Home Football The Chelsea player’s speed made Michail Antonio stun last Sunday

The Chelsea player’s speed made Michail Antonio stun last Sunday

Football — 08/25/2023

West Ham’s Michail Antonio candidly reveals his astonishment at the blistering pace exhibited by Chelsea star Raheem Sterling during their Premier League clash last Sunday.

Raheem Sterling, aged 28, undoubtedly stood out as a brilliant spark for the Blues

Although West Ham emerged victorious with a 3-1 home triumph over Chelsea, the London Stadium encounter showcased some positives for the visiting side. Raheem Sterling, aged 28, undoubtedly stood out as a brilliant spark for the Blues, showcasing his exceptional individual skills.

Antonio was stunned by Sterling’s pace

The English attacker’s presence on the ball posed a constant threat to the Hammers, as he displayed explosive speed and precise dribbling to consistently challenge the opposition in the attacking third. Sterling’s performance evoked memories of his standout days donning the colors of Manchester City and Liverpool.

Sterling created trouble for West Ham with his skill and speed

Meanwhile, West Ham’s forward, 33-year-old Antonio, seized the day with his first goal of the season against Chelsea. However, in the aftermath of the game, he was quick to extend credit to an opponent’s outstanding display.

“Raheem Sterling, yeah. I’m not going to lie, he had an unbelievable… I don’t even know what this guy had been up to. But he was unreal,” Antonio shared with the BBC’s Footballer’s Football Podcast.

“Post-match, yeah, the guys were calling him Sonic! I’ve never seen someone move that swiftly with a football. It was absolutely mind-blowing. He was sprinting all over the place!

“Lucas [Paqueta] went up to him and said, ‘Eme (Emerson), I’ll take him!’ So he’s out there, and he’s managed to tackle Sterling a couple of times.

Lucas Paqueta just couldn’t handle the Chelsea’s winger

However, there was this one instance where Sterling feinted left, then swiftly changed direction to the right, executed a quick chop-back, and Lucas ended up doing a 360-degree spin! He just zipped away and sent in a cross, and then he signaled to Eme, ‘You take him.’ I was cracking up. After the match, we were discussing it and just laughing.”