Roshane Thomas admits 'concern' over one West Ham stalwart who needs 'a response' v Lyon

Following West Ham United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Brentford on Sunday, The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas has voiced his concerns over the form of Michail Antonio.

The 32-year-old started the season with a bang after scoring four goals and setting up another three in the Irons’ opening three league games. However, in recent weeks the Jamaica international has struggled in front of goal, having failed to score in his last 12 Premier League appearances.

As such, the former Nottingham Forest player has copped criticism for his lack of end product – a worrying issue for David Moyes, with Antonio being the only senior striker at the east London club.

Thomas has been left concerned over Antonio’s form, exacerbated by the number of important games which are fast approaching in West Ham’s schedule.

Taking to Twitter at the full-time whistle on Sunday afternoon, the journalist stated: “Disappointing performance. Antonio’s form is a concern. He hasn’t scored in his last 12 league games. Brentford played without Jansson for the first time all season but Antonio and others failed to capitalise on that. Need to see a response against Lyon”

The 32-year-old’s lack of goals was proving to be a huge issue for West Ham, given Jarrod Bowen’s recent absence, although with the star winger now back, this may alleviate the pressure on Antonio’s shoulders.

However, if the Jamaica striker wants to maintain his place in Moyes’s starting XI next season, he will need to make a big push to illustrate why he deserves to be in contention. His overall performance against Brentford was one to forget, so it’s quite understandable why Thomas is so alarmed over the player’s recent form.

Antonio could certainly do with a goal against Lyon on Thursday night