Michail Antonio has played five Premier League games this season scoring five goals and making three assists.
Yesterday was one of his best so far in this campaign, Leeds were increasingly susceptible to counterattacks and from one such break, Rice cleverly played in Antonio. He dodged Shackleton and his shot then evaded Meslier, prompting delirious celebrations from West Ham away fans.
Antonio’s success has overshadowed skipper Declan Rice contribution but he had a massive impact on yesterday’s game and is getting better and better.
Rice has proved doubters wrong who claim he doesn’t pass the ball forward and he was him who made the winning goal and ensured victory for the Hammers.
When the final whistle blew It is not the Michail Antonio that David Moyes ran to but his captain Declan Rice as he gave him a huge embrace. Properly shaking his skipper and crediting him with the run that bagged the West Ham winner.
Declan Rice doesn’t look like a player desperate to join Chelsea or Manchester United, he looks like a Hammers loving his football and his club!
Not only have I championed West Ham players as being World Class, but I have also called it as I have seen it with opposition players when they first started such as Kane, Campbell, Owen and Rio to name a few.
Declan’s trajectory should be plain to see at this late stage and as annoying as his valuation may seem to his dad, nothing less than £100M be the price for his suiters with his dad working hard behind the scenes to “gift” Declan to his chosen destination.
Luckily I don’t think Moyes will allow him to go for less, but as supporters, we should enjoy this season as I feel it may be his last with us. His social media and on-pitch persona has changed this season for whatever reason…….and I think he’ll be on his way….. Hopefully, his last season is a special one for us all.
Not on the cheap-no way. 100 mill plus. no less. Though at the moment would be puzzled why anyone would want to leave.