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7 Things To Take Away From West Ham’s Chelsea Clash

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea is fouled by Michail Antonio of West Ham United leading to a penalty during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea is fouled by Michail Antonio of West Ham United leading to a penalty during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /
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West Ham couldn’t replicate last season’s opening day result as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat away to Chelsea. It was a frustrating game, and what can the club take away from the match?

Antonio is NOT a right back

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea is fouled by Michail Antonio of West Ham United leading to a penalty during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea is fouled by Michail Antonio of West Ham United leading to a penalty during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /

It’s blindingly obvious to everyone. Pundits are talking about it. Fans are talking about it. Opposition managers should definitely be talking about it in their dressing rooms. Antonio should not be playing right back for West Ham.

He is a highly physical player but he does not read the game the way a fullback should. He was caught out of position and it is no coincidence that Hazard set up on the left for Chelsea. The Belgian was in fine form and gave Antonio a torrid time, getting past him time after time.

Antonio’s poor showing at right back finished with him bringing down Azpilacueta for a penalty. He was trying to get back after making a mistake and he fouled the Chelsea fullback, but I don’t blame Antonio.

He’s showed repeatedly he is a winger, he takes too many risks to be a right back. What confuses me id that we have an able right back on the bench in Sam Byram. He came on for Antonio shortly after the penalty, and looked much more solid. Antonio looked devastated, and if I was Bilic I would be looking at right back targets straight away. It’s not good for either of their careers if he continues to play there.

Next: Defence Into Attack