West Ham 'special place to play' says Rice as Hammers maintain sterling start to season

David Moyes' side were unlikely European challengers last term and remain in rich form, prompting their star man to pay tribute to their squad

Declan Rice says that West Ham is "a special place to play" after the Hammers cemented their status as top four challengers with a Premier League blowout against Aston Villa on Sunday.

David Moyes' side were unlikely European challengers last term, just falling short of a Champions League finish a year after they beat off relegation following the Scotsman's return to the club.

Now, they look to have picked up where they left off, level with Manchester City after a 4-1 triumph at Villa Park - and England international Rice admits that their squad feel something different.