Moyes reveals what makes West Ham star ‘special’ after ‘deserved’ win
David Moyes felt his West Ham side deserved all three points from their clash with Leeds and believes he has a ‘special’ player in his ranks.
The Hammers sit seventh in the table after a 2-1 triumph at Elland Road. Raphinha gave the host a 19th-minute lead with a low finish from outside the area. It remained that way for the first 45 minutes before the visitors hit back after the interval.
The Londoners were back on level terms midway through the second half as Jarrod Bowen’s shot deflected into the net off Junior Firpo. It seemed as though the spoils would be shared as the game entered injury time.
But Michail Antonio silenced the Whites faithful with a last-gasp goal as Leeds were caught on the counter-attack. It means that the Yorkshire outfit have slipped into the bottom three.
Moyes was a relieved man after the final whistle and was adamant his charges deserved to take the points.
“It was a really tough game. Leeds were what you expect. We got there in the end which was important for us,” he told BBC Sport.
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“I thought we played much better in the second half and deserved it. I felt we were capable of scoring but when we went 1-0 down I was concerned you’re always liable to concede against Leeds because of the way they play.”
‘Special’ Antonio has Moyes buzzing
West Ham’s failure to land an out-and-out striker in the summer means Antonio still ploughs a lone furrow up front. The 31-year-old continues to lead the line with aplomb and has bagged five goals from as many top-flight outings in 2021-2022.
He is now the club’s top Premier League goalscorer and continues to do the business. It was not the Londoner’s finest game but Moyes was delighted with the way he managed to find the net.
“I wouldn’t say that (he expected Antonio to score) with the way he played today. But it’s what centre forwards do,” he added.
“They will tell you they can mis-control it and it can bobble off you’re leg but if you’re there to score the winner in the 90th minute that’s what makes you special.”
West Ham are next in action when they face Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on Thursday. Then it will be back to domestic action as Brentford make the short trip across the capital next Sunday.
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