David Moyes issues brutal one-word response to Arsenal and Declan Rice question

David Moyes has made it clear that West Ham's clash with Manchester City isn't about doing favours for former captain Declan Rice, who could become a Premier League champion with Arsenal if the Hammers thwart City and the Gunners triumph over Everton.

Rice completed a £100 million transfer to the Emirates Stadium from West Ham in the summer and has become a key player in Arsenal's challenge for the title this season. It comes just 12 months after the England international helped the Hammers to win the Europa Conference League under the guidance of Moyes.

The Scot, who is set to oversee his last match at the helm of West Ham, stated firmly, "No," when asked if they were aiming to help Rice. He then added, "Everybody here loves Declan and remembers him but we're not doing it for Declan. We're doing it for ourselves, do the best we can."

With a top-half finish already in the bag for West Ham, Moyes, who once managed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta at Everton, insists there will be no let-up against City. He pointed out the unpredictability of football and the importance of seizing opportunities, acknowledging the challenge posed by a City side needing a win to clinch the title.

"Football is a strange game, you never know when you'll get opportunities to win. You have to take those opportunities when you can," Moyes remarked, adding that both teams face pressure in this decisive encounter. "Let's be fair, it's difficult to win at Manchester City at any time, especially when they know they've got to win a game to secure the championship.

"That puts us under pressure because of what Manchester City can do but also it puts Manchester City under pressure as well. We have to do everything we can to play the game and concentrate on ourselves.

READ MORE: Arsenal receive unexpected title boost from Tottenham despite Man City defeat amid West Ham hope

READ MORE: Crucial Bukayo Saka injury update emerges as Arsenal prepare for Premier League title showdown

"We're not playing to make Manchester City win the Premier League and we're not playing to make Arsenal win the Premier League. We're playing for West Ham and we're trying to win the game for West Ham. We can't finish lower than ninth, which is a really good league position for West Ham in lots of ways. The players and myself are all pleased at that situation, that no matter what the outcome we're in a strong position."

In order to pinch the title from Man City, Arsenal need to win and hope that West Ham can either draw or win against Pep Guardiola's side. The Gunners take on Everton at the Emirates Stadium with fans possibly having one eye on what is happening at the Etihad Stadium.