If the Terminator played for West Ham he would embody Michail Antonio

If it weren’t for Ogbonna, and missing 7 matches with a hamstring injury, Michail Antonio could be making a case for West Ham United’s Hammer of the Year.

Even saying that shows what kind of season the winger has had so far when available for selection. It also shows how far the player has come in his time at West Ham United. Although by all accounts he appears to be a great guy with an infectiously happy personality on and off the pitch, injuries have limited his effectiveness.

So at times, he has his first touch, his touch in the final third and some defensive shortcomings. But what Antonio offers as positives, nobody in the club can match. He has a unique combination of straight-ahead pace, strength and the ability to force the opponent to account for him at all times.

That opens things up for his teammates in a way that pure skill players without his directness don’t seem to be able to accomplish with regularity. As a result, when Antonio has been absent, goals have been harder to come by, and the offense doesn’t seem to click.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Michail Antonio of West Ham United battles for possession with Jan Bednarek of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and West Ham United at St Mary’s Stadium on December 14, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

When he’s in the starting XI, everything works much better and the club seems more dangerous. Over the years I have had a love-hate relationship with Antonio the player for some of those shortcomings already noted. But now, I dread what we line up like when he’s not available.

Finally, last week, we saw what many supporters have been calling for: Antonio playing alongside Haller in a 4-4-2 forced upon Manuel Pellegrini due to illness to Felipe Anderson. And, to the surprise of no one, it worked.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 30: Michail Antonio of West Ham United celebrates a goal that is disallowed following a VAR review during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Antonio was a beast and our best player and Sebastien Haller returned to the score sheet for the first time since August. If it weren’t for VAR and an unfortunate handball, Antonio and the Hammers would’ve had more.

He took it all in stride though, using social media to display his playful side, as usual. That’s the player that means so much to the team and why West Ham United need a healthy Antonio for the remainder of the season to pull themselves out of this relegation dogfight.

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Plus they need him upfront alongside Haller as a second striker. So with that, I give Michail Antonio Mid Season Report Card Grade: B