Maybe if I get this off my chest once-and-for-all, I can stop harping on it... not likely...

So, my ambition for the Hammers is to win big matches that put them on the map and get them the peoples' attentions. And they'll do that in the Europa League this season. But, you've now had Man City and Liverpool back-to-back domestically, and you've had a chance to prove upon an already rip-roarious start to the campaign, but you've squandered both chances.

Look at it this way, you've had people's attentions with the early start to the season in league play. You've had a Brighton win, you've had a Chelsea win, and you've had a solid performance at Bournemouth and at Luton, albeit in a slightly disappointing draw in the opener. Now, you've had a chance to build upon your already sterling reputation and take on Man City at home. And up until the moment Michail Antonio was subbed out against Man City, West Ham had played them toe-to-toe. The result was still in the balance. Similarly at Anfield, when they were down 1-2, due to a sensational goal between Darwin and MacAllister, the game was still in the balance and the Hammers could've stayed in that game and reached for a point. At that point, you're looking at taking points from Man City and Liverpool in your first go around, and standing high and mighty in the standings and looking at a table with real contention in your eyes.

Instead, you've pulled Michy in both games, you've seen no hope down the stretch, and you've returned to where you belonged.

Now, my position is that in those marquee matchups, where West Ham can truly make itself a stand out "Belonger," I suggest Michail Antonio is the guy who puts them over the top. I say this because as the urgency rises and the pressure mounts, Michail Antonio is The One I trust to manage the moment. And the pressure makes diamonds, or whatever... But that's just like my opinion, man.

Hopefully, that's the last breath I waste on that... Excuse my muchness,

CYI