Michail Antonio is aiming to make his mark in his first London derby with Tottenham
Ahead of his first London derby with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 22 November, Michail Antonio is hoping to make his mark.
After impressing in the Hammers' 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in last week's behind-closed-doors-friendly, the 25-year-old spoke about Alex Song's return to fitness, filling Dimitri Payet's shoes and enjoying derby days...
You played alongside Alex Song in the friendly with Crystal Palace last week, how much of a boost is it to have him back?
"It’s a huge boost. He’s a great player, with a lot of experience, and someone who can break things down but also makes things happen. It’s a great addition to the squad, especially as we’ve already started the season so well. For him to come back into the squad is massive."
You mentioned his experience, he’s played for Arsenal and Barcelona, how important is that experience?
"It’s invaluable. You need quality in depth and he certainly has that. We have a great squad as it is, his return will push them to be even better and that will push us up higher the league."
We’ve had some bad news with injuries recently, but that gives players like yourself an opportunity?
"Definitely, Dimitri getting injured is a great loss as well as Enner. Their absence gives other players the chance to become to star of the club and allow them to show what they can do.
"Dimitri has been absolutely superb so far so he will be greatly missed. It’s time for the other boys to step up and show what they can do."
And you for personally, you must be chomping at the bit to show what you can do?
"Definitely, when I joined, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to break through and stake my claim in the Premier League. It’s one of those things where I need to wait and bide my time."
We’re facing Tottenham this weekend, a massive game for both sides?
"I’ve been part of quite a few derbies, my first ever game for Sheffield Wednesday was the Steel City derby, I’ve been in the Southampton v Portsmouth derby and the Nottingham Forest v Derby County derby.
"They are always great matches to be involved with so I can’t wait to be involved in the Tottenham v West Ham derby."
After impressing in the Hammers' 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in last week's behind-closed-doors-friendly, the 25-year-old spoke about Alex Song's return to fitness, filling Dimitri Payet's shoes and enjoying derby days...
You played alongside Alex Song in the friendly with Crystal Palace last week, how much of a boost is it to have him back?
"It’s a huge boost. He’s a great player, with a lot of experience, and someone who can break things down but also makes things happen. It’s a great addition to the squad, especially as we’ve already started the season so well. For him to come back into the squad is massive."
You mentioned his experience, he’s played for Arsenal and Barcelona, how important is that experience?
"It’s invaluable. You need quality in depth and he certainly has that. We have a great squad as it is, his return will push them to be even better and that will push us up higher the league."
We’ve had some bad news with injuries recently, but that gives players like yourself an opportunity?
"Definitely, Dimitri getting injured is a great loss as well as Enner. Their absence gives other players the chance to become to star of the club and allow them to show what they can do.
"Dimitri has been absolutely superb so far so he will be greatly missed. It’s time for the other boys to step up and show what they can do."
And you for personally, you must be chomping at the bit to show what you can do?
"Definitely, when I joined, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to break through and stake my claim in the Premier League. It’s one of those things where I need to wait and bide my time."
We’re facing Tottenham this weekend, a massive game for both sides?
"I’ve been part of quite a few derbies, my first ever game for Sheffield Wednesday was the Steel City derby, I’ve been in the Southampton v Portsmouth derby and the Nottingham Forest v Derby County derby.
"They are always great matches to be involved with so I can’t wait to be involved in the Tottenham v West Ham derby."