Gary Lineker cheekily reminded Micah Richards that the likes of West Ham and Everton are ‘big clubs’ after his comments about Michail Antonio backfired, as was broadcast on Match of the Day.
The former Manchester City defender, whilst speaking about Antonio’s performance during West Ham’s 2-2 draw with Palace at the weekend, claimed that the in-form hitman could be playing for ‘one of the big clubs’.
Antonio has scored in every Premier League game so far this season, as David Moyes’s side have picked up seven points from their opening three matches.
But shortly after Richards made his ‘big club’ comment about the Hammers, Lineker, had to remind him that they are one of the big boys.
The TV presenter didn’t let it go because, later on in the show, when MOTD showed Everton’s win at Brighton, the former striker said: “Everton is another big club too, Micah.”
After Richards’ initial comment, he seemed to backtrack and acknowledged that he understands that they are all ‘big clubs’.
Nonetheless, this is how the conversation unfolded on Match of the Day over the weekend:
“When you have got big Antonio up top,” said Richards. “The confidence he has got, at the moment.
“I honestly believe if he started at 18 or 19 as a striker, no disrespect to West Ham, then he maybe could be playing for one of the big clubs. The way he has transformed his game in such a short space of time.”
Lineker responded: “Personally, I would say that West Ham are a big club, Micah.”
Shearer then told Richards: “Get ready for the criticism.” to which he responded, “Of course they are a big club.”
Later on in the show, after MOTD showed Everton’s win at Brighton, Lineker then aimed another jab at his fellow pundit by saying: “Everton is another big club, too, Micah.”
Richards then responded with laughter: “They are all big clubs.”
Both clubs will have ambitions to either stay in Europe or finish in those European places at the end of the season.
The Hammers have tasted that with Moyes and those on Merseyside are hoping Rafa Benitez can be that man to guide them to European tours again.
Everton have also started the new campaign in a positive fashion, so there’s no reason why their current road can’t lead them down the European path they have been craving to drive down for many years now.
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