By Allen Cummings
Eighteen months ago Michail Antonio was the epitome of a traditional West Ham hero.
Big, strong, direct running, full of enterprise and enthusiasm. A rough diamond plucked from the lower reaches, polished, and given his chance in the first team. Oh and he scored goals – very important ones at times.
He was a real crowd favourite on his way to being crowned Hammer of the Year 2017, an award never in any real doubt throughout the 2016-17 season. How things have changed since then.
A succession or niggling injuries have blighted Antonio’s appearances this season. Having missed the Bournemouth game on Boxing Day, reports claim he will be missing again for tonight’s massive six pointer.
When he has played, Michail has frequently been withdrawn from the action. He lasted 68 minutes at Southampton, 28 in the league against Tottenham, 82 against Arsenal in the league, 68 v Stoke and 59 against Newcastle. He only got on after 62 minutes at Crystal Palace, and we all know what happened later in that game.
We’re told he’s been suffering with calf, thigh, hamstring and rib problems but more worrying for me is the version of Michail Antonio we’ve seen when he HAS been on the pitch. It has left a great deal to be desired.
Granted he can have a somewhat languid style at times, but there’s a difference between that and disappointing body language which in my opinion that is the biggest concern. Outwardly his demeanor has been a long way from what’s required in the position we find ourselves. The question is why?
Are there underlying problems of which we are we’re not aware ? It’s a mystery that needs solving. Having recently signed a new and improved contract, surely Antonio should be showing a whole lot more for his money than we have seen of late.
The “Antonio, Antonio…” song that regularly echoed around the grounds, home and away, has been replaced by a growing dissatisfaction in his performances. Obviously he’s too good a player for us to give up on. The former hero hasn’t exactly become a villain. But he’s a long way from what he was.
The old Antonio is exactly the type of player we need over the coming months to help pull us through this difficult period in a very challenging season. Fit and on form he’s without doubt a crowd pleaser and a game changer.
David Moyes and his staff somehow have got to get to the root of the problem and put things right – and soon!
Change of position maybe? Being up top on his own can’t help his game compared to what he was doing regularly wide right
Bilic and his england knock back has physically and mentally effected him imo ! He’s had the desire taken from him , I put that down to mismanagement ! Play him in his preferred position
And stop accommodating the likes of ayew in that roll , more mismanagement ? I pointed this out weeks ago and its still going on ! West ham , and england are the problem IMO 😉
Agree that & he was rushed back by Bilic last season & ended up making it worse at Swansea so had to have surgery & was out all summer & preseason.
I don’t think he has fully recovered from that & he is best on RW like u say he is good at crossing taking on in cutting in for shots as a natural winger.
Moyes as alos over played him & rushed him back. Last game was game he played day of decision & had only just trained the 1 day before.
We have seen him on the pitch knackered & bit will still sprint bc he only goes full speed. But Moyes as left him on & taken others off.
A number of games Sahko would of been perfect up front instead of Antonio esp when not fully fit.
So I think he is low on confidence right now not physical fit or match fit & out of position. He has still played well in some games & stretched the defense but his final ball has been off some & link up.
A lot of Fans are turning on him but I still think Antonio is great but he has been over worked & we need to stay on his side. I don’t think like some say he has big head think better then he is ever sinced he signed that contract etc. Prob has more to do w Surgery he had before signed contract.
Moyes obviously likes him & his work ethic but needs his rest & then to be played in best postioj. Of the rignt .
Totally agree with how important he is, a beast of a player with the engine to match, love the guy! But this sounds like just panicking over a problem where there isn’t one. Injuries are annoying, but why does it always have to come with other overly dramatic statements? I think he’s loving life at Westham, been finally given the contract he deserves, and a manager that loves he’s type 🙂
If he wasn’t injured, I have no doubt he’d be producing the performances that he always has, he’s a proper hammer! 😉
3 points tonight boys! COYI!!