Antonio shows how practice makes perfect

t’s not always been usual for us to apply the words resolute, determined and committed to West Ham but all that and more was in evidence this afternoon.

No, of course it wasn’t a great performance – we were off our game but I honestly didn’t feel at any time we were likely to be pulled back once we got in front.

Having said that, there was a laziness and a tiredness in our play and it all became a bit to open and shapeless at times. But there remains a resilience and spirit in the team which has been instilled by the manager.

Even when they are under the cosh they work for each other and none more so than Michail Antonio who was absolutely outstanding today.

I was very impressed when he said after the game that the goal was the result of extra practice he’s been putting in on the left foot.

That he’s prepared to stay behind and put in time on the training ground like that is praiseworthy and it’s great when it gets an immediate reward like today’s match winner.

I was also impressed to hear him say he is happy to play anywhere in the team when told Sam Byram would be missing for the next two games.

This is a very committed footballer and he is going to go from strength to strength with us.

Not a great Irons performance but three points is three points – onwards and upwards.

COYI