West Ham United striker Michail Antonio admits he is not happy to settle for second best after losing his starting place in the West Ham side to Gianluca Scamacca.
Having scored ten goals in each of the previous three Premier League campaigns, Jamaican international striker Antonio has in recent months lost his starting spot in the West Ham side to summer arrival Scamacca following his £30.5million move from Serie A side Sassuolo in July.
Since the October 1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Scamacca has started every Premier League match for the Hammers ahead of Antonio, with Antonio losing his spot in the side, despite currently being tied on league goals this season with his Italian counterpart.
READ MORE: Mark Noble makes Jack Grealish point over Declan Rice’s future amid Chelsea transfer links
Antonio has scored five goals this season in all competitions, once less than Scamacca, but both (alongside Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma) are joint-top scorers for the Hammers in league matches this term, with Scamacca being the preferred man for manager David Moyes.
Speaking out about his reduced role, West Ham’s all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League Antonio admits he is not happy with being a bench option and wants to do whatever he can to win his place back.
“No, I’ve not been happy [with the number of games I’ve played],” Antonio told the Evening Standard . “I’m someone who wants to play games. I’m never going to settle for coming off the bench and being involved that way.
“That’s something that’s driven me to where I am now. I’m not really about the rotation type of thing — if I’m fit, I want to play. It’s the gaffer’s decision on what he wants to do, but I’m always going to let him know that I want to play.
“Through my whole career, there’s always been competition, someone that wants to take your shirt. Right now, [Scamacca’s] got the shirt. It’s my turn to try to improve and work on what I need to work on to get my shirt back.”
Both Antonio and Scamacca are currently doubts for West Ham’s return to Premier League action away at league leaders Arsenal on Boxing Day with respective thigh and ankle injury concerns.
Manager David Moyes is set to provide an update on the Hammers’ injury concerns in his press conference ahead of the Arsenal game on Friday afternoon.
READ NEXT:
Maxwel Cornet, Nayef Aguerd, Gianluca Scamacca - West Ham injury latest ahead of Arsenal clash
The 20-year career record David Moyes will be desperate to overcome in West Ham’s Arsenal trip
West Ham’s main Premier League issue laid bare amid Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek struggles
David Moyes sets ambitious West Ham target and speaks out on transfer window expectations
West Ham prospect gets Derby County boost after injury nightmare start to loan spell
