Jamie Carragher reacts to Michail Antonio footage at West Ham United
Jamie Carragher has reacted to one of Michail Antonio’s famous goal celebrations, labelling the cardboard cut-out against Leicester City in 2021 as a “belter”.
The Jamaican international scored against the Foxes, and in the process, bypassed Paolo Di Canio as the club’s top scorer since the Premier League began.
Although Carragher initially loved the unusual celebration, he disagreed that it was worth the time and effort, citing that he would probably not do the same in his shoes.
“Michail Antonio – probably the best right now at celebrations. The cardboard cut-out is a belter, isn’t it? It is an over-celebration though,” the former Liverpool defender said on Sky Sports via X on Tuesday (6 February).
“To go and get the cardboard cut-out of yourself, made days before, bring it to the game, make sure someone has got it in the right position, swapping ends depending on which way he’s attacking…
“Top goalscorer for West Ham? Is that something you really get a cardboard cut-out for? Who are you competing with? Really? Not for me.”
West Ham cult legend
Though Antonio has not been the most prolific of goalscorers during his time at London Stadium, he is certainly a fan-favourite amongst the Hammers.
77 goals in 290 appearances is still an incredible feat, doubled by the fact that he overtook legend Di Canio in the scoring charts two years ago. It only took 49 goals to topple the Italian forward so it shows just how vital he has been for the club.
His recent injury is also evidence of his impact on David Moyes’ squad, with West Ham lacking a dominant figure at the top of the pitch. Jarrod Bowen has been deputising in the position, and although he has continued to score goals, the lack of Antonio’s presence is still being felt.
If his recent update on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football (5 February) is anything to go by, Hammers fans could see the return of the striker after multiple months out. However, he may take a bit of time to regain any type of form.
Before the knee injury in November, Antonio had managed just two goals in the Premier League this season, but it is his playing style that has been missed the most.
His ability to hold the ball up and hold off defenders is key in bringing the likes of Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta into the attack, proving vital for West Ham’s preference to play counterattacking football.
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