This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
In the late moments of West Ham United’s 3-1 loss against Arsenal, there was a spell where the ball was on the right-hand side and being played into the box multiple times.
Michail Antonio would have been a useful target for those crosses, but he was nowhere to be seen when the duels were being played out in the Gunners’ area.
That is because he was bent over near the touchline in an attempt to catch his breath and garner enough energy to get involved.
It was clear the 29-year-old, who is rated at £10.8m on Transfermarkt, had given absolutely everything to try and get a result for his team.
Watching this moment unfold, it became apparent that Manuel Pellegrini had asked too much of him, in a game that saw the pressure on the Chilean mount further.
Antonio was tasked with leading the West Ham line on his own and he did an admirable job of it, forcing a good save from Bernd Leno, completing two of his three attempted dribbles and winning eight duels.
However, he also lost out in 15 duels, relinquished possession six times and absolutely skied an effort from the edge of the box.
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It became apparent that he was tiring as the game went on, yet Pellegrini opted to take off Felipe Anderson and Robert Snodgrass, rather than the 29-year-old.
It has to be remembered that this is a man who had to be omitted from the squad entirely against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to an injury concern.
When it is considered that this followed just two games played, after a spell of nine that he missed through injury, it feels like an unnecessary risk that was taken by the manager, especially considering the rapidly fading chances of getting a result.
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FFC has previously suggested that Pellegrini needs to manage Antonio effectively to get the most out of him – the manager certainly didn’t do that here.
In other news, many West Ham fans have fumed over ExWHUEmployee’s update about Manuel Pellegrini.
