The reason behind the initially moody Michail Antonio goal celebration is revealed after West Ham United’s win over Fulham.
West Ham did things the hard way, coming from behind to beat a Fulham side missing several key players 3-1 at the London Stadium.
The victory gets West Ham’s season firmly back on track after a dismal start and now within striking distance of the top half.
West Ham spent over £170m on eight new players in the summer.
And £35m of that was splashed on Italy striker Gianluca Scamacca. It has not taken too long for a fully fit Scamacca to replace Antonio in the West Ham team.
And that should be no great surprise given the Jamaican’s struggles for form and goals since the turn of the year.
Antonio no doubt still has a big part to play at West Ham and will have to adjust his midset to being an impact substittue.
When the the former Hammers right-back came on as a late sub, he scored the most Antonio goal you will ever see, bundling through like a bull in a china shop, seeing an awful, telegraphed effort saved by Bernd Leno before capitalising on a mix-up to finally slide the ball into an unguarded net.
Antonio’s celebration was very muted compared to some of the moves he has treated fans to in the past.
West Ham’s players completely surrounded him and were seen trying to get the Hammers forward to celebrate. But Antonio refused.
Some fans thought it might be because Antonio is unhappy at being on the bench.
Now the reason behind the moody Michail Antonio goal celebration is revealed after the West Ham win over Fulham.
Antonio has taken to social media to explain that he did not celebrate initially because he has become so used to VAR ruling out his goals.
As the striker went through Fulham defender Tim Ream made a desperate last ditch sliding tackle and kicked the ball into Antonio’s chest. It appeared to graze his arms – which were in a natural position – but there was nothing the West Ham man could do about it.
After a brief VAR check the goal stood. And then Antonio was spotted doing a dance celebration with Kurt Zouma and Thilo Kehrer.
“That feeling of VAR not going against you for the first time,” Antonio said alongside the picture of his initially subdued celebration where he was asking for some help from on high to see the goal given.
“Big win today,” he added alongside praying, laughing and Hammers emojis.
VAR really does suck the life out of the game doesn’t it?
So much so that players and fans are now reluctant to celebrate for fear of being made to look stupid.
It says a lot that the Europa Conference League matches, where there is no VAR at this stage, are so much more enjoyable and fluid as a result.
The Hammers had some rare good fortune against Fulham, long may it continue.
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