Don Hutchinson blasts Michael Antonio for ‘woeful’ moment in West Ham United win v Backa Topola
Lucas Paqueta was “furious” with Michail Antonio after a late moment in West Ham United’s Europa League clash against Backa Topola, according to Don Hutchinson.
Speaking live on TNT Sport (21 September), the pundit noticed a moment in the 78th minute where the Brazilian slipped the ball into Antonio, leaving him with a perfect shooting opportunity, but his lazy first touch and poor body shape killed the chance to extend their 2-1 lead.
While this moment did not impact the result of the match, with West Ham going on to win 3-1 at the London Stadium, Hutchinson noted Paqueta’s annoyance with the Jamaican’s inability to put the game to bed earlier.
Hutchinson said, as quoted by Hammers News: “He’s furious with Michail Antonio there, Lucas Paqueta because he put it on a plate for him but his first touch was woeful really. He’s not happy because that should have been 3-1.”
Wasteful
Luckily for Antionio, his missed opportunity did not have an impact on the game.
The Hammers were fortunate enough to be one of the two English sides to avoid a European upset, with both Brighton and Aston Villa failing to mark their competition debuts with expected wins.
However, for 19 minutes of West Ham’s home clash against Backa Topola, this was on the cards with Petar Stanic netting early in the second half.
However, an own goal, a Mohammed Kudus effort and a Tomas Soucek decider put the game to bed for David Moyes’ side, saving Antonio’s blushes.
Paqueta was visibly seen speaking to the striker after the incident. Antonio, knowing his shooting chance had gone, attempted a weak chipped pass back into the box, with Paqueta latching onto the headed clearance. The Brazilian was likely annoyed Antonio couldn’t finish the game off and earn Paqueta his second assist of the season.
Antonio struggled to make an impact on the game after replacing Pablo Fronals in the 61st minute, managing just one shot and four accurate passes [SofaScore]. However, Hammers fans won’t care after their side clawed a win from the jaws of embarrassment.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers must make a move for an 18-year-old star linked with Barcelona.