West Ham United boss David Moyes is fighting for his job at the London Stadium as supporters continue to turn on the Scotsman following the Irons’ thrashing at the hands of Arsenal.
Things couldn’t have gone much worse for the Hammers against the Gunners as Mikel Arteta’s side and Declan Rice ran riot in East London to continue West Ham’s bleak recent run of form and ramp up the pressure on Moyes from the fanbase.
The 60-year-old reportedly now has four games to save his job and avoid the sack [The Telegraph, 14 February] the first of which sees the Irons travel to the City Ground to face struggling Nottingham Forest in what is a must-win game, not only for Moyes but the Hammers’ European hopes.
A lack of goals has been a problem for the Irons recently, with an overreliance on Jarrod Bowen to put the ball in the back of the net, but that could be set to change against Forest with Moyes set to receive a welcome fitness boost.
Michail Antonio could be back for West Ham
It seems as though Michail Antonio could be set to return to the Hammers’ matchday squad for the first time in three months after the Jamaican international dropped a hint surrounding his fitness on social media.
Posting on X on Wednesday (14 February) Antonio shared a video of him playing for Forest with the caption: “10 years since the City ground was home! Something I’ve learned in that time is this game is full of ups and downs and it’s all about how you react to it. Massive game this weekend, we’re coming ready.”
The 33-year-old’s suggestion that “we’re coming ready” implies that he will be part of the Irons’ squad making the trip to the City Ground and therefore he may well be in line to make his first competitive appearance since November
Antonio may not have been particularly impressive in front of goal so far this season, but his return will be a huge boost to Moyes as he looks to show those in charge at West Ham that he deserves a new contract at the London Stadium.
Whether he is introduced from the bench or named in the starting XI, the Jamaican’s presence at the top end of the pitch will only help Moyes as he looks to improve his side’s attacking output as so much of their play is based around Antonio’s strengths.
