By JAMES SHARPE
Published: 18:28 EST, 9 December 2024 | Updated: 18:30 EST, 9 December 2024
Tomas Soucek revealed Michail Antonio joked with his West Ham team-mates on a video call from his hospital bed to inspire his side to a huge victory over Wolves.
Antonio watched the game on television from hospital as he recovers from multiple injuries, including an operation on a broken leg, following his horrific car crash at the weekend.
Soucek and captain Jarrod Bowen both paid tribute to Antonio with their celebrations.
‘This is for him,’ said Soucek. ‘He is a massive player and he is in my heart. It was really tough for us. I was with the kids and I saw it on my phone.
'I messaged everyone asking what happened and how he was. I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us.
‘We had a video call with him, the whole team, before the game. He smiled to us and gave us all the best. I can't wait to visit him.
Tomas Soucek revealed Michail Antonio joked with teammates on a video call from his hospital
West Ham forward Antonio is recovering in hospital after a horror car crash on the weekend
Photos have emerged of a smashed Ferrari, reportedly showing the aftermath of the incident
'He is a really lovely guy and also funny. He even made a few jokes before the game and he wished us all the best. He will be soon with us.’
The result lifted huge pressure on West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui, who dedicated the victory to Antonio.
‘We have a lot of reasons to win matches but this one is special, we had one reason more and stronger so I dedicate this to Mich,’ said Lopetegui.
‘Fortunately, it’s going to be possible for him to come back. We are happy because he is alive. It was a terrible picture [of the crash]. It was an extra energy for his team-mates.’
It was a bad night, though, for Wolves boss Gary O’Neil who is again facing the sack after another poor result that leaves them 19th in the table but launched a passionate defence of his time at the club.
‘I understand the noise and scrutiny but when I arrived at the club it had just achieved 39 points,’ he said. ‘We have since then sold £200million worth of talent.
'Take that off 39 points and there’s a fair chance it’s going to be tough if anyone expected it to be calm waters. We were tipped to be relegated by every pundit in the league last season and achieved some unbelievable things.
O’Neil believed his side should have had two penalties and thought Bowen’s winner should have been ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
‘Some big decisions had a huge impact on the outcome,’ he added.