Carlton Cole believes West Ham United forward has to perform Michail Antonio against Anderlecht
BT Sport pundit Carlton Cole believes West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has to perform against Anderlecht in Thursday evening’s UEFA Conference League game.
Antonio has been out of sorts this campaign and has failed to put a string of performances together for the Hammers, leaving fans to question his starting position.
Cole admitted that the forward “can’t afford” not to perform against Anderlecht with Gianluca Scamacca breathing down his neck.
Speaking during the pre-match build-up of the game on BT Sport 2 (17.24), Cole very bluntly responded when addressing the centre-forward.
“He can’t afford not to perform,” he said.
Interesting.
It’s an interesting decision from David Moyes to start Antonio over Scamacca after the Italian’s decent performance on Sunday against Wolves.
Nevertheless, Cole is right, Antonio’s position in the Hammers’ starting XI is very much under threat and he’ll have to do everything in his power Thursday evening to prove his worth.
All in all, Scamacca needs a run of games to gain even more confidence, a Thursday night European fixture would have been the perfect place for him to move forward from Sunday’s great showing.
Moyes is obviously still undecided on which striker to start with and undoubtedly is showing loyalty towards Antonio for what he has done for the club in recent campaigns.
There is always the option of starting both forwards together, but this seems a tactical switch that Moyes is unwilling to do or even attempt to try.
Let’s hope the Hammers find a way to utilise both forwards, their goals will be needed this season more than ever.