Michail Antonio’s contribution to the Irons cause this season so far cannot be overstated !

Nor can the fact that Manuel Pellegrini has found the key to the man’s game and is releasing all his potential in the role of super sub.

Sometimes things are so blindingly simple  they get missed but there’s no doubt that since the guy started jumping off the bench at the start of or during the second half he has made a huge difference.

The manager mentioned him in passing as changing things against Watford – the same was of course true at Brighton.

He was explosive in both games and was something of a game changer if truth be told. He was also close to scoring on both occasions. Why hadn’t we seen it before?

This is a guy who has energy, pace, power and strength to burn and once he arrives later in the game he has shown he can shred defenders as they tire and perhaps lose concentration in the later stages of the game.

He is very much what some thought Andy Carroll should be – a secret weapon…a super sub and it’s one of the big reasons why he was never going to be allowed to leave the club.

We had it confirmed this morning that there had been solid approaches from Crystal Palace for his services had they sold Wilfried Zaha.

Pellegrini’s foot went firmly down and there was never any chance of that deal happening – he clearly knew what role he had in place for Michael.

With so much energy packed into his frame he has the ability to terrify those tiring defenders when packing the preparation throughout the week for 90 minutes into 45.

Terrific piece of management …great player!

COYI