YOU might not think a West Ham player could complain about it being “tough at the top”.
But Michail Antonio would disagree!
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 of 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 telling West Ham in the summer that his shirt was too tight at the top.
And rather than tough it out, he reportedly 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 it tear at the front at St James’ Park – it opened up right down to the chest.
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Much like Antonio and Co opened up Newcastle at times – to slightly ease the pressure on boss Julen Lopetegui.
The Spaniard insisted he has blocked out all the talk over his future.
But he must have been feeling a bit hot under the collar.
Fortunately for him, Tomas Soucek headed a tenth-minute opener and Aaron Wan-Bissaka clinched victory soon after the break.
The Hammers remain 14th but 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.”
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