‘Far better’: Moyes issue staunch defence of ‘improved’ West Ham star

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David Moyes believes Michail Antonio is in a ‘far better place’ with his fitness and has no doubt West Ham United can still rely on the striker regularly, via quotes by football.london.

The Irons boss has had to manage Antonio’s workload this season in order to keep the 31-year-old fit and available. He missed 12 Premier League games last term due to a string of muscle injuries. But the forward is yet to sit a game out this season due to a physical issue.

Moyes has mostly sacrificed Antonio during West Ham’s cup ties to see him start 25 of his 26 league appearances. The Jamaica star played no part whilst the Hammers’ reached the Carabao Cup quarter-final. He also sat out their FA Cup fourth-round win at Kidderminster.

Additionally, Antonio only started three of West Ham’s Europa League group stage fixtures. But Moyes will likely start the London-born star in their last 16 ties with Sevilla and may call on him at Southampton in the FA Cup when the Irons travel to St Mary’s on Wednesday.

Moyes backs Antonio to thrive for West Ham now his fitness is ‘far better’

Moyes is firm in his belief that Antonio can still fire the goals West Ham need, despite his recent drought. The forward has failed to score in his last eight games in all competitions. Antonio last found the back of the net on New Year’s Day with his ninth goal of the season.

“Yeah, I do,” Moyes said. “At the right times, we didn’t play him in all the games – if you look at Europe, we’ve tried to manage him. He’s added Jamaica to his workload, as well.

“Mich is in a far better place, physically, than he has been for a long time. He is in better condition, looking after himself, which maybe comes with a bit of age and experience.

“His record is probably about 20 Premier League games on average per season. So, we’ve got to try and get him through more of them if we can… He is doing well on the fitness side, keeping himself strong and we all saw an improved Antonio against Wolves, as well.”

Antonio started the season on fire with four goals and three assists in his first three league games. But he has only scored two in his last 18 and failed to score against Leeds in the FA Cup. His only Europa League goal this term came on the opening night at Dinamo Zagreb.