It’s been a tricky start to the season for the Hammers, but how has their England international started the season?
England’s Michail Antonio during the press conference
After playing a key role in West Ham United’s oustanding first season under Slaven Bilic, and earning himself an England call-up along the way, eyes are firmly fixed on the incredible rise of Hammers winger, Michail Antonio. From struggling to force his way into the Sheffield Wednesday starting XI to scoring important goals at the London Stadium, Antonio’s rise to the top over the last few years has been nothing short of meteoric.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio celebrates scoring their first goal
Forcing his way into the side last year, Antonio has made himself into the most useful player in Bilic’s arsenal, capable of being deployed on either wing, or as a full-back. Though Antonio would clearly rather play further forward, his versatility makes him vital to West Ham’s football going forward.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic shakes hands with Michail Antonio after he was substituted
After such a fantastic season last year, and after making the big move to the new London Stadium, West Ham fans were understandably excited about what could be achieved this season. However, the Hammers start was poor, surprising many West Ham fans and, indeed, most Premier League pundits an analysts.
But perhaps August was just a tough month. Defeats to Chelsea and Manchester City, two of the best teams in the league, were nothing to be ashamed of, and Antonio, one of the Hammers stronger performers at the start of the season, scored the Hammers only goal in a 1-0 win over Eddie Howe’s impressive Bournemouth side.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio scores their first goal
Antonio also managed the only West Ham goal in their defeat to Manchester City, a defeat which hadn’t managed to deflate to many West Ham fans, putting it down mostly to a major difference in quality on the day.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio scores their first goal
His headers at the back post were becoming something of habit for Antonio, as the versatile winger once again highlighted what an important player he was to Slaven Bilic, despite millions being spent to bring in players from abroad.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio warms up before the match
However, September was not going to be a good month for West Ham. Heavy defeats to Watford, West Brom and Southampton followed, seeing the Hammers concede 11 goals over the course of the month. Despite seeing his team struggle, Antonio himself put in a number of inspiring performances, picking up two goals against Watford and another against the Baggies.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio celebrates scoring their first goal against Watford
West Ham’s Michail Antonio scores their first goal against West Brom
October looked to be showing improvements for West Ham, as Bilic’s side picked up wins against Crystal Palace and Sunderland. However, a poor performance against Everton (losing 2-0) and a draw with newly-promoted Middlesbrough highlighted the Hammers struggle to find consistency.
November, so far, has looked largely to be the same. A 1-1 draw against Stoke City, followed by a shocking 3-2 defeat to rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, are results which continue to frustrate the West Ham faithful, after such an impressive campaign last season. Despite this, one source of joy for the Hammers must be the continued form of Antonio who, after netting against Spurs, is showing no sign at all of slowing down.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio celebrates scoring their first goal
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