West Ham played host to in-form Newcastle United hoping that Storm Eunice had put some much-needed wind in the sails of David Moyes’ side, with the Hammers having won just two of their last five games in the top flight.
The London club were in desperate need of three points in order to stay in the hunt for the final Champions League spot, and knew that a win would take them into the vaunted 4th place spot before Manchester United kick off later in the day.
And, despite a shaky start against a confident Newcastle side that had won three on the bounce, the set-piece specialists struck once more just after the half-hour mark, with Craig Dawson finding space in the box to nod a free-kick past Martin Dubravka, and handing the Hammers a much-needed advantage.
Craig Dawson is an absolute menace on set-pieces 💥
His second goal in a week gives West Ham the lead against Newcastle! pic.twitter.com/LqMJeCpTLj
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 19, 2022
But, in first-half injury time, a mistake from Declan Rice allowed Joe Willock to poke home an equaliser, which Newcastle deserved on the balance of the game.
And one man was singled out for criticism by the Irons faithful.
📰 Table Of Contents
Antonio in the firing line
Watching Antonio is so stressful
— RC (@culver_rach) February 19, 2022
Antonio just doesn’t care anymore
— Jack (@Jackcoyi) February 19, 2022
Antonio is a liability
— JS 🇵🇸 (@Swaaan) February 19, 2022
Antonio looks more like his old self today
— Andy Murton (@AndyMurton1) February 19, 2022
Watching Antonio is depressing beyond words
— ⚒️ (@WhufcF1) February 19, 2022
Please take Antonio off hes shocking!!
— ⚒GrahamJay⚒ (@HammersFanBoy84) February 19, 2022
Antonio, your Jamaican so I love you BUT your such a whack footballer 🤣
— A ✍🏾✨ (@ashctizzy) February 19, 2022
Michail Antonio is having a stinker
— H (@aitch__6) February 19, 2022
Antonio sucks
— MS15 (@Sarfo15M) February 19, 2022
Antonio is awful. Nicking a living
— •Lako• (@TomLako) February 19, 2022
Antonio is useless
— Dan (@WesthamDan16) February 19, 2022
