Hammers boss David Moyes has called out Michail Antonio ahead of West Ham’s Europa League semi-final second leg in Frankfurt.
Moyes has tried both carrot and stick to get Antonio firing again this season.
West Ham’s only senior striker has not scored a Premier League goal since New Year’s Day.
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And although he got back on the goal trail in the first leg, his performances of late have been Jekyll and Hyde at best.
Moyes has publicly backed and criticised Antonio following abject performances.
But after the defeat to Arsenal at the weekend, an agitated Moyes told reporters West Ham were better before he brought the striker on as a substitute.
Antonio has also been criticised by former Hammers striker Jermain Defoe, who has noted a lack of fire in the forward’s belly.
It is not ideal form as West Ham face the biggest single match in the club’s modern history.
And Moyes has called out Antonio ahead of West Ham’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt.
David Moyes calls out Michail Antonio ahead of West Ham’s Europa League semi-final second leg
Trailing 2-1, West Ham need at least one goal.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference Moyes called on Antonio to come up with the goods on the biggest stage.
“Sometimes you’re calmer, sometimes you realise you have to get your players straightened out a little bit more,” Moyes said ahead of the huge game on Thursday night (whufc.com).
“Our players have needed both. We need to keep our performances high and we need to be very good at all the simple things in football, but then we also need to show that little bit of flair, that little bit of individual talent.
“For example, Michy Antonio needs to start showing us his finishing, and what he’s about and what we know he’s capable of.
“If ever there were a stage to do it, it’s the semi-final. Let’s hope that all our big players come to the table tomorrow night.”