David Moyes believes Michail Antonio has been ‘firing on all cylinders’ in training after the striker remained at West Ham United during the international break, via football.london.
Antonio chose against representing Jamaica in their latest World Cup qualifiers over travel-related challenges. Theodore Whitmore’s side lost to the United States before drawing with Canada without the forward. But managed to beat fellow strugglers Honduras 2-0.
The Reggae Boyz’s win over Honduras moved Jamaica up to sixth in their group, but trail leaders Mexico by nine-points. Whitmore would have hoped Antonio could help secure results against the USA and Canada, after making his debut against Panama last month.
Remaining at West Ham during the international break instead offered Antonio a chance to rest, but impressed Moyes in training. The 31-year-old has only failed to feature in one of the Irons’ Premier League fixtures this season while suspended against Manchester United.
“I think he has been firing on all cylinders and I hope he is well rested, and I hope that has got some good training in,” Moyes said. “He chose not to go with Jamaica in the end because he felt that some of the logistics weren’t correct.
“But overall, he is back, and I hope he can continue in the good form he has been in since the start of the season.”
Antonio to continue lively start when West Ham face Everton?
Moyes will hope to see Antonio continue his lively start to the season when West Ham visit Everton on Sunday. The Irons’ £7m signing from Nottingham Forest in 2015 has scored five in his six Premier League appearances so far.
He has also provided three assists over his top-flight games. While netting one and creating one goal in the Europa League after two group stage fixtures. Antonio has only failed to score or assist in any competition this term at Southampton and against Brentford so far.
Yet Antonio still offered Moyes and West Ham a key presence in attack before his red card against the Saints. He also continually ran at the Bees in the Hammers’ 2-1 defeat last time out. While on both occasions leading the line, creating chances and stretching defences.
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