Luke Thomas ‘rattled’ by Michail Antonio, ‘lucky, lucky boy’ set for ‘trouble’ as West Ham dominate Sheffield Utd – Sky Sports pundit
Luke Thomas is a “lucky, lucky boy” after being “rattled” by West Ham forward Michail Antonio in the first half for Sheffield United, according to Tony Gale.
The Sky Sports pundit said live on the world feed commentary on 30 September that the Blades wing-back had got away with an escape for possible handball after a VAR penalty check, and then nearly conceded another one for dragging the Irons man down within minutes.
Midway through the half at the London Stadium Thomas was hit on the hand from a James Ward-Prowse corner under pressure from Antonio, which the video assistant let slide, then bundled the Jamaica international to the ground moments later, both times because he was more concerned by the West Ham striker when he needed to “attack the ball”.
Gale said (3.28pm): “It’s all because of the linking in and what he wanted to do with Antonio that his arm is in an awkward position. He’s trying to link in Antonio, he’s come loose from him and his hand goes towards the ball again.
“It’s struck him on the hand, inadvertently. He’s a lucky boy, a lucky, lucky boy. Just attack that ball.”
Moments later he added: “I suggest he just attacks the ball. I feel sure he’s going to give a penalty away at any time. This one’s towards the far post, again it’s Antonio he’s involved with, arms up over his shoulders. Just got to attack the ball, he’s going to get in trouble.
“I think he’s rattled a little bit, the young man.”
On top
So far David Moyes’ men have produced the exact sort of performance he would have been looking for after two losses in a row to Manchester City and Liverpool.
With the Blades struggling West Ham needed to take advantage and assert their authority early on, which they have done in taking a strong 2-0 lead into the break.
Antonio’s battle against Thomas has looked an unfair one throughout, and with the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta again looking positive it could get worse for the visitors in the second half.
Goals for Bowen and Tomas Soucek have the Irons well in control but they have to guard against complacency in the second 45.
Set pieces, and balls into the box from wide more generally, were expected to be key for this one given the stats both sides came in with, so Ward-Prowse deliveries and Antonio unsettling the defence will remain a key weapon.
But it was nice moves played on the ground that led to both goals, so as long as West Ham don’t take their foot off the accelerator this really should be a comfortable three points from this point.
In other West Ham news, the club are exploring a move for another international defender who is set for a move.