Tomas Soucek has left no doubt with a bold statement on life after Declan Rice at West Ham following 'good changes'.

During the international break we reported on a host of statistics which prove West Ham are a better team following Declan Rice's PS105m move to Arsenal.

West Ham fans can see that with their own eyes of course. But two astonishing facts go a long way to backing it up.

In short West Ham are one of only six teams of the 92 across the country to have scored in every game so far.

And the Hammers have 10 points more than at the same stage of last season when Rice was their captain and star man. That's the biggest increase in the entire league by a distance.

The goal against Newcastle meant Soucek has scored in consecutive Premier League games for West Ham for the first time since December 2020. That's nearly three years ago.

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And he has now scored as many goals in his last two league games for the Hammers as he had in his previous 45 - yes FORTY-FIVE - matches.

Rice was a superb player and servant for West Ham during his time here. But Soucek was scandalously slandered in some quarters.

Now he is speaking up about it.

Soucek leaves no doubt with bold statement on life after Rice at West Ham following 'good changes'.

In an interview with West Ham's website, Soucek says it is 'no secret' that he is happier, better and more motivated going back to his old role in a new-look midfield this season.

And he has described the changes David Moyes has made as 'good' while saying the new midfield dynamic with James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez is 'perfect'.

"I don't think there is a big secret," Soucek said.

"Last season was a bit different and things didn't always go our way. We've had some changes this season, and I think they are good changes which have helped me a lot.

"I've scored a few goals now and I hope I can carry on with it all, in terms of my goals, our results and my playing time too.

"It's different now to last season. I now have new players to play alongside in Edson and James and it's going really well. I think all of us have the ability to go forward and can do the defensive jobs too.

"It's perfect because I know if I make a run towards the box then they are covering the space behind me. Also, if one of them is high up the pitch, I will stay and support our defenders. It's an excellent combination and I'm enjoying playing with them."

Enough said.