What Michail Antonio did when Danny Ings scored made for interesting viewing at the weekend and bodes well for West Ham.
David Moyes will be the first person to tell you the core foundation that his successful West Ham sides have been built on in the previous couple of seasons is a fantastic team spirit.
That was marshalled by legend Mark Noble until his retirement back in May.
And it has been clear for all to see that things have not quite been the same since.
There have been grumblings from West Ham players this season – especially of late – the likes of which we haven’t seen before under strict disciplinarian Moyes.
One of the big voices in the West Ham changing room – by his own admission – is Antonio.
The Hammers striker has spoken out on several occasions this season about being unhappy at having lost his place to Gianluca Scamacca and even said he could look to leave West Ham in January as a result, comments that did not go down well with Moyes.
Although the striker conveniently failed to acknowledge that this time last year he was imploring West Ham to sign another striker to share the goalscoring burden.
So the arrival of Ings from Aston Villa provided even more competition for Antonio – who has been used to going unchallenged for his place in the team under Moyes.
So what Antonio did when Ings scored made for interesting viewing and bodes well for West Ham.
Moyes finally gave Ings his first start in the 4-0 win over Forest on Saturday with Antonio dropping to the bench.
He responded by scoring a brace and Antonio responded by also scoring when he came on as a second half substitute.
But it was Antonio’s reaction to Ings getting his first West Ham goals that will really please fans and Moyes.
Antonio had been warming up on the touchline and ran over to celebrate both goals with Ings.
It’s a small gesture but one which suggests the team spirit is still strong at West Ham and Antonio is being a real team player.
Actions speak louder than words and this spoke volumes.
As reported yesterday on Hammers News, Moyes may have found a new role at the club for Antonio as an impact sub.
And it could be the answer to his and West Ham’s goalscoring woes.
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