Michail Antonio thinks 21-year-old has been ‘on fire’ after West Ham exit

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West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has praised Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah for being ‘on fire’ this season.

Some West Ham fans may be a little baffled by Pierre Ekwah’s time at the club.

The Frenchman joined West Ham from Chelsea back in 2021 with the Hammers seemingly spotting big potential in him.

That didn’t translate to first-team action though as Ekwah failed to play a single senior game in his 18 months at the London Stadium.

A talented and athletic midfielder, Ekwah was offloaded to Sunderland – and has caught the eye of former Hammers teammate Michail Antonio.

Pierre Ekwah praised by West Ham United striker Michail Antonio

Ekwah has been shining for Sunderland this season but he endured a tricky afternoon against Newcastle United last weekend.

The 21-year-old tried to dribble out of trouble on the edge of his own box with Sunderland already 1-0 down to their bitter rivals.

Miguel Almiron pinched the ball away and teed up Alexander Isak to slot Newcastle into a 2-0 lead, effectively putting the game to bed.

Ekwah immediately put his head in his hands and looked devastated to have made a big error in such an important game.

Former West Ham teammate Antonio knows Ekwah well and has now stated on the Footballer’s Football Podcast that he was gutted for the Sunderland ace.

Antonio feels that Ekwah has been ‘on fire’ this season and was simply devastated to see him commit such a costly mistake.

“My boy Pierre, I was devastated for him,” said Antonio. “He’s been on fire this year but he lost the ball in his box and it’s another goal,” he added.

Ekwah attracting major interest

West Ham let Ekwah go without even giving him a first-team chance, but he could soon end up in the Premier League.

HITC Football understands that Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Fulham are all interested in signing Ekwah.

All three clubs have been watching Ekwah of late, but it’s unclear whether a January move will materialise, just a year since he joined Sunderland.

That mistake against Newcastle didn’t look good but the wider body of work he has produced this season has been hugely impressive.

Maybe West Ham should keep tabs on him for a potential return, but it’s more likely that they will end up having to face off against Ekwah in the near future.