Michail Antonio’s goal-scoring problems continue as West Ham United ace struggles on int’l duty
Michail Antonio played 88 minutes of Jamaica’s 3-2 win over Haiti on Monday (16 October), as the West Ham United striker’s struggles in front of goal continued for his national side.
The Jamaican international started the Premier League season in fine scoring form for David Moyes’ side but hasn’t found the net for the Hammers since August as he has struggled for consistency and fitness in recent weeks for his club side.
Given West Ham’s decision to sell Gianluca Scamacca this summer, the 33-year-old is now one of only two recognised senior centre-forwards and with Danny Ings seeing his minutes limited, Antonio is relied upon to lead the line.
But Antonio’s wait for a goal has been extended as the Irons striker was unable to find the net in Jamaica’s win on Monday, having only two shots in the match and missing a big chance that he would have expected to see hit the back of the net [Sofascore].
On the ball, the West Ham man had a mixed evening, completing five of an attempted seven dribbles and registering two key passes in the match, including an assist, but he was also only accurate with 12 passes, registering an appalling completion rate of only 60 per cent.
Throughout his 88 minutes on the pitch, Antonio lost possession 13 times and lost the most duels in the game with six. On the ground, he was incredibly combative winning the ball eight times in 12 battles, yet in the air, he was unable to win a single one of his two aerial duels.
It was an incredibly physical battle between the Hammers striker and the Haiti backline, with the 33-year-old being fouled three times in the game and in return committing two fouls himself, so he can’t be criticised too heavily for struggling in the air.
Antonio’s hold-up play has always been his greatest skill and has made up for his lack of cutting edge in front of goal, but against Haiti, he struggled to even look after the ball particularly well in possession while still being unable to convert his chances.
Luckily for Moyes, Jarrod Bowen’s early season form has meant that the Irons haven’t missed the presence of a 20-goal-a-season striker to lead their line, but you’d have to imagine that given Antonio’s age and struggle for club and country this year, the West Ham boss may be looking to sign a new number nine in the upcoming transfer windows.
At least it looked as though he got through the contest without picking up an injury so hopefully he’ll be fit and ready for the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday (22 October).
In other West Ham news, the Hammers look unlikely to sign Kalvin Phillips due to their midfield depth