Michail Antonio has become West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, and Hammers fans are understandably delighted for him.
The 31-year-old equaled Paolo Di Canio’s 47 Premier League goal tally with his effort in the 4-2 victory away at Newcastle on the opening weekend of the season, before scoring a superb brace in the 4-1 thrashing of Leicester City to pull away on his own in the record charts, taking his tally to 49.
When he signed, no one ever expected a player who arrived as a winger and went on to feature heavily as a right wing-back to go on and set such an impressive record, but the forward’s transition from utility player to out-and-out striker has been so impressive over the last two seasons that it was eventually seen as more of a formality. He has now scored 51 goals in 183 Hammers appearances in all competitions.
Having hit 10 Premier League goals in each of his last two seasons, Antonio went into this campaign needing just two to overtake Paolo Di Canio in the club’s Premier League goalscoring charts and after two games he now has three, going to within one goal from bringing up a half-century of league goals in claret and blue.
So, as expected, Hammers fans took to Twitter on Monday night and throughout Tuesday to congratulate Antonio, who has now written himself into the club’s record books…
https://twitter.com/WestHam/status/1430145363806244895
https://twitter.com/Michailantonio/status/1430078320968970243
West Ham legend mate ⚒️⚒️
— Mikey (@Mikey_WHUFC) August 24, 2021
absolute bossman keep it up my man
— Elias (@el_liash) August 24, 2021
HE'S DONE IT!!!! OUR RECORD PL GOALSCORER!!!#WHULEI pic.twitter.com/udoEXLQYCW
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 23, 2021
What a beauty. This guy has given everything to the club and is now the leader in goals. Not too bad for a right back. @Michailantonio
— Bill Hader (@L_Kenning) August 23, 2021
Credit where it is due, Antonio started off in the West Ham team as RB and now has broken the PL goalscoring record for the club. What a goal to break Paolo DiCanio’s previous record. Full deserved. Definitely not the same team without Antonio in it.
— Josh Verrills (@WestHamJoshV) August 23, 2021
Congratulations Michail been phenomenal!
— Charlie Ives (@CharlieIves92) August 23, 2021
Best celebrations in the world⚒⚒😂
— Frank⚒️ (@FrankieKiddelll) August 23, 2021
Legend. I couldn’t contain myself when he scored absolutely pleased for him and so proud of him. COYI
— Paul Humphrey (@PaulHum57498506) August 23, 2021
Well done Michail. You were amazing tonight, as were the whole team. Congratulations on your new record. The goals were all fantastic. Dec made a big difference with his forward runs and assist. Great game. ⚒️
— CraigardHouseHotel (@CraigardH) August 23, 2021
