Antonio mystery needs solving FAST!

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When he has played, Michail has frequently been withdrawn from the action.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The “Antonio, Antonio…” song that regularly echoed around the grounds, home and away, has been replaced by a growing dissatisfaction in his performances.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!