OPINION
With the recent upheaval at the club surrounding the likes of Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez, West Ham are crying out for a new attacking talisman for the fans to get behind.
Felipe Anderson has done a fine job since his summer move from Lazio, and Manuel Lanzini is seemingly close to a return to action, as reported by Football.London, but Michail Antonio could be the unexpected answer to the Hammers’ prayers.
The 28-year-old was on target against league leaders Liverpool on Monday night to register his third strike of the season, and could be exactly the player the Irons need to help them arrest their midseason slump.
Antonio has threatened to turn into a really influential player for the Hammers on numerous occasions in the past, but with Arnautovic still waiting to be reintroduced into the side, and with Andy Carroll and Hernandez seemingly out of favour, now could be time for the forward to make a starting a berth well and truly his own.
The former Nottingham Forest man has all the attributes needed to become a top class centre forward. He is frighteningly quick with a natural ability for running at defenders, and is lethal in the box thanks to his formidable leap and uncanny knack for finding space at the back post.
He may not be the most glamorous option, and he has flattered to deceive before, but if he is to take the example of somebody like Robert Snodgrass, who has been magnificent after a spell in the doldrums, Antonio could be the catalyst to get the Hammers back on track.
