West Ham have so often been reliant on the goals of talismanic striker Michail Antonio during David Moyes’ second spell in charge.
However, at present, those goals have dried up for the 31-year-old and the results have been impacted as consequence.
Despite the continued fine form of Jarrod Bowen, Antonio’s decline following a blistering start to the campaign has meant that the Hammers have struggled in recent weeks.
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Following an outstanding eight-goal contributions in the opening three Premier League outings, the three-cap Jamaica ace is now enduring a six-game goalless streak in the league.
That run is the powerful frontman’s second long barren spell following an eight-match run without finding the net earlier this term.
Overall, despite the goal droughts, Antonio has scored nine times and provided eight assists in 29 appearances so far this season for the Irons.
Those numbers put the ex-Nottingham Forest star behind Jarrod Bowen – the likely alternative striking option – with 23 direct goal contributions in the West Ham charts.
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Albeit this is undoubtedly a disappointing run of form for Antonio, making the switch to Bowen centrally would have an adverse effect on the side as a whole.
So important is the Jamaican to Moyes’ side as an outlet as well as a goalscorer, the upcoming clash with fellow top-four hopefuls Wolves isn’t the time for wholesale alterations.
All of that said, given Bowen’s capability of operating centrally and the likes of Nikola Vlasic, Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and Manuel Lanzini all vying for an attacking role, the £10.8million valued Antonio will be only too aware of the need for a big performance sooner rather than later.
