West Ham United’s Michail Antonio was dropped against Crystal Palace last week.
West Ham United ace Michail Antonio has told the London Evening Standard that manager David Moyes was right to drop him against Crystal Palace last week.
The Hammers lost for just a third time since the end of November on Saturday afternoon, as they fell to a heavy 3-1 defeat away at Brighton and Hove Albion.
When trailing 2-1 at the Amex Stadium, manager Moyes made a change to try and swing the game in West ham’s favour, and he brought on winger Antonio to provide an impact.
Brighton went on to score again and seal the win, but bringing on Antonio was an important step for the wide man after his discipline was brought into question last week.
After being late for a team meeting, Antonio was completely dropped from the West Ham squad to face Crystal Palace last week, but no lasting damage appears to have been done.
Now, Antonio has discussed the situation, telling the London Evening Standard that he actually agrees with Moyes’ decision, and whilst he only missed the meeting through confusion, he understands why Moyes wants a tight ship and won’t let anybody’s standards slip.
“I’m not making excuses, I was late and I agreed with what the manager did,” said Antonio. “The problem arose through confusion but the manager wants a tight ship, he is not letting anyone slide,” he added.
Antonio, 27, hit 17 goals and six assists in his first two Premier League campaigns with the Hammers, but he has endured a frustrating season this term, scoring just the once in 16 games.
A fully-focused and firing Antonio is a major asset to West Ham, and Moyes will hope that his stern warning last week can now help get Antonio back to his best from now until the end of the season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
