The sky is the limit for West Ham United if the side continue to perform at the level shown against Southampton, according to Michail Antonio.
Thursday’s 2-1 win on the south coast – courtesy of two Felipe Anderson finishes – secured a fifth win in six Premier League matches for the Irons, moving the Hammers up to ninth in the table, on 27 points.
The 15 Premier League points collected in December is the most West Ham have ever won in a calendar month, and Antonio believes the team have the ability to go even further.
The 28-year-old credits that attitude to manager Manuel Pellegrini, who has installed a big team mentality in the West Ham dressing room.
The boss says we need to think like we’re a big team. I think we are showing it, and if we keep doing what we are doing, then anything is possible.
Michail Antonio
“The boss says we need to think like we’re a big team,” Antonio revealed. “He tells us that we shouldn’t go into any games, even against the likes of Chelsea or against Manchester City, and try to draw those games.
“We are going out there to win every single time. We are believing that we are a big team, and that is down to the belief he is putting in us. I think we are showing it, and if we keep doing what we are doing, then anything is possible.”
Thursday’s victory came despite injuries and illness taking a toll on the West Ham squad, with Pellegrini only able to name six substitutes after Pablo Zabaleta was forced to withdraw late in the day due to illness.
Antonio filled in at right-back and enjoyed a noteworthy performance, bursting with pace on the flank and helping the Hammers to victory.
The versatile No30 is happy to play anywhere he is required for the Irons and feels the depth in the squad means West Ham can continue to play well despite the setbacks to members of the team.
“No matter where I’m playing, I’m going to try and give it 100 per cent,” He continued. “Against Southampton, I tried to get forward a bit and I’m enjoying it.
“We’ve got so many injuries, but we’re fighting and we keep going. I don’t know what it is, but every season we manage to lose players. This year we’ve managed to sign nine players in the summer and we’ve got a bigger squad now so, even though we’ve lost players, we’ve got people that can step in and do the job.”
One player in particularly that has certainly ‘done a job’ in recent weeks is Felipe Anderson, who took is personal tally to eight Premier League goals for the season so far against Southampton.
On the Club record signing, Antonio added: “He’s unbelievable. He’s a quality player. The club paid a lot of money for him but he’s come in and shown he’s worth his price tag, and shown it very well. Hopefully he can keep going for us.”