In Focus: Antonio answering Hammers critics after stunning start

Michail Antonio has emphatically answered his critics in the first three games of the new Premier League season.

There were suggestions during the summer that the 33-year-old was no longer at the standard required to start regularly for West Ham.

But after two goals in 233 minutes of football this term, Antonio clearly still has plenty to offer.

Ahead of tonight's game at Luton, we take a look at what he brings to David Moyes' side.

Dynamic displays

Antonio scored a superb goal to open his account in West Ham's 3-1 win over Chelsea, powering past two defenders before drilling a low shot into the bottom left corner.

He followed that up with another dynamic performance at Brighton, setting up James Ward-Prowse for the opening goal and finding the net with a brilliant finish to secure another 3-1 victory.

The Hammers forward is showing few signs of slowing down — he ranks inside the division's top 10 players for completed take-ons (six) and has an impressive post-shot expected goals tally of 1.68 from a standard expected goals of 0.86.

All-round game

Antonio is far more than just a goalscorer, though.

The striker has impressed with his all-round play so far this term and former Tottenham winger Andros Townsend was full of praise for his display against Mauricio Pochettino's Blues.

He said: "When you're a defender or a midfielder playing behind someone like Antonio and you're playing against a big side like Chelsea who have got 70-75% of possession, that [his all-round play] is a dream come true.

"You're doing all the hard graft and you get the ball to your outlet Antonio and he drives the ball all the way up the pitch on his own, wins a foul, gets something, gives you that breather you need to regroup and go again.

"It's incredible to see."

Familiarity

Few players are more accustomed to Moyes' style of play than Antonio, who acts as the perfect facilitator for Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma.

The Jamaica international is a focal point in attack, winning five aerial duels so far in 2023-24.

With Antonio in the team, West Ham can mix up their build-up play, knocking the ball up to the frontman's feet or going long.

His reliability, as well as his ability to produce something special, makes him a valuable part of the team.

Indispensable

There is no doubting Moyes' feelings towards Antonio.

Speaking back in June, the Scottish boss said: "He [Antonio] has been hugely important for us over the last few years.

"He's a reference for us up front. He's got power, he's got pace.

"He's been someone who's hugely important to me and from that point of view, he's been an excellent centre forward and we've enjoyed working with him."

Main man

Amid speculation over Antonio's future this summer, the experienced forward has appeared typically unfazed.

After a quiet opening game against Bournemouth, he led the line superbly in victories over Chelsea and Brighton.

Another strong performance against Luton at Kenilworth Road will perhaps reassure West Ham fans who were hoping for a big-name striker to sign before the close of the transfer window.

Even at 33, Antonio can still be the Hammers' main man.

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