OPINION
When you think of the players that have stood out for West Ham United this season, there is one player’s name that will not spring to mind.
That player is winger Michail Antonio, who has not enjoyed the greatest of successes so far in this campaign – in fact, he has made zero impact whatsoever.
Yes, he has starred in seven of the Hammers’ Premier League clashes – but that does not mean that he has made any sort of positive contribution.
In the times where he has replaced the likes of striker Marko Arnautovic, he has proven to be basically invisible for the time that he is on the pitch – and that is most definitely not a good sign.
Based on his lack of form this season, it is now or never for the Irons’ flyer – he cannot continue to get away with sub-par performances and expect to muster up an appearance.
In the end, Manuel Pellegrini will get sick of his ways – and who could really blame him?
Antonio must recognise that just because he has been at the club for three years, that does not mean that he is exempt from the axe.
If he really wants to prove to Pellegrini that he deserves to remain at the club, then he must play out of his skin in the next few matches – otherwise his West Ham career will be all but over.
With a whole new host of attacking talent emerging at the club, the 28-year-old will quickly be left behind if he does not get his head down.
Not many players would get away with the woeful displays he is putting out, so he should count himself as very lucky – for the moment.
If he is selected to make an appearance in the matches that are coming up, he must make the most of them – as he will not be around for long if he does not impress.
A January sale beckons if he doesn’t improve quicksmart.