Green Street Hammers
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How West Ham’s strike-force went from heroes to zeros

By Louis Pye

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Michail Antonio of West Ham United and Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Michail Antonio of West Ham United and Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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It was only a week ago that the strike partnership of Sebastien Haller and Michail Antonio was being heralded as West Ham’s saving grace heading into the final stretch of the Premier League season.

Unfortunately, though, time moves fast in the world of football, and after both of their disappointing displays in the Hammers’ 1-0 loss to Arsenal on Saturday, things are no longer looking as hopeful as they previously seemed to be.

Between the pair of them, Haller and Antonio missed several golden chances at the Emirates, which proved costly in an otherwise positive performance from David Moyes’ men. In a game where maximum points would have been warranted, West Ham travelled back across London with none.

For Haller, it continues to prove to be one step forward and two steps back. The Frenchman can’t seem to back-up a great performance with another one. This is in spite of Moyes listening to the fans’ demands of providing support around him, which this time can’t be used as an excuse. Every time that it looks like he is ready to hit form, his next display leaves a lot to be desired.

On Antonio’s end, it is not unexpected of him to dazzle and frustrate in equal measure. He still provided a potent threat throughout the game to the Arsenal defence, but ultimately couldn’t back this up with decisiveness in the final third. Despite the clear advantages that he brings to the team, he now has an underwhelming two goals in 15 appearances this season, which highlights his lack of composure in front of goal.

Now, this isn’t to insinuate that this partnership no longer works, as that would be very reactive to one game. However, time is running out in the campaign and missed opportunities like against Arsenal become more threatening every week as the club’s Premier League future continues to hang in the balance.

With the defence improving week-by-week having finally found a settled back four, the attack can no longer afford to be firing blanks as goals ultimately win games.

West Ham orchestrate their own demise at the Emirates. dark. Next

A strong Wolves side are up next for the Hammers at London Stadium and they are not likely to gift too many chances away. West Ham’s attackers, therefore, need to be ready for when chances do arrive at their doorstep and add a certain ruthlessness in front of goal that was sorely lacking at the Emirates.