Antonio gave a massive thumbs up to the Irons fans who boosted the team as the competed a conclusive victory over Champions league qualifiers Atalanta.

Mikey looked in fine form as he linked with man of the match Said Benrahma – scoring one goal and drawing plenty of fouls from the opposition as he set off on those typically buccaneering runs.

And he made it clear that the biggest Hammers attendance of around 18 months was a huge help as the squad continued where they had left off from last year.

Mikey’s goal was a simple affair, sliding the ball home after an beautifully chipped ball over the heads of defenders and into the box by Benrahma.

Talking to West Ham TV afterwards the No 9 said: “It was quality. It’s been weird without the fans, obviously being able to hear each other speak and stuff like that! 

“Having the fans there – that extra push, that extra 20 per cent that we need to get the ball back and to pressure and to score goals… we’ve missed them.

“It’s always quality to win something, and today we have.”

And of his goal he added: “To be fair, it was a great ball from Said. I managed to get through and get the goal.

“It’s one of those things where, during the season, I want to start taking more opportunities when they come to me. Obviously, I’ve taken the No9 shirt now to show that I am the No9, I am the person who’s meant to be scoring the goals, and hopefully I can keep doing it.

“I don’t want to put any type of pressure on myself. I know that over the last few years I’ve been scoring goals, so if I just keep going out there and doing the same things that I’ve been doing, I’ll get a good tally at the end of the season. 

“Obviously, being the No9, people could put a bit more pressure on that, saying that maybe ten goals isn’t enough, but all I’m going to do is go out there and do the best I can and score as many goals as I can.”
 

Antonio was also pleased to help his team put in a thoroughly professional performance against Serie A’s third-placing team – and top scorers – for each of the last three seasons.

He explained: “In the first 30 minutes, Atalanta showed their quality in how they keep the ball, their rotation system, their movement, their passing, but after that we got into the game and managed to get the goal and we went on from there.

“We’ve gone through all pre-season without losing a game. We are looking sharp, we’re looking good, and hopefully we can take that into the season.”