can change it so I’m not too bothered about them, it’s down to us.”

West Ham host fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on Saturday in a crucial fixture down the bottom of the table but Moyes seemed keen to play down its significance and insisted every game matters given their struggles.

Moyes added: “Every game is big. This was big, every game is big.

“If you’re trying to make the word big sound bigger than it should be, I don’t know if I can do that. Ultimately, we treat every game with the same level, but I totally get your message.”

Jarrod Bowen will be checked on by West Ham after he took a blow to his shin during the final exchanges of their defeat at Tottenham.