Michail Antonio, the West Ham striker, gave a morale boost to his team from his hospital bed via video call prior to their 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
In a touching gesture of solidarity, Jarrod Bowen celebrated his winning goal by holding up Antonio's number nine jersey, symbolising the team's support as Antonio recovers from a severe car crash that happened on Saturday. Antonio spent the 2014/15 season at the [City Ground](https://www.nottinghampost.com/all-about/city-ground), scoring 15 times in 49 matches before leaving to join the Hammers.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui said: "He is not in his best moment but he kept his humour. It was a special moment for us. I think we have a lot of reason to win matches but this was one reason more. He’s alive so we are happy."
In tribute, West Ham players donned ‘Antonio 9′ shirts during the warm-up and as they walked onto the field. These shirts will be autographed, including by Antonio himself, and auctioned, with the proceeds benefiting the [NHS](https://www.nottinghampost.com/all-about/nhs) and Air Ambulances UK.
Tomas Soucek, who scored to put West Ham ahead, acknowledged Antonio's influence by holding up nine fingers to the television cameras after his goal. Speaking to Sky Sports, Soucek said: "He’s been here since I came here. He is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him. I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us."