West Ham: Chris Sutton wowed by ‘excellent’ Michail Antonio moment v Newcastle
Chris Sutton hailed Michail Antonio’s “excellent” finish to level the scores for West Ham in the first half of their clash with Newcastle.
The Hammers were trailing after an early penalty from Alexander Isak but Antonio fired them level in the 21st minute, latching onto Lucas Paqueta’s ball over the top and racing into the area before lashing past Martin Dubravka with aplomb. Mohammed Kudus then put them 2-1 up shortly before the break.
Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “The finish is excellent from Michail Antonio.
“You give Lucas Paqueta freedom and he can see a pass. He feeds the ball through excellently, Antonio runs off the back of defenders brilliantly, keeps himself just onside.
“Martin Dubravka backs off initially and gives him more time to think about the finish and Antonio slots home calmly.
“You felt it coming since the Newcastle change.”
Unfortunately for the Hammers, they went on to lose 4-3 in a Premier League thriller at St James’ Park.
Michail Antonio aiming to make an impact at West Ham
Antonio endured an indifferent patch of form at the start of the season, scoring twice in his first three games in 3-1 wins over Chelsea and Brighton in August but failing to net again before suffering a knee injury in November that kept him out until last month.
However, this strike means the Englishman has now scored in back-to-back Premier League outings, having also got himself on the scoresheet in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa before the international break.
In a season where Jarrod Bowen has frequently been called upon to lead the line, Antonio will be hoping to channel the momentum of his recent goalscoring form and offer an additional goal threat as the team’s main centre-forward – while also allowing Bowen to return to his preferred right-wing berth.
Fourteen goals across all competitions in 2022/23 – including six in their successful Conference League campaign – are evidence of the quality Antonio possesses, and which he will hope can remain at the fore ahead of West Ham’s run-in as they chase Europa League glory and European qualification through their Premier League finish.
Surprisingly, given David Moyes’ reputation for defensive football, it was at the other end where West Ham left themselves down in a seven-goal thriller and the boss will be fuming after a 3-1 advantage slipped through their fingers.
In other West Ham news, an Irons player has made a jibe at Manchester United.
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