West Ham United: Robbie Savage stunned by ‘brilliant’ Michail Antonio v Leverkusen
Robbie Savage was stunned by Michail Antonio during the 2-0 Europa League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen as he labelled the West Ham striker “brilliant”.
Antonio was one of the most impressive performers for David Moyes despite the result, with his tireless work rate going forward despite receiving very little service throughout.
Late goals from Jonas Hoffman and Victor Boniface saw the Hammers fall to a frustrating defeat, but it should take nothing away from what was an impressive display.
Speaking live on TNT Sports [11 April, 20:09], Savage explained: “Wow. Antonio, that’s a fantastic run down the left-hand side.
“I just wondered, after he’s gotten away from Tah, could he have driven towards the goal and gone further, waited for the other defender to come and engage and then pass it?
“He’s passed it too early and it was a good chance on Kudus’ left foot. A big opportunity for West Ham.”
Michail Antonio shines for West Ham v Bayer Leverkusen
The opportunity described by Savage was probably the best of the game for West Ham as it fell to Mohammed Kudus just outside the box, but his strike lacked any real purchase and rolled straight into the keeper’s arms.
However, the work from Antonio to create the chance was replicated throughout the tie with his tireless running providing an out-ball for the defenders and midfielders, while his hold-up play became key to relieving the pressure.
It was the exact performance Moyes would have been hoping for from his striker, perhaps minus a goal, given the highly defensive setup designed to contain and frustrate a side who remain unbeaten so far this season.
Antonio’s performances have earned him plenty of praise recently as he has begun to show the kind of form that should see him retain the shirt as the first-choice striker for the rest of the season thanks to his displays.
In other West Ham news, Lucas Paqueta transfer news was branded “nonsense”.
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