Just when it appeared that West Ham were making headway in the Premier League this season, they’ve been dealt a devastating blow.
Ahead of their game against Liverpool, a match when they’ll need all of their players fit and firing, talkSPORT are reporting that Michail Antonio has been ruled out for at least four weeks.
Though one player doesn’t make a team of course, the centre-forward has shown time and again just how important he is to the Hammers cause.
His recent overhead kick goal against Manchester City was a prime example of the power and strength which he possesses, and why opposition defenders always find him a real handful.
David Moyes will now have to plan for the matches the club have in November without Antonio spearheading his front line.
That could mean a reprieve for out of favour Sebastien Haller, as West Ham seek to confound the experts further after a run of super results.
Upfront, Antonio does all the running and brings other players into the game with his strength and speed. Haller does not have this in his locker, but we do have two fast and skillful players who can work the wings and cut inside or make the runs beyond the defence, I am of course referring to Bowen on one wing and either Masuaku or Benrahma on the other. While these guys are working their magic and spreading out the defence, Haller will do what he does best and find that space for them to feed him so he can have a shooting opportunity on goal. We have a squad (thin as it is) but with some so callled weaker opposition games coming up, I still believe we have the team and a formation that will help Haller thrive in the premiership.