The loss of Michail Antonio‘s passport proved perfect for Lopetegui and for West Ham against Newcastle. The 34 year old’s absence from Jamaican football and no transatlantic travel meant he was rested, fresh and strong for the visit north. The extra spice of the rivalry which Hammers number nine enjoys with his counterpart Callum Wilson probably added that extra zip to Antonio’s performance.
At thirty four, his recovery will be longer and his need for more frequent management will be that much greater. West Ham have precious little as an alternative right now but Antonio’s re-emergence in his ‘beast’ mode, even temporarily, has shown how urgent the need is to replace him. With Bowen and Summerville using guile, skill, pace and creativity, Hammers’ number nine used speed and muscle to bully the opposition, tackle back and look, if only fleetingly, back to his awesome best.
Trouble is, that isn’t going to last forever. Time will march on and and his contract will expire in the summer, meaning a replacement is critical for this system Lopetegui is developing.
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Ings won’t cut it, Fullkrug isn’t fit and wants out anyway. Apart from that the cupboard is bare.
Without this colossus leading the line, West Ham will be firing blanks up front. His running and tireless effort taking defenders away to cover his movement shows how much the team benefitted. But a replacement is an absolute must for January – whatever the cost.