Don Hutchison compares West Ham player to Liverpool attacker in analysis

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Don Hutchison has compared West Ham United powerhouse Michail Antonio to Liverpool technician Roberto Firmino after the Hammers secured a crucial away win over Burnley on Monday night – on Optus Sport.

It was a poor start from West Ham, and a foul from Tomas Soucek allowed Chris Wood to net his eleventh Premier League goal of the season from the penalty spot. But the Hammers quickly turned the game on its head.

Firstly, good play from Jesse Lingard allowed Vladimir Coufal to find Antonio with a delightful cross – and the ex-Forest man headed home. Then, moment later, Antonio had his and West Ham’s second, and nine for the season.

Said Benrahma’s low cross split the Burnley defence from goalkeeper Nick Pope, and a deft touch from Antonio was enough. Hutchison raved about the striker, comparing him to £180,000-a-week (Spotrac) Liverpool ace Firmino.

TBR’s view – Hutchison correct in his comparison

Despite Antonio and Firmino being completely different players, they are both named in the starting line-up as a centre-forward and despite not scoring huge amounts of goals – they are a pivotal cog in the way their sides play.

Firmino is more technically gifted and likes to get on the ball, while it is Antonio’s strength and power as a vocal point that brings the best out of the likes of Lingard and Benrahma. A big win for the Hammers in the top-four race.