Michail Antonio may have started his last game as West Ham starting XI drops v Olympiacos
Michail Antonio may have started his last meaningful game for West Ham after David Moyes dropped him to the bench in his confirmed starting XI for the Europa League clash v Olympiacos.
Moyes named a strong team for the clash as he looks to take revenge for the defeat in Athens, but Antonio has lost his place, with Jarrod Bowen preferred up front.
This comes after Antonio missed a chance to put the Hammers 3-1 against Brentford, and speculation has been rife surrounding the number nine spot at the London Stadium.
West Ham have been linked with moves for Leicester hitman Kelechi Iheanacho [TEAMtalk, 6 November] and Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez [GIVEMESPORT, 5 November], both of whom present better options for the starting striker role than Antonio.
The Jamaican’s drop to the bench could become more of a permanent decision, particularly if Bowen continues his scoring run and impressive performances in this new position as he did against both Arsenal and Brentford.
Despite the lack of competition for the position, Antonio’s displays of late have made it difficult for Moyes to continue his selection up front. He hasn’t scored since August, ruined a chance to put the Hammers 3-1 up in West London, and has now lost his place.
Against Brentford, Antonio completed just six passes of 14 attempted, gave the ball away 12 times, and failed to provide an effective attacking threat, giving Moyes no choice but to exclude him from the starting lineup. [Sofascore]
Moyes was thought to be content with the striker’s form despite his lack of goals, but that patience seems to have come to an end with the latest call, and if one of the linked strikers arrives in January, it could be ominous for Antonio’s hopes of a guaranteed place.
Whether it is through Bowen’s performances or the arrival of direct competition, Antonio’s future at the London Stadium could be a rocky one.
In other West Ham news, Antonio was left “devastated” by his recent miss.