West Ham winger Michail Antonio scored against Manchester City on Sunday – and was then called up to the England squad.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio celebrates scoring against Bournemouth
West Ham United lost 3-1 away at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon – and whilst it was a dismal day for the Hammers, it ended up being a special evening for Michail Antonio.
After losing 1-0 at home to Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League on Thursday, fans were hoping for a big repsonse against City, especially given that manager Slaven Bilic masterminded a 2-1 away win at the Etihad Stadium last season.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio scores against Manchester City
However, West Ham were 2-0 down by half time as Raheem Sterling finished off a flowing move before Fernandinho headed home Kevin De Bruyne’s free kick to put Pep Guardiola’s men in complete control.
The Hammers did hit back early in the second half as Antonio rose at the back post in trademark fashion to head home Arthur Masuaku’s cross, and whilst Bilic’s men tried to earn an equaliser, City finished the game off in style late on as Sterling grabbed his second and City’s third from a tight angle.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio looks dejected after losing to Astra Giurgiu
It was another disappointing result for West Ham, but Antonio had a great day – not only scoring for the second game in a row, but also winning a call-up to the England national team just moments after the final whistle.
With new manager Sam Allardyce in charge of the Three Lions, the ex-Hammers boss has returned to West Ham to select Antonio in the first big change of the new era for England.
England manager Sam Allardyce
A powerful player with great pace, work ethic and aerial ability, Antonio is the prototypical Allardyce player – and West Ham fans took to Twitter after Sunday’s game to discuss Antonio’s display and his call-up.
Supporters begged manager Bilic to keep Antonio on the wing having toyed with him at right back last season and at the start of this term, suggesting that the game could have been different had the former Nottingham Forest man been played in his natural position.
Others focused on his call-up, stating that Antonio deserved his international recognition, and think it’s great to see manager Allardyce appreciate his qualities, when predecessor Roy Hodgson barely looked in his direction prior to Euro 2016.
What did you think of Antonio’s performance against Manchester City and subsequent England call-up?
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