Michail Antonio has told Sky Sports he is adamant of still possessing a vital role in the West Ham United attack, despite the longest goal drought ‘in my career’ ahead of visiting Lyon.
The Irons make the trip to the Groupama Stadium on Thursday night for the second-leg of their Europa League quarter-final. Les Gones rallied to draw at the 10-man Hammers in the first-leg, following Jarrod Bowen breaking the deadlock after Aaron Cresswell’s red card.
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Antonio started for West Ham at home to Lyon at the London Stadium and played the full 90 minutes. But the 32-year-old was unable to strike his 11th goal of the season across all competitions. He has now failed to net in Europe since their first fixture on September 16.
Goals have also proven scarce in the Premier League for the Jamaica forward, despite him striking eight and assisting seven. Antonio has not put the ball over the line in a top-flight game since West Ham beat Crystal Palace 3-2 on New Years’ Day – going 12 without since.
Only at Southampton in the FA Cup on March 2 has Antonio scored in 2022, other than at Selhurst Park. Four of his eight Premier League goals additionally came during August, and hit two more by October 24. Antonio then went eight without netting before Boxing Day.
Michail Antonio adamant of vital West Ham role despite worst run ‘in my career’
Nonetheless, Antonio is adamant he is still vital for David Moyes ahead of West Ham facing Lyon on Thursday. As while he admits to his struggles in front of the net, the three-cap star firmly believes what he gives outside of simply scoring is instrumental to the Irons’ efforts.
“It’s the longest streak in my career,” Antonio admits. “One thing about football is, it is not about you personally. It is about being a team player.
“I definitely believe I am doing that. I am bringing the team together, the team is playing off me and I am bringing the team in and assisting in goals.”
Antonio is regularly able to pull defences apart, hold the ball up and create space for other West Ham stars to exploit, even if he does not end up scoring. Moyes will hope to at least see those traits at Lyon, which was not the case last Sunday as Brentford dominated him.
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