The defeat in opposition to Chelsea final week appeared prefer it might have value West Ham a spot within the Champions League subsequent season. However David Moye’s crew doesn’t hand over so simply.
They responded to the adversity once more with a battle victory at Turf Moor on Monday, they usually had a person to thank.
Michail Antonio had missed his final three video games with harm, however he was again right here to point out what they had been lacking. The striker was the distinction at night time, making his presence felt with an astonishing first-half efficiency that made Burnley’s early lead the other way up.
Antonos nick flies in | Gareth Copley / Getty Pictures
He had hardly been within the recreation when Vladimir Coufal’s cross got here in a spiral on his head, however he despatched it previous Nick Pope with curiosity and gave his crew a lifeline after a shaky begin to the recreation.
It got here simply two minutes after Chris Wooden’s penalty had given Burnley the lead and it kicked the iron golf equipment into life. Inside ten minutes of being launched, they had been forward, and whereas Stated Benrahma deserves a lot of the credit score for his great supply, it was Antonio who acquired the slightest hand to steer it into the far nook.
A quieter second half from the large man adopted, however with Benrahma as his wingman, he continued to show his price to the crew together with his relentless capability to carry the ball.
Ben Mee is making an attempt to deal with Antonio, lol | Gareth Copley / Getty Pictures
He took the position of the disgustingly good participant on the five-side, absolutely conscious that he’s so a lot better than anybody who tries to deal with him. He jumped over problem after problem to preserve his crew on the ball and within the lead and edged them in direction of a probably invaluable win.
The win leaves West Ham in an thrilling place of their quest for Champions League soccer. They misplaced consecutive video games in opposition to Chelsea and Newcastle on their approach in, however they at the moment are solely three factors behind fourth. With 4 video games left, all the pieces is to play for.
Their final 4 video games learn Everton (H), Brighton (A), West Brom (A), Southampton (H). Three of those groups are firmly rooted within the decrease half of the desk.
Antonio, in the sort of kind, will lick his lips
