David Moyes admits that Mikey Antonio was essentially dead on his feet in the final stages of the Hammers’ defeat to Leeds on Sunday.
The Hammers were beaten 3-2 at the London Stadium in a game that may have put a dent in the club’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Jack Harrison’s hat-trick was the deciding factor, despite goals from both Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals.
Bowen could have scored a last-minute equaliser but somehow managed to chest the ball over the bar after Antonio’s cross was deflected into his path at the back post.
Mikey did lay on an assist earlier in the game but Moyes felt that he was knackered come the end of the 90 minutes.
However, due to a lack of general depth within the striking department, the boss admitted that there was simply no option to substitute him.
Speaking to reporters after the game, as per Football.London, he was asked if Mikey was tired and replied: “We noticed that as well. But it is difficult when you have to play. He is one of our key goalscorers. We were chasing the game from 15 minutes in and it was really difficult to change him. He was out on his legs after the game but again what can we do?”
I said this a while back, his energy levels are way down since the change of diet to try to avoid injuries.
‘What can we do’??!!! is that what he is asking? Well, here is a free advice and solution: BUY.A STRIKER! as you should have done ages ago.
I’m getting extremely frustrated by this ludicrous transfer signings saga. There’s me thinking that football is a global game played in every country on the planet. And that many of those nations play it at the highest level – meaning there are literally thousands of players who score goals. But according to Moysie there are, in fact, only four such players, one of whom has just been signed by the Geordies from Burnley! Do we actually have any scouts at the club? Stop looking at clapped out or cast-off failures from other Prem clubs and do what Southampton and Leicester do – find a young, hungry striker with something to prove from abroad or even the C’ship. After all, he (or she, I’m that desperate!) Is only initially going to be a back-up to Mikey. If we don’t act soon a top six placing is going to be very hard to achieve, especially with Villa and possibly Everton improving. David stop dithering!
Er, what you can do Dave is – buy another striker!
Well Moyes has known we have needed backup Striker and indeed an extra CB & LB.
I don’t know why we can’t get someone like Hlojek, Boyo etc and have been ready to jump when the window opened. Look what Villa did and instant impact within a week.
How about getting another striker ? Novel i know.
Then get a striker. You have had a year to sort it out Moyes