David Moyes has given a positive update on West Ham striker Michail Antonio ahead of the match against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The Hammers have been without the adapted-striker for their last two games as Antonio has been nursing his hamstring back to full strength.
Antonio has been crucial to West Ham’s success this season, not necessarily because of goal but because of his playstyle. The 30-year-old’s power, speed and pressing allows the team to defend higher up the pitch, and it has been missed when he is absent.
Though not 100% confirmed as of yet, Moyes is hopeful that Antonio will be able to play against Tottenham. The manager believed that the striker has “a good chance” of featuring. The game against Spurs could see the Hammers climb back into the top four places if they win.
"“Michail Antonio has a good chance for Sunday because he has had a few days training. We’re always careful with Mick because we want to make sure he’s right, but he was close for the last game. He’s been doing more work on the training pitch and we’ll know more tomorrow.”David Moyes on Antonio’s fitness"
David Moyes’ West Ham side could face Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham side with the help of star striker Michail Antonio who has been resting his hamstrings.
Antonio being available would be a big boost for the team; it may not be certain that he would go back into the side. The Hammers thrashed Sheffield United 3-0 in their last Premier League game as the manager deployed a false nine system with Jarrod Bowen, Jesse Lingard and Manuel Lanzini.
While Lanzini sat deeper than Lingard and Bowen, West Ham’s attack played brilliant fluid counter-attacking football against the blades and could have scored more than three. There is the old saying, don’t change a winning side, and that being said would leave Antonio settling for a place on the bench.
Moyes may be perfectly happy with that solution for the moment as he was impressed by Bowen’s play up front. The manager noted that Bowen did have experience of playing in the role at his previous club.
"“Part of your job as a coach is to find solutions within your squad. Jarrod played well there in midweek and he played at centre forward for Hull City as lot as well so it wasn’t new for him”.Moyes on Bowen playing striker."
If West Ham beat their London rivals, it would see them increase the gap between the two sides to nine points. Another bonus would be that the Hammers could move into the top four, depending on other results.