Gareth Barry: West Ham can aim higher if they sign new striker to challenge Antonio
BT Sport pundit Gareth Barry believes there’s “no reason” why West Ham can’t aim high if they find a good back up to Michail Antonio.
Ex-Aston Villa midfielder Barry was speaking on BT Sport 1 after West Ham’s 2-1 defeat of West Brom in the Premier League, discussing whether the Irons will replace Sebastian Haller.
“I’m sure they wouldn’t have let Haller go unless they assured David Moyes they were going to sign another striker,” said Barry.
“You’ve seen with Antonio’s injury record, he does pick up injuries when he’s playing too much so he’s going to need some support.
“If they get the right type [of striker] to challenge Antonio for that starting spot, as well as support him, there’s no reason why they can’t aim higher.”
Let’s hope owners buck the trend
Signing a striker to challenge and support Antonio is much easier than it sounds.
Our number 30 is unlike any other striker in the Premier League. His work-rate, strength and pace cause nightmares for any defender he comes up against.
As mentioned by Barry, despite his prolific form Antonio doesn’t have the best injury record.
It is a real area of concern for David Moyes, with the only other striker at the club Ademipo Odubeko making just one substitute appearance in the FA Cup to Stockport.
A quality second striker is definitely out there, but the issue West Ham have is making the signing.
Since arriving in East London in 2010, owners David Gold and David Sullivan have signed an astonishing 49 strikers.
Entering their 11th season, that’s an average of just over four strikers per season.
The argument can be made, that yes, the owners are willing to buy a replacement for our record signing. But will they get it correct?
In other West Ham news, David Moyes demands more from his players.