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Four-goal haul at Norwich proves Michail Antonio has been West Ham's Project Restart hero

  /  autty

After leading West Ham to victory over Chelsea, Michail Antonio was so knackered he barely had enough energy left to speak during his post-match interview.

Following Wednesday’s defeat to Burnley, Antonio was left flat out on his back, breathing heavily, having run himself into the ground but this time to no avail.

A few days rest later, Antonio was back at it again, resuming the talismanic role he has assumed since Project Restart began against Norwich.

And it is no surprise has been left gasping for breath given the mammoth shifts he has put in. It could be said he has carried West Ham to near-safety almost singlehandedly too.

A fantastic four goals at Carrow Road, including a first ever career hat-trick, made it six goals in his last four games for the versatile 30 year-old.

His goals have helped West Ham collect eight crucial points that have taken them to the brink of survival.

Antonio has been a flexible friend for all his West Ham managers since joining in 2015, also playing on both flanks, a full-back and wing-back.

David Moyes’s decision to deploy him as his main central striker since the season restarted and retain him despite £45m Sebastian Haller’s return to fitness has paid off handsomely.

Haller would have struggled to do the job any better.

‘Since the restart he [Antonio] has looked as dangerous as any striker I’ve seen in the league,’ BT pundit Glenn Hoddle said.

Antonio’s performances have been as infectious as his personality, his efforts lifting and inspiring his teammates, giving them a focal point they can trust and believe in.

The final whistle signalled the long-expected end of Norwich’s stay in the Premier League but the first relief for the Canaries came in the 78th minute when Antonio was taken off and finished running rings around them.

He was everywhere. As comfortable driving down the left as he was getting on the end of chances in the penalty area or forcing Norwich’s defenders out of their central comfort zone and into the right channel with his clever movement and runs.

Antonio’s link-up play, a lesser-praised part of his game, was excellent and chances all brilliantly-taken with the ease and efficiency of a seasoned No9.

Some of his touches and flicks to keep moves flowing and West Ham on the attack would have pleased any experienced frontman too.

Because West Ham could trust Antonio’s ability to retain possession and knit moves together teammates knew they could bomb forward to support him in confidence moves would not break down at his feet.

Barely did they create a chance with Antonio being involved somewhere along the way.

Four minutes after he cleverly tucked in his fourth Moyes put Norwich out of their misery when Antonio was the first player he withdrew.

If there was one man who has earned a rest since West Ham returned to action it is Antonio.