Despite the attendance of Sky TV for what the Broadcaster hoped would be a giant killing, West Ham United emerged as fairly comfortable winners in the tricky Carabao Cup tie away to Newport County.
Unfortunately victory came at some cost, Hammers' seemingly perpetual injury curse 'kicked' in within less than five minutes as Michail Antonio pulled up short, from what was West Ham's first attacking move of the evening, clutching his hamstring. The speed with which the forward pulled up was alarming, so much so that those in the know have already consigned hopes of a quick recovery to the back burner, two weeks is wildly optimistic, six to eight weeks is the general consensus although it could be even longer if tests confirm he has actually snapped his hamstring, if that is the case the player will have to have an operation which will see him unavailable for up to four months.
Losing the services of Antonio is not a catastrophe for Manuel Pellegrini, but it is certainly a great inconvenience, Antonio had created a new niche for himself, carefully nurtured by 'Pelle', as a super energetic super 'half time' substitute, and it worked a treat last week against Watford.
The only consolation for West Ham fans is that there are definitely a few players available to fill Antonio's 'copious' boots, whereas last season there would not have been. Pablo Fornals looks ready to step up to the plate, and Albian Ajeti didn't look out of place, but then again it was a match against a team 59 places below the Irons.
Tuesday evening represented a difficult hurdle to overcome, Leicester and Tottenham will testify as to just how difficult! Hammers go in to the hat for the next round, it's a pity how much it cost. - Ed
*A Pyrrhic victory (/ˈpɪrɪk/ ( listen) PIRR-ik) is a victory that inflicts such a devastating toll on the victor that it is tantamount to defeat. Someone who wins a Pyrrhic victory has also taken a heavy toll that negates any true sense of achievement or damages long-term progress.
Comments
That is a huge blow and if an
That is a huge blow and if an op is required we're robbed of a player who liked like he could have had a big impact on our season. Let's hope Yarmalenko rediscovers his form sooner rather than later.
I thought he'd tripped over
I thought he'd tripped over his huge wanger there for a moment when I saw it - gutted as I think he'll be out for more than a few weeks as that hamstring really went, not good.....