Julen Lopetegui dedicated a crucial win to Michail Antonio after West Ham put the striker’s horrific car crash to one side and saved their manager’s job by beating Wolves 2-1 on an emotional night.
Antonio, who is recovering in hospital after having surgery on a broken leg, was in good enough spirits to speak to his teammates via video link before kick-off.
It had been a difficult buildup for West Ham, who were left reeling by news of the forward’s accident on Saturday afternoon. Lopetegui, who has been close to the sack, understood the significance of a win that heightened the pressure on the Wolves manager, Gary O’Neil.
“We are happy for the fans,” West Ham’s manager said. “Above all we dedicate the victory to Michail and his family. It has been very tough. We love Michail a lot. He is a special person. He is strong and I am sure he is going to overcome this and come back. The best thing we can do today is get the victory. We are very happy for the three points.”
West Ham honoured their teammate with special training tops and Jarrod Bowen, who scored the winner, unveiled a shirt with Antonio’s name on the back after scoring. The pre-match chat with Antonio also provided inspiration.
“We had one bit of contact with him,” Lopetegui said. “He was happy to do this. He was not in his best moment but despite this he kept his humour. It was a special moment for us before the match. We have a lot of reasons to win matches but this is special.
“He had a big accident but he has the possibility to come back. He is alive and we are happy because the pictures were terrible. We have to enjoy our professional life. It can change in one moment. We have to focus on our daily work. Sometimes it is hard. It is a good example for my young players.”
O’Neil, whose side remain in the bottom three, vowed to keep fighting. But there is a strong chance that Wolves sack the 41-year-old on Tuesday. “I understand the noise and scrutiny,” O’Neil said. “We were tipped to be relegated last season and we achieved some unbelievable things. The players are giving everything. They’re still fighting for me. Still fighting for the fans. I’m disappointed.”
