YOU might not think a West Ham player could complain about it being “tough at the top”.
But Michail Antonio would disagree – and now has the proof.
The striker was involved in an unusual shirt change during the Hammers’ shock 2-0 win at Newcastle.
And the reason for his mishap was even more odd.
Toon chief Eddie Howe no doubt tore a strip out off his home team as victory would have lifted them from tenth in the Premier League to fifth.
But it was Antonio who managed to rip his uncomfortable top.
It all stems from the Jamaica star alerting West Ham back in the summer that his shirt was too tight at the top.
And rather than tough it out, it’s understood he asked the club to put a slit in his collar.
The Hammers agreed – meaning the 34-year-old has played the campaign in a customised shirt.
However, not only did the top tear at the front at St James’ Park, it opened up right down to the chest.
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Antonio had to point out the damage to his bench – before being kitted out with another personalised shirt.
His old one had come apart much like Newcastle’s defence did at times – as West Ham slightly eased the pressure on boss Julen Lopetegui.
The Spaniard insisted he has blocked out all the talk over his future.
However, he must have been feeling a little bit hot under the collar.
Fortunately for Lopetegui, Tomas Soucek headed a tenth-minute opener and Aaron Wan-Bissaka clinched victory soon after the break.
The Hammers remain 14th in the Prem but now have a six-point cushion from the relegation zone.
Ex-Manchester United right-back Wan-Bissaka has only ever scored three goals – but two have come at Newcastle.
Lopetegui said: “We are happy. I think that we played well.
“We played with one identity and we were able to overcome a very good team.
“I believe in the future. This team is going to be able to do the things and show the style as a team.”
