Michail Antonio to finish off Julen Lopetegui after West Ham United developments
Julen Lopetegui’s trust in Michail Antonio at the striker position could be the decision that ultimately brings him down at West Ham.
The Jamaican has started nine of the Hammers’ 11 Premier League matches this term, also featuring as a substitute in the other two, and continues to be the Spaniard’s first choice up front.
Of course, with Danny Ings failing to push into the starting XI and Niclas Fullkrug still on the treatment table after two months, there has not been much of a choice when it comes to the final third.
However, Jarrod Bowen has proven his ability to play through the middle but the new head coach has refused to experiment with his attackers, and that could be his downfall at the London Stadium.
According to The Guardian [20 November], the Hammers have held internal talks over Lopetegui’s potential sacking, with games against Newcastle United and Arsenal seen as make-or-break.
Michail Antonio to get Julen Lopetegui sacked from West Ham United?
If history has any telling say on what could happen during the next two fixtures, Lopetegui will want to keep Antonio as far away from the starting XI as possible.
In 11 meetings against the Magpies, the 34-year-old has only been on the winning side once while he has only tasted victory once against the Gunners in 13 meetings, giving him an eight per cent win rate.
While he does have four goals to his name in that time, the 14 losses could be an ominous sign for Lopetegui, and starting him in both matches could be the final nail in the head coach’s coffin.
The 58-year-old has only been in charge for 13 matches in all competitions, winning just four games in that time, and the Hammers are sitting fourteenth in the Premier League.
If these are his last two matches in charge, and they very much could be, the trusted striker figure Antonio could be the one that finally ends it for the Spaniard.
In other West Ham news, Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor were baffled as Brendan Rodgers was mooted to replace Julen Lopetegui.
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