Antonio is the best form of defence
It’s clear for all to see just how important Michail Antonio has become to the Hammers’ attack. However, it’s also notable how pivotal he has become to the defence because once Antonio is subbed, West Ham concede.
What we’re witnessing at West Ham right now is the very essence of attack being the best form of defence because, quite frankly, we can’t defend.
This begs two very serious questions. Firstly, if the Hammers’ results and tactics seem to rely so firmly on Michail Antonio, why does David Moyes substitute him? There was evidence enough in West Ham’s prior game against Aston Villa to suggest that substituting Antonio would negatively impact the team, so why do it?
Beast mode Antonio the the best form of defence
I guess Moyes’ reply would be that the forward’s fitness has to be carefully managed, which then begs the second question . . . why oh why have we not purchased another striker? Eighteen months to replace Sebastien Haller and now another 12 to renew the failed Gianluca Scamacca? It makes no sense at all.
It’s as if Moyes is indulging in a form of football hara-kiri by denying himself the one thing which makes his team tick. Very odd.