Former Scotland and Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has been lauding West Ham forward Michail Antonio following a 4-2 victory over Newcastle United.
The Hammers were forced to come from behind twice in the North East as goals from Aaron Cresswell, Tomas Soucek and Said Benrahma turn matters on their head at St James’ Park.
Antonio capped off a fine display when adding the fourth goal to a superb all-round performance from David Moyes’ side.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Souness was full of praise for the talismanic 31-year-old.
Antonio stretches to keep the ball alive and does brilliantly. He’s on the touchline and somehow gets his foot around it and Bowen is there to put the ball in the net.
Souness wasn’t alone in applauding the West Ham ace, as ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards joined in with the plaudits.
This is brilliant. He wants the number nine shirt and this is why. He was absolutely everywhere today. Look at the intelligence of the run. He’s such an intelligent player. He’s known for his pace and power but there his movement and the way he’s thinking about the game, brilliant.
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This was another in a long line of swashbuckling performances from the all-action striker.
Often carrying the fight to the opposition in a forward sense with high-intensity pressing and defending from the front, Antonio truly is pivotal to the Irons.
It’s days such as today that make the star’s worth truly known and also highlight how important it is that Moyes finds an additional option before the transfer window closes.
