We didn’t have to wait long for the first Premier League game of 2016 to produce the first goal of 2016. West Ham’s Michail Antonio was the beneficiary of a perfect cross from Enner Valencia. Seconds before scoring, Antonio had won the ball near his own touch line with a brilliant or controversial tackle, depending on who you ask. The West Ham forward then sprinted the length of the pitch to be able to head in Valencia’s inch-perfect cross.
The first half has been dominated mostly by the home side, despite Liverpool’s edge in possession. Antonio had a chance go just wide about a minute before he eventually scored. Moments later, Liverpool seemed frustrated that the goal scorer wasn’t penalized for his tackle further up the pitch.
Antonio, who has scored 5 goals in all competitions for the Hammers, is having a happy new year so far. West Ham lead Liverpool 1:0 at half time.
