Michail Antonio says he applauds Richarlison for his recent game-changing performance in Tottenham Hotspur colours.
In recent times, the West Ham United hitman has been criticised for openly mocking Tottenham’s club-record transfer and how he had more yellow cards than Premier League goals last season.
But Michail Antonio was sure to mention, again, that he has always said that Richarlison is a ‘quality’ player and now ‘I applaud him’ for his stunning efforts over the weekend, as he told The Footballer’s Football Show.
Richarlison came off the bench to score and assist, as Ange Postecoglou’s side scored in the 98th and 100th minute to down a sorry Sheffield United.
It was the latest-ever win in Premier League history and a further sign of how well this Spurs side are doing under their new manager.
Many would have probably expected some sort of struggle once Harry Kane left, but it has been far from it.
Antonio reacts to Richarlison’s latest performance for Tottenham
“You know what, my boy, my boy, Richy, Richarlison,” said Antonio. “Yeah, come off the bench. One assist. One goal.
“I am happy for the boy. I am actually happy for him because, at the end of the day, I said something and everyone is still talking about it, even though it was like six months ago. It was a joke, even though I said it. I said that he is a quality player. I always said he is a quality player.
“But maybe he shouldn’t have taken his top off. I’m not going to take that back.
“The boy has come off the bench, he got his assist and goal, after going away with Brazil, having the hard time and saying that he is going to come back and do therapy. His therapy has probably now been on the pitch for him. He might not even need the therapy sessions anymore.
“Getting that goal and assist could have done wonders for himself, so I applaud him.”
Who will score more goals – Richarlison or Antonio?
After five Premier League games, Antonio has two goals to his name, scoring during West Ham United’s wins against Chelsea and Brighton.
Whilst Richarlison has now just got off the mark and it will be interesting to see how that game-changing moment helps the £90k-a-week Spurs star (Spotrac) this season.
Surely it has to have some sort of effect because, if the former Everton man can’t use the Sheffield United game to fuel his performances at Spurs, then Ange Postecoglou will have a serious fight on his hands in trying to get him back to his best.
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