By Daily sports on May 4, 2021

Michail Antonio scored twice as West Ham came from behind to defeat Burnley and maintain their pursuit of a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Burnley striker Chris Wood won and converted a penalty in the first half, before Antonio headed in Vladimir Coufal’s teasing cross to equalise.

Returning after four weeks out with a hamstring injury, Antonio poked in Said Benrahma’s curling delivery for his second eight minutes later.

West Ham created numerous chances to extend their lead but Burnley could have made it 2-2 when Jay Rodriguez lashed a shot wide from close range.

It was a pleasing performance from the Hammers, who move up to fifth place in the table, just three points behind Chelsea in fourth.

Burnley remain nine points above the relegation zone with four games remaining.

Michail Antonio also scored against Burnley in West Ham’s 1-0 win on 16 January

The game was finely balanced in the opening stages but Wood’s spot-kick seemed to spark West Ham’s creativity.

Their response to going behind was excellent – Antonio’s equaliser came just 154 seconds later, capitalising on a wicked cross from Coufal.

The full-back continued to put in dangerous crosses, while Benrahma caused Matt Lowton nightmares on the far side.

Benrahma’s superb cross for Antonio’s second capped off an impressive individual display. He could have scored himself but he unselfishly opted to play in Jesse Lingard in the first half and put too much weight on the through ball.

Manuel Lanzini shone in midfield in the absence of Declan Rice and Mark Noble, while Antonio ultimately dealt the crucial blows.

The striker should have had a hat-trick too – in the second half, he hit Pablo Fornals’ scuffed shot against his standing leg when it fell fortunately for him at the back post just a yard from the line.

Victory ensures West Ham keep pressure on fourth-placed Chelsea as they battle for a Champions League qualification spot. (BBC)

•PHOTO: West Ham players 

Source Daily sports

Posted May 4, 2021

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