West Ham gets narrow victory
LONDON - Michail Antonio's early goal proved enough for West Ham United to beat a toothless Burnley 1-0 and put them in touch with the top-four battle in the Premier League on Saturday.
The powerhouse striker stabbed the ball home from close range in the ninth minute after Burnley defender James Tarkowski inexplicably failed to clear a cross.
In line with COVID-19 guidelines Antonio opted for a solo celebration of his 40th Premier League goal for the club -- laying on his back and motioning as if swimming backstroke.
"I had a game of Call of Duty with Declan (Rice) and lost and that was the forfeit," Antonio explained.
West Ham had chances to increase their lead with Angelo Ogbonna hitting the woodwork and Jarrod Bowen going close before Burnley finally began to threaten late on.
Substitute Jay Rodriguez bundled one effort wide for Burnley but home keeper Lukasz Fabianski was rarely called into meaningful action as West Ham held out for the win to finish the day in ninth spot with 29 points from 18 games.
Burnley, who have yet to reach double figures in goals scored this season, are looking anxiously over their shoulders in 17th place, four points above third-bottom Fulham.
Only Paolo Di Canio (47), Mark Noble (46) and Carlton Cole (41) have reached the 40goal mark in the Premier League for West Ham and Antonio deserves his place on that list. Strong and powerful he was a constant thorn in Burnley's side as he returned to the starting lineup in the league after some substitute appearances following a hamstring injury.
He could not believe his luck though for his goal. Tarkowski looked favourite to head away a cross from the left by Pablo Fornals but he made no contact and the ball arrived to Antonio who finished from close-range past Nick Pope.