Michail Antonio says West Ham United are entering a ‘very key period’ in their 2017/18 Premier League season.
The Hammers kick-off a string of four straight matches against teams in the bottom half with a trip to Stoke City on Saturday, followed by home games with Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion either side of a Boxing Day fixture at AFC Bournemouth.
And Antonio knows that, while taking four points out of six from Chelsea and Arsrenal this week gave David Moyes’ side a boost, they need to keep the momentum up as the calendar flips over to the New Year.
“It’s a very key period,” the No30 confirmed. “Picking up points from teams in the top six was important, but the games we’ve got coming up are even more important because they are against teams who are around us and beating them will help us get up the table.
“We definitely feel we should be picking up points from the next four Premier League games.”
Picking up points from teams in the top six was important, but the games we’ve got coming up are even more important
Michail Antonio
Antonio himself will be vital to West Ham’s cause over the coming weeks.
The 27-year-old has moved into a centre forward role under Moyes, using his speed, strength and work-rate to occupy opposition defenders.
Now, the man whose only goal of the season so far came in the draw at Burnley in October, has vowed to hit the back of the net on a more regular basis going forward.
“I am definitely enjoying my more advanced role. I am the sort of player who likes to get on the ball and run at defenders and this is giving me the opportunity to.
“In the last few games, I’ve not really been able to do that as much as I’d have liked to because of the quality of the teams we were playing against but, in the future, I hope to get on the ball more and hopefully score and create some more goals.
“It definitely takes a game or two to get up to full speed and I’m definitely getting there back to 100 per cent.”
The England call-up has not been the only attacker to give everything for his team as the Hammers attempt to climb clear of the bottom three.
Marko Arnautovic, who returns to his old club for the first time since his summer move to east London, and Arthur Masuaku have also caught the eye with their all-round contributions.
Antonio, for one, has been impressed.
“Marko and Arthur have both been outstanding for us. Arthur’s feet and dribbling ability have been driving us out and up the field and Marko has shown his energy and got a great goal for us last weekend with his left foot.
“Both are using their pace and power to help the team.”